Norway Information

Copyright Used by Permission John Erling Blad


Norway is the westernmost, northernmost - and in fact the easternmost - of the three Scandinavian countries, located in Northern Europe west of Sweden. Best known for the complex and deep fjords along its west coast, it stretches from the North Sea near Denmark and Scotland into the Arctic Ocean.

Norway is well known for its amazing and varied scenery. The fjords in the west of the country are long narrow inlets, flanked on either side by tall mountains where the sea penetrates far inland. Norway was an old Viking kingdom. Economically it is known for its oil and seafood exports.

Norway is a sparsely populated country, roughly the same land size as Great Britain or Germany. It has a population of only 4.76 million people but a land area of 385,155 square kilometers. Thus, for each inhabitant there is 70,000 square meters of land, but the vast majority of this land is a rocky wilderness which is completely unusable for agricultural purposes. As a result, Norway has a large number of completely unpopulated areas, many of which have been converted to national parks. Even outside the national parks, much of the land is unspoiled nature, which Norwegians strive to keep unspoiled.

In winter, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowboarding are very popular. In summer, hiking and biking are obvious ways to enjoy the enormous mountain areas. For the adventurous, kayaking, wildwater rafting, paragliding, cave or glacier exploration are possible. Car tourists will enjoy driving along the fjords and mountains in the west or to the midnight sun in the north. In short, Norway has a lot to offer in terms of nature.

Norway is located on a large peninsula shared with Sweden in the north of Europe. In the north, it also borders Finland and Russia. A large but loosely defined northern part of of Norway and Sweden, as well as parts of Finland and Russia outlines an area known as Sapmi (Sameland), which is where the most of the Sami people live.

A rugged landscape shaped by the Ice Age, shows forested hills and valleys, mountains, waterfalls, and a long coastline with fjords, islands, and mountains growing directly up from the sea. Norway's highest point is Galdhøpiggen (2469m) in the Jotunheimen region that lies midway between Oslo and Trondheim, but away from the coast. In the far north (Finnmark), you will find flatter open spaces.

Norway's primary income is the petroleum industry in the North Sea. It also has several other natural resources such as fish and minerals, some industry, and a healthy technology sector. Politically, it is dominated by a widespread and continued support for the Scandinavian model, which means high taxes and high government spending to support free schools, free healthcare, an efficient welfare system and many other benefits. As a result the unemployment rate in Norway is extremely low (about 2%).

The Norwegian people have rejected membership in the European Union (EU) in two independent popular votes in 1972 and 1994, both times just by a few percent, after being vetoed out of membership by France in the 50s and 60s. However, being a member state of the European Economic Area and part of the Schengen agreement, Norway is closely connected to the EU, and integrated as a full member in most economic matters, as well as in customs and immigration matters. This is of great economic importance to Norway.

Norway is a Christian country, so Sunday is considered a holy day and most business are closed Sundays. Many gas stations are open 24-7, some malls are partly open and restaurants are normally open, but this varies from place to place. Christmas and Easter are major holidays in Norway, and most Norwegians are on vacation for more than one week. Although a Christian country with a dominant Lutheran majority (90 %), Norway has become rather liberal in moral issues and thus more similar to southern neighbors like Denmark and the Netherlands. Prostitution is (unlike in Sweden) legal in Norway. Homosexual lifestyle is accepted by most people and recently (2008) same-sex marriage was given the same legal status as traditional marriage. For instance, a previous minister of finance and prominent figure in the conservative party is in partnership with a prominent business manager.

As one of the richest countries in the world and with a strong currency, most visitors should be prepared for greater expenses than at home. In addition, Norway has a very compressed wage structure which means that even the typical low skill work is relatively well paid. For the same reason, firms try to keep the number of staff as low as possible, even for low skill service work. On the other hand, many attractions in Norway are free of charge, most notably the landscape and nature itself.

Cities

Oslo - the capital and largest city of Norway, with museums of national importance, a beautiful setting and lively nightlife and cultural scene. Not the most coveted of capitals, but nevertheless enjoyable. Demographic, political, economical, and logistical centre of Norway. For a small city, Oslo has an amazing number of museums. Many of them are located next to each other and don't take long to visit but, as with most things in Oslo, those with an entrance fee are not cheap. Oslo is situated in an amphitheater like setting, with the city centre in the bottom close to the Oslo fjord, and residential areas stretching uphill from there in all directions. Behind the residential areas, the forested area of Marka (Nordmarka, Østmarka, Lillomarka) extends, with flora and fauna that is quite extraordinary for a city of this size. Moose are commonplace (easily spotted in winter), and the whole of the capital is part of Norway's wolf reserve (even if they rarely come here).

Ålesund - a splendid Art Nouveau centre in the very western coast of Norway. Ålesund is built on a row of islands extending towards the Atlantic. The compact old city centre is thus surrounded by water and Ålesund is a major fisheries harbour.

Bergen - old Hanseatic trading center with a rich culture and dramatic scenery, Norway's second largest city. Wonderfully cute wooden buildings, a magnificent mountain setting and tons of nightlife and atmosphere make Bergen the most enjoyable city in Norway. This is your gateway to the western fjords. The city has been dubbed "the rainiest city in Europe" with an average of 250 days of rainfall a year. Bring an umbrella. Bergen is one of the most important cultural centers in Norway. The city is the home of the Bergen International Festival, Nattjazz and Bergenfest, festivals of international renown within their genres. The local symphony orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, was founded in 1786. It is one of the world's oldest orchestral institutions. Bergen was the home of Norway's great composer, Edvard Grieg. Henrik Ibsen, the famous playwright, started his career in Bergen as the manager of the Norwegian theater.

Fredrikstad - A magnificent old town stands out from the rest of the rather nondescript city. Brilliant as a day trip from Oslo.

Halden - Bordertown near Sweden on the railway between Gothenburg and Oslo. Sailing through the narrow Svinesund (part of the border fjord Iddefjorden) brings you to one of Norways best guest harbours. Near the town is an impressive fortress worth seeing. During the summer months there are a number of festivals in the town and the fortress. Another place worth visiting is "Rød Herregård" (The Rød Mansion). Rød Herregård, is one of Norway's most completely preserved manor houses. It has retained its patrician appearance and original interior from the time that it was still inhabited.

Haugesund - Between Bergen and Stavanger lies Haugesund, a city with old traditions from the Viking age. Excellent hub for those who want to discover the fjords. In August SildaJazzen is very popular. Many historic and cultural attractions on offer.

Kristiansand - The jolly capital of the South, famous for its international music festival every summer. Also the home of the Kristiansand Cannon Museum.

Skien - The capital of Telemark county, and the birth place of the ski and Henrik Ibsen.

Stavanger - The fourth largest city, and the third largest urban area in Norway. Commercially important due to the oil business. The wooden, cobbled central area is one of the most charming places in Norway. Home to one of Norway's medieval churches, you can also visit Iron Age homes, stone age caves, and sites where the Viking kings used to meet at Ullandhaugtårnet. Stavanger is where Erik the Red was born. The Stavanger Oil Museum is a very interesting building with fascinating information on Norway's oil industry. A good place for a photo opportunity are the Three Swords (Sverd i fjell, literally Swords in Stone), a monument outside the centre of Stavanger, beside the Hafrsfjord. The swords themselves are massive and in the background is the fjord. The monument commemorates the battle of Hafrsfjord in the late 800's where Harald Hårfagre beat his eastern opposition and became the first King of Norway. 

Tromsø - City with the northernmost university in the world, a magnificent, modern cathedral and absolutely no polar bears roaming the streets. It is almost 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and is one of the best places to view the spectacular Northern Lights in winter. Tromsø is a surprise to most visitors: Here you find art, history, sophistication, good food and an infamous nightlife in a bustling, tiny city. All of it, though, is surrounded by spectacular scenery that is visible from everywhere in town. The city is home to the world's northernmost university, as well as research institutes and satellite based industry. The population is therefore highly skilled, but retains the straightforwardness and sense of humour that the North is known for.

Trondheim - Once the capital of Norway, famous for its stunning cathedral (Nidarosdomen). Wonderful riverside wharfs, wooden buildings and the best student nightlife in Norway give beautiful, leafy Trondheim its charm. Nidarosdomen is the biggest church of Northern Europe and the only major gothic cathedral in Norway, and the pride of the city. Towering over the city centre at its southern edge, the majestic cathedral is the defining feature of Trondheim. Nidarosdomen is also Norway's national cathedral. It was erected over what was believed to be St.Olav's grave and it became a major pilgrimage site in Northern Europe. The ancient fortress island Munkholmen is accessible by boat.

Other destinations

Geirangerfjord is a part of the Storfjorden, with perhaps the most stunning fjord landscape in western Norway. The fjord is on the UN's list of World Heritage places.

Trollstigen - an impressive mountain road connecting the majestic Romsdal valley (Åndalsnes) to Valldal valley and further to Geiranger.

Jotunheimen - A majestic landscape and home of Norway's highest mountains. Several glaciers and steep cliffs in a national park environment.

Lofoten - Experience the midnight sun in this traditional fishing district in the northern province with islands and mountains. With its postal card looking small fishing villages nested in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrubt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often considered one of the most scenic parts of Norway. The coastline is dominated by high mountains cutted by fjords, as well as sandy white beaches. Apart of the scenery, the fishing history of the archipelago is palpable in several little villages all around the coast. Nusfjord and the lovely A are prime examples. The Lofoten has many traditionnal fishermen red cabins built on the sea shore or over stilts (the rorbu), and it is even possible to stay in one. In the summer, you can enjoy the the midnight sun. In Leknes, the sun remains above the horizon from May 26 to July 17. The midnight sun is best viewed from the western beaches, such as the Vestvågøy Island beaches Utakleiv and Eggum. When there is midnight sun, there is a polar night, and in winter the sun does not rise from December 9 to January 4. The archipelago is at a good latitude to admire the Northern lights, but from the end of April to September, the nights might be a little too clear. The recent Lofotr Viking Museum located in Borg on the Vestvagoy island offers plenty of live exhibits on the Vikings (expect handicraft demonstration) in a very nicely recontrusted viking chieftain house, and is well worth a visit.

Nordkapp - Commonly called the northernmost point of continental Europe. This 307 m high cliff is usually referred to as the northernmost point of Europe. Some 200,000 tourists visit annually, during the two to three months of summer. The neighbouring point of Knivskjellodden is, however, some 1,500 m further north. Knivskegellodden is quite flat and unremarkable so Nordkapp has been promoted to appeal to average tourists because it is a spectacular bluff. A well appointed visitors' centre caters to them. But they are both on the island of Mareroya connected to mainland Europe by a long road tunnel. The adventurous traveller should make their way East to Mehamn and walk or boat to Nordkyn, which any map will show is the real northernmost point of Europe.

Sognefjorden - Glaciers, mountains and picturesque towns are but a few of the sights on the Sognefjord. Flåm and Nærøyfjorden (also a UNESCO World Heritage site) are parts of the mighty Sognefjorden system. Sognefjorden is the longest fjord in Europe.

Sørlandet - The picturesque string of cities between Kragerø and Flekkefjord is one of the favourite destinations for Norwegians. The coastline is famous for it's beautiful archipelago and white-painted wood towns, and is a favorite vacation area for Norwegians in the summer. The inland is far less visited and trafficked, but those interested in trekking to beautiful solitary lakes or whitewater activities - or mosquitoes - should give it a try.

Lillehammer - picturesque 1994 Winter Olympics site. Lillehammer is best remembered as the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics, but it's also worth a visit in the summer for its beautifully preserved late 19th-century wooden houses. Lillehammer region provides you with a combination of long-standing tradition and modern activities and services. You will find excellent museums and galleries, Olympic venues, a large number of restaurants and wide selection of shops and accommodation. The Lillehammer region is also famous for its ski terrain and excellent winter sport facilities. Nearby at Nordseter and Sjusjøen, you will find the best network of cross-country ski trails in Northern Europe, comprising 350 km. The excellent ski centre is located at Hafjell, 15 minutes away by ski bus, and offers a mountain village feel with full amenities and ski in/out accommodation.

Svalbard

Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The islands are directly North of (and since 1920 an integrated part of) Norway.

Svalbard's visitors come mostly to experience Arctic nature at its rawest and most powerful. The islands feature untouched glaciers and craggy mountains, but also polar bears, reindeer, polar foxes, seals and walruses, as well as many species of arctic birds. During the short summer, the melting snow in the milder parts of the islands give place to vast stretches of tundra vegetation, sometimes dotted with delicate flowers.

Note that although it is technically possible to prepare your own excursion while on Svalbard, the lack of infrastructure, the necessity of carrying (and knowing how to use) a rifle outside the settlements, as well as the harshness of the environment even during the summer make pre-organized activities with professional guides a very appealing option to most visitors. Activities can be booked online or in Longyearbyen.

The Soviet-era settlements of Barentsburg, still running fitfully, and Pyramiden, abandoned in the 1990s, also make offbeat attractions, being home to (among other things) the world's two northernmost Lenin statues. Both can be visited by cruise or snowmobile from Longyearbyen.

Driving in Norway

Norway has right hand traffic, as the rest of mainland Europe.

Renting a car can be essential for easy access to some of the more rural areas, although most areas have a good reliable bus service. If you live in Europe, consider bringing your own, but if you arrive during winter (November - April), be aware that winter tires are necessary and required by law. Do not try to drive without, even if you don't expect snow or ice.

Some other points to heed:

    * The Give Way rule is universal in Norway. On roads without the "Yellow Diamond" sign, all traffic from your right hand side has the "Right of Way" on to the road so be aware! There is no concept of minor and major road, so the right hand rule means that you must yield to traffic from smaller roads to your right. This rule does not apply when leaving a parking space. Buses however have priorty when leaving a bus stop and the speed limit is 60 kmh or less. Trams (and other rail-bound vehicles) have right of way even from the left hand side (Oslo has an extensive network of trams).
    * There is a growing number of roundabouts in Norway. There are no special rules for roundabouts, but virtually every roundabout have give-way signs for traffic entering the roundabout, that is, in practice cars already in the roundabout have priority. Because Norway has right hand driving, traffic circles counter-clockwise in the roundabout (look to the left).
    * Some mountain roads are not wide enough for two cars to meet. Look for signs with a large M which indicates a passing point. Traffic going down hill has to give way to traffic going up hill even if that means reversing.
    * Headlights are mandatory even during daylight. A country ID sticker on the back of the vehicle and an EN standard hazard waistcoat is required in the vehicle, reachable from the drivers seat. Spare bulbs are a good idea.
    * Pedestrians expect you to stop for them at marked crossings and you may be fined if you don't. This rule is strictly enforced.
    * Speeding is taken very seriously and even 6kmh over the limit can result in a large "on the spot" fine. Fines for speeding can be up to 8000 NOK (1000 euros). There are also many unmarked grey speed camera boxes (facing the traffic) on all roads.
    * The general speed limit is 80kmh/50mph in the country side, and 50 kmh in urban areas/towns. Note that there are no specific rules for change of speed limit (as in some other countries) when driving conditions change. The driver is expected to adjust speed downward to a safe level in for instance fog, heavy rain or snow.
    * Don't drink and drive. Your blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.2 ‰ (per mil). One small beer can be enough.
    * The Norwegian police is generally very strict on all kinds of aggressive driving, such as risky overtaking. On typical Norwegian two-lane road with a narrow shoulder, overtaking is only allowed on long straightaways with plenty visibility. Use your car horn only in case of emergency. Make sure to keep a minimum of three seconds distance to the vehicle in front of you.
    * For your own safety, wear the seatbelt at all times (also required by law).
    * Driving downhill steep mountain roads: Use a low gear and let the engine control the speed. Breaks can overheat causing the break fluid to boil.
    * Manual transmission is regarded as standard in Norway and is found in most private cars. If you want to rent a car with automatic transmission, make sure to order one.
    * Moose/elk (elg) and red deer can run onto the highway at dusk and dawn so take extra care if driving at those times, particularly through forest. Note the warning signs.
    * Gas is very expensive in comparison to North America, starting at US$6.66/gallon

Norwegian roads have varying quality. The main roads are the European highways indicated with an "E" in front of the number, for instance E6 is the main north-south corridor. European highways connect cities, regions and countries. Other main roads (national highways, "riksvei") have low one- or two-digit numbers, the most important of these are indicated with white fonts on green background (as opposed to black on white for most highways). Note however that the importance of the road does indicate quality: even the E's may be narrow and slow.

Asphalt cover on Norwegian roads is usually coarse and don't get very slippery when wet as can be experienced in some other countries. Note however that studded winter tyres tend to eat asphalt during the winter leaving deep tracks (or furrows). This can make the car sideways unstable, particularly in high speed, and if filled with water tyres may float on the water making the car difficult to control (as if driving on ice or snow).