 | | | |
|  | NORWAY COUNTRY SNAPSHOT AND INTERESTING FACTS | "Fjords, mountains and midnight sun"
The breathtaking fjords of the southwest are Norway's most dramatic features, but there are many other reasons to visit this sparsely populated land on the northern fringe of Europe. 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. And 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. There are opportunities to indulge in outdoor activities such as skiing, hunting, fishing and rock-climbing, according to the season. Even the less energetic can marvel at the awesome beauty of the Norwegian countryside, with its countless steep-sided valleys, high mountain lakes and unbelievable views.
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. 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 the next 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. Sweden then invaded Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War 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. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the EU. The Norwegian economy is a prosperous bastion of welfare capitalism, featuring a combination of free market activity and government intervention. The government controls key areas, such as the vital petroleum sector (through large-scale state enterprises). The country is richly endowed with natural resources - petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals - and is highly dependent on its oil production and international oil prices, with oil and gas accounting for one-third of exports. Only Saudi Arabia and Russia export more oil than Norway. Norway opted to stay out of the EU during a referendum in November 1994; nonetheless, it contributes sizably to the EU budget. The government has moved ahead with privatization. With arguably the highest quality of life worldwide, Norwegians still worry about that time in the next two decades when the oil and gas will begin to run out. Accordingly, Norway has been saving its oil-boosted budget surpluses in a Government Petroleum Fund, which is invested abroad and now is valued at more than $150 billion. After lackluster growth of 1% in 2002 and 0.5% in 2003, GDP growth picked up to 3.3% in 2004. | Open here a detailed map in a new window. Map Server Travel-Island.com. | 
|
| | | RESORTS AND EXCURSIONS | Norway's scenery is its main attraction, particularly the fjords of the southwest and the North Cape (Nordkapp) which is a popular spot from which to observe the Midnight Sun of midsummer. However, the principal cities, among them Oslo (the capital), Bergen and Trondheim, offer a good choice of museums, historical sites and architectural interest for the visitor. The often mountainous inland countryside is ideal for those in search of true wilderness. Unless winter sport is the reason for visiting the country, its appeal is strongest in the months between May and September.
Population is sparse outside the main centres, but Norway is sufficiently large and regionally diverse to warrant geographical division here. There are five defined regions: Southern Norway (including Oslo); Fjordland and the Southwest; the uplands of Oppland and Hedmark; Central Norway; and the arctic North.
Southern Norway
Oslo
Oslo, which celebrated its millennium in the year 2000, is Norway's most populous district, providing a home for more than one-tenth of the country's inhabitants in a mere 700th of its total area. For all this, urban and industrial development only occupies one-eighth of the land within the city boundaries, the rest consisting mainly of woods, islands in Oslo Fjord, and lakes.
The city has a strong arts culture, with a good choice of museums and galleries. The Munch Museum is the main draw among these, 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, which tells the story of the country's occupation during World War II. The Ibsen Museum was the playwright's home prior to his death in 1906.
Away from the immediate city centre, the Holmenkollen ski jumping complex with its Museum of Skiing is popular, as are the 12th-century Cistercian monastery ruins on Hovedøya, a short boat trip from the harbour. About 4km (2.5 miles) to the east of the city centre lies Østensjøvannet, a lakeside bird sanctuary.
Principal architectural interest in Oslo focuses on the Kongelige Slott (Royal Palace), Stortinget (Parliament Building), the Cathedral and Åkershus Castle. Boat trips on the fjord are readily available, and the main shopping area is along Karl Johansgate, which runs from the Central Station to the Royal Palace. Guided city bus tours operate year round.
Oslo's entertainment centres include the Norwegian National Theatre; the New Theatre; the Norwegian Opera House; Konserthuset (the Concert House); and Oslo Spektrum, the main rock and pop concert venue. Norway's prime exhibition centre is at Sjølyst, on the approaches to Bygdøy.
The Oslo Fjord
Surrounding Oslo Fjord are the Fylker (counties) of Åkershus, Østfold, Buskerud and Telemark, all within a day trip of the capital. These are dotted with historic and prehistoric sites of varying importance, along with manor houses, stone churches (most are built of wood in Norway) and fortifications.
Among the principal towns in the region, outside the capital, is Fredrikstad, the attractions of which include a picturesque Old Town and 17th-century Kongsten Fort. Close to Lillestrøm, to the northeast of Oslo, is Sørumsand, which boasts the Tertitten narrow-gauge railway and museum. The oldest building in the industrialised town of Drammen is the Skoger Old Church, which dates from 1200. Kongsberg is particularly well endowed with museums, among them the Silver Collection; the Royal Mint Museum; and the Arms Factory Museum. The Saggrenda Silver Mine is 8km (5miles) from Kongsberg.
On the western shore of Oslo Fjord lies Sandefjord, with its Whaling Museum (Norway is one of just three countries worldwide still involved in commercial whaling). Porsgrunn, near to Sandefjord, has long been a centre of the porcelain industry, the Town Museum tells its story, while the Porcelain Factory is open to visits by appointment. At nearby Skien, birthplace of Ibsen, his childhood home contains a multimedia exhibition about the playwright. The navigable Telemark Waterway links Skien with the interior via a system of canals.
South of Oslo, an unusual wooden bridge over the E18 motorway, built to the 1502 design of Leonardo da Vinci and officially unveiled in October 2001, is well worth seeing.
Fjordland and the Southwest
Unquestionably Fjordland and the Southwest is Norway's most important tourist area, due to its scenery. Many visitors arrive on cruise ships working their way north along the coast from Stavanger via Haugesund to Bergen (see the World City Guide section) and the best known fjord of all, Sognefjorden. Hardanger Fjord, Nordfjord, and Førdefjorden are among other notable scenic attractions in the region.
Near Sogndal, at the head of Sognefjorden, lies Urnes, whose wooden stave-built church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inland are the Hardangervidda Mountains, which rise to over 1700m (5600ft) and incorporate the National Park of the same name. To the north of Sognefjorden lies Europe's biggest glacier, the Jostedalsbreen, and its surrounding National Park of the same name. Immediately to the east of this area is the Jotunheimen National Park, which contains Norway's highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen (2469m/8100ft). Away from the fjords, on the southern holiday coastline of Vest-Agder Fylke, is the port of Kristiansand, from which ferries serve the UK and Denmark.
Bergen
Former Hanseatic port and medieval Norwegian capital, the city's appeal centres on the Hanseatic Bryggen harbour-side district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many buildings dating from the 17th century and earlier. Cable cars take visitors to the summit of Mount Ulriken, and a funicular railway climbs Mount Fløyen to give outstanding views over the city and coastline. Museums abound, and there is a large aquarium. Additionally, a broad choice of boat excursions plies the waters around the city, which is Norway's busiest tourist destination.
Stavanger
Centre of the country's North Sea oil industry, Stavanger is Norway's fourth largest city after Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim, with 96,000 inhabitants. Old Stavanger is Europe's largest collection of wooden buildings. Other attractions here include the Norwegian Oil Museum, the unique Fish Cannery Museum (complete with sprat-smokehouse), and the Rogaland Art Gallery.
Oppland and Hedmark
Central southern Norway, comprising Oppland and Hedmark, is a land of mountains, spectacular glacial valleys, including Gudbrandsdal (one of Norway's longest and most beautiful), and high plateaux.
Lightly populated throughout, apart from the larger centres of Hamar, Lillehammer (site of the 1994 Winter Olympics), Kongsvinger and Elverum, this is a region of small settlements suitable for those seeking solitude and wilderness - or winter sports facilities. Kongsvinger's Festning (fortress) dates from the 17th century, but never came under Swedish attack. To the north is the Dovrefjell National Park - mythical home of the Mountain King (Dovregubben) immortalised by Grieg, and where musk oxen are occasionally spotted roaming wild on the high plateau.
Lillehammer
The country's biggest skiing and winter sport centre, offering both Alpine and Nordic disciplines, Lillehammer stands on the banks of the Mjøsa Lake, Norway's largest with an area of 362 sq kilometres (140 sq miles), and which reputedly conceals a 'Loch Ness-style' monster. Among non-winter-specific attractions in the town are the Norwegian Olympic Museum, the Maihaugen open air museum (which features a collection of over 170 historic buildings from the Gudbrandsdal area), and the Art Museum, with its extensive Norwegian collections.
Hamar
At the northern end of the Mjøsa Lake, Hamar contains the Hedmark Museum, dedicated to the medieval period. There is also a Museum of Holography, unique in Norway, and the Olympic Hall, which staged skating events during the 1994 Winter Olympics. The Cathedral, restored in 1954, has origins dating back to the 11th century dawn of Norwegian Christianity.
Central Norway
Like most of the rest of Norway, the central region is largely mountainous, but the peaks do not rise as high as those of the southwest. This is the area where the country narrows on a west to east axis, and the Swedish border is never far away.
Mid-Norway consists of three large Fylker: Møre og Romsdal; Sør-trøndelag; and Nord-trøndelag, between them home to about one-seventh (635,000) of the Norwegian population. A quarter of them live in and around Trondheim, the country's third largest city. It lies on the southern shore of Trondheimsfjorden, which although not spectacular scenically when compared to the fjords of the southwest, is one of the largest, stretching more than 70 kilometres (44 miles) inland. Other larger towns include Ålesund, Molde (which stages a major annual summer international jazz festival), Kristiansund, Steinkjer and Namsos.
Outside Trondheim, by far the most important attractions in the region are the former copper-mining town of Røros to the east, and the historically significant Stiklestad, a short distance south of Steinkjer. It was at the latter that Christianity first came to Norway, when St Olav met his end during a battle in 1030. To the south of Trondheim, the mountain village of Oppdal is an important skiing resort.
Trondheim
Founded in AD 997 as Kaupangr, and later called Nidaros, Norway's early capital has a number of major attractions, not least the Nidarosdomen Cathedral, which dates from the late 11th century. Built over St Olav's grave, it has been a centre of pilgrimage since medieval times. Elsewhere, the Ringve Museum is famous for its collection of rare historic musical instruments, while the Trøndelag Folk Museum incorporates the ruins of a 12th-century castle. Stiftsgården, the Trondheim palace of the Norwegian Royal Family, is a fine 18th-century wooden building in the city centre. Across the river stands the Kristiansten Festning fortress. The former island monastery of Munkholmen in the fjord is a popular boat excursion.
Røros
One of just four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Norway, Røros is nowadays a small but picturesque mountain town near the Swedish border, but was a copper mining and smelting settlement from the 17th century until the 1980s. Principal attractions are the Old Town, the wooden church and the Mining Museum. Close to Røros is Olavsgruve, an early mine now open to visitors.
The North
Although encompassing only three Fylker, Nordland; Troms; and Finnmark, this vast and wild region extends for more than 1200km (750 miles) northwards from Nord-trøndelag across the Arctic Circle to the Nordkapp (North Cape).
Less than 500,000 people inhabit the region, around a tenth of whom are of the Sami (Lapp) ethnic group. Their 'capital' is at Karasjok in Finnmark.
Mo-i-Rana is about 80km (50 miles) south of the Arctic Circle, where there is a visitor centre (Polarsirkelsenteret) by the main E6 road. Further north are the coastal cities of Bodø, Tromsø and Hammerfest, while Alta (with its nearby UNESCO-listed prehistoric cave carvings), and Kautokeino (traditionally Norway's coldest town) lie inland. Kirkenes, on the Russian border, offers the Borderland Museum and a gallery devoted to the work of John Savios, a Sami artist.
The North Cape is a major attraction: people come to observe the summer Midnight Sun. The North Cape Hall, built into the side of a mountain, and with panoramic views out to sea, is the main visitor centre here.
Tromsø
The largest centre in northern Norway, with a population of nearly 50,000, Tromsø spectacularly straddles Tromsøy Sound. It boasts the world's most northerly brewery, and even a professional football team. The Tromsø Museum, 4km (2.5 miles) from the city centre, features archaeological and historical displays, while the City Museum concentrates on development of the settlement. The 43m (140ft) high Tromsø Bridge across the Sound affords good views of the surroundings.
Bodø
The Norwegian National Aviation Centre is a prime attraction here, as is a climb for the views from Rønvikfjell Mountain, which rises 3km (1.9 miles) outside the city centre. The world's most powerful maelstrom, Saltstraumen, and a multimedia visitor centre dedicated to the phenomenon, are 33km (21 miles) east of Bodø.
Mo-i-rana
Northern Norway's third largest, and most southerly, town of any size, is a popular stopping off point for visitors keen to explore the coastline, the mountains and nearby glaciers. It also offers the Nordland Museum of Nature. | | PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATION Furthermore, in order to get into many countries on the stay abroad you will require a visa of some type, even if you are just visiting. This is usually an insert, stamp or sticker which is placed in your passport and the duration of its validity varies from place to place. If you do intend to work or study in the country to which you are traveling, however, you should organize your visa even further in advance as this can take longer to process.
As well as your passport you should ensure that you have at least one other form of identification with you. This may be a driver’s license, birth certificate or any other form of ID which is acceptable worldwide. As with passports, bring at least two copies of all forms of identification in case of loss or theft.
Help to Passport and Visa Application Forms. How to find the right one(s)?
A passport is issued to you by your home country as proof of citizenship. Visas are stamped into your passport to allow you entry into other countries. Although there are exceptions, you are usually required to display your passport when entering or leaving a country. Once you arrive at your destination, carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
A visa is an endorsement or stamp entered into your passport by a foreign government. It allows you to enter that country for a specific reason and period of time. Start applying for visas as soon as your passport is available so that all your documentation is completed well before your departure date. To receive a visa you need to send your passport to an embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit. Most countries have embassies and consulates worldwide, and travel agents can usually tell you where the nearest ones are located. Keep in mind that your passport may be tied up for days or weeks until the paperwork is done, so plan accordingly. In addition, some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before they will issue you a visa. The amount of time spent mailing your passport to the various agencies involved can really add up if you are visiting several countries. Plan ahead if possible. If you only have a few weeks to prepare, a commercial visa service can often speed up the process. |
|  More Resources | | | Traveller Forums |  | Travel Forums. First time users check out the Board Rules for instructions on using this travel message board. You have to create an account before you can add and relpy to messages. Please feel freely at any time to write your query or reply to our forum members.
This is a forum which gives people the opportunity to exchange information about travelling, as well as discuss various topics of interest. |
| | Photo Albums |  | Travel Photo Albums. This category contains photo albums and articles that belong to our users and visitors.
Upload and manage their own photos on our website. Rate the pictures and add additional comments. Images and articles are stored in individual user albums. | | 
| |
