Norway
The essence of Norway's appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the
most beautiful countries on earth. Impossibly steep-sided Norwegian fjords of
extraordinary beauty cut gashes from a jagged coastline deep into the interior.
Glaciers, grand and glorious, snake down from ice fields that rank among
Europe's largest. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of Norway's interior
resembles the ramparts of so many natural fortresses and yields to rocky
coastal islands that rise improbably from the waters like apparitions. Then, of
course, there's the primeval appeal, the spare and staggering beauty of the
Arctic. And wherever you find yourself in this most extraordinary country, these
landscapes serve as a backdrop for some of Europe's prettiest villages.
Culture & History
The
counterpoint to Norway's ever-present natural beauty is found in its vibrant
cultural life. Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and showcase the famous
Scandinavian flair for design through the ages. Bergen, Trondheim, and Ålesund
must surely rank among Europe's most photogenic cities, while contemporary
Arctic-inspired architectural icons grace towns and remote rural settings alike.
Much of the culture of Norway can be traced back to the Vikings, a
group of Scandinavian seafaring pirates, traders, and pioneers that settled in
Northern Europe in the eighth century. However, throughout their history, the
people of this country have always identified with rural culture, which can be
seen in its traditional costumes and folk music that are still celebrated
today. More modern expressions of Norwegian culture include Jante Law and
Constitution Day.
Jante Law is an essential part of modern Norwegian culture and
emphasizes humility, equality, respect, and simplicity. In Jante Law, wealth is
not flaunted, people don't criticize others, and egalitarianism is key. May 17
is Constitution Day, Norway's holiday celebrating its nationhood. On this day,
Norwegians participate in parades with bands, unions, civic and volunteer
groups, schools, and performers.
Flavors
Food is a cultural passion through which Norwegians push the boundaries
of innovation even as they draw deeply on a heartfelt love of tradition. From
sweet treats like wild berries, waffles and brown cheese, to savory reindeer,
moose and lamb dishes prepared by some of the world's best cooks. You’ll also
find fresh king crab, salmon, and the famous Atlantic "skrei" cod.
Breakfast usually includes fish, crispbread or flatbread, yogurt,
cheese, coffee, and milk. Lunch includes fruit, coffee, and the popular
open-faced sandwich with cheese, cold meat, or paté. Dinner consists of root
vegetables such as carrots or boiled potatoes paired with fish and meats such
as whale, chicken, beef, pork, or chicken.
The most famous cheese in Norway has traditionally been the brunost, or
the brown cheese – caramelised whey cheese, quite similar to fudge, made with
cow's milk or goat's milk. Norwegians normally eat it on high-quality bread, or
on Norwegian waffles, often found at cosy cafés in the countryside. The taste
of this cheese might not be for everyone, however, and many foreigners try it
only once.
But the last few years, the most interesting Norwegian cheesemongers
have made a much greater variety of products – everything from camembert, blue
cheese, chevre and brie to traditional products such as gamalost and pultost.
Today, you can find more than 150 small-scale cheese makers, spread from the
south of Norway to Finnmark in the north. Several of them are run by young and
ambitious cheese makers who are eager to experiment with techniques, spices and
ripening.
Urban Experience
Compared to other countries, people in Norway have a lot of free time.
Norwegians admittedly work nine to five, but they have afternoons and evenings
off – in addition to almost every Saturday and Sunday, as well as Christmas,
Easter and summer holidays.
The number of restaurants in Norway is rising, and offer almost every
kind of national food culture – from Japanese and Vietnamese to Mexican and
Somali. Norwegian cuisine has also regained its status – from Maeemo in Oslo to
Lysverket in Bergen. The new Norwegian cuisine is often described as
‘Neo-Nordic’ or even ‘Neo-fjordic’ due to the focus on taking a fresh approach
to local ingredients – especially seafood delicacies.
Culture night takes place once in a year on one of the September
Fridays. On this night, the best of Oslo’s art and music is accessible for
everyone to enjoy. During the whole night different concerts, art shows, and
black parties are free to join. Therefore, avail this great opportunity to
explore the culture of this great city of Oslo.
There’s also a busy calendar of festivals, many of international renown.
Outdoors & Adventure
Enjoying nature in Norway is very much an
active pursuit, and this is one of Europe's most exciting and varied
adventure-tourism destinations. While some of the activities on offer are
geared towards the young, energetic and fearless, most – such as world-class
hiking, cycling, and white-water rafting in summer, and dog-sledding, skiing,
and snowmobiling in winter – can be enjoyed by anyone of reasonable fitness.
Whether you're here for seemingly endless summer possibilities, or for snowsports
and the soul-stirring Northern Lights in winter, these activities are an
exhilarating means of getting close to nature.
When it comes to wildlife, Norway has
few peers in Europe. Here you can watch whales – humpback, sperm, and orca
depending on the season – off Andenes, Stø or Tromsø, while the interior offers
up wild reindeer, prehistoric musk oxen, ponderous elk (moose) or beguiling
Arctic foxes. Birdwatching, too, is a highlight, from the puffins of Bleik to
the migratory seabirds of Runde and Varanger. But the real prizes inhabit
Norway's high Arctic, in Svalbard, where polar bears and walruses are the
poster species for a wilderness of rare, dramatic, and precarious beauty.