"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

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)

Comments (18)

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  • SORHUS's Profile Photo
    SORHUS Oct 24, 2011 at 11:33 AM Report Abuse

    gratulerer med vel overstått bursdag :-)

  • nora_south_africa's Profile Photo
    nora_south_africa May 15, 2009 at 12:27 AM Report Abuse

    very practical tips for budget travel, thank you very much

  • la_beba's Profile Photo
    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's Profile Photo
    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's Profile Photo
    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's Profile Photo
    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's Profile Photo
    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's Profile Photo
    bzh Mar 11, 2003 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

    Nice page with all the right tips.

  • mabu's Profile Photo
    mabu Sep 25, 2002 at 2:03 PM Report Abuse

    that map link is great! and on the perfect place!!!

  • floss1's Profile Photo
    floss1 May 14, 2002 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

    Very good information

jonkb Used To Live Here!

jonkb

“Festina lente - hurry slowly”

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