Norway
The precise location of the country, compared to other European countries, as well as a detailed map of the location of the different Norwegian cities, you can find at the following link.
Year of EU entry: 1952;
Capital: Oslo;
Total area: 125, 181 sq. km.;
Population : 5,063,709 people;
Currency: Euro;
Schengen area: Schengen member since 2001;
Official holidays in Norway:
– 17th May – Constitution Day. This is the national holiday of Norway. The Norwegian Constitution is signed on 17-th May 1814. In this Constitution Norway was declared independent in an attempt to be avoided the danger of it being given to Sweden after the defeat of Denmark and Norway in the Napoleonic Wars.
Description: Geiranger fjord;
Fjords
Norway is the northernmost Scandinavian country. It is located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, but also has access to the Northern Sea and the Barents Sea.
Its nature is beautiful and clean. Every traveler and nature lover should at least once in a lifetime feel the magic of the Norwegian fjords, created thousands of years ago by the movement of glaciers. The largest Norwegian fjord is Sognefjord. It extends to 200 km. inland, and its depth is 1200 meters. You can enjoy this natural phenomenon in several ways. One option is by train. The train -line which covers the entire fjord is one of the nicest tourist attractions. Unsurpassed, however, remains the boat trip during which you truly feel the powerful beauty of the ice mountain. Considerably smaller, but just as memorable, is Lisefiord. It is only 40 km. long, but its main attraction – pulpit rock (Preikestolen) is a real challenge for human courage. If you visit the fjord Geyrangerfjord you can observe the famous waterfall “Seven Sisters” and “The Bridal Veil”. Other recreational activities offered are fishing, horseback riding, rafting.
Northern lights
Norway is one of the few countries, where you can observe the unique natural phenomenon “Aurora Borealis”, also known as “Northern Lights”. The most relevant observation point is the northern city of Tromsø. City lights reduce the intensity of the show, which is why locals (Laplanders) take the tourists to the frigid northern Norwegian islands. The best time to observe the “dawn of night” is January and February, around midnight.
Description: Oslo;
The capital Oslo
The capital of Norway – Oslo, is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Much of its territory is occupied by parks and forests. Vigeland Park covers an area of 320 acres and it is a favorite place for recreation for the residents . The entire park is full of sculptures and it is a remarkable fact that they all are created by one man – Gustav Vigeland. Green space is not the only thing you can see in Oslo. The City Hall is remarkable both from the outside and the inside. In one of its halls – “Hall of Peace” the Nobel Peace Prize is annually distributed. This is the only Nobel Prize, which is awarded outside Stockholm. The winner is awarded personally by the King of Norway. Other landmarks that Oslo is known for, are the Akershus Castle, the Royal Palace and custom building of the National Opera and Ballet, called the “White iceberg”.
Description: Bergen;
Bergen
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, picturesquely situated on the banks of the Norwegian Sea. In 2000 it was named European Capital of Culture. Its coastal street was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the same street traders lived, who used to store dried cod. Today in these bright colorful houses artisans are working, producing and selling their products. One of the distinctive souvenirs is the troll to which skillful craftsmen are able to bring more well-intentioned appearance, although in the fairytales these creatures are famous for their mischief.
Aurland and the wooden churches
Nearby Bergen rises “Urnes Stavkirhe” church (the Stone Church). This pointed wooden building is more then 900 years old. In Norway 28 such churches are preserved. Best preserved is “Borgund” Church. It is made of dark wood, ornate with carving and its roof resembles a dragon. The cause of its bizarre shape can be explained by the fact that although they had adopted Christianity, the Vikings continue to believe in their pagan gods. The biggest wooden church “Heddal” is located in a town of the same name.
Description: the:wooden churches Borgund and Heddal;
Cuisine
In Norwegian cuisine meat outweighs vegetables. Sheepmeat is the most commonly used meat. In finer restaurants you can try venison. Due to severe weather conditions fish is also widely spread. Most commonly consumed are salmon, cod and trout. Some of the methods for processing fish have remained unchanged since the time of the Vikings. For example during the preparation of the dish “klipfisk” the head and guts of the fish are removed, the fish is than opened and dried. The dish “rakfisk” is also prepared in an interesting way – a trout left for a year in dust. Among the popular dishes are also potato dumplings and rice cream.
