"Norge mitt Norge" a Norway Travel Page by jonkb

Send Photo to a Friend

Norway

Why Norway

Norway is the country of my birth, and the place I grew up. I went to school, high school and university here. I did my military service (compulsory) here, and I worked here before moving to Sweden.

Mind you the move wasn't because I liked Sweden better than Norway.

Send Photo to a Friend

History

I think history is one of the most interesting things about traveling, so indulge me for taking a quick introduction:

Norway was made a country by Harald Hårfagre in the late 800-s. Officially with the batle of Hafsfjord (Outside Stavanger).

We are generally christians. Christianed by King Olav the holy (Olav den hellige) in 1030. Officially at the battle of Stiklestad. Olav had then traveled throughout Norway and threatned people away from the old headen religion to christianity.

Ever since that there was an eternal struggle between the archbishop and the king over whom should rule, and over what.

The reformation ended that. The king used Luthers new thoughts to gather power. The Black death (plague) diminished Norway almost completely, and the reign of the danes began.

Send Photo to a Friend

The union flag (obsolete)

The unions

Denmark was on Napoleons side when he was defeated in the early 1800s. Sweden was on the allied side. Sweden wanted Norway as a prise for being on the winning side, but Norwegians elected representatives from all over the country and gathered them on Eidsvoll to make a constitution and proclaim independence. That was done the 17th of May 1814. That is why we today celebrate on the 17th of May. However: We weren't allowed to be independent for long. The Swedes attaced and took over some months after.

The union lasted till 1905, when the Norwegians wanted to be able to represent themselvs in forreign affairs. There were bearly another war before the Swedish king backed down,

Norway was occupied by Nazi Germany from April 9 1940 to May 8 1945, but apart from that has been independent since 1905.