Article list
National costumes
Travel back in time and learn about Norway’s rich heritage, including Vikings and the Sami.
The Sami represent the oldest cultures in Norway and the stave churces are the most important Norwegian contribution to European cultural heritage.
There are 14 large fortresses along the coast of Norway. Akershus Fortress in Oslo and Oscarsborg Fortress in Drøbak are among the most popular ones.
Norse mythology held sway until Norway became Christian around the year 1000. Today there is religious freedom.
Stave churches are an important part of Norway's architectural heritage. Urnes Stave Church in the Sognefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The earliest signs of human settlement in Norway date back to 9000 BC. Norway was united to one kingdom 900 AD and got its own constitution in 1814.
Roald Amundsen was the first man in history to reach the South Pole, on 14 December 1911. He is only one of several great Norwegian polar explorers.
The stave churches are Norway's contribution to the history of world architecture. Snøhetta is one of the modern firms with international attention.
The Vikings built longships and raided Europe as traders and warriors.