Rough Guides: The Rough Guide to Norway

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In a heavily populated Europe, Norway stands as a vast wilderness, showcasing some of the continent's most stunning landscapes. Stretching from the Skagerrak channel to the Arctic Circle, the country features majestic mountains, deep forests, and, most notably, the breathtaking fjords. While the fjords attract tourists, many remain unaware of Norway's diverse scenery and charming towns. The Norwegians have cultivated a highly civilized, educated, and tolerant society, earning them deep pride in their nation, especially after a long history of foreign rule by the Danes and Swedes until 1905. The Viking legacy looms large, as these formidable warriors ventured across Europe from the ninth century, assimilating into local populations and establishing societies in places like the Faroes and Iceland. However, Norway's "period of greatness" ended abruptly in 1349 when the Black Death decimated the population, leading to Danish control by the end of the fourteenth century. Although the Danes were relatively benign, Norwegian identity suffered, prompting a cultural renaissance in the mid- to late nineteenth century. This movement aimed to reclaim national identity, inspiring renowned artists and explorers, and its effects resonate today, influencing Norway's contemporary stance on issues like EU membership.