Two centuries of Viking raids into Europe tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav Tryggvason in 994. Conversion of the Norwegian kingdom occurred over several decades. In 1397, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that was to last for more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution.
Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of WW II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. The current focus is on containing spending on the extensive welfare system and planning for the time when petroleum reserves are depleted.
Norway is foremost a land for those who love nature. However, it also offers a rich cultural experience for those keen to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings – as well as those of later luminaries such as artist Edvard Munch. You can marvel at the awesome beauty of the Norwegian countryside, with its countless steep-sided valleys, high mountain lakes and unbelievable views.
Transportation in Norway
By Car: Traffic drives on the right. The road system is of variable quality (especially under freezing winter conditions in the north), but supplemented by numerous car ferries across the fjords.
By Air: Norwegian air travel is served by Braathens SAFE and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Air France, British Airways, Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair and Swiss also operate services to Norway.
By Ferry: Norway is well served by Scandinavia's largest ferry companies with services running to and from Sweden, Denmark, Germany and England. England bound ferries dock at Newcastle.
By Air: Norwegian air travel is served by Braathens SAFE and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. Air France, British Airways, Finnair, Icelandair, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest Airlines, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair and Swiss also operate services to Norway.
The breathtaking fjords of the southwest are Norway’s most dramatic features and draws tourists from all over the world.
Each of Norway’s three major cities offers distinct cultural and historic appeal – Oslo as present-day capital, Bergen as a major trading port and Trondheim as long-established centre of Christian pilgrimage.
In the wilderness that lies between the main urban centres are such delights as Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier, and the Dovrefjell, home of Grieg’s mythical Mountain King.
On the north west coast you find Lofoten Islands with its beautiful sceneries and the popular Killer Whales safaris.
The North Cape’s midnight sun is rightly famous – here, far above the Arctic Circle, lies the spectacularly situated town of Tromsø, where the sun never rises in winter, nor sets in midsummer.
Main Attractions
Ålesund - The Art nouveau town by the sea
A stroll through Ålesund reveals a town of colourful and charming architecture as well as strong fishery traditions. Along the Brosundet canal - the very heart of the town - local fishermen sell fresh fish and prawns directly from the boats and complete the town's warm feel. Visit the town mountain Aksla, one of Ålesund's largest single-spot attractions, with a breathtaking view of the town, the islands, the fjords and the snow capped mountains. One of the largest aquariums in Northern Europe, The Atlantic Sea-Park, is situated in Ålesund.
Killer Whale Safari (Lofoten Islands)
Stay at Lofoten Islands and enjoy one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos, while at the same time experiencing the autumn's most amazing natural phenomenon, the influx of killer whales.
Independence Day (May 17th - Anually)
A spring celebration from the lowliest backwater to the capital city where the royal family waves to a passing procession from the palace balcony. Another special characteristic that contributes to making this a unique day is all the beautiful ‘Bunads’ or national costumes that more and more people are wearing in recent years. Foreigners especially seem to delight in experiencing this special occasion
Oslo Museums and galleries
The Munch Museum is the main draw; others include the National Gallery, the Norwegian Museum of Applied Arts; the Thor Heyerdahl Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Folk Museum, both on Bygdøy Island to the west of the city centre; the Viking Ships Museum; Oslo City Museum; and the Norwegian Home Front Museum.
Away from the immediate city centre, the Holmenkollen ski jumping complex with its Museum of Skiing is popular.
Trondheim
Norway’s former capital has a number of major attractions including Nidarosdomen Cathedral, (about 1000 years old), the Ringve Museum (a famous collection of rare historic musical instruments), the Trøndelag Folk Museum (incorporates the ruins of a 12th-century castle), and Stiftsgården - the Trondheim palace of the Norwegian Royal Family, is a fine 18th-century wooden building in the city centre
Hardangerfjord
Hardanger Fjord, which is located 47 miles east of Bergen, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway. This scenic area offers virtually every kind of natural landscape available in the country, from scenic waterways, apple and cherry orchards, and hiking trails, to mountain plateaux. The area also contains Hardangervidda, Norway’s largest national park, two of Norway’s largest glaciers, Folgefonna and Hardangerjøkulen, and some of Norway’s most popular waterfalls, including Vøringfossen, Steinsdalsfossen and Låtefossen.
Meeting all your car hire travel requirements, we provide a choice of over 4,000 destinations worldwide and a wealth of travel information to help you get the most out of your trip - using the best discount car hire.
