Best of Norway – Unforgettable Places To Explore

Norway: A rugged and romantic place to spend memorable time together

Norway, standing as the western boundary of Scandinavia, is known for its striking natural beauty and fabled Viking history.  Colorful fishing ports, rugged mountain ranges and dramatic coastal fjords attract travelers looking for pristine environments to explore. If you venture to the northern part of the country you can experience 24 hours of daylight in summer, and with any luck, the northern lights in winter – a truly spectacular show.

Do something different this summer and head over to Europe’s most colorful and enticing travel destination. Here are some great places you must include on your itinerary.

The Norwegian Fjords

Many tourists visit Norway primarily to see the famous fjords, deep inlets where the sea runs up to meet rocky walls. Cruises wind their way along the coast, stopping to explore picturesque medieval towns. Two of the fjords are on the UNESCO World Heritage list because of their unique beauty, with towering cliffs, sparkling waterfalls plummeting into the sea, and quiet, isolated farms. The Hardangerfjord is one of the most popular, known for its apple and cherry trees. Along the way, you’ll see unique rock formations and lots of wildlife.

Vikingskipshuset – Let’s meet the Vikings!

This is where you can see the best preserved Viking ships in the world. These massive oak boats were built over a thousand years ago. They were brought ashore, and used as burial tombs for members of the nobility. Along with the royals, were buried everything they needed for the afterlife – their food, jewelry, carriages, furniture, tapestries, and even servants. Two of the ships are remarkably well preserved, and look menacing even today. In addition to the ships themselves, the Vikingskipshuset museum also has artifacts from the burials.

The Norwegian National Gallery – a trip to Norway’s historical past

The National Gallery (Nasjonalgalleriet) is a highlight in Oslo. This museum holds the largest collection of Norwegian art in the world, with artworks from centuries ago to modern times.  Some of the best known works of Edvard Munch are located here, including his famous painting “The Scream.” The gallery also has other European artists, with works by Renoir, Matisse, Monet, Cezanne, and more.

Heddal Stave Church

Norway has 28 remaining stave churches, and Heddal Stave Church is the largest and most beautiful of them all. Portions of the church date back as far as 1147 AD. The church is constructed with support pillars of Norwegian pine, topped by frightening faces. There are famous “rose paintings” from 1668, and the “Bishop’s Chair” made out of a wooden pillar. The church looks like something from a fairy tale, and is well worth a visit.

The Coastal Route

Some visitors to Norway head straight for the Arctic Highway, on their way to the land of the midnight sun. That is the fast way to do it, but they miss out on the incredible scenery of the coastal road. If you have a day or two to spend, the Coastal route (Kystriksveien) can be a wonderful drive.  You’ll find roads that are nearly empty, winding around the coastline.

There are about 14,000 islands off the coast, some which are tiny and uninhabited, and others that have had a community of inhabitants for centuries. People in isolated towns along the coast have lived off the sea, fishing when they could and enduring long harsh winters. It’s a gorgeous, off the beaten path destination you’ll absolutely adore.

Norway is the kind of travel destination you only get to see once in a lifetime. It’s a remarkable place with surreal landscapes and unbelievable attractions. The fjords and the aurora borealis made this country famous; however, if you want to feel like a local, go meet the people, find out more about their traditions, and taste their delicious food. The charismatic wildlife of Norway, its rugged landforms and abundant vegetation, make it the perfect spot for a proposal. Enjoy the romance, breathe the fresh air, and benefit from a memorable travel experience wondering through Europe’s most tantalizing territories.

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About The Author:  Shared By Edward Francis and BalticTravelCompany.com!
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