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Scandic Hotels – in all major cities from north to south
Nordic Choice Hotels – a different hotel company
Thon Hotels – with fantastic breakfast
Hostelling International – the door to Norway
Radisson Blu Hotels – discover your favourite destinations
Widerøe – the largest regional airline in Scandinavia
AutoEurope – always a smooth car rental experience
Vy express – travel with bus throughout Norway
DFDS – Europe’s leading ferry operator 2012-2020
Rent-A-Wreck – the smart car rental alternative
Arctic Campers – Norway’s camper van rental
NOR-WAY Bussekspress – travel green with express busses
Vy – it should be easy to travel green
Hurtigruten – "The World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage"
Authentic Scandinavia – exciting Norway tours
Up Norway – tailored journeys
Norrøna Hvitserk – expeditions and adventure holidays
Fjord Tours – experience Norway in a nutshell® with one ticket
50 Degrees North – unforgettable tailor-made and small group tours to Norway
Discover Norway – skiing, biking and hiking tours in Norway
Norwegian Holidays – low-price package holidays with Norwegian. Flight, hotel and rental car
DanCenter – your specialist in holiday homes in Norway
Norgesbooking – book your perfect cabin stay in Norway
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Vikings, polar explorers and the Sami may not have a great deal in common, other than that they all stem from Norway and the rest of Scandinavia. But they have all influenced, or are still influencing, Norwegian society and the national identity.
The Vikings were from Norway and the rest of Scandinavia (Sweden and Denmark). During the Viking Age they had a terrible reputation as plunderers, spreading terror in big parts of Europe and beyond.
They did however also have many positive traits. As skilled craftsmen of metal and wood, they made fantastic boats and beautiful jewellery and other artefacts, some of which have survived to this day. They were also excellent storytellers, and the Norse sagas continue to fascinate modern audiences.
Viking experiences
Here are a few places where you can learn more about the Vikings in Norway:
The mighty Nidarosdomen Cathedral in Trondheim was built over the grave of the Viking king Olav Haraldsson (later St Olav), who died in battle in 1030 as he tried to unify the country under Christianity. This year marks the end of the Viking Age in Norway.
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Norway has an impressive number of explorers. The most famous is Roald Amundsen, who was the first person to reach both the North and the South Pole.
At the Fram Museum in Oslo, you can see the boat Amundsen used on many of his expeditions and learn more about Norwegian polar exploration in general.
A few other well-known Norwegian polar explorers are Thor Heyerdahl, Fridtjof Nansen, Børge Ousland and Erling Kagge.
Thor Heyerdahl and the Kon-Tiki expedition
In 1947, Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean on a hand-built raft. The adventure has been the subject of several films, including the 2012 blockbuster Kon-Tiki. At the Kon-Tiki Museum, guests can experience original vessels and up-to-date exhibits on Heyerdahl’s expeditions.
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Norway's indigenous Sami people still practise their traditional way of life in different parts of the country.
The Sami capital is Karasjok, with 3,000 inhabitants and almost 60,000 reindeer. The Sami parliament is situated here, as is the visitor centre Sapmi Culture Park where you can meet the Sami, try Sami food and listen to traditional “joik” music.
Sami-related activities
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You rock! Karasjok is the Sami capital, which is located in Finnmark in Northern Norway. At the Sapmi Culture Park in Karasjok, tourists are invited to experience the Sami way of life with reindeer sledding, listening to joik performances (traditional Sami songs) and sleeping in a lavvu tent.
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Awesome! At the Fram Museum, you can see the boat that Roald Amundsen used on many of his expeditions. Fans of Thor Heyerdahl should definitely go to the Kon-Tiki Museum, where they can see lots of exhibits from his journeys. The two museums are located in the same area, so it’s easy to combine a visit to both in the same day.
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In this module you will learn about travelling green in Norway.
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Become a Norway Expert with our free and fun e-learning program. Through videos, images and fun facts, you will get all the answers you need to sell Norway as a tourist destination.
An archeological find of what may be the largest viking ship yet discovered in Norway is attracting global attention. However, close encounters with viking culture may be experienced several places across the country.
The interest in the Vikings has reached an all-time high over the last years. From newly discovered ships to living villages and high-tech exhibitions – here are some of Norway’s top Viking sites.
Young Sami artists are currently bringing new life to one of Europe’s oldest song traditions. Ancient sounds meet modern genres – and the result? A brave, new wave of internationally acclaimed and prize-winning musicians.
Start planning your historical round trip. These hints from insider Ragnhild Martine Bø will lead you to high-quality historical museums all over Norway.