|
|
 |
Top Attractions in Norway |
Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim
Nidaros Cathedral is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia
and is regarded as Norway’s national shrine. Construction commenced
in 1070, but the oldest remains date from the 12th century. Parts of
the cathedral are adorned with rows of ornate biblical, religious
and royal stone statues as well as magnificent stained glass
windows. If you visit during the summer months you will get to see
the Norwegian Crown Jewels on display.
Website: Nidaros Cathedral
Tromsø
Tromsø is regarded as the 'Gateway to the Artic', a lively
and cheery town with street music, cultural activities, lots of bars
and restaurants and the country’s best brewery. The scenery is
wonderful with snow-capped mountains interspersed with fjords and
beautiful period buildings. Make sure to visit The Northern Lights
Planetarium - Norway’s first virtual planetarium boasting lots of
visual and special effects.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are a cluster of mountainous islands
situated 60 miles above the Arctic Circle on the northern Norwegian
coastline. They are beautiful islands and have been inhabited for
more than 6,000 years. The islands are also home to the world’s
oldest mountain, an extinct volcano situated on the island of Bo.
Stay in one of the traditional fisherman’s huts, which can be rented
easily. Because of the Gulf Stream, the islands never get too cold.
There is also an incredible variety of marine, animal and plant life
here as well as stunning scenery and plenty of activities. In the
western and northern islands the midnight sun is visible from 27 May
till 17 July - something not to be missed.
Ajostedal Glacier National Park
Ajostedal Glacier National Park is a stunningly beautiful
national park situated between a fjord and a glacier known as
Jostedalsbreen. At over 432 sq kilometers, Jostedalsbreen is the
largest glacier in Europe although there are many smaller separate
glaciers throughout the park. Reaching 1,000 meters in height, the
frozen waterfalls are an impressive site as are the glacier
movements of up to 1.5 meters per day. Take an exciting guided tour
of the Glacier; walk, hike and ski in the national park or simply
visit the Jostedal Glacier Centre and Museum.
Nordkapp
Nordkapp, a peninsula often referred to as the most
northerly point of Europe, is actually not part of mainland Norway
but part of an Island called Magerøya. Nordkapp is home to 90
percent of the 25,000 Norwegian samer (also known as Saami or
Lapps). The main town is Honningsvåg which has about 3000
inhabitants and is a lively and culturally active town. The
world-famous cliff formation located at the northern point of
Magerøya is known as the “North Cape” and is a popular tourist
attraction in summer. From an underground exhibit center, you can
view the midnight sun from inside the cliff or walk along the cliffs
which plunge more than 1,000 feet into the Arctic Ocean.
The Geiranger Fjord
Geiranger is Norway’s most famous and most dramatic Fjord.
It is stunningly beautiful with 6000 ft mountains towering above it.
The Waterfalls of Geiranger are also astonishing.
The Saltstraumen Experience, near Bodø
The Saltstraumen Experience is located at the foot of
Saltstraumen Bridge, 33 km from Bodø. The centre overlooks the
strongest maelstrom in the world, Saltstraumen. Exhibitions, models
and a modern multimedia show illustrate life in and around the
maelstrom as well as tracing its history and culture. There are
pools where you can see fish, seals and penguins and you can see
seals being fed at 5pm each evening!!
Bergen
Once the capital of Norway, Bergen is known as the city
between seven mountains as well as the gateway to the fjords. The
old parts of town are steeped in history with museums and galleries
keeping the ancestral art and heritage of Bergen alive. Along the
eastern side of the harbour lie the fascinating buildings of Bryggen
(The Warf). These have been recognised on UNESCO's list of the
world's most valuable historical and cultural places. Visit the Fish
Market, composer Edvard Grieg’s home at Troldhaugen, Rasmus Meyer’s
art collection, the Aquarium and Old Bergen. If you are feeling
really energetic you can climb Bergen’s highest mountain - Mount
Ulriken. If you fancy some relaxation, just take the panoramic cable
car ride to the top and enjoy a hot drink at the Ulriken Mountain
Café.
Stavanger
Probably the tidiest and most user-friendly of all of Norway’s
cities, Stavanger is an interesting mix of old and new, with its
historic harbour being home to some modern and eclectic architecture
and its many museums offering an insight into history both local and
national. Immerse yourself in the history of Stavanger by taking a
casual stroll around the old town whose cobblestone walkways wind
around row upon row of early 18th-century whitewashed wooden houses,
probably the best preserved timber buildings to be found anywhere in
Northern Europe. Here you will find an impressive array of artists’
studios and craft and antique shops.
Oslo
Check out our guide to the top ten attractions in
Oslo
|
|
|
del.icio.us
Digg it
Yahoo MyWeb
Stumble It!
