Kingdom of Norway – official name state that is in Northern Europe. The name itself comes from the Old Norse language and means “ northern route" The country is characterized by a temperate climate, thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, winters are mild, summers are cool, but the nature is picturesque, which is why many tourists choose Norway as a resort.
If you look at the map of the country, you will notice that Norway borders on countries such as Russia, Sweden and France. The state is washed by the Barents Sea, making it possible to open maritime trade routes for the country.
The country of the Vikings, as Norway is often called, is a natural attraction. The abundance of fjords, ski resorts, and the opportunity to stay in an ecologically clean climate make this country especially attractive for a healthy holiday.
You can find out where Norway is using the interactive world map.
A detailed map is presented in Russian.
Kingdom Norway occupies the western and northern parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago in the Arctic Ocean and the island of Jan Mayen in the North Atlantic Ocean. Norway is washed by the North and Norwegian Seas. In the northeast it borders with Finland and Russia, in the east with Sweden.
The name of the country comes from the Old Norse Norreweg - “northern road”.
General information about Norway
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 (counties), which are governed by governors. Traditional division: Northern Norway, including three historical and geographical regions (Nordland, Troms, Finmark), and Southern Norway, uniting four regions: Trennelag, Vestland (West), Östland (East) and Sørland (South).
Form of government: A constitutional monarchy.
Head of State: King.
Population composition: Norwegian. In a number of communes in Troms and Finnmark, the Sami have equal status with it.
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
Country dialing 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 turns out to be 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 dramatically affects the climate of southeastern Norway, while at the same time continental air masses from the Baltic easily penetrate here.
Also often masses from higher latitudes, where the Arctic Maximum dominates in winter, penetrate into the non-coastal zone. Since the surface of Norway slopes steeply to the sea, and the valleys are elongated meridionally, warm air masses cannot penetrate very deeply into them, which creates a situation where in winter the temperature gradient when moving deeper 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 huge amounts of precipitation, both in summer and winter. The influence of the warm current on the country's climate is associated not with the direct heating of the oceanic layer of air (after all, the territory of southern Norway is separated from this current by 300-400 km), but with the westerly transport bringing these heated air masses.
Average January temperatures range from -17 °C in northern Norway in the city of Karashuk to +1.5 °C on the southwest coast of the country. Average July temperatures 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 Spitsbergen archipelago with Bear Island in the Arctic Ocean, Jan Mayen Island in the North Atlantic, as well as Bouvet Island off the coast of Antarctica and more than 50 thousand small islands.
The territory of Norway is predominantly mountainous and covered with forests, tundra and mountain vegetation. The highest points are the city of Gallhöpiggen (2469 m) and the city of Glittertinn (2452 m), located in the Jotunheimen massif. The longest river is Glomma (600 km), the largest lake is Miessa (362 km). The high plateaus (felds) are covered with the largest glaciers in Europe, the total area of which is 5 thousand square kilometers. The largest 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 zone) has a significant distribution and is confined to the highest mountainous regions, to territories adjacent to glaciers and the northern part of the country. The growing conditions here are the most unfavorable within Norway: low temperatures, little growing season, widespread snowfields and 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 of the western coast above the line of possible tree growth, located at an average altitude of 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 . Climatic conditions, in which these formations grow, are also unfavorable. Trees in this belt are completely absent, the dominant communities are shrubs and forbs, shrub vegetation appears only at the lowest hypsometric levels, the moss-lichen layer is poorly developed and appears only in areas long covered with snow. 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 up 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. 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 in southern Norway, occupying its most continental sections (Østlan and East Sørland), as well as reaching the coast on the Trønnelaga 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 the mountains and in the fjord area. It is represented by spruce and, in the south, oak-spruce and pine forests.
The Atlantic moorlands occupy a narrow coastal outer strip along the entire western coast, without extending anywhere into the fjords. Heather heaths here develop on well-drained, oligotrophic acidic substrates. Tree and shrub species are generally absent here, but may 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 fragmentary.
Mixed and broad-leaved forests in Norway are represented by small areas that occupy the most southern part countries. However, the inner parts of the largest fjords, where the warming influence of the ocean is strong, are also occupied by mixed broad-leaved forests, which there take on an intrazonal character. Represented by oak, beech and ash forests.
Floodplain vegetation is represented by one significant section of the floodplains of the Glomma and Logen rivers in the area of their confluence. 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 tundra is home to white and blue foxes, lemmings (Norwegian mice), and reindeer. The hare and fox are found everywhere in large commercial quantities, while the wolf and bear are practically exterminated.
In Norway a large number of birds: wood grouse, black grouse, gulls, eiders, wild ducks, geese. Huge bird colonies nest on the coastal cliffs. IN sea waters There is a large amount of fish, of which the traditional commercial ones are: herring, cod, mackerel. Rivers and lakes are inhabited by trout, salmon, and salmon.
Attractions
Norway's main treasure is its nature. Thousands of secluded bays and picturesque fjords encircle its coast, and low mountains covered with forests and meadows create the unique flavor of this country. Thousands of clean lakes and rivers provide a unique opportunity to enjoy fishing and water sports, and carefully protected nature allows you to get acquainted with one of the most untouched corners of Europe.
The fjords are the main attraction of the country. The entire coastline of the country is indented by these narrow and deep bays, sung in ancient times. 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
Nightclubs, discos and other entertainment venues 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. Entry to most museums is free.
Smoking is prohibited in all types of public transport and on board aircraft, as well as in most public buildings, offices, etc. In hotels, bars and restaurants, smoking is prohibited in all public areas, and a third of the tables are mandatory for non-smokers. Hotels also 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 sold only to persons over 18 years of age.
All parking in Norway is paid. You cannot park outside the parking lots - only cars of residents living in the surrounding houses can be parked there.
Useful information for tourists about Norway, cities and resorts in the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Norway, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Norway.
Information about Norway
- Capital: Oslo
- Territory: 323,758 sq km.
- Country code: +47
- Domain: .no
- Network: 220V
- Time: Moscow: - 2 hours
- A visa is required to enter
Geography of Norway
The Kingdom of Norway is located in Northern Europe, in the west and extreme north of the Scandinavian Peninsula, bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia, washed by the Barents, Norwegian and North Seas, in the south the Skagerrak Strait separates Norway from Denmark. Norway owns the Spitsbergen archipelago with Bear Island in the Arctic Ocean, Jan Mayen Island in the North Atlantic, and Bouvet Island off the coast of Antarctica. More than a third of the country's territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle.
The territory of Norway is predominantly mountainous (Langfjella ridge, the highest point is Gallhepiggen, 2469 m) and is covered with forests, tundra and mountain vegetation, while only 3.5% of the land is suitable for cultivation. The entire coastline is indented by rocky fjords protruding deeply into the land.
Popular cities and resorts
State
State structure
Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The head of state is the king, who formally has broad powers, but in reality only performs representative and constitutional functions. Legislature- the bicameral parliament of the Storting (Lagting is the upper house, Odelsting is the lower), as well as the “presidential council of the Storting”, consisting of 6 members of parliament. Greater rights are delegated to Saameting, the highest body of the Sami.
Language
Official language: Norwegian
In the north of the country they speak Sami (Lapland). Most Norwegians speak English at a conversational level, some also speak French or German languages.
Religion
Evangelical Lutherans 87.8%, other Protestant communities and Catholics make up 3.8%.
Currency
International name: NOK
The crown is divided into 100 ore. There are coins in denominations of 10 and 50 ore, 1, 5, 10 and 20 crowns and banknotes in denominations of 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 crowns.
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.
Almost all banks and exchange offices charge a commission of 2% to 5%, or a fixed amount of at least $5. The most unfavorable exchange conditions at airports, sea ports and a tourist information office.
In ancient times, the territory of Norway was inhabited by Germanic tribes. At the end of the 8th - mid-11th centuries, Norwegians took part in the Viking campaigns. At the turn of the 9th - 10th centuries. The political unification of the country began under the rule of King Harald I Horfager (completed in the 13th century). In response to the increasing oppression of secular and especially spiritual feudal lords, outbreaks broke out in the country civil wars in the second half of the 12th century. - early 13th century (Birkebeiner movement). The peasants in Norway remained personally free.
In 1262 - 1264 Iceland became a Norwegian possession. Since 1397, according to the Union of Kalmar, Norway came under Danish rule.
Since 1537 - a province of Denmark. According to one of the Kiel peace treaties 1814 Norway passed to Sweden. The Norwegians refused to accept such a treaty and proclaimed the Eidsvoll Constitution. But Sweden forcibly imposed a union that existed until 1905.
During the First World War, the country declared neutrality. Since 1935, the Norwegian government has been in power almost all the time. workers' party(social-democratic persuasion).
In 1940, the country was occupied by German troops, the government emigrated to London. On May 8, 1945, German troops in Norway surrendered. Since 1949, Norway has been a member of NATO.
Norway map
Popular articles
Tourism in Norway
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Popular hotels
Where to stay
Norway, despite its harsh climate, has always attracted thousands of tourists. The hotel base of this country is quite developed. But it is worth noting that there is no official classification of hotels in this country. However, as a rule, in all hotels the service corresponds to the stars declared by the owners or tour operators.
The most expensive hotels are those located in close proximity to the fjords. Prices are above average and for accommodation in big cities, especially in the summer-winter seasons. Rooms here should be booked in advance. For those who prefer a more affordable and at the same time varied holiday, the most acceptable option would be accommodation in family hotels. The peculiarity of accommodation here is both excellent conditions for relaxation for adults (almost every hotel has Spa salons) and entertaining animation programs for children. One of the cheapest ways of accommodation is to stay in hostels. In Norway there are two large hostel chains that operate numerous youth hostels throughout the country.
For lovers of mountain holidays, the doors of ski hotels are open. Here you can stay either in a huge resort center with all the attached attributes (sauna, restaurant, spa, ski equipment rental, etc.), or in small cottages offering family comfort.
A special category of hotels are ice hotels, which are increasing in number every year. Here you will live in a real ice palace and sleep in sub-zero temperatures. Warm animal skins and blankets will help you stay warm while you sleep, and the bathroom in such a hotel is usually connected to a sauna.
At campsites located in picturesque areas, you can spend the night in a tent or rent a room in a cottage.
Popular attractions
Excursions and attractions in Norway
The Kingdom of Norway is a small state in Northern Europe whose main attraction is its magnificent natural landscapes. Norway is home to majestic mountains with snow-capped peaks and densely forested slopes, picturesque valleys, fast rivers and clear lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and, of course, stunningly beautiful fjords. Every year, a huge number of tourists from all over the world come to Norway to enjoy the magic of pristine landscapes. Here you will also find a lot of interesting historical and cultural attractions.
Business card Norway, of course, has picturesque fjords, of which there are simply a huge number throughout the country. Geirangerfjord is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the country. The huge cliffs with cascading waterfalls and eternal glaciers of this fjord are truly a breathtaking sight. One of the most popular tourist routes in Norway, the Troll Road, begins here. Lysefjord, Nereyfjord, Nordfjord, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are also incredibly beautiful and popular. A huge part of Norway is recognized as a protected area and is carefully protected by the state.
The capital of Norway, Oslo, is located on the shores of the picturesque fjord of the same name. It's amazingly beautiful and green City with many lakes and magnificent parks. Among the abundance of interesting sights in Oslo, it is worth highlighting the Akershus Fortress, Royal Palace, Cathedral, National Gallery, Town Hall, Munch Museum, Viking Ship Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, Norwegian Folk Museum and Opera theatre. You should definitely visit the Vigelan Sculpture Park (Frogner Park), the Tusenfried Amusement Park, the Grand Cafe and a walk along the embankment in the Aker Brygge area. In the suburbs of Oslo, on the highest hill, Holmenkollen, is the famous Norwegian recreation and cultural center and its main attractions are the world's first ski jump and the magnificent Ski Museum.
Bergen, one of the most beautiful places in the country, is extremely popular among tourists. The city is located on the shores of the North Sea and is surrounded by picturesque hills. It is from here that all popular routes to the kingdom of the Norwegian fjords begin. The main attractions of Bergen are the famous Bryggen promenade (included in the UNESCO World Heritage List) and Bergen Cathedral. No less interesting are the Bergenhus Fortress, King Harold's Residence, the Bergen Museum of Art, the Old Bergen Museum and one of the best Aquariums in Europe. The Fløibanen cable car takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen (320 m above sea level) and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. In the suburbs of Bergen, it is worth visiting Trollhaugen (Troll Hill), the house-museum of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg.
The Kingdom of Norway is located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The country occupies the north of Europe. Prosperous and developed Norway borders several countries and also has multiple access to the sea.
Geography of Norway on the map
In addition to part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the Spitsbergen archipelago, Bouvet Island, Bear Island, and Jan Mayen are under Norwegian rule. The kingdom also includes many small island formations.
The area of the state is 385,186 km. Part of the country is located above the Arctic Circle.
The borders of the Norwegian states lie next to the following neighboring countries:
- Russia;
- Sweden;
- Finland.
The length of the kingdom's coastline is 25,150 km. Norway is washed by the Arctic Ocean and partly by the Atlantic. Its coasts overlook the Barents and North Seas. In the northwest the country is washed by the Norwegian Sea.
Relief of Norway on the map
The main feature of the Norwegian terrain is the fjords. They are beautiful bays that literally cut the coastline of the state into pieces.
The central plateau of the country is mountainous. The highest point of the Norwegian state is represented by Mount Gallhepiggen. The height of the peak is 2469 meters.
About 4% of the kingdom's territory is suitable for agriculture. Forests, tundra and mountain flora are the main components of the Norwegian terrain.
Administrative structure of Norway
The territories of Norway are divided into provinces. There are 19 of them in total. The country has vast areas in the Arctic, for example, Lapland. The provinces of Norway are conventionally divided into 5 large regions. Each province of the state is divided into smaller communes. The total number of municipalities in Norwegian lands is 422.
Norway is deservedly considered one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. More than ten centuries ago, the country got its name thanks to geographical location- “The Road to the North.” The country's capital is washed by the Barents Sea, the extreme point of the Arctic Ocean. At the word , different associations arise, but they are all connected with snow, cold, Vikings and New Year's miracles.
Everyone who has visited Norway notes the hospitability of the local residents, interesting and informative museum exhibitions, cozy and compact cities, and comfortable ski resorts. Norwegian cuisine has a unique taste. The country is still a constitutional monarchy, which is a special pride of the Norwegian people.
A little geography
Where is Norway on the world map? What kind of country is this and why is it so popular among travelers?
Norway is a country on the Scandinavian Peninsula and has the islands of Bear and Jan Mayen. The state borders on neighbors such as Sweden, Russia, and Finland. The country's coastline exceeds twenty-five thousand kilometers. The area of Norway is slightly less than four hundred square kilometers.
The capital of the state is Oslo. The official language is Norwegian. The currency is Norwegian krone.
Most Norwegians live in cities.
A third of the country's territory lies on a hill, more than half a kilometer above sea level.
The unique flavor of Norway
Each country has something special, unique and original. Norway is a fairy-tale country that enchants children and adults with its color.
Norway is one of the five richest countries, and not only in terms of living standards or income, it is rich in its history, culture, and attractions.
Anyone can come here on an excursion: lovers of outdoor activities or those who prefer to learn about history, couples with children or single travelers. Here everyone will find something that will touch the strings of their soul and will never be forgotten.
Norway is a country with a cold climate, but very friendly people.
The country of sea bays cutting into the land - fjords - will not leave lovers of extreme recreation indifferent. Here you can go climbing, fishing, camping or hunting.
Norwegians are a very law-abiding people with a minimum number of crimes: doors are not locked here, surveillance cameras are not installed. Over the past eight years, there has not been a single case of use of firearms in the country.
The country is home to just over five million people, who occupy a leading place in Europe in terms of the number of people with higher education.
The country has an unstable climate. The weather here changes several times a day; during the day the air warms up to a comfortable level, but the nights are cool even on warm summer days.
Norway on the world map
When planning your trip to Norway, check out the country on the map. You can plan your trip by studying the physical, political, geographical, tourist map, maps of the main resorts and coast of the country, and see what Norway looks like on the world map. This or that map provides basic information about the most popular routes and activities. You can find out about the best hiking trails, monuments, ski areas, parks or cathedrals.
It will be equally interesting to read reviews from people who have visited the country, to find out their impressions of the level of service, the quality of holidays with children or active recreation.
Did you know that...?
Norway – mysterious country, unusual and attractive, those who have visited Norway at least once tend to come here again. Travelers are especially excited to tell their families about the facts they learned in the country:
- The most popular in the country are winter sports.
- Norway occupies a leading position in the world in terms of the length of fjords.
- They don't cheat here even in small things. Traders in the villages do not sit with their goods - they simply display a container for money.
- Norwegians are extremely calm and balanced. But if you happen to provoke their wrath, the blood of the Vikings will make itself known, beware!
- Going to visit without an invitation is a sign of bad taste.
- The population of Norway is almost three times smaller than that of the Russian capital.
- Norwegians speak two languages perfectly – English and Norwegian.
- Residents of Norway practically do not consume fast food.
- The flag of the country hangs on every home. If the owner leaves the house, the flag is lowered, but if everyone has gathered within the walls of the house, the flag flutters.
Norway is bright, colorful, unforgettable and very interesting country, which warmly welcomes all guests. Hospitable Norwegians will create all conditions for everyone who visits their country.
