Four corners of Norway
Norway is a long and mostly narrow country, with great variations between its regions. The most spectacular fjords are in the west, while the clearest traces of medieval times are to be found in central Norway, and the midnight sun is in the north.
The West Coast Few places in the world offer such magnificent scenery as the fjords of western Norway. Many of them are deep and narrow, with mountains rising sheer out of the water and waterfalls cascading from great heights. But you will also find more open, “friendly” fjords, where rich farmland fisheries have created prosperous communities. The diversity of the Norwegian fjords is also visible in other ways. In the summer, you can start your day skiing on the Folgefonna glacier and end it swimming in the sea. There are places where blossoming fruit trees meet snow-capped mountains. You can experience the art of nature in the waterfall known as the Bridal Veil together with the art of engineering in the hairpin bends of the Ørneveien or Trollstigen roads. You can also look forward to visiting the towns of Bergen and Stavanger, where charming wooden houses and a modern shipping and petroleum industry exist side by side.
Central Norway has played a key role in Norway’s history. The battle fought at Stiklestad in 1030 was a turning point for the Christianisation of the country. Nidaros, the original name for Trondheim, was the political, religious and commercial centre of the country and a destination for pilgrims for more than four centuries during the Middle Ages. Nidaros Cathedral is the largest medieval structure in Scandinavia, and boasts some magnificent sculptures and beautiful stainedglass windows. The original church was built on the place where St. Olav was buried after his death at the Battle of Stiklestad. Trondheim is noted for its wooden buildings, and many of the oldest line the harbour and the river, testifying to the city’s long commercial history. To the east lies the very well-preserved mining town of Røros. The town, with its unique church and some hundred beautiful wooden houses, is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Northern Norway In northern Norway, the midnight sun sheds its clear light on dramatic island formations, deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, lush pastures and vast moors. The magical quality of the light in this region has inspired many a writer, musician and artist. This magnificent region has a lot to offer. Whether you choose to travel along the coast on a Coastal Steamer or follow the roads, you will come across charming villages and old trading posts where you can get acquainted with the local people and culture. You can meet the Saami, the indigenous people of the north, and learn about their traditions and how they live today. In spite of its northerly latitude, northern Norway enjoys a mild climate thanks to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, which hugs the coast. If you want to sample nightlife as well as culture, the town of Tromsø is often called “the Paris of the North” – or you can visit the North Cape and experience the view from the very edge of Europe.
Eastern Norway boasts a varied landscape ranging from flat, rolling farmland to dramatic, towering mountains. It is in this region that you’ll find the capital, Oslo, as well as Norway’s oldest town, Tønsberg, Norway’s largest lake, Lake Mjøsa, and Norway’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen (2469 metres). Eastern Norway is Norway’s most densely populated region and offers a rich selection of cultural activities and outdoor pursuits. Large parts of the region are covered in forest and a myriad of lakes and rivers offer excellent fishing prospects. An absolutely unique cultural and architectural experience is a visit to the almost 1000 -year-old cathedral ruins at Hamar on Lake Mjøsa. Situated at the head of the Oslo fjord is the capital, with its large and varied programme of concerts, theatre and opera, museums and galleries. Oslo is also known for its nightlife, informal street cafés, varied choice of restaurants and wide selection of shops. Just a short distance from Oslo lie the beautiful meandering valleys of Numedal, Hallingdal, Eggedal and Gudbrandsdalen. Also within easy reach are sweeping landscapes, picturesque coastal villages and large, unspoilt mountain areas.
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