National Tourist Information Norway

Traveladvisor in Norway: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation.

Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best.

Norway Tourism Authority

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About Norway

Norway is a Scandinavian country in northern Europe and a beautiful place. Following is a summary of background information you should know before taking a trip.

An Overview of Norway for Travelers

The official name of Norway is the Kingdom of Norway. The country covers an area of mainland and accompanying island territories. The total size of Norway is approximately 150,000 square miles. For comparison purposes, this makes the country slightly larger than the State of New Mexico in the United States.

The capital of the Kingdom of Norway is Oslo, which is also the biggest population center with over 520,000 residents. Other major cities of note include Bergen with just under a quarter of a million residents, Trondheim with 150,000 residents and Stavanger with roughly 110,000 residents.

The terrain of Norway can be described as extreme with high plateaus, steep fjords, mountains, and fertile valleys. The climate is temperate along the coast, but much colder inland. With its far north location, Norway experiences very long days during summer months and equally long nights during winter. During summer, it can stay light until close to midnight.

Citizens of Norway are known as Norwegians. The most recent estimate of the total population for Norway was 4,593,000 in 2006. The population is not exactly expanding with annual growth rate just above zero at .41 percent. To provide perspective, there is approximately one Norwegian for every 15 square miles of land.

Ethnicity in Norway is primarily a blend of peoples from the Scandinavian countries in antiquity. The dominant majority is a mix of Nordic, Alpine and Baltic peoples intermixed over time. Norway does not have a strong immigrant movement with only 300,000 immigrants as of 2005.

From a religious perspective, the Church of Norway is the dominant faith with over 87 percent of Norwegians claiming it as their faith. The Church of Norway is a Lutheran denomination. No other religion is able to claim more than two percent of the population as followers, but pockets of Pentecostal Christian, Roman Catholic and Muslim can be found here and there.

The Kingdom of Norway has two official languages – Bokmaal Norwegian and Nynorsk Norwegian. English is also widely spoken by most and taught in the school system. Small pockets of Sami and Finish speaking minorities also exist.

Although statistically impossible, Norway claims a literacy rate of 100 percent. The true number if probably not much less due to compulsory education. Life expectancy for male Norwegians is 76 years of age, while women live an additional five years on average.

As this background information reveals, this country to the far north has led a somewhat isolated existence. That being said, the people are universally pleasant and the country is stunningly beautiful.

Travel to Norway

Awe-inspiring fjords, dazzling cities, incredible culture – Norway has it all. Come see what this Scandinavian paradise has in store during your Norway vacation. Check out the famous museums of Oslo. Go on a cruise through the fjords and see all the beautiful cliffs and coastlines. Hike through spectacular mountains, or strap on your skis and take advantage of the snowy slopes. Learn about Norway’s Viking past at one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, then settle in for an authentic Norwegian meal.

Norway is a vast country with a variety of unique destinations. Home to some of Norway’s most famous museums, Oslo is ideal for anyone seeking a cultural experience. You’ll love all the shopping and dining, too. There are many places where you can see Norway’s fjords, but Geiranger, a small village in the Sunnmøre region, is closest to Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most popular attractions. If you’re in the mood for skiing, book a hotel near the slopes. Trysil is Norway’s biggest ski resort, and a great place to stay for winter sports lovers.

Norway has so many things to see and do. Begin your Norway vacation by learning about the history and culture of this fantastic destination. Delve into Norway’s past at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. You’ll see tons of interesting artifacts from Norway’s earliest years, including boats, sledges, and wood carvings. You can also visit a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the most popular is the rock art of Alta. These paintings and engravings date all the way back to about 4200 B.C.

A Norway vacation wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Norwegian culture as well. Oslo is home to numerous museums and galleries, including the National Gallery where you can see Edvard Munch’s renowned painting, “The Scream.” In addition to visual art, you can also find theatre and live music in Oslo. The National Theatre is known worldwide as a venue for fantastic Norwegian performances. Another way to get to know Norway is through its cuisine. Fresh fish is a staple of the Norwegian diet, and you’ll love the unique desserts. A Norway vacation is always a cultural adventure.

The natural beauty of Norway is jaw-dropping. The fjords are perhaps landscape’s most picturesque feature. Created by glaciers thousands of years ago, the fjords are magnificent waterways surrounded by steep cliffs. You can explore the rocky land on a hike or admire the waterfalls as you pass by on fjord cruise. The sights are truly breathtaking. Norway is also an ideal getaway for those who enjoy winter sports. The powder on Norway’s many mountains is great for skiing. Book a room at a ski resort in the mountains and spend your Norway vacation marveling at the Northern Lights.