Fjords
Fjords are narrow sea bays cutting deep into the land, surrounded by high mountains. They were formed during the retreat of glaciers. Such picturesque features of the local landscape give Norwegian nature a truly unique beauty. And this despite the fact that each fjord is unique. It is impossible to find two identical fjords. Most of these unique natural creations can be seen in the western part of Norway, in the fjord region.
Mountains
The mountains are a very spectacular landscape of picturesque plateaus and mountain peaks. In the fjord region there are the famous Lysefjord mountains and the Preikestolen rock, which is extremely popular among tourists and Norwegians themselves, with a breathtaking spectacular view of the fjords.
Forests
Vast forested areas spread across central and eastern Norway, most notably the forests of Jotunheimen National Park in the eastern region of the country.
Beaches
Sandy beaches stretch along the southern and northern coasts of Norway.
In the southwestern part near the city of Stavanger there are amazing white sandy beaches (Hellest, Solastrand, Orrestranda, Vigdel, Godalen), these areas offer beautiful views of the mountain ranges, and next to them there are crystal clear lakes.
An amazing phenomenon is the beaches of the northern coast, where swimming among the polar glaciers in the light of the northern lights is very common. This extraordinary opportunity was presented to the Norwegians by the warm Gulf Stream and the never-setting sun of the polar region.
Rivers and waterfalls
Countless rivers and powerful waterfalls are spread throughout Norway. In the fjord region, the highest waterfall in Norway and Northern Europe, Vinnufossen, pours its waters into Geirangerfjord.
National parks
Norway has become a very popular country among connoisseurs of majestic virgin nature. There are twenty-one national parks in the country, the most famous of which, Jotunheimen, is located in the eastern region.
Glaciers
Massive glaciers stretch across the mountainous regions of Norway's western and northern regions.
Popular attractions are concentrated in the city center: the Sword in the Rock monument, the Broken Column monument, wooden Norwegian houses, parks surrounded by the romance of the Middle Ages, and Kongeparken amusement park.
The city of Tromso is the northernmost major city in the world. The surrounding mountains are high here, the fjords are especially mysterious and dark. The city is located above the Arctic Circle and is the best place to view the beautiful Northern Lights. Tromso is located on two islands and a mainland, all three parts are connected by bridges. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the climate here is mild, but there is a lot of snow in winter.
Tromso
There are a lot of entertainments in Tromso, as well as attractions. The most famous place in the city is the Arctic Cathedral, which resembles a huge iceberg. The building is made of glass and shines under the sun's rays during sunrise. The city's museums allow you to study in detail the history of Northern Norway and learn a lot of interesting things about the Barents Sea and the Arctic.
Tourists in Tromso prefer active recreation: fishing, climbing glaciers, dog sledding, canoeing on the fjord.
Nature of Norway
Nature has generously endowed Norway with beautiful landscapes and views: mountains, waterfalls, fjords and forests. In the south of the country there is the Hordaland region with a majestic mountain plateau, rivers, lakes and the largest glacier, Folgefonn. This is not only a beautiful place, but an excellent resort that allows you to engage in many types of outdoor activities: fishing in mountain lakes, horseback riding and hiking in the mountains, rafting and kayaking.
In the eastern part of Hordaland, a high plateau ends with a fjord, and there are many picturesque villages near the sea. The entire area is replete with strong waterfalls, glaciers, cliffs and high mountains. Finally, the area is home to a luxury hotel that offers extensive leisure facilities and excellent infrastructure.
Norway's waterfalls deserve a separate description. If in many countries tourists go to look at one waterfall, here there are a huge number of them, and they are all stunningly beautiful. Many have romantic names, such as "Bride's Veil" and "Seven Sisters". The most beautiful waterfall is located in Kjusfossen: it rushes down with powerful streams with abundant white foam, forming bizarre cascades and creating enchanting melodies. Near the Briksdalfossen waterfall, which is very high and strong, you cannot hear the words of a person, even if he is standing very close. At the foot of the waterfall there is a bridge, a walk along which will bring vivid, emotional impressions.
Waterfall in Norway
Above the Arctic Circle in Norway are the Lofoten Islands, mysterious islands of land with a unique wildlife, rugged and beautiful: mountains towering over the ocean, storms over sandy beaches, bays with clear emerald water and white sand and many uninhabited small islands. The climate here is moderated by the Gulf Stream; even in winter the temperature often stays above zero degrees.
The Lofoten Islands have the best cod fishing; the oldest Scandinavian traditions of fish drying are preserved and passed on here. On the coast of rocky islands there are fishing houses and settlements.
To the north of the islands is another archipelago, Vesteralen, also known for its rich fishing traditions. It is home to the longest beach in Norway and the largest whale museum in Europe. The islands are home to rare species of birds; in the depths of the sea there are whales, sperm whales, killer whales, minke whales, and Arctic seals lie on the rocks.
Norwegians strive to live in harmony with the surrounding nature, preserving the beauty of forests, fjords and meadows. That's why there are so many national parks in this country. The most famous of them is Hardangervidda, which covers all Norwegian landscapes. From a height of more than a thousand meters from the mountains you can see all the beauty of the park. Norwegian mountains and glaciers must be seen in Jotunheimen Park, where the highest peaks of the country are located.
But the most famous natural attraction of Norway is the northern lights, which for a long time have attracted and excited the imagination of people who considered this beauty to be the creation of the gods. The Northern Lights are a beautiful sight, shimmering with colors of green, yellow, purple, red or pink. The scientific explanation for this phenomenon is that charged particles pass through the planet's magnetosphere, but this does not stop tourists from considering the northern lights part of the magic. The best time to watch such a spectacle in Norway is during the polar night - from October to February.
Northern Lights in Norway
You can explore the country by traveling by bus, which runs throughout Norway and allows you to explore the beauty of nature along the way. You can also rent a car in any city; for this you need insurance, a driver's license and a credit card.
Norway is an expensive country, prices are especially high in Oslo, this should be taken into account when traveling. Dinner at a restaurant will be very expensive, but it is worth visiting the restaurant at least once to try the famous fish dishes. The best time to go on holiday to Norway is from May to September, during the brightest time, unless the purpose of your trip is to see the northern lights.
The crime rate here is quite low, but you can run into petty thieves who steal personal property.
All towns have souvenir shops selling Norwegian handicrafts: furs, knitted items, wood carvings, silver, pewter and much more.
Every country has something special about it that sets it apart from others. The Norwegians inherited a wonderful land of dark green forests, blue glaciers, delightful fjords, harsh cliffs, low clouds, long rains and northern legends. She seems to be completely imbued with some special beauty and nobility. White summer nights, northern lights, hundreds of mountain waterfalls, emerald rivers, fabulous forests, cold tundras, unique animals - all this gives Norway a special flavor and attracts you with a unique opportunity to enjoy communication with wild nature, which has not yet been touched by human hands.
Most of Norway is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains, covered with spruce and pine forests. Interrupted by deep fjords, they have protected a wondrous kingdom of beauty and peace for centuries. In this country, the mild maritime climate gives way to harsh tundra, which has left its mark on the surrounding landscapes, flora and fauna. Birch trees grow in the south and north of the country (below 300 m). Broad-leaved forests (oak, beech) are common in the far south. In the north and the tops of the mountains, tundra and forest-tundra predominate. These almost deserted places are home to white and rarely seen blue foxes, lemmings, reindeer, and in the far north, musk oxen. Foxes, hares, squirrels, moose, roe deer, and red deer are found in large numbers everywhere. But bears and wolves have been practically exterminated, so seeing them is rare. There are a lot of berries and mushrooms in Norwegian forests, which are a pleasure to collect. True, in some regions the collection of cloudberries is limited. In the amazingly clean rivers and lakes, there is a lot of fish: trout, Arctic char, pike, grayling. Therefore, fishing is a favorite pastime of both Norwegians themselves and foreign lovers of this type of fishing.
Of particular interest to tourists is visiting the national parks Bergefjell, Jotunheim, South Spitsbergen and North-Eastern Svalbard. If we talk about Spitsbergen, then most of it is occupied by nature reserves, which are home to rare and endangered species of polar animals and the largest “bird colonies”. Here you can observe wood grouse, wild ducks, black grouse, gulls, eiders, and geese.
See the film: Scandinavian Wildlife. 2. Norway / Norway. Video size: 1080p
And finally, a selection of beautiful photos of Norway:
Blooming country of the Vikings.
Beautiful mountain lake.
Kingdom Norway occupies the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago in the Arctic Ocean and the island of Jan Mayen in the North Atlantic Ocean. Norway is washed by the North and Norwegian Seas. In the northeast it borders with Finland and Russia, in the east with Sweden.
The name of the country comes from the Old Norse Norreweg - “northern road”.
Official name: Kingdom of Norway
Capital: Oslo
Territory area: 385.2 thousand sq. km
Total Population: 4.8 million people
Administrative division: Norway is divided into 18 counties (counties), which are governed by governors. Traditional division: Northern Norway, including three historical and geographical regions (Norland, Troms, Finmark), and Southern Norway, uniting four regions: Trennelag, Vestland (West), Östland (East) and Sørland (South).
Form of government: Constitutional monarchy.
Head of State: King.
Population composition: Norwegian. In a number of communes in Troms and Finnmark, the Sami have equal status with it.
Official language: German. Most people working in the tourism industry understand and speak English. In the border areas they speak: Hungarian, Slovenian, Croatian, Czech, Italian.
Religion: 85.7% - Lutheran Church, 2.4% - Orthodox, 1.8% - Muslims, 1% - Pentecostals, 1% - Catholics, 8.1% - others.
Internet domain: .no
Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz
Country dialing code: +47
Country barcode: 700-709
Climate
Being located almost entirely in the temperate zone, in comparison with other land areas located at the same latitudes, the south of Norway turns out to be much warmer and more humid due to the large influx of heat from the Norwegian Current. The warm current, however, does not penetrate the Skagerrak Strait, which dramatically affects the climate of southeastern Norway, while at the same time continental air masses from the Baltic easily penetrate here.
Also often masses from higher latitudes, where the Arctic Maximum dominates in winter, penetrate into the non-coastal zone. Since the surface of Norway slopes steeply to the sea, and the valleys are elongated meridionally, warm air masses cannot penetrate very deeply into them, which creates a situation where in winter the temperature gradient when moving deeper into the fjord is greater than when moving north.
The height of the Scandinavian mountains does not allow air masses to pass to the east of the country, and create a barrier effect, which, subject to significant moisture saturation, causes huge amounts of precipitation, both in summer and winter. The influence of the warm current on the country's climate is associated not with the direct heating of the oceanic layer of air (after all, the territory of southern Norway is separated from this current by 300-400 km), but with the western transport bringing these heated air masses.
Average January temperatures range from -17 °C in northern Norway in the city of Karashuk to +1.5 °C on the southwest coast of the country. Average July temperatures are around +7°C in the north and around +17°C in the south in Oslo.
Geography
Norway is located in northern Europe, in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. A third of the country lies beyond the Arctic Circle. The total area of the country is about 387 thousand square meters. km. The country shares land borders with Russia, Sweden and Finland. In the north, the coast of Norway is washed by the Barents Sea, in the west by the Norwegian and North Seas, in the south the Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark. Norway owns the Spitsbergen archipelago with Bear Island in the Arctic Ocean, Jan Mayen Island in the North Atlantic, as well as Bouvet Island off the coast of Antarctica and more than 50 thousand small islands.
The territory of Norway is predominantly mountainous and covered with forests, tundra and mountain vegetation. The highest points are the city of Gallhöpiggen (2469 m) and the city of Glittertinn (2452 m), located in the Jotunheimen massif. The longest river is Glomma (600 km), the largest lake is Miessa (362 km). The high plateaus (felds) are covered with the largest glaciers in Europe, the total area of which is 5 thousand square kilometers. The largest glaciers are Jostedalsbre (the largest glacier in Europe), Svartisen in north-central Norway. There are fjords all along the Norwegian coastline, they were formed thousands of years ago when glaciers cut deep into the land. The longest is the Sogne fjord (204 km).
Flora and fauna
Flora
Tundra vegetation (subnival-nival zone) has a significant distribution and is confined to the highest mountainous regions, to territories adjacent to glaciers and the northern part of the country. The growing conditions here are the most unfavorable within Norway: low temperatures, short growing season, widespread snowfields and proximity to glaciers, strong winds and thin soil cover. Therefore, the vegetation cover here is extremely fragmented and is mainly represented by various mosses and lichens.
The vegetation of the alpine belt occupies vast expanses of fjelds and the most elevated areas of the western coast above the line of possible tree growth, located at an average altitude of 800 - 1700 m, the values of which, as in the case of the vegetation of the subnival-nival belt, increase when moving from west to east . The climatic conditions in which these formations grow are also unfavorable. Trees in this belt are completely absent, the dominant communities are shrubs and forbs, shrub vegetation appears only at the lowest hypsometric levels, the moss-lichen layer is poorly developed and appears only in areas long covered with snow. The species composition includes amphiatlantic and circumpolar species. The dominant plant forms here are hemicryptophytes and chamephytes.
Mountain forests and woodlands occupy the largest areas in Norway, located in the lower tier of the Scandinavian mountains. They rise up to 1000 m in the most continental areas, and in the coastal zone of the Atlantic they descend even into the lowlands under the influence of a general decrease in the belt boundaries. This belt includes pure birch forests on the western macroslope, and pine-birch forests in more continental parts.
The taiga zone also occupies significant areas in southern Norway, occupying its most continental sections (Østlan and East Sørland), as well as reaching the coast on the Trønnelaga plain, where the warming influence of the ocean is still noticeable, but allows taiga vegetation to grow here. Formations of this belt are absent on the western macroslope of the mountains and in the fjord area. It is represented by spruce and, in the south, oak-spruce and pine forests.
The Atlantic moorlands occupy a narrow coastal outer strip along the entire western coast, without extending anywhere into the fjords. Heather heaths here develop on well-drained, oligotrophic acidic substrates. Tree and shrub species are generally absent here, but may appear in some places well protected from the wind blowing from the sea. In terms of species, heathers predominate in combination with shrubs, herbs, grasses, mosses and lichens. The soil and vegetation cover here is often fragmentary.
Mixed and broad-leaved forests in Norway are represented by small areas occupying the southernmost part of the country. However, the inner parts of the largest fjords, where the warming influence of the ocean is strong, are also occupied by mixed broad-leaved forests, which there take on an intrazonal character. Represented by oak, beech and ash forests.
Floodplain vegetation is represented by one significant section of the floodplains of the Glomma and Logen rivers in the area of their confluence. Hydrophilic vegetation is developed here due to periodic flooding. It is represented by forests of alder and spruce, which occupy floodplain and oxbow depressions.
Animal world
The following representatives of the animal world are found in the forests of Norway: lynx, red deer, marten, weasel, badger, beaver, ermine, squirrel. The tundra is home to white and blue foxes, lemmings (Norwegian mice), and reindeer. The hare and fox are found everywhere in large commercial quantities, while the wolf and bear are practically exterminated.
Norway has a large number of birds: wood grouse, black grouse, gulls, eiders, wild ducks, geese. Huge bird colonies nest on the coastal cliffs. In sea waters there is a large amount of fish, of which traditionally commercial ones: herring, cod, mackerel. Rivers and lakes are inhabited by trout, salmon, and salmon.
Attractions
Norway's main treasure is its nature. Thousands of secluded bays and picturesque fjords encircle its coast, and low mountains covered with forests and meadows create the unique flavor of this country. Thousands of clean lakes and rivers provide a unique opportunity to enjoy fishing and water sports, and carefully protected nature allows you to get acquainted with one of the most untouched corners of Europe.
The fjords are the main attraction of the country. The entire coastline of the country is indented by these narrow and deep bays, glorified in the ancient Scandinavian sagas. The most popular among tourists are Yairangerfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord,
You can exchange currency at any bank or post office, as well as at bank branches at the railway station and at Oslo Airport. Non-cash forms of payment are extremely developed, major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks, travel agencies, post offices and offices of international payment systems. Some banks take a certain percentage from each check, so it is more profitable to import money in a single check.
Useful information for tourists
Nightclubs, discos and other entertainment venues have a clear gradation regarding the age of visitors, the range of alcoholic drinks offered and opening hours. Therefore, many of them may require a passport to enter. Entry to most museums is free.
Smoking is prohibited in all types of public transport and on board aircraft, as well as in most public buildings, offices, etc. In hotels, bars and restaurants, smoking is prohibited in all public areas, and a third of the tables are mandatory for non-smokers. Hotels also follow the same policy - up to 50% of hotel rooms are non-smoking only, and this should be taken into account when choosing a hotel. Cigarettes are sold only to persons over 18 years of age.
All parking in Norway is paid. You cannot park outside the parking lots - only cars of residents living in the surrounding houses can be parked there.
The Troll's Tongue rock is an officially recognized place where you can take one of the most dizzying selfies, and dizzying, in the literal sense of the word. This is a piece of rock that resembles a giant tongue of a mighty troll. The attraction is located near the Norwegian city of Odda. The site protrudes 700 meters from the Skjeggedal rock. At the foot of the mountain lies the beautiful lake Ringedalsvatn.
In northern Norway there is the city of Tromsø, famous for being home to the world's northernmost botanical garden. It belongs to the University of Tromsø. It was opened in 1994, and since then the glory of the botanical garden of the Russian city of Kirovsk (Kola Peninsula), previously considered the most northern, has faded slightly: it has now moved into second place - it has become “closer to the south.” The garden covers an area of 4 hectares. It would seem, what kind of plants...
Norway's largest national park is Hardangervidda, covering an area of 3,422 km² within the counties of Telemark, Buskerud and Hordaland. In the country's topography, this is the largest mountain plateau in Europe - Hardangervidda. It is located at altitudes from 1200 to 1600 meters. To the west of the plateau is the famous Hardpngerfjord, the second longest in Norway. In 1981, the territory received official status as a national...
Norwegians speak with regret about Mongefossen, remembering its former greatness and power. In the old days, this was one of the most stunning waterfalls in Europe, rapidly throwing its streams down. It is still impressive because it is the fourth highest waterfall in the world. But having carried its waters through the centuries, in the 20th century the natural giant Mongefossen encountered such a phenomenon as hydroelectric power stations, which were intertwined with its power...
Vinnufossen is a cascading waterfall, the highest in Europe, and in the world it ranks a solid sixth place. Its total height is 860 meters, and the highest level between the steps is 420 meters. The waterfall is located in the municipality of Sanddal, in the vicinity of the village of Sandalsera. Vinnufossen falls down from the large mountain Vinnufailet and is fed by the Vinnufonna glacier. Its base is considered to be the Vinnu River, and near the village of Kholsand the stream flows into the Driva River...
The largest of Norway's lakes, Mjøsa, is located in the southern part of the country, one hundred kilometers north of the capital city of Oslo. From the north, the river Gudbrandsdalslogen flows into the lake, flowing 135 kilometers; in the south of the reservoir, the Vorma River, a tributary of the large Glomma River, flows out of it. The northern coast of the lake basin is located near the city of Lillehammer, the southern coast is Cape Minnesund in the commune of Eidsvoll, between them the lake stretches for 117 km...
The Rjukanfossen waterfall is called the “smoking” waterfall. Reaching the point of falling from a height of 104 meters, the waters of this giant raise such a huge amount of microscopic spray that they can be mistaken for a smoke screen. Adding to the effect is the thick fog that always shrouds the base of Rjukanfossen. For Western Norway, where this waterfall is located, it is a real wonder of the world. The landscape around is so picturesque that...
In the Norwegian city of Trondheim there is a unique and unusual botanical garden, named after the mansion of the Ringve family, which once owned these lands. The mansion is undoubtedly a landmark in Trondheim. Built in 1600, it was owned by the city's wealthy families, then purchased by the government in 1952 to establish the National Museum of Musical Instruments and Music...
