"Norge mitt Norge" Norway by jonkb

Norway Travel Guide: 13,506 reviews and 28,270 photos

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.

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.

The unions

The union flag (obsolete)

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Everything
Cons:Nothing exept the prices

Intro Updated Jul 4, 2006
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Reviews (48)

Signs with Moose Warnings Or Dangers (7)

Not that I think any VT'er would be so stupid, but please leave the roadsigns alone. Particulary warningsignes. There... more travel advice

Henrik Ibsen Favorites (12)

Whenever I go somewhere I try to read at least one book of a famous writer from the area. Comming to Norway that writer... more travel advice

Edvard Grieg Favorites (12)

Norways most prominent composer is without any doubt Edvard Grieg. He studied in Leipzig from the age of 15 among the... more travel advice

Midnight sun or completely darknes - Norway

Midnight sun or completely darknes Favorites (12)

Heard on a cruiseship: "Stewart: When does the midnight sun rise?" Norway has compulsory military training for all boys... more travel advice

Hotels (2)
See All Camping with tents
Restaurants (2)
See All Norwegian dishes
Off The Beaten Path (2)
See All Varder - piles of rock
Local Customs (13)
See All Where to buy alcohol

Transportation (7)
See All Long distance busses
Things to Do (2)
See All Hiking in the Mountains
What to Pack (1)
Packing for any kind of weather.
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Comments (18)

SORHUS Oct 24, 2011 at 11:33 AM Report Abuse

gratulerer med vel overstått bursdag :-)
nora_south_africa May 15, 2009 at 12:27 AM Report Abuse

very practical tips for budget travel, thank you very much
la_beba Aug 29, 2007 at 6:59 PM Report Abuse

Becca doesn't have a VT nick yet.... we are working on it ;o) I know she will come to the dark side soon, LOL
JessH May 2, 2006 at 11:55 PM Report Abuse

Hello Jon. I really enjoyed your homepage & your insightful tips on Norway! Great page & very informative. I hope to visit Norway again someday & explore it more :-) Jess
Tetreus Mar 10, 2006 at 2:26 AM Report Abuse

A very good Norway page...with lots of good tips !! We loved Norway ! Tetreus
keeweechic Dec 7, 2003 at 8:58 PM Report Abuse

Some great sound advice and very useful for visiting Norway. How interesting about the city bikes. Helpful packing advice and nice to know that tipping isn't expected.. but appreciated.
Porteplume Apr 28, 2003 at 10:54 AM Report Abuse

You forgot the ultimate Warning or Danger Tip: "Be AWARE that you can fall in love with beautiful Norway!..." . It happened to my husband & me! ;-))) . Amitiés - Viviane
bzh Mar 11, 2003 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

Nice page with all the right tips.
mabu Sep 25, 2002 at 2:03 PM Report Abuse

that map link is great! and on the perfect place!!!
floss1 May 14, 2002 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

Very good information