Norway is the northernmost country in Europe. This is a land of legendary Vikings and fairy trolls, majestic fjords and emerald greenery. This is a real kingdom with a reigning monarch. Despite the harsh climate, many tourists come here every year. We will get acquainted with the most famous sights of Norway, with a description and their history.
Oslo
You should start a fascinating journey from the capital of the state and its largest city - Oslo. It is here that the majority of cultural and historical places are concentrated. One of the most popular is Akershus Castle, founded in the late 13th century. The building is literally steeped in history. Over the entire period of its existence, it was repeatedly rebuilt, restored, used as a defensive fortress, prison, the residence of monarchs, and the administration of the Gestapo. Now this is a combination of several museums that are open to tourists.
If you walk along the main street of the capital Karl-Johan, you can see the Cathedral, the Norwegian National Theater, the Parliament Building and the Royal Palace. By the way, the street itself is named after one of the local monarchs - Charles XIV Johan, who ruled in the 19th century.
Viking legacy
Norway's list of attractions (Oslo in particular) includes more than a dozen museums. Historical, cultural, architectural, natural - far from a complete list. The most interesting tourist attraction is the Viking Ship Museum on the Bugde Peninsula, opened in 1926.
Famous ships are exhibited here: Gokstadsky and Tyunsky, as well as the Oseberg boat. All these are archaeological finds dating back to the 1st century. They are made of oak and have come to us almost entirely. In addition, in the museum you can see wooden sledges, carts, beds, dishes and wood carvings left over from ancient Scandinavians. Such a historical exhibition annually attracts the attention of about half a million visitors.
Sculpture park
Vigeland Park in the west of the capital is another magical place that will be interesting to curious travelers. Its foundation falls on 1907-1942. On 30 hectares there are more than 200 sculptures of Gustav Vigeland, united by the theme of human relations. Each statue represents a certain emotion. The author did not live only a year before the opening of the park, but the memory of him lives in his creations.
“Groom”, “Veil” and “Seven Sisters”
Just 300 km from the capital, in the vicinity of the Geiranger Fjord, there is another attraction of Norway - three waterfalls with which a beautiful Scandinavian legend is associated. The once brave Viking came to marry seven sisters. In his hands he held a veil. Seeing the beauty of the girls, he froze on the spot in indecision, turning into a waterfall Groom. Fata remained on a nearby rock. And on the opposite bank Seven Sisters flaunt. The landscape of these places is especially charming in the spring and summer months, when the glacier formed in winter begins to melt.
Bruggen
As already seen, Norway is rich in attractions. And Oslo is only the first point of reference. The next most beautiful and square is the city of Bergen. Fans of walks and shopping will definitely appreciate the Hanseatic promenade with the Bruggen shopping center in its center.
Here you can find multi-colored wooden houses that were built before the 18th century. Of course, ancient buildings have been restored more than once. But their stone cellars keep a five hundred year history. For a long time this embankment, like the complex itself, has been a meeting place for artists and souvenir shopkeepers. Since 1979, Bruggen has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Following the trolls
Few people know that Bergen is also the capital of the country of trolls. The inhabitants of the kingdom sincerely believe in the existence of these friendly creatures that protect their homes. Sculptures of fantastic gnomes are found, perhaps, in every city in Norway. And on the porches of houses you can often see bowls with milk and sweets. Is it worth talking about shops that willingly offer tourists themed souvenirs.
But, it seems, not only the inhabitants of the kingdom, but nature itself supports the legend of the existence of trolls. Thus, another attraction of Norway in the form of a rocky ledge on Mount Skieggedal received great fame.
It is located at an altitude of 350 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatn. And tourists need to go five hours to reach it. Previously, to facilitate the journey, the funicular worked, now it is closed for repairs. However, this fact does not diminish the flow of tourists. The rock, which offers stunning, picturesque views, is called the Troll Language and attracts thousands of travelers every year.
Continues the fabulous series of attractions of the Kingdom of Norway, the “troll staircase”, which, in fact, is the national road RV63. Its length is 106 km with 11 sharp turns. In some places, the width of the road hardly reaches three meters. The interest of tourists is fueled by the skill of the designers of the “troll staircase” and the breathtaking landscape of the mountain valley with a waterfall that opens from the observation deck.
Fjords
If we talk about the nature of Norway, then the fjords are undoubtedly a tourist attraction here. Majestic cliffs and indomitable water element - such a combination can charm anyone. And the king in this sense is the deepest (1308 m) in Europe Sognefjord. In its vicinity passes the famous Flåm Railway, giving tourists incredible routes, and the Jotunheimen Nature Reserve. Visiting these places can be an unforgettable trip.
Another geographical attraction of Norway, the photo and description of which only excites the blood, is Prekestulen or the Chair of the preacher. This is a huge cliff 604 m high. Its top is represented by a flat square with an area of 625 square meters. m, which offers a wonderful view of the Lysefjord. To contemplate this beauty, it is necessary to overcome 6 km on foot.
Stavirka in Urnes
Touch the old Norwegian architecture will allow stavarka (or mast church) in Urnes. This is truly a unique attraction of the Kingdom of Norway. The wooden structure dates back to the beginning of the 12th century and is an example of the “animal style” with an asymmetric, wave-like ornament and using animal motifs. At this stavkar there is a high relief depicting the struggle of a lion with snakes. According to the basic hypothesis of historians, this is a symbolic confrontation between Christianity and paganism. Of interest are the drawings on the temple panels, which resemble plots of Scandinavian mythology.
Tromso
None of the tour operators during the presentation of the sights of Norway photo of this city will not leave without attention. Tromso is located beyond the Arctic Circle. However, this arrangement does not make its climate too cold. On the contrary, the influence of the warm Gulf Stream keeps temperatures here quite acceptable.
The city features a planetarium, a botanical garden and a brewery. The Arctic Cathedral, consecrated in 1965, is also able to make an extraordinary impression. Its original architecture is associated with an iceberg. The temple has a modern organ. Despite the status of the cathedral, the building is a Lutheran parish church.
But perhaps the most wonderful phenomenon of these places can be considered the northern lights.
Finally
Of course, this is an incomplete list of attractions in Norway. Photos and descriptions of some of them are presented in the above article. However, every traveler is free to find for himself in this fairy-tale kingdom something unique, exciting heart and a soothing mind.