Norwegian History & Culture

Norway's Viking legacy is not just a historical chapter; it's a living tale, woven into the very fabric of the country. From intriguing artefacts to immersive museums, captivating tours, and authentic living villages, Norway offers a wealth of opportunities to dive deep into the Viking world.

Discover the lesser-known facets of Norway's Viking history, and immerse yourself in a captivating saga of exploration, discovery, and bravery.

From a traditional Norwegian breakfast to hearty stews, freshly caught seafood, brown cheese, and berries ripened under the Midnight Sun, Norwegian cuisine celebrates the country's exceptional local ingredients and centuries-old culinary traditions. Pair these iconic dishes with authentic Norwegian drinks, including aquavit, craft beer, fruit ciders, and traditional beverages, for a complete taste of Norway's rich food and drink culture.

From music festivals celebrating jazz, blues, and contemporary sounds to traditional events showcasing local food, customs, and heritage, festivals in Norway offer a vibrant window into the country’s culture. Among the most celebrated is Norwegian Constitution Day, known as Syttende Mai, when communities across the country come together to celebrate Norway’s national identity and traditions.

Norway's long-standing religious history has helped shaped the country's political, cultural, and architectural landscape, and the country has plenty of beautiful historic religious sites for visitors to explore today.

From trolls to goddesses, our shores are alive with Norwegian folklore and mythical creatures. Learn about them and perhaps you’ll start to see the coast like we do: a place of magic and myth.

Hundreds of lighthouses and navigational lights dot the Norwegian coastline, where they have guided sailors and captains to safety for centuries. From iconic striped towers to an intriguing octagonal structure, learn more about Norway’s lighthouses.

Friluftsliv, a word made up of “friluft” (open air) and “liv” (life), reflects our belief in the wonderful benefits of being outdoors – connecting with nature, finding balance in the natural world, and taking time to capture the beauty of places like Lofoten through photography.

When you travel through Norway, you may have a chance to see some of this country's stave churches, which are an integral piece of Norway's architectural heritage. These churches were built during the Middle Ages and are made of wood, rather than the traditional stone churches that were being built throughout other parts of Europe. The woodwork was, and still is, extremely intricate and richly decorated with animal motifs such as doves, dragons, centaurs and elk.