Flying over Vikings Land (Norway) 4K UHD

Where is Norway?

Norway (Norge) is the westernmost, northernmost—and in fact the easternmost—of the three Scandinavian countries. Best known for the complex and deep fjords along its west coast which stretches from the North Sea near Denmark and Scotland into the Arctic Ocean and has borders with Finland, Sweden, and the northwestern tip of Russia.

Norway (Norwegian: Norge or Noreg) is the westernmost, northernmost — and surprisingly also the easternmost — of the three Scandinavian countries. Among the Nordic countries, only Finland stretches slightly further east. Norway is known for its complex and deep fjords along its west coast, the midnight sun, and Northern Lights.

The overall impression of Norway is a country with ample space and an unusually rugged landscape. While famous for its incredible fjords along the Atlantic, the interior also has great valleys, wide forests, and fjord-like lakes. Norway is one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Water in all varieties is perhaps what Norway is most characterized for: the endless coastline, the great fjords, countless waterfalls, crystal rivers, lovely lakes, and numerous glaciers.

Although the great outdoors is Norway’s number one attraction, there are also many interesting and lively cities like Oslo and Bergen. Man-made attractions include Norway’s cultural heritage as well as modern structures and architecture – often found in cities but also in terms of impressive engineering in remote corners.

The petty Viking kingdoms of Norway were unified in 872 AD by Harald Fairhair. In the following period, Norwegians settled in many places, such as Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and parts of Scotland and Ireland, where they founded Dublin and Waterford. In the beginning of the 14th century, Norway and Sweden were unified as the Norwegian king was also elected king of Sweden. At the end of the century, the two countries and Denmark were unified in the so-called Kalmar Union.

Sweden broke out of the union in 1521. Norway remained in union with Denmark until the Napoleonic Wars of 1814. Because Denmark was on the losing side of the Napoleonic wars, Norway was handed over to Sweden which was part of the winning coalition. Norway declared independence, but Sweden invaded Norway and enforced a personal union, still allowing Norway a great deal of autonomy.

From the mid-1800s almost 1 million Norwegians emigrated to America, about 30 % of the population at the time, a proportion only surpassed by Ireland. In some districts of Norway 40 to 50 % are left for America. About 5 million Americans are of Norwegian ancestry. Some emigrants returned to the “old country” and brought money, ideas, and technology from “over there”. Particularly in the Farsund-Flekkefjord area and valleys within the US influence is notable. Ties to the US remain strong, culturally as well as politically.

The union with Sweden lasted until 1905, which is the beginning of modern Norway. Norway later rejected membership in the European Union. From 1940 until 1945, Norway was occupied by German forces during World War II. In the 1960s, oil was found in the North Sea. Oil drilling has brought Norway prosperity, but contrary to many other oil-exporting countries, Norway invests its profits in a very egalitarian and collectivist way creating an affluent, harmonious society taking advantage of excellent infrastructure, and pioneering environmentally friendly technologies in everyday lives. Repeatedly ranked as a country with one of the world’s highest standards of living, Norway has attracted migrants from many places all over the world, which add to today’s colorful and inclusive society. All this does not come cheap, and consumer prices are among the highest in the world.