Oslo is the capital of the country of the fjords. Theatrical life of the Norwegian capital. Private guides in Oslo

Full name: Kingdom of Norway.
Capital: Oslo.
Area: 385,186 sq. km (including water - 19,520 sq. km).
Population: about 5,085,000 people
Official language: Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk), in some communes - Sami.

Official currency: Norwegian krone.

The coat of arms of Norway is one of the oldest in Europe. He is over 7 years old. The lion in heraldry is a symbol of strength, and the ax is the weapon of the Vikings and the heavenly patron of Norway, St. Olaf.

The Kingdom of Norway is the northernmost state in Europe. "The way to the north" - this is how the name of the country is translated from the Old Norse language. But more often it is called the Northern Kingdom, or the Land of the Midnight Sun. In summer, in some areas of Norway, the sun does not hide behind the horizon for days, while in others, a period of white nights begins.

Almost the entire territory of the country is occupied by mountains, and the coast is indented by narrow sea bays - fjords. They go deep into the tens of kilometers. Norwegians prefer to live on the sea coast and the shores of the fjords. IN mountainous areas There are places where no human foot has set foot for many years.

The seas around the Norwegian coast do not freeze because the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream comes here. It not only "warms" Norway. In the waters of the Gulf Stream there is a lot of plankton, and schools of fish follow the abundant food. For many centuries, Norwegian fishermen have been sharing their catch with all of Europe: the fish is frozen, dried, processed into canned food and fishmeal.

The King is one of the symbols of Norway's independence. He cannot independently make important decisions for the country, but he approves them, opens parliamentary meetings, and attends holidays. Royalty is a beautiful Norwegian tradition.

International Oslo

Oslo began to grow along with the construction of the Akershus Fortress. The Norwegian kings did not accidentally choose this place in the southeast of the country for their residence. The city is located among picturesque hills, where the Oslo Fjord crashed inland for a hundred kilometers. Here is the warmest place in Norway. Even in February in the capital, the thermometer rarely drops below -2 °C. A little more than half a million people live in Oslo, but almost half of the Norwegians settled in the neighborhood of the capital on the banks of the Oslo Fjord.

Karl Johan built the palace of the Norwegian kings for himself. Now the royal family lives in it. Sometimes tourists are allowed to inspect the rich chambers.

The length of the central street of Oslo is only a kilometer, but it divides the capital of Norway into two parts. In West Oslo, which stretches from the Royal Palace to Frogner Park, only native Norwegians and immigrants from Western European countries live. There are respectable cottages here, richness and chic are felt in everything.

Lives in East Oslo most of population of the city, but it is an area of ​​immigrants. Here in the schools, not only students, but also teachers are foreigners. Residential areas mainly consist of standard high-rise buildings. All peoples and races mixed up on the city streets.

Descendants of the Northern Gods. Vikings. Normans. Varangians

In the homeland of the Vikings, in Norway, everything related to those times is carefully stored.

Who are they?

How did you live?

What gods did they pray to?

Why were they considered invincible?

The squads often included specially trained berserk warriors. These people from childhood devoted themselves to serving the god Odin, they were fluent in any weapon, they did not feel pain and fear.

But most importantly, the Vikings appeared suddenly.

- the capital of the Vikings and trolls
The capital of Norway, which celebrated its millennium in 2000. A large city of international scale, in which natural natural corners are carefully protected; it is often referred to as a nature reserve for walkers and cyclists. It is located on the territory of the Estlanna region in the depths of the fjord of the same name, on the banks of three bays: Björkvik, Pipervik and Frogner. Oslo is surrounded by hilly terrain with mountain peaks covered with forests. There are a number of museums in the city, including very unusual ones.

From architectural monuments the greatest interest represent the Akershus Fortress (1300), the Royal Palace (1848) and the Parliament building. In the summer, Oslo hosts a number of colorful festivals.
The capital of Norway is located in a picturesque place, at the beginning of the Oslo Fjord, the width of which at the entrance is 15-30 km, and the length is about 102 km. This calm city, so unlike the others modern megacities with their crazy rhythm of life, rich in history and invariably friendly, it is a real find for the modern tourist. ancient citadel Vikings can still be proud of the forests and fjord surrounding it, offering visitors all kinds of recreation. Local attractions are very interesting and original, so travelers do not regret the time spent getting to know them. And for those who like to go clubbing with friends at dusk, Oslo will be doubly interesting, since this city is a recognized center of leisure and nightlife in Scandinavia.

Oslo is the oldest capital of Northern Europe - was founded by Harald Hardrod. It was from here that a thousand years ago the ancient Normans set out on sharp-nosed boats on trading and conquest expeditions. And the same city witnessed the end of the Viking Age when, in 1066, its founder, Harald IV, lost the Battle of Stamford Bridge in England.
At the end of the 13th century, Oslo became the official residence of the Norwegian kings and the capital of the state. The city continued to flourish until the middle of the XIV century, when the plague came to its streets - the scourge of medieval Europe. As a result of the epidemic in the capital, most of the population died. Weakened Norway hastened to conclude an alliance with Denmark, which lasted 400 years.

In 1624, the city was almost completely destroyed by a huge fire. King Gustav Christian IV gave the order to rebuild the ancient capital. This time - in stone. But the restored city was renamed Christiania - after the name of the monarch. In 1814, Christiania was again proclaimed the capital of Norway, but the state itself was ceded to Sweden. An attempt to achieve independence was thwarted by the invasion of neighbors. But the separation of Norway nevertheless happened - in 1905 and in a completely peaceful way. The Norwegians voted for the monarchy, inviting Prince Charles of Denmark to the throne of the state. The new ruler took the name of Haakon, and named his newborn son Olaf, emphasizing respect for the history of the country, for the glorious time of the Vikings. The former name, Oslo, returned to the city only in 1925.

Although the history of the Norwegian capital goes back more than a thousand years, there are practically no buildings of the 19th century, and even more so of the 14th-18th centuries, that have been preserved in it. The exception is the Akershus fortress, built around 1300 and for a long time being the residence of kings. Akershus is a complex consisting of the fortress itself and the castle. They are located on east coast Pipervik Bay, where minor remains of the Old Town remain. The fortress was partially rebuilt in the XV-XVI centuries. It offers a magnificent view of the city, the Aker Brigge promenade and the bay. Akershus Castle is a building that can amaze even seasoned travelers.

Gloomy dungeons with small dark chambers are perfectly preserved here. They contain kept women” in the conclusion of the representatives of the medieval nobility. A great contrast with these "stone bags" are the upper floors: luxurious, with spacious halls and large bright rooms. The decoration of the castle speaks not only of the wealth of its former owners, but also of their fine artistic taste. In addition, the building has a chapel, which still, like many centuries ago, keeps the relics of the legendary kings Haakon VII and Olaf. This room is still used today for events with the participation of monarchs. Following the tradition, the guards walk around the castle every 15-20 minutes, arousing great interest among a large number of tourists who came to see the museum located within the walls of the fortress. During World War II, the Nazis used Akershus as a prison and execution site. It now houses the Museum of the Resistance.

In the building of the fortress, a model of Christiania is exhibited as one of the exhibits, so that everyone can imagine what the city was like several centuries ago.
Modern Oslo stretches over 453 sq. km, its population is 495 thousand people. The capital was built on both sides of the Akerselv River, which flows into the Bjorkvik Bay near the Eastern Railway Station. Together with the suburbs and satellite cities of Asker, Sandvika, Estre-Bärum, Hollerud and others, it formed the Greater Oslo agglomeration with a population of more than 700 thousand people. Thus, every sixth citizen of the state is a resident of the capital.

The main street of the city - Karl Johansgate - stretches from the railway station to the Royal Palace. It resembles an anthill: crowds of tourists roam here, you can meet various musicians, merchants of all nationalities. This shopping and pedestrian street has been carefully restored and turned into an area of ​​popular restaurants, fashionable shops and artists' studios. Karl Johansgate rests on the Royal Palace, so that everyone can admire how the changing of the guard takes place here at noon. Built in the style of classicism, this palace is a kind of hybrid between the White House and Russian noble estates.
The Parliament building (Storting), built in 1886, is also located on Karl Johansgate. It is adjacent to the National Theatre, built in 1891-1899. Interestingly, this building with a hall in the Rococo style was created specifically to stage Ibsen's plays in it. Between Karl-Juhansgate and the port, the entire business part of the city is concentrated. In general, the center of the Norwegian capital can be safely walked around for two hours and at the same time see a lot of interesting things.
Despite the fact that Oslo is the largest city in Norway, it continues to be a surprisingly calm place. It is very easy to navigate here, and the absence of traffic jams familiar to the city dweller on its roads makes visitors even more surprised. The fact is that car roads in Oslo, they are laid underground, and on the streets of the city, pedestrians, cyclists and roller skaters are full owners.

In the northern part of the bay, behind the port, there is another local attraction - the Town Hall building, built in 1933-1950. Outside, this brick building is decorated with sculptures, and inside - beautiful wall paintings on historical themes. And in the western part of the bay is Aker Brigge - a modern complex of company offices, shops, restaurants. This is the kingdom of modern buildings made of stone and glass, a respectable and respectable part of the city. Enormous glass arrays give amazing lightness and transparency to the buildings soaring above the pavement. There are a large number of fish restaurants on this embankment. Entrepreneurial owners adapted moored yachts and schooners for them, having properly converted them. But once it was just an ordinary port with dirty docks. Since those times, a very small number of buildings have been preserved, and even those - in a greatly altered form.
An unusual modern building rises next to the station, which has become one of the symbols of today's Oslo. This is the tallest building in all of Scandinavia - the mirror hotel "Radisson SAS Plaza".
In the northwestern part of the city is the Olympic ski jumping hill, Holmenkollen, which is often referred to as Norway's "skiing mecca". On one Sunday in March, the country's largest annual ski jumping competition is held here.

In winter, it is of genuine interest to both city guests and the local population. (No wonder they say that Norwegians are born with skis on their feet!) On weekends, it seems that the whole of Oslo, including old people and kids, puts on skis and goes to Holmenkollen. But even in summer the number of vacationers here does not decrease. The fact is that in the bowl where skiers land, in the warm season there is ... a wonderful pool! And nearby, on the site, weddings are often celebrated, concerts are held and performances gather spectators.
Not far from the ski jump is the unique Museum of the History of Skiing. It contains a variety of snowmobile accessories. Next to the old skis and poles of a "respectable" age (4000 years old - no joke!) There are skis of Amundsen himself, the conqueror of the South Pole. And in the distance, modern high-tech vehicles look contemptuously at their distant unsightly ancestors, which are difficult to call even skis.
A little further from Holmenkollen is a television tower open to the public. From its top, in good weather, an absolutely fantastic view opens up: a panorama with an area of ​​more than 30,000 km unfolds in front of the next curious tourist. That is, you can see not only the city and a piece of Norway itself, but also Lake Mjosa, and part of Sweden.

And in the center of the capital, not far from the old university building, there is the Historical Museum, which is also called the Museum of National Antiquities. Unique archaeological exhibits are exhibited here, telling about the ancient and early medieval history of Norway. Leaving this building and walking quite a bit, tourists find themselves at the National Gallery. It was created in 1837 with the participation of the famous painter and graphic artist Yu. K. Dahl. In addition to his own paintings, here you can see paintings from various schools of the 19th and 20th centuries: the works of the realist K. Krogh, A. Tiedemann, the landscape painter H. Gude and many other famous artists. And for the works of one of the classics of Norwegian expressionism, E. Munch, a separate museum was established. It boasts a collection of paintings and drawings
with a total number of more than 5,000 units, donated to the city by various celebrities. But Munch's most famous painting, The Scream, was nevertheless transferred in 1994 to the National Gallery.

Right there, in the center of Oslo, there is another museum, which is sure to be visited by all tourists coming to the city. This is the Museum of Applied Arts, which offers to get acquainted with the works of craftsmen of the past - cast and forged metal products, turned wooden figured vessels, samples of weaving, embroidery, lace, knitwear. Locals often visit here, which is not surprising, since many cultural traditions have been preserved in Norway. In the country, you can often see handmade folk costumes at weddings and various holidays. They are as much an integral part of the life of the local population as traditional folk dances, songs and fairy tales, in which trolls are sure to appear.
As for the Heni-Unstad cultural center, located in Hövikodden, it is a museum of modern art, where performances by fashion directors and exhibitions of abstract artists take place. The center was founded by Norwegian figure skater Sonya Henie. By the way, not far from it is the famous Bishlet Stadium, where major figure skating competitions are held - Norwegians love skating no less than skiing.

In general, there are really many attractions in the city. For example, there are three unique museums on the Bygdeuns peninsula. The oldest of them is the Viking Ship Museum. It contains amazing finds of archaeologists: those very ancient graceful keel ships, on which the ancestors of the modern inhabitants of Norway sailed around Europe and reached America, breaking the waves of the Atlantic. Recent discoveries have proven that the Vikings reached the shores of North America on these ships several centuries earlier than Columbus ...
A little further on is the Fram Museum. Here the main exhibit is the ship of the same name by Fridtjof Nansen. The keel boat with an egg-shaped bottom was built according to the drawings of a famous polar explorer specifically for sailing in arctic conditions. It was able to withstand compression by floating ice. The exposition of the museum tells about the scientific activity of Nansen, about his polar research, and also reveals the activities of the Norwegian as an artist and political figure. In 1922, Fridtjof Nansen received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in repatriating refugees and prisoners of war after the Second World War. ‘In addition, the scientist made a significant contribution to helping the starving in the Volga region. And a quarter of a century after Nansen's journey, another Norwegian, Roald Amundsen, fulfilled the dream of his famous predecessor: he sailed on the Fram to the shores. Antarctica, after which he was the first person to reach the South Pole on skis.

The most popular museum built on the peninsula is called "Kon-Tiki". Unlike all other collections owned by the state, this exposition is the private property of the famous traveler and explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Here you can see the Kon-Tiki balsa raft, on which in 1947 the fearless navigator with a crew overcame the water space from Peru to Polynesia. Thus, he confirmed his theory about the initial settlement of the Polynesian islands by immigrants from America. In addition, the museum exhibits the papyrus boat "Ra", on which Heyerdahl crossed the Atlantic Ocean. He was able to do this twice in 1969 and 1970, getting from Africa to the islands Central America. His "Ra" and "Ra-2" confirmed the possibility of visiting America by the ancient Egyptians. This Norwegian ethnographer and archaeologist, a national hero of the country, donated many other exhibits dedicated to his travels to the museum.

But the largest and most significant museum on the peninsula is the Norwegian Folk Museum. Here you can get acquainted with the culture and way of life of the population of the country. Its branch is the Open Air Museum. It gives you the opportunity to admire the unique log buildings: log buildings of old peasant estates were brought here from all over Norway. In addition, this original exposition has restored unique riveted wooden churches. They are considered one of the oldest wooden buildings on earth. We can say that these buildings stand with one foot in the Viking era, and the other in the era of early Christianity (XI century).
On the island of Bigdones closest to Oslo, there is another attraction - the summer residence of the royal family with adjacent farms. This place is often called the "island of millionaires", because the land on it costs a bass of word money. The king and members of his family socialize freely with their subjects during morning runs in the park. In general, the monarchs of Norway are sometimes able to surprise even local population: for example, in the midst of the energy crisis of the 1970s, the father of the current king, an avid skier, did not consider it reprehensible to go on a winter Sunday tram ride.

There are many interesting things in the vicinity of Oslo, for example, located a 10-minute ferry ride on the island of Gris Holmen. Tourist groups rarely come here, so on the island you can just wander in silence and watch the local wildlife. Namely, rabbits. You could say they are everywhere. Even the grass looks like it was cut by a very responsible gardener.
Modern Oslo is the main industrial, transport and cultural center of the country. Its machine-building and metalworking enterprises provide about 1/3 of the entire Norwegian production of machinery and equipment. From here stretch all over Norway and abroad the paths of all types of modern transport. The port in the Gulf of Pipervik handles more than 2/5 of the country's cargo turnover and provides a large share of foreign trade cargo turnover. For many years, Forneby Airport, located on the peninsula of the same name, was the “air gate” of the capital and the entire state. Now the new Gardemon Airport plays an important role in international traffic.

In the eastern part of the city, Estcante, most of the industrial enterprises are concentrated. In the western part of Oslo, Westkant, the mansions of the richest part of the city's population were built. There are also parks here. Vigeland is a sea of ​​greenery and duck ponds. The shady alleys of the park have long become a favorite place for recreation, walks and picnics for the townspeople. The Vigeland Museum located not far from the park will help you get a more voluminous idea of ​​the park.

Frogner Park is especially famous with its giant sculptural ensemble, created by the famous self-taught Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland. The ensemble impresses even people who are far from art: in this amazing open-air park, about 1,000 sculptural images created at the beginning of the last century are exhibited. Vigeland managed to convince the city authorities to allocate a large plot and assume all the costs of the project. The sculptor worked on the realization of his idea for almost 43 years. He left behind a creation that has become a symbol of the city, combining naturalism and symbolism with a realistic interpretation of human life. Vigeland's sculptures show the life path that every person goes through from birth to death. But besides this, the sculptor managed to convey the feelings experienced by each representative of one generation. On numerous postcards and souvenirs that tourists buy as a keepsake of Oslo, most often only one of the thousand other figures is depicted - a sculpture of a crying, angry boy. The central exhibit in the park is a monolithic column - the most famous landmark of the city. It was installed in the park in 1928. Work on the sculpture itself took 14 years. The monolith from which the column was carved was knocked out of the rock near Idde Fjord in 1922.

Initially, its weight was 470 tons, but after processing, the colossal piece of granite “lost” up to 270 tons. Four years later, in September 1926, this stone Gargantua began his journey to the capital. He arrived at his destination only in February 1927. Vigeland was in a hurry to complete the giant composition, so he did not stop working even in winter, when the air temperature was 20 degrees below zero. The efforts of the sculptor were not in vain: his brainchild - an obelisk of intertwined bodies - is considered the largest granite sculpture in the world and constantly attracts tourists. And around the column are numerous images of the 60-year-old artist himself and his young lover.

After wandering around this open-air museum, among the lush greenery, visitors often head to the Tusenfrud amusement park - a smaller copy of the Tivoli amusement park in Copenhagen, a sort of Norwegian Disneyland.
Time flies unnoticed. And it's time to say goodbye to the good-natured and smiling Oslo, a city where everyone can find joy to their taste. Waving goodbye to a large and not at all terrible troll standing on main street we go to the navel. And, looking out the window of the plane, once again we mentally say goodbye to the capital of Norway. And Oslo, following us with his eyes, returns to normal life. When evening comes, he quietly dozes over his fjord, sorting through the memory of the events of yesterday and what happened a thousand years ago ...

Kingdom Norway occupies the western and northern parts Scandinavian Peninsula, the Svalbard 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: German. 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 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 most long river- Glomma (600 km), the most big lake- 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 fields and the most elevated areas. west coast above the line of possible tree growth, located on medium height 800 - 1700 m, the values ​​of which, as in the case of the vegetation of the subnival-nival belt, 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.

Attractions

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 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.

Norway, due to the fact that there is a polar day from May to July, is sometimes called the "Land of the Midnight Sun". This, of course, is a mysterious and even somewhat romantic name, but it does not cause a strong desire to come to this country. However, Norway is not only the Land of the Midnight Sun. First of all, Norway is the Vikings, amazingly beautiful fjords, some of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and, of course, prestigious ski resorts.

Norway is located in the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. In the northeast, Norway borders on Finland and Russia, in the east - on Sweden. In the northeast, Norway is washed by the Barents Sea, in the southwest by the North Sea, and in the west by the Norwegian Sea. The Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark.

The total territory of Norway, including the islands of Svalbard, Jan Mayen and Bear in the Arctic Ocean, is 385,186 square kilometers.

A significant part of the territory of Norway is occupied by mountains. The highest of them are Mount Gallhöppigen (2469 m) and Mount Glittertinn (2452 m).

There are a lot of rivers in Norway, the longest of which are Glomma (604 km), Logen (359 km), and Otra (245 km).

Norway is sometimes referred to as the "Lakeland". This is not surprising, given that there are several hundred lakes in it. The largest of these are Mjøsa, Rösvatn, Femunn, and Hornindalsvatnet.

The capital of Norway is Oslo, which is now home to more than 620 thousand people. It is believed that Oslo was founded in 1048 by the Norwegian king Harald III.

The official language in Norway is Norwegian, which consists of two dialects (Bokmål and Nynorsk). Most often, Norwegians speak Bukol, but for some reason Nynorsk is popular with Norwegian Internet users.

More than 80% of Norwegians are Lutherans (Protestants) belonging to the Church of Norway. However, only about 5% of Norwegians go to church every week. In addition, 1.69% of Norwegians are Muslims and 1.1% are Catholics.

Norway is a constitutional monarchy in which the head of state, according to the Constitution of 1814, is the King.

The executive power in Norway belongs to the King, and the legislative power belongs to the local unicameral parliament - the Storting (169 deputies).

The main political parties in Norway are the liberal-conservative Progress Party, the social democratic Norwegian Labor Party, the Christian Democratic Party and the Social Left Party.

Norway is at the same latitude as Alaska and Siberia, but this Scandinavian country has a much milder climate. In late June - early August in Norway, the weather is warm and the days are long. At this time, the average air temperature reaches + 25-30C, and the average sea temperature - + 18C.

The warmest and most stable weather is always observed on the southern coast of Norway. However, even in the north of Norway in summer the air temperature can exceed +25C. However, in the central regions and in the north of Norway, the weather often changes.

In winter, most of Norway tends to turn into a real snow paradise. In winter in Norway, the air temperature can even drop to -40C.

In the northeast, Norway is washed by the Barents Sea, in the southwest by the North Sea, and in the west by the Norwegian Sea. The Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark. The total coastline of Norway is 25,148 km.

Average sea temperature in Oslo:

January – +4C
- February - +3C
- March - +3C
- April - +6C
- May - +11C
- June - +14C
- July - +17C
- August - +18C
- September - +15C
- October - +12C
- November - +9С
- December - +5C

The real beauty of Norway norwegian fjords. The most beautiful of them are Naeroyfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, Hardangerfjord, Lysefjord, and Aurlandsfjord.

There are a lot of rivers in Norway, the longest of which are Glomma in the east (604 km), Logen in the southeast (359 km), and Otra in Serland (245 km). The largest Norwegian lakes are Mjøsa, Rösvatn, Femunn, and Hornindalsvatnet.

Many tourists come to Norway to fish. In Norwegian rivers and lakes, salmon, trout, whitefish, pike, perch and grayling are found in large numbers.

Archaeologists have proven that people on the territory of modern Norway lived as early as the 10th millennium BC. But the real history of Norway began in the Viking Age, whose cruelty is still legendary on the coast of Great Britain, for example.

From 800-1066, the Norse Vikings became known throughout Europe as brave warriors, ruthless invaders, cunning merchants and inquisitive seafarers. The history of the Vikings ended in 1066, when the Norwegian king Harald III died in England. Olaf III became King of Norway after him. It was under Olaf III that Christianity began to spread rapidly in Norway.

In the XII century, Norway captured part of the British Isles, Iceland and Greenland. It was the time of the greatest prosperity of the Norwegian kingdom. However, the country was greatly weakened by competition from the Hanseatic League and the plague epidemic.

In 1380, Norway and Denmark entered into an alliance and became one country. The union of these states lasted more than four centuries.

In 1814, Norway, according to the Treaty of Kiel, became part of Sweden. However, Norway did not submit to this and the Swedes invaded its territory. In the end, Norway agreed to be part of Sweden if they were left with the constitution.

Throughout the 19th century, nationalism grew in Norway, and this led to a referendum in 1905. According to the results of this referendum, Norway became an independent state.

During the First World War, Norway remained neutral. During the Second World War, Norway also declared its neutrality, but it was nevertheless occupied by German troops (for Germany, this was a strategic move).

After the end of World War II, Norway suddenly forgot about its neutrality, and became one of the founders of the NATO military bloc.

The culture of Norway differs markedly from the cultures of other peoples of Europe. The fact is that this Scandinavian country is located far from such European cultural centers as Florence, Rome and Paris. However, tourists will be pleasantly impressed by the Norwegian culture.

Many Norwegian cities have annual music, dance and folklore festivals. The most popular of them is the international cultural festival in Bergen (music, dance, theater).

It cannot be said that the Norwegians have made a huge contribution to world culture but the fact that he was significant is undeniable. The most famous Norwegians are polar explorers Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen, composers Varg Vikernes and Edvard Grieg, artist Edvard Munch, writers and playwrights Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun, and traveler Thor Heyerdahl.

The main products of Norwegian cuisine are fish, meat, potatoes and other vegetables, and cheese. Norwegians' favorite traditional snack is pölse (potato cake with sausage).

Fenalår - dried lamb
- Fårikål - lamb stew with cabbage
- Pinnekjøtt - salted ribs
- Roast wild elk or deer
- Kjøttkaker - fried beef meatballs
- Laks og eggerøre - smoked salmon omelet
- Lutefisk - baked cod
- Rømmegrøt - sour cream porridge
- Multekrem - cloudberry cream for dessert

The traditional alcoholic drink in Norway is Aquavit, which is usually 40% ABV. The production of aquavita in Scandinavia began in the 15th century.

Norwegians have always been distinguished by the fact that they are very careful about their history. Therefore, we advise tourists to visit Norway to see:

North Cape

norwegian fjords

Changing of the guard ceremony at the Royal Palace in Oslo

Bryggen wooden quarter in Bergen

Sculpture park in Oslo

Holmenkolle Ski Jump

Snow hotel in Kirkenes

Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim

Viking ships in the maritime museum in Oslo

National Historical Museum in Oslo

The largest Norwegian cities are Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Norway is famous for its magnificent ski resorts. Every winter in Norway there are different championships in skiing. The top ten Norwegian ski resorts include, in our opinion, the following:

1. Trysil (Trisil)
2. Hemsedal (Hemsedal)
3. Hafjell (Hafjell)
4. Geilo (Geilo)
5. Tryvann
6. Norefjell
7. Oppdal (Oppdal)
8. Hovden (Hovden)
9. Kvitfjell (Kvitfjell)
10. Kongsberg (Consberg)

We advise tourists from Norway to bring a real Norwegian wool sweater, toy trolls, modern dishes, wooden kitchen utensils, silverware, ceramics, jerky, brown goat cheese, and Norwegian vodka - aquavit.

Stores open:

Mon-Wed and Fri: 09:00-17.00/18:00
Thu: 09:00-20.00
Sat: 10:00-18.00
Supermarkets are usually open on Mon-Fri from 09:00 to 20.00, and on Sat from 10:00-18.00.

Banks:
Mon-Fri - 08:00-15.30

Most hotels, restaurants and large shops accept major international credit cards.

• 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

In 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 amazing places, be it mountains, fjords, forest or field. 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 respect: most of the 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). short summer Suitable for glacier travel.

Nygardsbre, the tongue of the Jostedalsbre glacier, offers the adventurous the opportunity to explore the glacier with 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 make inquiries at Rana Spesialsport (www.spesialsport.no).

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 railway station Houtastöl or Finse (Finse) to Flåm or Boss, up to 108 km long. 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 the most beloved winter sport in Norway, where over 7,000 km have been laid by the efforts of the Norwegian Travelers Union alone ski slopes. 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. Best time for skiing - this 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 appear open skating rinks, including everyone's favorite 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 ice rinks skates are usually available for rent, and sometimes lessons can also be taken.

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 a lot 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, Strandkaien pier, Strandgaten and Torget square is full of interesting shops with local handicrafts, furs and knitwear. There is also a 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. In Midtbyen, the center of Trondheim, near the main square, the Trondheim Torg shopping arcade has recently opened 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. Male and women's clothing 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 some outside the big 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

In cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim, with their bars and clubs often open after midnight all year round, there is a turbulent night life. 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 the countryside, nightlife is not so diverse, but even there, as a rule, there is at least one bar worth stopping by to chat with local residents. 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; entry 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; admission fee) with 20 different ponds and water slides. In addition, clowns perform here, there is the Tarzan trail, rowing, the only water sports in Europe roller coaster Master Blaster. 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.until; 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, bast-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 favors fresh, local products, has recently taken on a new face, and the local fish and seafood, from cod to arctic crabs and smoked salmon, is 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 the traditional cuisine, sometimes bringing the originality of the interior national 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 Fest 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 culinary 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 on sea ​​spaces, 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: salt, pepper and a few herbs like dill and mustard seed are most often 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 based on milk, 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 (lutefisk) soaked in an alkaline solution, 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 are designed for business people. 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 conditions for renting housing 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, and electricity is charged additional fee. 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, 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, commuter trains of the Norwegian State Railways run regularly, and there is a parking lot in front of the airport intercity buses and taxis (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 service connects the bus station and 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 access to many attractions, as well as the right to free travel in public transport, providing many other 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.

Bicycles for rent

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 one can already see 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 comparatively safe country, with a low crime rate, especially in terms of serious crimes, so that visitors rarely encounter offenses. 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 dark 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 very many places for them besides major cities, although there are very few special bars or clubs. 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 is associated with the acquisition of a railway travel ticket like Interrail (for Europeans) or Eurail (for the rest). It can be booked prior to departure from your home country via the Internet using the Eurail Group services (www.interrailnet.com) or by contacting European Rail at 020-7619-1083 or at www.europeanrail.com (regular Railway 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 visitors from countries in this area are provided with the same medical service the same as the 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. Outback, including 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 moves to summer time at the end of March, and for winter - 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 desks, although some of them work only in the summer. All offices have an international tourist sign ( white letter"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 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.