Norway is often associated with cold, snow and polar bears in the streets. In fact, although Norway is situated so far north in Europe, the summer temperatures often rise above 25 degrees Celsius. Although you can, strictly speaking, see polar bears wandering around on Norwegian territory, to do so you would have to travel to the island of Spitsbergen, which is located much further north than mainland Norway – close to the North Pole.
Other stories about Norway may be true, though: the Vikings, the warrior forebears of today’s Norwegians, plundered Europe in the 10th century and the treasures they brought back on their great ships are still being excavated by archaeologists today.
Famous Norwegians include the painter Edvard Munch and the writer Henrik Ibsen. Among the more well-known contemporary artists are the actress and director Liv Ullmann and the scientist and explorer Thor Heyerdahl.
Being one of the world’s leading seafaring nations, Norway is also associated with fish. There aren’t many places in the world where you can get as good a seafood dinner as you can in many Norwegian coastal towns. Winter sports is another area where Norwegians excel – after all, Norwegian children are said to be born with their skis on. The Norwegian people take great pride in the numerous Olympic medals that Norwegians have won for skiing.
But what Norway is best known for, and what people travel from all over the world to see, is the magnificent scenery. The waterfalls, mountains, fjords, glaciers and islands. And have you heard of trolls? Nature herself bred myths and fairytales about the trolls and other mythical creatures who lived in the lonely mountains and the wild forests of the country far to the north. Perhaps they are still there? There is only one way to find out.
By Innovation Norway