Norway: What Makes its rich history and stunning attractions unique compared to other countries?

The paradise on the north, the land of fjords and Vikings.

Perfect reflection of the Reine village on the water of the fjord in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

View of the village among the fjords in Norway, Lofoten islands

Norway fjord landscape. Morning soft blue colors.

View of Trolltunga cliff and lake between mountains, picturesque landscape, beauty in nature, paradise on Earth, sunny day, Odda, Norway. Cloudy day.

Aurora Borealis, Lofoten islands, Norway. Mountains and frozen ocean. Winter landscape in the night time. Northen lights.

Norway is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe, is known for its stunning fjords, vibrant cities, and strong social welfare system. Oslo, the capital, is a hub of culture and innovation. The country boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and coastal regions. Norway is also renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, being a global leader in renewable energy production, particularly hydroelectric and wind power. Additionally, Norway is famous for its Viking heritage, rich history, and contributions to literature, arts, and exploration.

History of Norway

Viking Age: Norway’s history is often associated with the Viking Age, roughly from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century. Norwegian Vikings were skilled sailors, warriors, and traders who raided and explored wide areas of Europe, the North Atlantic, and even reached North America.

Viking ships on the water under the sunlight and dark storm. Invasion in the storm.

Computer generated 3D illustration with Viking ships on a river at sunset

Rural Scandinavic Interior — Rural Scandinavic interior

Wooden huts at Stalheim village in Norway

Viking Ship resting alongside Gudvangen Fjord in Norway.

2.Unification: In the 9th century, Harald Fairhair, often considered the first king of Norway, unified the petty kingdoms under his rule. This marked the beginning of a more centralized Norwegian state.

3.Union with Denmark: Norway entered into a union with Denmark in the 14th century, a period that lasted for more than four centuries. This union significantly influenced Norwegian politics, culture, and economy.

4.Union with Sweden: Following the Napoleonic Wars, Norway was ceded to Sweden in 1814, after the dissolution of the union between Denmark and Norway. However, Norway retained a degree of autonomy, with its own constitution and parliament.

5.Independence: Norway peacefully dissolved the union with Sweden in 1905, asserting its independence. Prince Carl of Denmark was elected as King Haakon VII of Norway, marking the beginning of the modern Norwegian monarchy.

6.World War II: Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II, from 1940 to 1945. The Norwegian resistance played a significant role in opposing the occupation, and Norway was liberated with the end of the war.

7.Modern Norway: After World War II, Norway experienced rapid economic growth and development, fueled by its natural resources, particularly oil and gas. Norway has since become one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world, known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Oslo, Norway: neo-classical façade of the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs ASA, OSE ). Founded in 1819 in what was then Christiania. Norway's only regulated marketplace for trading shares, equity certificates and other securities , such as derivatives and bonds. The Euronext consortium of European stock exchanges controls Oslo Stock Exchange since 2019 - The OBX Index is the most important stock index on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The stock exchange building is located on the leafy Tollbugata, it was completed in 1829 according to drawings by architect Christian Heinrich Grosch. — Oslo, Norway: neo-classical façade of the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs ASA, OSE ). Founded in 1819 in what was then Christiania. Norway’s only regulated marketplace for trading shares, equity certificates and other securities , such as derivatives and bonds. The Euronext consortium of European stock exchanges controls Oslo Stock Exchange since 2019 – The OBX Index is the most important stock index on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The stock exchange building is located on the leafy Tollbugata, it was completed in 1829 according to drawings by architect Christian Heinrich Grosch.

Fish farming in Norway with floating cages and ship aerial view blue sea

Container Oslo, Luftbild, Canon 750 D, Tamron 18 - 200 — Container Oslo, Luftbild, Canon 750 D, Tamron 18 – 200

Cod fish methodically hung for drying on wooden racks, with a clear sky backdrop in Lofoten, Norway, a scene of traditional fish processing

Stockfisch drying on wooden racks on a Lofoten island in Norway.

Stavanger, Norway, September 08 - An oil platform stands out against the horizon of the Stavanger Bay while a Norwegian flag flies in the sun. The oil industry is Norway's main source of wealth and in particular the Stavanger region, a nerve center for the oil companies operating in the country. — Stavanger, Norway, September 08 – An oil platform stands out against the horizon of the Stavanger Bay while a Norwegian flag flies in the sun. The oil industry is Norway’s main source of wealth and in particular the Stavanger region, a nerve center for the oil companies operating in the country.

Industrial oil rig offshore platform construction site on the North Seacoast

Oil rig moored in the harbor against a dramatic sky.

Oil rigs under maintenance near Bergen, Norway.

Throughout its history, Norway has also maintained a strong cultural identity, with its language, literature, and traditions influenced by both its indigenous Sami population and external influences from neighboring countries and beyond.

Find places and hotels in Norway.

Find more Europe gems.