Nature, plants and animals of Norway. Norway Visas and Passports

• 9000 BC e. The first evidence of human presence in Norway.
• 4000 BC e. In the south of Norway there are agricultural settlements.
• End VIII- middle of the X century. Age of the Vikings.
• 872-930 King Harald the Fair-Haired begins the unification of Norway.
• 961 Hakon the Good, son of Harald Fairhair and the first Norwegian king to convert to Christianity, dies in battle.
• 1015-1028 Olaf II unites Norway and introduces Christianity in the country.
• 1030 Olaf dies at the Battle of Stiklestad. Subsequently, he becomes the patron saint of Norway under the name Olaf the Saint.
• 1070 Construction begins on the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
• XIII v. A short golden age of stability and prosperity.
• 1349-1351 The Black Death reduces the country's population by two-thirds.
• 1397-1536 Norway is part of the Kalmar Union with Sweden and Denmark.
• 1536-1814 Norway maintains union with Denmark.
• 1814-1905 After the Napoleonic Wars, Norway is united with Sweden.
• 1905 Norway gains full independence after a peaceful withdrawal from the union with Sweden.
• 1914 During World War I, Norway remained neutral.
• 1918 Norwegian women get the right to vote.
• 1940-1945 Germany occupies Norway during World War II.
• 1949 Norway is a member of NATO.
• 1968-1969 Discovery of oil fields in the North Sea. Oil production begins in 1971.
• 1972 Norway votes against joining the European Union.
• 1981 Gro Harlem Brundtland becomes the first woman to head a government formed by the Workers' Party.
• 1994 Norway votes against joining the European Union for the second time. Olympic Games in Lillehammer.
• 2008 Opening of the first Norwegian Opera House in Oslo.
• 2010 The Norwegian Nobel Committee is dissatisfied with China in connection with the award of the Peace Prize to Chinese political prisoner Liu Xiaobo.

Sports and recreation

Summer

Hiking and visiting glaciers. Most of all, Norwegians like to spend their leisure time “on their feet” (ga pa tur), that is, putting on a pair of shoes and stocking up on provisions, go for a whole day to wander among delightful places, whether it be mountains, fjords, forests or fields. There are countless trails here, a map of which can be obtained from local travel agencies. Some of the many Norwegian national parks (33 on land and 7 on the islands of Svalbard), such as Jotunheimen or Hardangervidda, are particularly good in this regard: most hiking trails are well equipped and marked with piles of stones or signs. Remember that the time for hiking is limited from May to October, and in the Far North it is even shorter. The weather here is changeable even in the height of summer, so do your research before you go. The Norwegian Travelers Association can provide you with more information, and they also run the hikes themselves (www.turistforeningen.no). A short summer is also suitable for traveling on glaciers.

Nygardsbre, the language of the Jostedalsbre glacier, offers the adventurous the opportunity to explore the glacier, accompanied by an experienced guide, on 2-5 hour excursions from mid-June to mid-September (www.jostedal.com). In addition, you can visit the Okstindan and Svartisen glaciers located above the Arctic Circle, for which you need to inquire at Rana Spesialsport (www.spesialsport.no).

A bike. Norwegian roads are relatively calm, so they are great for cycling in spring, summer and autumn. City streets began to be equipped with a bicycle path, and driving along country roads is rarely a concern. Bicycles can be easily rented, even in the countryside, where hotels often rent them out to their guests on an hourly or daily basis. In mountainous terrain, such a ride sometimes requires a lot of strength, and besides, it must be borne in mind that the distance is large, and along the way, especially in the Far North, one can rarely count on help. One of the most favorite routes runs along the “Miners' Road”, going from the railway station Houtastöl or Finse (Finse) to Flåm or Boss, with a length of up to 108 km. Also known is the North Sea cycling route, which is part of the longest cycling route in the world, passing through seven countries. For more information and maps contact Bike Norway (www.bike-norway.com).

Fishing. In a country where there is so much water, one should not be surprised at the craze for fishing. You can go fishing in the sea or on the river. The Lofoten Islands are the most convenient for such activities, and the original fishing culture here is the best preserved, as evidenced by the old rorbu fishing huts, where you can rent.

Fishing trips are organized in many places in Norway, which can be checked with local travel agencies or you can purchase a fishing license sold at www.inatur.no.

This activity is popular in many places. The Lofoten Islands with their impregnable mountains are considered the rock climbing center, and the mountaineering school is located in Henningsvær (www. nordnorskklatreskole.no). In addition, one can note Jotunheimen with peaks up to 2000 m, the ridge of the Vesteralen archipelago (Vesteralen) and the ridge of the Lyngen Alps. You can also climb on the ice (frozen waterfalls) in Ryukan. The Norwegian Travelers Association (Den Norske Turistforening, DNT) provides training for rock climbers (www.turistforeningen.no).

Rafting, sailing and canoeing. You can raft along numerous rivers and by sea among the fjords. Rafting on the Vestfjord between the Lofoten Islands and the mainland is possible only with favorable wind and current. Sailing is mostly spread in the south of the country and around the Oslo Fjord. Rowing can be done wherever there is water, but the western fjords are especially picturesque, while in the Far North the places are calmer, there are fewer pleasure boats and ferries. For more information, contact the Norwegian Canoe Association (www.padling.no).

Wildlife and bird watching. In many places in Norway it is possible to see animals such as reindeer and elk, and in the Dovrefjell National Park and the more exotic musk ox (www.moskussafari.no) and in the county of Finnmark king crab. A huge number of birds (473 species) nest inland and on the coast. To combine bird watching with a crab safari, contact the travel agency Arctic Tourist (www.arctictourist.no) in Finnmark county.

Midnight sun. The midnight sun can be seen in many parts of Northern Norway from May to August depending on the latitude of the location. It is best to admire them from a hill or from the sea.

in winter

Running and skiing. Cross-country skiing is Norway's favorite winter sport, with over 7,000 km of ski slopes built by the Norwegian Travelers Association alone. Such trails are found even within Oslo, and most counties lay their own trails, sometimes lit up in the evenings, so that people can ski after work. The Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovrefjell National Parks offer some of the best cross-country skiing in the country. In addition, skiing is possible in many places, from Geilo, Hemsedal and Trysil counties in the center of the country to Narvik in the north. The best time for skiing is February - April, but it is quite possible to ski from November to mid-May. Check the snow conditions at www.skiinfo.no.

Dog harnesses. In the north of the country, dog sledding trips are arranged, lasting from an hour to two to five days. You can either drive the team yourself, or sit tightly wrapped up, and leave all the work to the driver with dogs. For more information, please visit the information website www.visitnorway.com or the travel agency Nordland Adventures (www.nordlandturselskap.no).

Skates. With the advent of winter, outdoor skating rinks appear, including the one beloved by everyone in the center of Oslo, near the National Theatre. There are also natural skating rinks on frozen lakes, rivers and fjords, but check with the locals before heading there. On artificial skating rinks, skates are usually available for rent, and sometimes lessons can be taken as well.

Ice fishing (pimpling). For this kind of activity, a hole is drilled in the ice, through which the fish are then pulled out, getting a good catch even in winter. Bring waterproof gloves and a thermos of hot chocolate. Tour operator Competent Travels (www.competenttravels.no) from Tromsø offers three-day ice fishing safaris.

Northern Lights (Aurora borealis). This natural phenomenon is best observed in October, February and March between 18.00 and one in the morning. The brightest flashes are visible beyond the Arctic Circle, where there is less light pollution, but you can admire the northern lights further south. Going to watch such a spectacle, dress warmly.

shopping

Prices for consumer goods can be high, but about 3,000 shops across Norway are having a sale on tax-free items. Therefore, look for such stores with a sign about tax-free sale. VAT in Norway on many goods is 25%, and 12-19% can be claimed back by tourists from countries outside the European Union / European Economic Area.

Refunds can be made through Worldwide Money Back Network points at border checkpoints, airports, border ferries and cruise ships.

The quality of most goods is usually excellent, and the traditions of local crafts date back hundreds of years. Look for the salg sign in the windows, meaning a sale or an offer to sell at a better price.

Where to buy

The largest cities of the country Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim are equipped with magnificent shopping centers, but in small towns there are also interesting shops, especially those selling local handicrafts.

From major department stores like Glasmagasinet and House of Oslo to quirky fashion boutiques in up-and-coming Grunerlokka and the ultra-modern Majorstuen district, Oslo has everything to offer. Aker Brygge is another block with a shopping center where an old converted shipyard houses shops, restaurants and bars.

In Bergen, the area around Bryggen, the Strandkaien pier, Strandgaten and Torget Square is full of interesting shops with local handicrafts, furs and knitwear. There is also the famous Fish Market, where you can eat, buy fresh fish and seafood.

Stavanger is famous for its glass products, so here you can visit glass blowers' workshops and buy their products in specialized shops. Trondheim Torg shopping arcade has recently opened in Midtbyen, the center of Trondheim, next to the main square, with 75 shops, not counting cafes and restaurants, and old-fashioned shops can be found on Jomfrugaten street, where trade is predominantly done by women.

There are plenty of other places to shop in Norway as well. For example, in Tromso, many shops and shops are located in old wooden buildings; and in the Far North, Sami handicrafts (duodji) made of silver and reindeer skins or bones are widely represented.

What to buy

Here is only a small list of those things that are either found only in Norway, or are of excellent quality.

Products of local crafts. Traditional crafts in Norway have existed for hundreds of years, and the origins of modern craftsmen using local materials date back to ancient crafts. Knitwear - sweaters, scarves, gloves, mittens and hats - are known all over the world for their quality. Handicrafts made of wood, glass, silver and jewelry, deer skins and woven products are in great demand among visitors. In the Far North, as already mentioned, Sami handicrafts are sold.

Local food and drinks. Norway is also famous for its food, from smoked salmon and dried fish to vodka like Akvavitt (akvavitt), and Mack beer is brewed in the world's northernmost brewery in Tromsø. To resurrect memories of Norway, you can buy smoked venison or elk sausage and cloudberry jam to take home.

Cloth. Men's and women's clothing is often distinguished by a wonderful style, but only the price can scare away. Knitwear is usually heavy, but lighter items can be found. As a rule, there are more private shops here than chain stores, although in large cities products of well-known world manufacturers are widely represented. Norwegian fashion atelier Moods of Norway has made itself known in Japan and Beverly Hills (www.moodsofnorway.com) with its colorful designs.

Sport equipment. Norwegians are perhaps the most athletic people in the world, which is reflected in the local shops. Excellent all-weather and winter clothing is sold everywhere, including, along with skis and skates, complete ski equipment.

Entertainment

In a country as vast as Norway, with a population of five million, the quality and quantity of entertainment varies from one area to another, both in the city and in the countryside. Norway is famous for its musical and theatrical traditions, festivals are held here, especially in summer.

Tickets for cultural events can be pre-booked using the Norwegian branch of the American company Ticketmaster (tel: 81-53-31-33; www.billettservice.no). Sometimes travel agencies can help with this.

Music, opera and dance art

Classical music is heard everywhere in Norway, glorifying the name of the national composer Edvard Grieg. The Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra has a well-deserved reputation. He performs at his native city Concert Hall (Konserthus) from late August to early June (for tickets and repertoire, check www.oslofilharmonien.no). The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the Grieg Hallen (www.harmonien.no); there is also the Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra, created in 2009 and based in the city of Tromsø (www.noso.no).

Jazz is very popular in Norway, and if the classical music season lasts from autumn to spring, then jazz festivals and performances fall in the summer. There are over 30 jazz venues in the country, including those that are off the main roads. For more information, please visit www.jazz-clubs-worldwide.com. Recently, there has been a fascination with such a direction of heavy rock as black metal, and Norwegian performers of this music are very famous abroad.

Norwegian folk music has not lost its appeal, and after Alexander Rybak won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009, the halling folk dance and violin playing that sounded in the winning song gained even more popularity. The dance itself comes from the Hallingdal valley in Buskerud county.

In Oslo, right next to the harbour, a new Opera House has appeared, which opened its doors in 2008. The troupes of the national opera and ballet are located here (for performances, see www.operaen.no). This is the first opera house in the country with excellent acoustics, where foreign opera and ballet companies often perform, and in August a chamber music festival is held.

Theater and cinema

Norway can be proud of its theatrical tradition dating back to late 19th century dramas by Henrik Ibsen and Bjornstjerne Bjornson. National Theater in Oslo (www.nationaltheatret.no), Den Nationale Scene in Bergen (www.dns.no), Rogaland Teater in Stavanger (www.rogaland-teater.no) and Trendelag Teater in Trondheim ( www.trondelag-teater.no) are distinguished by an extensive repertoire, but where, of course, most of the performances are in Norwegian. In cinemas, films are almost always shown in their original language with Norwegian subtitles.

Night life

Cities like Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, with their bars and clubs often open after midnight all year round, have a vibrant nightlife. During the summer, neighborhoods like Aker Brygge in Oslo are full of people dining al fresco in the evenings. Bars usually close around 1:00 am and even later on weekends. Keep in mind that expensive liquor can make you spend a lot of money at night, but fortunately, some establishments have discounted drinking time after work or in the early evening.

In rural areas, nightlife is not so diverse, but even there, as a rule, there is at least one bar where you should look in order to communicate with the locals. Many county towns near the fjords come alive in the summer, and hotels often have bars open not only for guests, but for everyone. And the ski resorts have something to have fun in the winter at night. On the website of the Oslo Tourism Authority www.visitoslo.com you can find a practical guide "What"s on in Oslo".

Norway for kids

In Norway, children are especially carefully taken care of. In public transport, not only the entrance for baby carriages is provided, but also special seats in buses.

Most restaurants and cafes have high chairs and a children's menu. Often in hotels, campsites and other places of accommodation there are playgrounds, and sometimes even “paddling pools”. Cities and county centers are equipped with outdoor playgrounds, which are also available in many public places. When visiting attractions, in ski centers and on public transport for children, significant discounts are provided. In addition, most attractions sell family tickets.

Cities are not always the best place for kids, but Oslo does a lot to keep them entertained and occupied; for example, many museums provide live (interactive) communication with visitors (www.visitoslo.com). Just 20 km from Oslo is the TusenFryd amusement park (late April - early October, opening hours vary; admission fee) with numerous attractions, including the first 5D attraction in Europe and a water park. 15 km north of Lillehammer, the Hunderfossen family park (www.hunderfossen.no; opening hours varies; admission fee) has 50 attractions, including a troll park, a cable car ride, rafing and a full-size fairytale palace.

In winter it turns into a winter park. In Telemark, located 80 km west of Oslo, there is the largest water park in Scandinavia, Vo Sommarland (www.sommarland.no; June - August; entrance fee) with 20 different ponds and water slides. In addition, clowns perform here, there is a Tarzan trail, rowing, and the only Master Blaster water roller coaster in Europe. The zoo in Kristiansand, just outside the city, is open year-round and has five parks, including a nursery and a northern wilderness experience, with animals from all over the world. Pirate ships and playgrounds have also been built here (www.dyreparken.no).

The Rockheim National Interactive Experimental Center in Trondheim (www.rockheim.to; Tue-Sun 11am-6pm; admission fee), opened in 2010, is dedicated to Norwegian rock and pop music. You can send your restless teenagers here after dinner.

The country has created all the conditions for children to play sports, so almost everywhere you can rent sports equipment like skis and skates, even for toddlers just starting to walk. Norwegian children start skiing and skating from a very early age and accompany their parents on hikes. There are always good coaches for children of any age.

Festivals and holidays

• January. Northern Lights Festival (Tromso).
• February. Opera Festival (Kristiansund).
• March. Ski festival in Holmenkollen (Oslo). Winter Festival (Narvik) includes sports competitions, concerts and a carnival. Birkebeiner Ski Race (lit.: birch-footed, bark-footed) (Rena - Lillehammer), a 53-kilometer ski marathon, where up to 12 thousand skiers participate.
• April. Amateur Jazz Festival (Voss), three days of jazz and folk music.
• May. International Music Festival (Bergen), one of the largest musical events in Scandinavia.
• June. North Cape Procession (Honningsvåg), a 68-kilometer march from Honningsvåg to the North Cape. Emigrant Festival (Stavanger and Kvinesdal) in memory of the Norwegians who moved to North America. Midsummer (everywhere), the summer solstice is celebrated. White Nights Marathon (Tromsø), starting in the north of Norway with the onset of white nights.
• July. International Jazz Festival (Kongsberg), open-air concerts and performances by foreign jazzmen. Games at the stadium "Bishlet" ("Bislett") in Oslo, international competitions in athletics. International Jazz Festival (Molde), Norway's oldest jazz festival lasting over six days. Day 29 July (olsok) (Trondheim), commemoration day of King Olaf the Saint; and Oi food feast! (Trondheim). Culinary festival Gladmat (Stavanger), "holiday of gluttony".
• August. International Folk Music Festival in Telemark, a celebration of folk music and folk dance. Feast of Peer Gynt in the town of Vinstra (Vinstra), celebrations in honor of the hero of the drama of the same name by Ibsen. Jazz Festival (Oslo), has been held since 1986. The Chamber Music Festival (Oslo), chamber music is played in Akershus Castle and Fortress.
• September. Marathon in Oslo.
• December. Christmas markets (Oslo and elsewhere). With the advent of Advent (in early December), unusual Christmas gifts, handicrafts and sweets are sold at fairs in many parts of the country on weekends. Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony (Oslo), held at City Hall every year on December 10

Public holidays

• 1st of January. New Year
• March, April. Good Thursday
• March, April. Good Friday
• March, April. Bright Monday
• 1st of May. Labor Day
• May 17th. Constitution day
• May June. Ascension
• End of May/beginning of June. Spirits Monday
• December 25th. Christmas
• December 26th. Boxing Day

Norwegian cuisine

Norwegian cuisine, which prefers fresh local products, has recently found its face, and local fish and seafood, from cod to arctic crabs and smoked salmon, are famous all over the world. Desperate meat lovers have something to try here: for example, venison and elk dishes are increasingly appearing on the menus of the best restaurants. A new generation of chefs is rediscovering local dishes, sometimes sticking strictly to traditional cuisine, sometimes bringing in the flair of international cuisine.

Village food in Norway was usually prepared from what the local land gave at one time or another of the year. Many of the dishes that are still loved today date back to the old way of peasant or fishing life, so that on the coast, fish predominates in food, and game in the depths of the country.

The relief of the country, including the coast, farmlands, forests and mountains, testifies to the different food preferences of the Norwegians. Pickling, curing, smoking, salting, and pickling predated the advent of freezing, preservation, and modern food processing, and were used to store food through the long winter. Some meat and fish dishes have a strong flavor that takes some getting used to, but at its core, Norwegian cuisine is fresh, healthy and tasty, and the portions are quite generous.

But all of the above does not mean that you will find only Norwegian food here. Cuisine in Norway is becoming more and more international. Pizza, pasta and hamburgers are becoming just as commonplace as are lefse, Norwegian pancakes usually made from potatoes, and sursild, pickled herring with onions.

The cuisine of such countries as Italy, China, Thailand and India is widely represented, at least in large cities. In addition, in recent years, food festivals have begun to take place in the summer, where both Norwegian and international cuisine are presented. The food culture in Norway varies by region, and the table of an Oslo resident can differ significantly from what is eaten, for example, in Bergen or Tromsø, but local products are preferred wherever possible. As a rule, in rural areas, excellent restaurants can be found in hotels where they feed not only guests.

food festivals

Norwegians treat food very responsibly, so over the past decade food festivals have appeared in the country, a kind of celebration of gluttony. Norsk Matglede in Geilo, Gladmat in Stavanger, Norwegian Gluttony Feast in Ålesund and Oi! Trendersk Matfesival in Trondheim are just some of the festivities in a string of celebrations in honor of the local food. Their program is varied: from food tasting to cooking lessons, classes with chefs and special treats from local restaurateurs. Here, for the most part, strictly adhere to the traditions of Norwegian cuisine, standing at the origins of modern national cuisine, but the Gladmat food festival, held every summer on the banks of the picturesque harbor of Stavanger, tries to instill in it an international spirit. In Geilo, on the contrary, preference is given to small producers and natural products. Holidays often take place at the height of summer, when the stalls are taken outside, so you can enjoy your meal outdoors, admiring the beauties of Norwegian nature.

Where there is

In Norway, they try to eat relatively early. Although most Norwegians work outside the home, they eat dinner surprisingly early, apparently from the habit of the old days. It is unusual to see restaurants serving dinner from 5 pm, and in small towns it can be difficult to eat after 9 or 10 pm, when almost all the bars are closed.

What is

Most hotels serve an international breakfast, while for Norwegians, breakfast can be hearty and consist of one cup of coffee, always black. A working Norwegian can't do without a "dry ration" (matpakke) taken with him, even now, when eating out or buying a sandwich is in everyday life.

As you might expect, Norwegians eat more fish than many other countries, and fish has been a staple of their diet for centuries. But mollusks entered their diet later.

More than 200 species of fish and shellfish are found in Norwegian waters, some are caught in the sea, others are grown. Norway is one of the world's largest suppliers of seafood, selling about 3 million tons of its catch abroad. Most often on the menu and on the market you can see cod, salmon, trout, herring, arctic char, pollock, anglerfish, mackerel and red salmon. But even such a variety is not enough, so we are also offered sea flounder, sea trotter, silver pollack, mole (sea pike), sea burbot, whiting, haddock, catfish, halibut and river flounder - and these are just the most common species.

As soon as fish is not cooked, but Norwegian cuisine is rather stingy with spices and seasonings: most often salt, pepper and a few herbs like dill and mustard seed are used. Boiling, stewing, poaching, smoking and salting are the favorite types of cooking fish, often served with one boiled new potato and a piece of butter. Perhaps the most famous Norwegian dish is gravlaks (gravlaks, literally "buried salmon"), salmon fillet salted with sugar.

Fish stew, usually milk-based, especially loved on the coast of the country, is made from a variety of fish and shellfish with the addition of vegetables and potatoes. Herring, salted with all sorts of additives, from mustard and onions to tomatoes and herbs, is another truly adored dish here. The taste of fermented trout (rakfisk), along with dried fish soaked in an alkaline solution (lutefisk), moth or cod, takes some getting used to. They are usually eaten at Christmas, although the smell inherent in them may seem fetid to many. Dried fish (torrfi.sk) is incredibly popular here as a light snack. It is eaten both dried and boiled.

On the coast, especially the north, there may be such a dish as whale meat. Norwegians do not consider it shameful to eat it, and whaling in the north has been going on for more than one century. Whale meat roasts, whale burgers, and the like are available in many restaurants, though less frequently now that whale quotas have been cut.

Shellfish, which have only become a staple food since the second half of the 20th century, have gained immense popularity here, so that Norwegians now consume seafood in large quantities, including arctic shrimp, lobster, oysters, mussels, scallops and crabs. Especially good is the huge king crab caught near the North Cape. Crab feasts (krabbelag) are held in the summer, when crabs are eaten with plain bread, butter, and possibly a circle of lemon.

However, in Norway they are not limited to one fish and seafood. There are many meat dishes, and dairy products have always been adored. As for gluttons, there is something to offer desperate tasters. In the north, venison dishes, and also elk, including “buried elk” (gravet elg), elk salted with sugar, as is the case with the already mentioned salmon. In addition, pork, beef, chicken, lamb and mutton are widely used. Favorite meatballs (kjottekaker), often with sour lingonberry sauce or spices. Braised lamb with cabbage (farikal, “mutton with cabbage”), a warming dish in winter, is served with potatoes.

It is not uncommon for stalls or counters to sell all sorts of sausages as a light snack, including venison and elk salami, or simple hot sausages (varme pelser). Many restaurants offer dishes from seasonal gifts of nature: for sweets, gravies or marinades in summer and early autumn, fresh berries are used, a little later they are replaced by a variety of mushroom dishes, in autumn it's time for magnificent game, and in winter - hearty stews, soups and casseroles .

Vegetables on the local table, unfortunately, are not so generous, so vegetarians will have to dodge in search of something suitable, but this situation is beginning to change, at least in big cities.

Bread goes with many dishes, and it is represented by various cereals. Sandwiches here are usually open: all kinds of cuts are piled on a slice of bread.

Desserts consist mainly of fresh berries with sour cream or cream, and waffles served with melted cream and jam from all kinds of berries, most often strawberries, cloudberries, raspberries and blueberries, can be considered a Norwegian innovation.

What drink

Norwegians simply adore coffee, ranking first in the world in terms of the consumption of this drink (about 160 liters per person per year). Neither a short break, nor a friendly or family meeting can do without coffee, and any pastime is not conceivable without a large cup of coffee.

Coffee with spirits (karsk), a drink originating in Trønnelag, even appeared here. Usually vodka or moonshine is added to coffee.

In recent years, tea has become widespread, so that now there is a rich selection of tea in shops, hotels and restaurants. Non-alcoholic drinks and fruit juices of local and foreign producers are widely represented. In addition, in rural areas, many still prefer to drink a large mug of milk with dinner.

Norway is well known for its tough attitude to alcohol, but the Norwegians themselves love to drink. The country has introduced a state monopoly on the production and sale of wine (Vinmonopolet), and although the prices for alcohol in stores can be quite high, they are quite acceptable compared to prices in bars and restaurants.

Beer has been drunk in Norway for a long time, there are many breweries here, for example, Ringnes in Oslo, Nasha in Bergen, NE in Kristiansand and the northernmost Mack brewery in the world in Tromsø. In addition, strong alcoholic drinks like Akavitt and vodka are produced in Norway. Vikingfjord is a brand of Norwegian vodka. Well-known brands of Norwegian aquavit are Gammel Opland, Lime and Gilde, and aquavit is drunk mostly at Christmas. During the rest of the year, foreign varieties of alcohol are preferred. Wine is gaining popularity, which, however, is not cheap. Indeed, if you order wine for dinner, the bill will more than double.

Quite widely, especially in rural areas, moonshine (hjemmebrent), which is usually driven from potatoes, is widespread.

Accommodation

The standard of hotels in Norway is generally high. Prices can also be quite high as many hotels cater to business travelers. In summer or on weekends, there are significant discounts, when hotels offer special conditions to attract guests. In recent years, international hotel chains have begun to buy up smaller, family-run hotel businesses. Such moves do not appear to have led to a reduction in service levels, but to some extent contributed to increased competition and knock down prices. Please note that the main tourist season in Norway is very short, so not all rental conditions are valid all year round, although the situation is changing.

In addition to hotels, there are other accommodation options, in particular in the countryside there are boarding houses and rooms with accommodation and breakfast, accommodation in a farmstead, youth hostel, camping and, most of all, a separate house, the so-called hut, hytte (hytte ). Hotel associations such as the Historic Hotels and Restaurants of Norway (De Historiske; www.dehistoriske.com) have a number of idiosyncratic hotels throughout the country. On the coast, for example in the Lofoten Islands, you can stay in an old rorbu fishing hut or even in a lighthouse building. Norway's most extensive hotel pass, the Fjord Pass, provides discounts at 170 locations across the country (www.fiordtours.com). The Norwegian Tourism Authority will tell you where to stay, and you can book a hotel room online at www.visitnorway.com.

Camping

There are about a thousand campsites in Norway, ranging from one to five stars. Most campsites are open only in June-August, and only a few operate longer, including year-round for caravans. In addition, many places are equipped with cabins that can be rented for a week in the summer. The cost of a place is 80-150 CZK per day, with an additional charge for electricity. The Norwegian and Scandinavian Camping Card can be purchased at all associated locations, which entitles their holders to receive discounts, fast check-in and many other benefits.

The same benefits apply to the international camping card. Useful information can be found at www.camping.no and www.norwayd.irect.com. Under the Norwegian law on the right of access to public places, you can pitch a tent or sleep outdoors anywhere on open, unfenced land in the countryside for up to 48 hours, provided you are at least 150 meters from the nearest house. For longer stays, you will need permission from the owner of the land. In addition, please note that you cannot make a fire near the forest from April 15 to September 15.

Airports

Norway's main airports are Gardermoen in Oslo, Flesland in Bergen, Sola in Stavanger and Vaernes in Trondheim. In addition, Oslo is served by Sandefjord Airport in the town of Torp near the Sanefjord. Due to the distances and local terrain, it is not bad to travel around the country by plane, given the developed network of local airlines. Norway has 16 major airports, including international flights, and 29 domestic airports. Taxis at major airports are not cheap. Oslo Airport Gardenmoen is located 50 km from the center of the capital, and here international and domestic flights are served by one terminal, where there are many eateries, duty-free shops, there is a tourist information office and a car rental service. The fastest way to get to the center of Oslo in 19 minutes is by the Flytoget express train, which departs six times an hour to the Central Station. In addition, suburban trains of the Norwegian State Railways run regularly, and there is an intercity bus and taxi stand in front of the airport (www.oslo.no). Ryanair and other low-cost airlines fly to Torp Airport near the Sanefjord, 110 km from Oslo. Buses are served by the arrival of aircraft, and the journey takes 2-2.5 hours. In addition, trains and a shuttle bus (www.torp.no) run to Sanefjord. Bergen Flesland Airport is located 20 km from the city and is equipped with everything you need. Frequent bus services link the bus station and the Radisson hotels with the airport, and the journey takes about half an hour (www.bergen-guide.com).

Stavanger Sola Airport lies 15 km from the city center and is equipped, in addition to the conference center, with everything you need. A regular bus gets to the city in 20-30 minutes, taxis also go (t: 67-03-10-00, www.avinor.no).

Trondheim Vaernes Airport is located 35 km north of the city center and has shops and restaurants, a hotel, a lounge and currency exchange offices. You can get here by train, express bus, regular bus or taxi. The journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes (tel.: 67-03-25-00, www.avinor.no).

Travel budget

In cities and rural areas, prices for services are different in the high season and in the off season. Below are only approximate prices. As a rule, it is more expensive to live in cities than in the outback (with a few exceptions, like the well-known fjords).

Car rental. Prices fluctuate a lot. A weekly rental will cost from 2800 kroons for a small car to 3700 kroons for a large car. Many companies install a child seat for an additional price.

Hotels. Housing, depending on the cost of daily living, can be conditionally divided into cheap, affordable and expensive (for two, including breakfast): 1100 kroons, 1100-1800 kroons and over 1800 kroons. Prices can be significantly less than 1100 kroons, and much more than 1800 kroons. There are many special offers with discounts, Sunday rates and packages for tourists.

Food and drinks. Breakfast in a cafe or restaurant costs 50-80 kroons; lunch 60-120 kroons; dinner in an average restaurant without drinks 200-250 CZK per person; coffee or soft drink 20-30 CZK; a bottle of wine from 150 CZK; strong alcohol (400 ml) 80 CZK. Breakfasts and lunches at the hotel are profitable, and the first ones are especially satisfying, while most restaurants serve one regular dish for lunch.

Museums. 30-80 crowns. Children usually get a half discount.

Fuel. 12.20 kroons per liter of petrol and 11.20 kroons per liter of diesel fuel. Most gas stations are equipped with automatic pumps that accept banknotes and credit cards. Public transport. Traveling in Norway is expensive, but the buses and trains are comfortable. The average cost of a train ticket from Oslo to Bergen is 600 kroons.

Taxi is expensive. The road from Gardermoen airport to the center of Oslo will cost 610-720 crowns, depending on the time of day.

Tourist card. The Oslo Pass and Bergen Card give you free entry to many attractions, free public transport, and many more benefits. For more information, please visit www.visitoslo.com and www.visitbergen.com. On the site www. visitnorway.com contains information about all passes and tourist cards.

Bike rental

Bicycles can be easily rented from a rental shop or local travel agency, guesthouse and hotel. Roads are usually not crowded, and bike paths are laid out in large cities. Please note that driving in mountainous areas can be difficult. There are few cities and villages, the distances between them are large, especially in the Far North, and the weather is changeable. Prices vary and depend on the quality of the bike and the terrain, around 60-350 CZK per day. Travel agencies usually have good maps and information about cycling routes. Two routes are especially picturesque, around the North Sea and the Miners' Road. For more information, please visit www.bike-norway.com.

Car rental

All major car rental companies are present in Norway, including Avis, Eurocar and Hertz, as well as competitively priced local Norwegian car rental companies. In most cities, you can find car rental companies, or rent them directly at the airport by making a reservation or upon arrival. Prices are usually lower the longer you rent a car, and there are special discounts in the summer and on weekends. As a rule, a car can be rented in one place and left in another. When renting a car, you must have a driver's license from your country of residence valid for at least one year. If you are not an EU citizen, you must have an international driver's license with you. Cars are rented to people over 19, but if you're under 25, you'll have to pay a young driver's tax of about 100 crowns per day. Insurance is a must, so make sure it's included in your car rental.

Climate

The Gulf Stream contributes to the establishment of a milder climate in Norway than it should be for such latitudes, so that the temperature in summer sometimes rises to 25-30 ° C. The temperature varies significantly in winter and summer, in the north and south, on the coast and inland, at sea level and on mountain peaks. The weather is also changeable, so that in many places it is a joke that "all the seasons fit in one day." From late June to mid-August, the days are sunny, and the air temperature is about 25°C, and the water is 15-18°C, except in the Far North. In the Arctic regions at this time you can observe the midnight sun. Spring and autumn are colder and damper. In autumn, in these latitudes, you can already see the northern lights (aurora borealis), especially in October, February and March. In winter, a significant part of Norway, with the exception of the coast, is covered with snow, and the temperature inland can drop to -40 ° C. On the coast at any time of the year it can rain, and even in summer the temperature here sometimes drops to 10 ° C, especially in the evenings.

Cloth

Because the weather can be changeable during the day, it's a good idea to wear something over the top to protect yourself from the vagaries of the weather. Even on a sunny day, try to take an umbrella and a raincoat along with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sunhat. Norwegians are not prudish, so wear shorts and a T-shirt when sightseeing on a warm day. In the evening or when going on a boat trip, be sure to take a sweater with you. Sturdy shoes are important not only for hiking and outdoor activities, but also for walking on the cobbled sidewalks of many cities. In winter, warm clothes, boots, a scarf, gloves and a hat are needed.

Crime and security

Norway is a relatively safe country, with a low crime rate, especially in terms of serious crimes, so visitors rarely encounter crime. Rural areas are dominated by night theft or petty theft. Take the same precautions you would at home, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport, and don't walk alone at night in unlit places in big cities.

Car driving

Roads are generally calm, except in the big cities (but even there traffic jams are rare) and well maintained. In winter, winter tires are required (the timing of their installation varies depending on the location). Some roads in the Far North are closed in winter. In the spring, when the ground thaws, it becomes dangerous to drive on certain sections of the road. In mountainous areas, there are long tunnels, including the longest in the world, 24.5 km long.

Speed ​​limit. Normally the speed limit is 80 km/h. In residential areas, it does not exceed 30 km/h; in densely built-up areas - 50 km / h; on a two-way road and on motorways - 90 or 100 km/h. Vehicles with trailers and trailers must not travel faster than 80 km/h, even on a faster highway.

Documentation. You must have a driver's license from your country of residence valid for at least one year, or if you are not a citizen of a country that is part of the European Union/European Economic Area, an international driver's license.

Traffic Laws. Drive on the right side, go around on the left and give way to vehicles moving on the right unless otherwise indicated. Seat belts are required in both the front and rear seats. The attitude towards drunk driving in the country is irreconcilable, therefore, selective checks of drivers are often arranged on the roads. The permissible level of alcohol in the body should not exceed 0.2 mg per liter of blood, so it is better to refrain from drinking alcohol while driving, otherwise the specified limit may be exceeded and, as a result, a large fine and even deprivation of rights are inevitable.

Accidents and breakdowns. In the event of an accident or breakdown, you must put up a warning triangle and wear a yellow fluorescent jacket. Emergency services: Norges Automobil-Forbund NAF, tel.: 0810-00-505, Falken, tel.: 02222 (toll-free) or Viking, tel.: 06000 (toll-free).

Electricity

Mains voltage 220 V/50 Hz, European-style two-pin plug. Just in case, bring an adapter with you.

Embassy and consulates

Embassy of Russia in Norway. Norge, 0244 Oslo, Drammensveien, 74 Tel.: (8-10-47) 22-55-32-78. Fax: (8-10-47) 22-55-00-70. Email: [email protected]

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Kirkenes. Norge, 9900 Kirkenes, Postbox 98, Radhusplassen. Tel.: (8-10-47) 78-99-37-37, 78-99-37-38. Fax: (8-10-47) 78-99-37-42. Email: [email protected]

Consulate of the Russian Federation in Barentsburg (Svalbard). Norge, Svalbard, Barentsburg, Den Russiske Foderasjons Konsulat. Tel.: (8-10-47) 79-02-17-85. Fax: (8-10-47) 79-02-17-85. Email: [email protected]

emergency services

For the police, call 112, for an ambulance - 113, for the fire department - 110. For non-urgent matters, call the police at tel.: 02800.

Information for gays and lesbians

Legislation and, as a rule, the inhabitants of Norway treat representatives of sexual minorities quite tolerantly. Most of these types of travelers do not experience any inconvenience, but it must be remembered that Norway is a sparsely populated country, so there are not many places for them outside of large cities, although there are very few special bars or clubs there. A tolerant attitude towards supporters of same-sex love can not always be found in the rural outback, although you rarely encounter obvious intolerance. More information can be obtained from the Norwegian Union of Sexual Minorities, LLH: Valkyriegaten 15A 5th floor, N-0366 Oslo, Tel: 023-10-39-39, www.llh.no. They also have a section on the website www.visitoslo.com/en/gay-oslo.

Arrival

By plane. Many international carriers, including SAS, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Norwegian, KLM, Lufthansa and Thai Airways, fly to Norway either directly or with a connection. Local flights are operated by SAS, Norwegian and Wideroe.

By sea. There is a ferry service between Norway and Denmark operated by Color Line (www.colorline.com), DFDS Seaways (www.dfdsseaways.co.uk), Fjordline (www.jjordline.com) and Stena Line ” (www. stenaline.co.uk), and in addition, there are Color Line ferries from Oslo to German Kiel and from Swedish Strömstad to Sannefjord. In Norway, numerous ferries and ships ply along the coast: the most famous is the Hurtigruten steamship line between Bergen and Kirkenes in the Far North (www. hurtigruten.co.uk or www.hurtigruten.com).

By train. One of the options for arriving in the country, traveling through it and leaving it is associated with the purchase of a railway ticket like Interrail (for Europeans) or Eurail (for the rest). It can be booked prior to departure from your country via the Internet using the services of the Eurail Group (www.interrailnet.com) or by contacting European Rail at 020-7619-1083 or at www.europeanrail.com (regular rail tickets within Europe).

Guides and excursions

English is widely spoken in Norway, so it is easy to find English-speaking guides and English-speaking excursions here. Many bus, boat and museum tours are available in several languages: Norwegian, English, German, French and increasingly in Russian, Chinese and Japanese. Travel agencies can book tours and guides and provide multilingual booklets of available tours. Some of the more popular tours, such as "Norway in a Nutshell", are run by Nutshell Tours and Fjord Tours (www.norwaynutshell.com and www.fjordtours.com). A useful list of travel agencies can be found at www.visitnorway.com.

Health and medical care

Norway is part of the European Economic Area, so that visitors from countries in this area are provided with the same medical care as Norwegians. Citizens of countries belonging to the European Union / European Economic Area must have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), issued via the Internet at www.ehic.org.uk; it is issued free of charge for five years. It is highly recommended to get travel insurance. Make sure it covers winter or extreme sports as well, if you're going to join them. No vaccinations are required to travel to Norway, and tap water is perfectly safe.

Oslo has a 24-hour pharmacy (apotek): Jernbanetorvet Pharmacy, Jernbanetorget 4B, N-0154 Oslo, tel.: 23-35-81-00.

Language

Norway has two official written languages ​​- Bokmål (bokmal, "written language") and Nynorsk (nynorsk, "new Norwegian"). Approximately 86% of the population uses Bokmål. In addition, in Norway, more than 20 thousand people speak the Sami languages, which are part of the Finno-Ugric language branch and are not related to the Norwegian language. English is widely spoken and taught at school from an early age.

Knowledge of some commonly used expressions in Norwegian, although not required, will be appreciated. Pronunciation can be a stumbling block, and in addition, the Norwegian alphabet has three additional letters for vowels, located at the end of the alphabet: æ, ø and å. Å is pronounced like “o”, æ like “e”, and ø like “ё”, and at the beginning of the word like “e”.

Cards

Most local travel agencies have excellent maps of their region.

Mass media

Radio and television. There are two leading television companies in the country - the state-owned NRK with four channels and TV2, also with four channels. All programs are in the original language with subtitles. Public radio is also dominated by NRK with three channels operating in the FM radio frequency band and with digital broadcasting.

Newspapers and magazines. According to the international non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders, Norway ranks first in the world in terms of freedom of the press. The leading daily newspapers are Aftenposten, Dagbladet and Dagsavisen, but there are many more local newspapers and magazines. The Norway Post (www.norwaypost.no), which publishes news from Norway, is published in English.

Money

Currency. The monetary unit of Norway is the Norwegian krone (krone; denoted by kg or NOK). 1 crown is equal to 100 era (ore). In circulation there are coins in denominations of 50 öre, 1, 5, 10, 20 crowns and denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 crowns.

Exchange offices. Money can be exchanged at the airport and Oslo Central Station, as well as at many commercial and savings banks, some post offices, Forex offices and some hotels. The exchange is carried out mainly through Forex branches (as a rule, it is open Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00, Sat 9.00-17.00).

Credit and debit cards. Most well-known credit cards are accepted even in small establishments, which eliminates the need to carry large amounts of cash with you. ATMs are everywhere, and they are easy to use, and in all cities there will definitely be at least one such machine, but in the outback it is better to have some cash with you.

If you lose your credit card, call: American Express, tel.: 0800-68-100. Diners Club, tel.: 021-01-50-00. Mastercard, tel.: 0800-30-250. VISA, tel.: 0815-00-500.

Traveler's checks. Traveler's checks are gradually falling into disuse, but they can still be exchanged at a bank, Forex and other exchange offices. In banks, the exchange rate is usually more favorable.

Opening hours

The shops. Most shops are open Mon-Fri 10.00-17.00 or until 18.00, Sat 9.00-14.00. Shops in large cities and large shopping centers or supermarkets are open longer, until 20.00 or 21.00, and also on Sun. Some shops still close for lunch, especially in rural areas, and private shops usually close for two weeks or more in July or August.

Banks. Banks are open Mon-Fri 9.00-15.30, until 17.00 Thu. In summer (mid-May - mid-August) banks close at 2.30 pm every day, but exchange offices are open longer.

Police

Most police stations are open weekdays and have a duty officer to whom people can report a crime or other incident. The police phone is 112, the call is free even from a payphone.

mail

Norwegian post boxes for both domestic and international mail are of the same color, red. Most post offices are open Mon-Fri 8.00-17.00 and Sat 9.00-15.00, closed Sun.

Public transport

In Norway, public transport connects many parts of the country, but remote rural areas or places in the Far North have to be reached by car or boat.

Aircraft. One of the best means of transportation around the country is air transport. There are about 50 airports in Norway, from where planes fly even to the smallest counties. The main domestic air carriers are SAS (www.flysas.com), Norwegian (www.norwegian.com) and Wideroe (www.wideroe.no).

The Norwegian State Railways, NSB, stretches for 3,000 km all the way to Bodø. Some of the tracks pass through amazing scenic spots, especially the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, the non-electrified Rauma Line from Dombas to Andalsnes, and the Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm. For tickets, please visit www.nsb.no.

There are a number of bus carriers operating in Norway, the largest being Nor-Way Bussekspress with 40 routes (www.nor-way.no). Tickets can be bought online or at the bus station. If there is free space, you can carry a bicycle and skis with your luggage. The schedule of many buses is coordinated with the schedule of ferries or other bus routes intersecting with them.

Ferries/ships. A huge number of ferry and ship carriers serve the Norwegian coast. In many cases, these are steamship lines or car ferries linking the fjords and numerous islands to the mainland. It is often faster to cross the fjord by ferry than by the nearest bridge, which still needs to be reached, and many roads are connected by ferry crossings. Leading carriers are Hurtigruten, Fjordl, Tide, Fjordline, Kolumbus, Rodne Fjordcruise and Senja Ferries.

Religion

Approximately 80% of the country's population are Protestants belonging to the Lutheran Church. Such a figure is somewhat misleading, since a person is ranked as a church immediately after baptism, but in reality Norway appears as one of the most secular states in Europe, where residents attend church once or twice a year. About 10% of the population do not profess any religion, and the rest belong to one or another religion, from shamanism among the Sami to the Bahai religion.

Phones

Pay phones accept coins, telephone or credit cards and are easy to find in major cities. Phone cards are sold at newsstands, 7-Eleven chain stores, and similar stores. In the outback, including the Far North, pay phones are harder to find. Therefore, it is better to take a mobile phone with you or, in case of a long stay in the country, buy a Norwegian SIM card, bearing in mind the high roaming rates and the impossibility of receiving a return call.

Difference in time

Time in Norway is two hours behind Moscow time. When it's noon in Moscow, it's ten in the morning in Norway. Norway switches to summer time at the end of March and winter time at the end of October.

Tips

It is customary to round the bill in a restaurant or bar to the nearest 5 or 10 crowns, but it is rarely offended if this is not done. In case of good service in a restaurant or bar, you can leave a tip in the amount of 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers sometimes get slightly bigger tips, while, for example, they are not accepted in a hairdresser's.

toilets

Cities have many clean and tidy public toilets; in most cases, payment is made through a machine, the average cost is 5 kroons. In the countryside, toilets are not easy to find, but you can use, and often free of charge, restrooms at service stations, near the main square, or at travel agencies. Along the highways there are roadside parking lots with toilets, but in the outback and on country roads, latrines, of course, are not provided.

Information for tourists

The Norwegian Tourism Authority has 17 main tourist information offices in the country, and in addition there are many local tourist information offices, although some of them are only open during the summer. All bureaus display the International Tourism Sign (a white "i" on a green background). Employees are knowledgeable everywhere, often speak several languages, so they can tell about their region and book accommodation and excursions.

• Central Station Tourist Information Office, Trafikanten Service Centre, Jernbanetorget 1, N-0154 Oslo (Mon-Fri 9.00-16.00), tel.: 81-53-05-55, www.visitoslo.com.
• The Norwegian Information Office, Fridtjof Nansens Plass 5, N-0160 Oslo, Tel: 24-14-77-00, www.visitnorway.com, has information about Oslo and other parts of Norway.
• Bergen, Vagsallmenningen 1, N-5003 Bergen, tel.: 55-55-20-00, www.visitbergen.com.
• Stavanger, Domkirkeplassen 3, N-4006 Stavanger, men.: 51-85-92-00, www.regionstavanger.com.

Visas and passports

To travel to Norway, residents of EU countries need only have a valid passport with them. Arrivals from Canada, Australia, USA and New Zealand do not need a tourist visa if they spend no more than 90 days in Norway.

Citizens of other countries should make inquiries at the Norwegian embassy of their country. A tourist visa is usually issued for three months.

Norway is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of Russia and the CIS countries need a visa and a passport to visit Norway.

• “Ga pa tur”, which means “to take a walk”, is one of the features of a purely Norwegian attitude to life, when everyone, young and old, breaks somewhere, if not every weekend, then quite often. Dressed warmly and wearing strong boots, they go to nature, often their path lies in the mountains. A halt is certainly made in order to refresh oneself with the provisions taken, usually consisting of sandwiches with a thick slice of bread and hot black coffee from a thermos. On summer weekends, in many picturesque places in the country, whole families go to conquer peaks and fjords, in particular in 33 national parks.
• After the adoption by Norway in the XI century. Christianity, the first local preachers were engaged in the construction of churches in the once pagan lands. These so-called stave churches are medieval wooden structures, named after the supporting pillars placed in the middle, around which a wooden frame was then built. Previously, there were about two thousand such churches in Northern Europe, and very few of them have survived to this day.
  Twenty-nine stave churches, mostly from the 12th century, can still be seen today. The Stave Church from Urnes in the county of Sogn og Fjordane is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Olav Haraldson (995-1030) completed the unification of Norway, which he began in the 9th century. his ancestor Harald Horfager (Fair-Haired). He, who converted to Christianity in England, was destined not only to convert the country to this faith, but also to unite it. Long before all this happened, he fell at the Battle of Stiklestad, but soon miracles began to happen at his grave, now in Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral, as a result of which he was venerated as a saint. Olaf becomes the patron saint of Norway. In 1997, the pilgrimage route to Trondheim, which was declared a European cultural route in 2010, was resumed.
• The Oslo Viking Shipbuilding Museum contains some of the most successful finds, including the Oseberg ship found in a burial mound on the Oseberg farm, near the town of Tønsberg, west of Oslo. The boat dates back to about 800 AD.
• When entering the house, do not forget to take off your shoes, otherwise you will make the first (and perhaps unforgivable) mistake.
• Nightclubs are restricted to adults, often aged 21 or older. Therefore, if you look younger than your years, take your ID with you.
• At Christmas, you can try soaked dried fish (lutefisk), lamb rib, partridge and, of course, alcohol: mulled wine (glogg, often diluted with stronger alcohol), juleel (Jula0l, Christmas beer) and akvavitt vodka, the strongest drink ( from grain or potatoes with the addition of cumin seed).
• Norwegians love black coffee, without milk, sugar, which they drink from a large cup. Nor do they suffer from insomnia at all.

Each country has something special in itself that distinguishes it from others. The Norwegians got a wonderful land of dark green forests, blue glaciers, amazing fjords, rugged cliffs, low clouds, long rains and northern legends. She seems to be saturated with some special beauty and nobility. Summer white nights, northern lights, hundreds of mountain waterfalls, emerald rivers, fabulous forests, cold tundra, unique animals - all this gives Norway a special flavor and attracts a unique opportunity to enjoy communication with wild nature, which has not yet been touched by a human hand.

Most of Norway is occupied by the Scandinavian mountains, covered with spruce and pine forests. Interrupted by deep fjords, they guard for centuries the wondrous realm of beauty and peace. In this country, the mild maritime climate is replaced by the harsh tundra, which has left its mark on the surrounding landscapes, flora and fauna. Birch trees grow in the south and north of the country (below 300 m). Broad-leaved forests (oak, beech) are common in the extreme south. Tundra and forest-tundra prevail in the north and mountain tops. These almost deserted places are inhabited by white and rare blue fox, lemmings, reindeer, in the far north - musk oxen. Foxes, hares, squirrels, elk, roe deer, red deer are found everywhere in large numbers. But bears and wolves are practically exterminated, so seeing them is rare. There are a lot of berries and mushrooms in the Norwegian forests, which are a pleasure to pick. True, in some regions the collection of cloudberries is limited. In the amazing purity of rivers and lakes, there are many fish: trout, arctic char, pike, grayling. Therefore, fishing is a favorite pastime for both the Norwegians themselves and foreign lovers of this type of fishing.

Of particular interest to tourists is visiting the national parks Bergefjell, Jotunheim, South Svalbard and Northeast Svalbard. If we talk about Svalbard, then most of it is occupied by nature reserves, which are home to rare and endangered species of polar animals and are the largest "bird markets". Here you can observe capercaillie, wild ducks, black grouse, gulls, eiders, geese.

See film: Scandinavian Wildlife. 2. Norway / Norway. Video Size: 1080p

And in the end, a selection of beautiful photos of Norway:

Flowering country of the Vikings.

Beautiful mountain lake.

Norway- the northernmost country in Europe, which fully corresponds to its name, which in translation into Russian means "the way to the north." This is a Scandinavian state in which the King rules and the constitution of 1814 is in force. Norway is a country with the highest level of development and life. A trip to this country will cost you a lot, but it's worth it!

The main natural attraction of Norway is the fjords. They are narrow sea bays, cutting into the land, with rocky shores. Individual, unlike each other, fjords, with their own unique nature, mountains, rocks, forests, are easily accessible and stretch along the entire coast of Norway. Longest and deepest fjord Songefjord; the narrowest Narey fjord; the most visited, only 15 km long, Geirangerfjord with beautiful waterfalls "Bridal Veil" and "Seven Sisters". The last two fjords are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can explore the fjords both from land and from the sea, for the especially brave, even from the air - paragliding. In addition to the fjords, the nature of Norway impresses with mountains, glaciers, meadows, valleys, forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These sights can also be seen from the train window. Norway even has a tourist railway.

Norway is a country that will not leave indifferent any tourist and will offer any kind of recreation. The most popular is the sightseeing type of recreation - visiting cities and sights, here it is impossible not to mention such cities as , Bergen, Trondheim, Alesund. Next - tours with visits to the fjords, then - ski holidays. Many tourists go to the northernmost point of Europe - the North Cape, and some are interested in the life and structure of the northern Indigenous population of Norway - Saami.

Ski resorts in Norway- a separate topic: natural conditions, well-thought-out skiing infrastructure, track safety. Norway is the country of the Winter Olympic Games. Most of the tracks have exactly Olympic status. Hence the famous athletes and leading positions at the Olympic Games.

What else can Norway offer tourists? This is an opportunity to swim in the open sea and see a whale - the so-called whale safari. Or safari on king crab, which is also called royal. During this trip, you can not only learn everything about the crab, but also catch it, take a picture with this huge and heavy representative of the water element.

In Norway, thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, rich flora and fauna and sunken ships - year-round diving. It is also becoming a popular type of vacation, individual for couples and honeymoon trips - rental of old lighthouses. Here, surrounded by nature, without strangers and general fuss, in an atmosphere of tranquility, you can spend a vacation or a honeymoon trip, giving yourself and your loved one moments of solitude and romance.

Related articles Norway:

Kingdom Norway occupies the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago in the Arctic Ocean and Jan Mayen Island in the North Atlantic Ocean. Norway is washed by the North and Norwegian Seas. It borders on Finland and Russia in the northeast, and Sweden in the east.

The name of the country comes from the ancient Norwegian Norreweg - "northern road".

Official name: Kingdom of Norway

Capital: Oslo

The area of ​​the land: 385.2 thousand sq. km

Total population: 4.8 million people

Administrative division: Norway is divided into 18 counties, which are governed by governors. Traditional division: Northern Norway, which includes three historical and geographical regions (Nurland, Troms, Finnmark), and Southern Norway, which combines four regions: Trennelag, Vestland (West), Estland (East) and Sør-lann (South).

Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.

Head of State: King.

Composition of the population: Norwegian. In a number of communes of Troms and Finnmark, the Sami has an equal status with him.

Official language: Deutsch. Most people working in the tourism industry understand and speak English. In the border areas they speak: Hungarian, Slovenian, Croatian, Czech, Italian.

Religion: 85.7% - Lutheran Church, 2.4% - Orthodox, 1.8% - Muslims, 1% - Pentecostals, 1% - Catholics, 8.1% - others.

Internet domain: .no

Mains voltage: ~230 V, 50 Hz

Phone country code: +47

Country barcode: 700-709

Climate

Located almost entirely in the temperate zone, in comparison with other land areas located at the same latitudes, the south of Norway is much warmer and more humid due to the large influx of heat from the Norwegian Current. The warm current, however, does not penetrate the Skagerrak Strait, which sharply affects the climate of southeastern Norway, at the same time, continental air masses from the Baltic easily penetrate here.

Masses from higher latitudes, where the Arctic High dominates in winter, often also penetrate into the offshore zone. Since the surface of Norway drops steeply to the sea, and the valleys are elongated meridionally, warm air masses cannot penetrate very deep into them, which creates a situation where in winter the temperature drop gradient when moving deep into the fjord is greater than when moving north.

The height of the Scandinavian mountains does not allow air masses to pass to the east of the country, and create a barrier effect, which, subject to significant moisture saturation, causes a huge amount of precipitation, both in summer and in winter. The influence of the warm current on the country's climate is not associated with the direct heating of the oceanic air layer (after all, the territory of southern Norway is separated from this current by 300-400 km), but with the western transfer that brings these heated air masses.

Average January temperatures range from -17 °C in the north of Norway in the town of Karashuk to +1.5 °C on the country's southwestern coast. Average temperatures in July are around +7°C in the north and around +17°C in the south in Oslo.

Geography

Norway is located in northern Europe, in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. A third of the country lies beyond the Arctic Circle. The total area of ​​the country is about 387 thousand square meters. km. The country shares land borders with Russia, Sweden and Finland. In the north, the coast of Norway is washed by the Barents Sea, in the west by the Norwegian and North Seas, in the south, the Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark. Norway owns the Svalbard archipelago with Bear Island in the Arctic Ocean, Jan Mayen Island in the North Atlantic, as well as Bouvet Island off the coast of Antarctica and more than 50 thousand small islands.

The territory of Norway is predominantly mountainous and covered with forests, tundra and mountain vegetation. The highest points are the city of Gallhöpiggen (2469 m) and the city of Glittertinn (2452 m), located in the Yutunheimen massif. The longest river is Glomma (600 km), the largest lake is Miessa (362 km). High plateaus (felds) are covered with the largest glaciers in Europe, the total area of ​​which is 5 thousand square kilometers. The largest of the glaciers are Jostedalsbre (the largest glacier in Europe), Svartisen in north central Norway. There are fjords all along the Norwegian coastline, they were formed thousands of years ago when glaciers cut deep into the land. The longest is the Sogne Fjord (204 km).

Flora and fauna

Vegetable world

Tundra vegetation (subnival-nival belt) has a significant distribution and is confined to the highest mountain regions, to areas adjacent to glaciers and the northern part of the country. Growing conditions here are the most unfavorable within Norway: low temperatures, a small growing season, wide distribution of snowfields and the proximity of glaciers, strong winds and thin soil cover. Therefore, the vegetation cover here is extremely fragmented and is mainly represented by various mosses and lichens.

The vegetation of the alpine belt occupies vast expanses of fjelds and the most elevated parts of the western coast above the line of possible tree growth, located at an average height of 800 - 1700 m, the values ​​of which, as in the case of the vegetation of the subnival-nival zone, increase when moving from west to east . The climatic conditions in which these formations grow are also unfavorable. Trees in this belt are completely absent, shrubs and forbs are dominant communities, shrub vegetation appears only at the lowest hypsometric levels, the moss-lichen layer is poorly developed and appears only in areas covered with snow for a long time. The species composition includes amphiatlantic and circumpolar species. The dominant plant forms here are hemicryptophytes and chamephytes.

Mountain forests and woodlands occupy the largest areas in Norway, located in the lower tier of the Scandinavian mountains. They rise to 1000 m in the most continental areas, and in the coastal zone of the Atlantic they descend even into the lowlands under the influence of a general decrease in the belt boundaries here. This belt includes pure birch forests on the western macroslope, and pine-birch forests in more continental parts.

The taiga zone also occupies significant areas on the territory of Southern Norway, occupying its most continental sections (Ostlan and East Serlan), as well as reaching the coast on the Trønnelag plain, where the warming influence of the ocean is still noticeable, but allows taiga vegetation to grow here. Formations of this belt are absent on the western macroslope of mountains and in the fjord area. It is represented by spruce and oak-spruce and pine forests in the south.

The Atlantic moorlands occupy a narrow coastal outer strip along the entire western coast, never going deep into the fjords. Moorlands here are developed on well-drained, oligotrophic acidic substrates. Tree and shrub species are generally absent here, however, they can appear in some places well protected from the wind blowing from the sea. In terms of species, heathers predominate in combination with shrubs, herbs, grasses, mosses and lichens. The soil and vegetation cover here is often fragmented.

Mixed and broad-leaved forests in Norway are represented by small areas occupying the southernmost part of the country. However, the inner parts of the largest fjords, where the warming effect of the ocean is strong, are also occupied by mixed broad-leaved forests, which take on an intrazonal character there. Represented by oak, beech and ash forests.

Floodplain vegetation is represented by one area of ​​the floodplains of the Glomma and Logen rivers in the area of ​​their confluence, which is significant in terms of scale. Hydrophilic vegetation is developed here due to periodic flooding. It is represented by forests of alder and spruce, which occupy floodplain and oxbow depressions.

Animal world

The following representatives of the animal world are found in the forests of Norway: lynx, red deer, marten, weasel, badger, beaver, ermine, squirrel. The white and blue fox, lemming (Norwegian mouse), and reindeer live in the tundra. Hare and fox are found everywhere in large commercial quantities, while the wolf and bear are practically exterminated.

Norway has a large number of birds: capercaillie, black grouse, gulls, eiders, wild ducks, geese. Huge bird colonies nest on the coastal cliffs. In sea waters there are a large number of fish, of which traditionally commercial: herring, cod, mackerel. Trout, salmon, salmon live in rivers and lakes.

sights

The main treasure of Norway is its nature. Thousands of secluded bays and picturesque fjords encircle its coast, and low mountains covered with forests and meadows create a unique flavor of this country. Thousands of clean lakes and rivers provide a unique opportunity to enjoy fishing and water sports, and carefully protected nature allows you to get acquainted with one of the most untouched corners of Europe.

Fjords are the main attraction of the country. The entire coastline of the country is indented by these narrow and deep bays, sung in the ancient Scandinavian sagas. The most popular among tourists are Yairangerfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord,

You can exchange currency at any bank or post office, as well as at bank branches at the railway station and at Oslo Airport. Non-cash forms of payment are extremely developed, major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Traveler's checks can be exchanged at most banks, travel agencies, post offices and offices of international payment systems. Some banks take a certain percentage from each check, so it is more profitable to import money in a single check.

Useful information for tourists

Night clubs, discos and other entertainment establishments have a clear gradation regarding the age of visitors, the range of alcoholic drinks offered and opening hours. Therefore, many of them may require a passport to enter. Entrance to most museums is free.

Smoking is prohibited in all forms of public transport and on board aircraft, as well as in most public buildings, offices, etc. In hotels, bars and restaurants, all common areas are non-smoking, and a third of the tables are mandatory for non-smokers. Hotels follow the same policy - up to 50% of hotel rooms are non-smoking only, and this should be taken into account when choosing a hotel. Cigarettes are only sold to persons over the age of 18.

All parking in Norway is paid. You can't park outside the parking lots - only cars of residents living in the surrounding houses can be there.

fjords

Fjords are narrow sea bays cutting deep into the land, surrounded by high mountains. They were formed during the retreat of glaciers. Such picturesque features of the local landscape give the Norwegian nature a truly unique beauty. And despite the fact that each fjord is unique. It is impossible to find two identical fjords. Most of these unique natural creations can be seen in the western part of Norway, in the fjord region.

The mountains

The mountains are a very spectacular landscape of picturesque plateaus and mountain peaks. In the fjord region, there are the famous Lysefjord mountains and the Preikestolen rock, which is extremely popular among tourists and the Norwegians themselves, offers a breathtaking spectacular view of the fjords.

Forests

Vast forest areas spread across Central and Eastern Norway, most notable among them are the forests of the Jotunheimen National Park in the eastern region of the country.

Beaches

Sandy beaches stretch along the southern and northern coasts of Norway.

In the southwestern part near the city of Stavanger, there are amazing white sandy beaches (Hellest, Solastrand, Orrestranda, Vigdel, Godalen), these areas offer beautiful views of the mountain ranges, and next to them are crystal clear lakes.

An amazing phenomenon is the beaches of the northern coast, where swimming is very common among the polar glaciers in the light of the northern lights. This extraordinary opportunity was presented to the Norwegians by the warm Gulf Stream and the never-setting sun of the polar region.

Rivers and waterfalls

Countless rivers and powerful waterfalls are spread throughout Norway. In the fjord region, the highest waterfall in Norway and Northern Europe, Vinnufossen, rushes its waters into the Geirangerfjord.

National parks

Norway has become a very popular country among connoisseurs of majestic virgin nature. There are twenty-one national parks on the territory of the country, the most famous of which, Jotunheimen, is located in the eastern region.

Glaciers

Massive glaciers stretch across the mountainous regions of the western and northern regions of Norway.