Norway is one of the most prominent Nordic countries in the Scandinavian region. It has the most mountains in Europe and is known for its beautiful fjords, historic sights, and wonderful sceneries. Known as the land of the midnight sun, Norway is one of the most beautiful and safest countries in the world, and its history and natural wonders will captivate you.
If you are considering visiting this fascinating part of the world, here are five amazing facts about Norway which are bound to compel you to plan a trip to Norway at the earliest.
Diverse Norwegian landscape and culture
The landscapes in Norway are very diverse. From the snow-dusted mountains to the fjords on the west coast, you can experience different kinds of landscapes when visiting Norway. If you want to soak in the beauty of natural wonders, head over to the Arctic Circle, where you will find the splendid archipelago, the Lofoten Islands. Here you can find magnificent mountains dominating the skyline while the beaches are beautiful with pristine white sand and clear water. You may also get to learn about Viking heritage or experience wildlife watching.
If you are a history buff, you may find Bergen very interesting. The city is laced with historic details and remnants from the past. Remember to visit Bryggen, an old wharf that is also a UNESCO-protected site. You can take a Norwegian fjords cruise to explore and travel along the ever-changing landscape and explore various towns and villages.
However, the incredible diversity in Norway goes beyond its natural scenery. Its culture is equally diverse, beautiful, and exciting. The modern culture of Oslo is highly distinctive from the traditional practices of the Sami people in the country’s northern region, and you may get to experience a bit of both.
View the Aurora Borealis
Norway is perhaps the best place for watching the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. Viewing the astounding light show is a surreal experience as you see beautiful ribbons of red, blue, and green light in the dark sky. Many people believe you can see the Aurora Borealis anywhere in Norway.
However, these lights are rarely visible in the southern region like Oslo or Bergen. If you want to see the Northern Lights in their true element, your best chances are in the northern region, for instance, the city of Tromso, also known as the Gateway to the Arctic. The Arctic Circle is in the country’s northern part, implying that the locations above it experience the Midnight Sun as well as the Polar Night, so you have a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis in the darker winter months.
Visit the famous Fjords
Did you know that Norway has around 400,000 lakes? Imagine the incredible amount of water these lakes hold. Europe’s deepest lake, the Hornindalsvatnet, is also in Norway. It is around 514 meters deep. There are different types of lakes in Norway, and one type is a fjord, which usually means saltwater creek, but in the eastern part of Norway, freshwater lakes are also called fjords.
Norway has the highest concentration of fjords in the world, 1190 to be exact, all of which are incredibly beautiful. The world’s longest and second-deepest fjord, Sognefjord, also called the King of Fjords, is also in Norway.
The abundance of the Arctic Wildlife
Svalbard, an archipelago between the North Pole and Mainland Norway, is an Arctic haven and home to polar bears. You may find more polar bears here than humans, which is why this place is also called the Realm of the Polar Bears. Interestingly, two-thirds of the land in Svalbard is protected by national reserves, parks, and sanctuaries. Besides the polar bears, you can also see other Arctic wildlife like the Arctic fox, reindeer, whales, walruses, and sea birds.
The sun does not set in the summers- does not rise in the winters
You may have heard that the sun never sets in Norway during the summertime. While this does not apply to all of Norway, it is true for the region north of the Arctic Circle, which constitutes a major part of the country. While these areas get sunlight throughout the day during the summers, the rest of the country gets around twenty hours of daylight.
On the other hand, you may experience perpetual darkness during the winters, particularly in the northern part of the Arctic Circle. If you are not a native, it would indeed be a unique phenomenon to experience.
Final Thoughts
The whole of Norway is a goldmine of beautiful places that travelers may love to visit. With so many beautiful places to explore and unique experiences, a trip to Norway is bound to be a memorable one. While this article lists only five interesting facts about the country, Norway is full of amazing places and offers unique experiences that you may not find anywhere in the world. So, if you are planning to embark on an adventurous trip in the near future, add Norway to the top of your possible destinations.
