The Kingdom of Norway, a constitutional monarchy, is located in northern Europe on the western edge of the Scandinavian Peninsula; it has a population of 4.6 million. Norway has a picturesque landscape of snow-capped mountains, striking sea fingers or fjords on its 2665 km of coastline, and huge forests which cover a quarter of its land. Norway is brightened in the winter with the Northern Lights and in the summer with the Midnight Sun.

History

Germanic tribes settled Norway, and about 700 AD some of these tribes started pillaging. For the next 200 hundred years the Vikings of Norway raided most of the coastlines of Europe. In 994 King Olav converted to Christianity, and the conversion of Norway commenced and the raiding declined. In 1397, Norway formed a 400 year union with Denmark. In 1814, Sweden invaded Norway, but allowed it some self-rule under the condition of being subject to the Swedish King. In 1905, Norway gained independence. Oil and gas discoveries in the North Atlantic have boosted Norway’s economy in recent years.

Culture and Sightseeing

One of the best ways to experience Norway’s spectacular scenery is to take a train excursion from the Bergen train station. This twelve hour train tour takes passengers to two different arms of the Famous Sognefjord with its 3280 foot cliffs, countless waterfalls, and some of the most awe inspiring scenery in the world. Also in Bergen is the world heritage site, the Warf.
In Trondheim is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, Nidaros Catherdral. The oldest parts of the Cathedral are from the 12th century with striking stained glass windows and ornate Biblical and historical statues lining the walls.
Oslo, the capital of Norway, offers many museums such as the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the art museums, the Munch and City Hall.

Eat & Drink

The mainstay of Norwegian cuisine is fish. Norwegian salmon is considered a delicacy along with Stockfish and lutefish. Norwegians love their brown cheese which has a caramel flavor. Sweet breads are served with most meals. A favorite sweet roll, has a yellow cream filling, sugar frosting, and is sprinkled with coconut. Norway is a country of coffee drinkers. Pilsner-type beer is also very popular. The local hard liquor is distilled from potatoes and flavored with caraway or cumin seeds.