The Kingdom of the Vikings

Art

In the understanding of most people the history of Norway refers to the early Middle Ages, when the country was inhabited by tough characters of heroic epics – the Vikings. It is worth noting that the Norwegians themselves encourage this perception of their homeland, at every step opening museums related to this era. 

Climate, location and ecology

Norway is located in northern Europe in the western territories of the Scandinavian Peninsula and its adjacent islands. The country with a cold climate attracts tourists with its incredible and fascinating nature: glaciers, fjords, valleys, waterfalls, lakes and much more. The northern lights and white nights are like the magic with which Norway makes its guests fall in love. The northernmost point of mainland Europe is Nordkapp, located just in Norway.

Norway is one of the cleanest countries in the world. New ways of eliminating environmental problems continue to be developed here, and the Ministry of Climate and Environment constantly publishes progress reports.  In 1992, a new law 112 appeared in the Constitution, which states that every Norwegian citizen has the right “to an environment that preserves health, and to the protection of natural food products and their diversity. 

Norwegians take their traditions as seriously as they did hundreds of years ago. Residents of Norway can be called a model in this area, they cherish the traditions of their predecessors, passing them on to the next generations. Norwegians have a special approach and attitude to life. Monarchy still reigns here. 

So what is the most important thing for these extraordinary people?

  1. Veneration of the members and traditions of the royal family
  2.  Absolute indifference to luxury.
  3. Sincere and pure love of Norwegians for their country. 
  4. Concern and care for the environment.
  5. Among the geographers, navigators and discoverers are really many Norwegians.
  6. Most Norwegians follow a healthy lifestyle and they don’t eat fast food.

Things to do when you’re in Norway

  1. Holmenkollen. It is one of the most important attractions of Oslo, home of skiing. From year to year, Holmenkollen is visited by over a million tourists. Climbing up to the ski jump, you get an incredible view of the capital.
  2. «Norway in miniature» is a Norwegian tour, which includes a trip on the Bergen Railway, a bus excursion on the Stalheim Klevá mountain road, a small cruise on the Aurlandfjord and the Næryfjord and a journey on the Flåm Railway. 

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  1. The palace of the Snow Queen. Not far from the city of Kirkenes a couple of years ago a hotel was built where absolutely every piece of interior is made of ice. The hotel maintains a constant temperature of about 5 degrees below zero, so guests sleep in special thermal underwear. The hotel includes dinner, a night’s sleep, breakfast, a visit to the sauna and a warming drink.

What to eat when you are in Norway?

Norwegian cuisine is quite original and distinctive, because it was formed in harsh climatic conditions. 

Of course, the passion of the Norwegians is the sea and the ocean, which washes the shores of the country and is literally brimming with fish and seafood.

There is also a good deal of meat, especially with the deer, moose and partridge game. 

Norway produces cheese, which is very unusual.

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But what is delicious for everyone in Norway are the desserts and pastries. A variety of muffins, casseroles, pies filled with berries and fruits. Cinnamon, honey, and vanilla are also popular.

The most common desserts of Norwegian cuisine are pancakes svelle with different fillings and waffle tubes with vanilla cream. 

The traditional holiday dish is rice cream; everyone loves it. But each home develops its own secret recipe, which is handed down from generation to generation.