What kind of country has a town called Hell, does not know how long its own coastline is, and does not even use its own name? We’ll give you a hint. Its landscape is legendary: deep fjords, jagged coast and expansive ice fields form a geography that is nothing short of cinematic. And the culture is fascinating too, influenced by Viking folklore and ancient Norse mythology.
Ready to make a guess? It’s Norway! Or Norge as the Norwegians call it.
Norwegians are famous for being some of the happiest, friendliest people on the planet. They’re masters of the arts (from the painter of The Scream, Edvard Munch to the Romantic composer, Edvard Grieg) as well as world champions in winter sports (garnering more Winter Olympic medals than any other country). To learn even more about this spectacular part of Scandinavia, we enlisted Classic Journeys’ expert local guide, Vibeke, who shares seven surprising facts.
#1: We know about the capital Oslo and the quaint fishing village of Bergen that is UNESCO-protected, but what other places are noteworthy in Norway?
“Hell! No offense meant, but you can actually go to Hell, where you’ll find about a thousand or so Norwegians actually live! You’ll find a Hell Railway Station, a Hell Hotel and a Hell Retirement Home. And because of the sub-arctic climate, every winter this Hell really does freeze over!”
Vibeke assures that Hell, Norway is not at all like you would imagine hell to be like though—a peaceful, picket-fenced settlement near the Stjørdalselva river.
#2: Norway is famous for its lutefisk, but what other foods have come from Norway?
Vibeke exclaimed “If it wasn’t for us, sushi wouldn’t be the same! We introduced the Japanese to salmon in the 1980’s, persuading them to try it in their sushi.”
It has been a staple ingredient in sushi ever since, thanks to Norway’s culinary delights.
#3: Norwegians are world-class skiers and Norway invented skiing. Anything else that Norway has invented that we love in the US?
“I’ll bet you use it almost daily but do not know it came from Norway…It is the cheese slicer!”
It was invented here in 1925 by a carpenter named Thor Bjørklund, who was fed up with how difficult it was to cut cheese with a knife. And now you know!
#4: We know you have more reindeer than anywhere else in Europe, but what other animals are popular in Norway?
“Norway’s most ‘royal’ animal is a penguin!”
Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III is a knight of the Norwegian King’s Guard. He lives in a zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland and was appointed a brigadier in 2016. He is the (adorable) mascot and colonel-in-chief of the Norwegian King’s Guard. The name ‘Nils Olav’ and associated ranks have been passed down through three king penguins since 1972, the current holder being Nils Olav III, who like a true Norwegian, eats a lot of fish!
#5: The geography of Norway is truly cinematic. We know Norway is famous for its fjords and mountains, what else?
“Beyond the fjords, our coastline includes some wonderful bays and islets, but it’s impossible to measure just how long it is, nobody knows! We also have the northernmost tropical island in the world, called Flor og Fjare, which has some of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen.”
And did you know that Norway also has a volcano? Named Beerenberg, it is actually the northernmost subaerial active volcano in the world, having last erupted in 1985.
#6: We know Norway has the world’s deepest fjord, what other world-breaking claims do you have?
Vibeke boasts “We have the biggest gingerbread town in the world!”
Named Pepperkakebyen in Bergen, volunteers of all ages (kindergartens, schools, local businesses) build it every year and have held the world record since 1991! Truly a sight to behold, there are gingerbread houses, cars, trains, fairgrounds, and more. One year there was even an impressive gingerbread airship!
#7: Norway has incredible wildlife
“The natural landscapes and its animal inhabitants are incredible here!”
The wilderness and diverse ecosystems create habitats for so many animals. Norway’s waters are home to sharks and sperm whales in the surrounding seas. On land, you can find polar bears, brown bears, elk, moose, reindeer, deer, lynx, and foxes all roaming freely. And don’t forget to look up – the birding here is excellent as well.
Curious to experience Norway’s culture, landscapes, and hidden gems? Join us, on foot at eye level, as we explore with our expert local guides leading the way!
