Norway is a perfect mixture of interesting cities and sprawling wilderness. Norway’s development culture was flourishing here from at least the ninth century. Findings from burial sites indicate that the Vikings were great shipbuilders with a strongly developed artistic tradition represented in crafts, woodcarving and jewelers. Significantly, these skills were also passed on to those parts of Europe that they occupied. The beautifully decorated stave churches built after Christianity was introduced into Norway also underscore the artistic abilities of the Norwegian people.

The Gothic cathedral of Trondheim, known as Nidarosdomen, represents a golden age of Norwegian cultural development. It was the last monument to be erected before the dark era in which nearly half the population was wiped out by bubonic plague and Norway ceased to be an independent state.
During the union with Denmark, Copenhagen functioned as the capital of Norway, so that not only the written language, but also Norwegian culture and artistic life became strongly influenced by Denmark.

In Copenhagen Norwegian artists found work opportunities that were simply not available to them in Norway; Ludwig Hulbert staged his early plays there, whilst Copenhagen’s University was the only institution at which Norwegians could undertake academic studies. As a result, when it was finally reinstated as an independent nation, Norway had relatively little of the cultural life so typical of other European capitals during the 19th century. However, a vigorous culture was developing in the regions, embracing architecture, decorative arts and music and folk tales.

Furthermore, when Romanticism experienced its breakthrough in Europe, Norwegian artists found ready inspiration in the breathtaking landscapes of their motherland. Subsequently the second half of the 19th century witnessed a new era of rich artistic development and the work of Henrik Ibsen, alongside the paintings of Edward Munch, became a part of international cultural history.During the course of the 20th century Norway, like many other countries, was affected by many foreign cultural influences. Norway’s development cultures, taking place against a background of widespread determination to uphold and support the uniqueness of Norwegian culture, has created an interesting mixed expression in contemporary Norwegian artistic life.

In recent decades the Norwegian cultural sector has prospered and a number of literary and performing artists- particularly in the fields of contemporary dance, fine arts and music – have won international acclaim for their work. It is hoped that in the future their achievements will be recognized alongside the more high-profile activities of Norway’s scientists and adventurers who have hitherto been responsible for putting Norway on the world map. This section takes a look at developments and trends in each Norwegian cultural sector, backed up with detailed directory entries for key organizations and bodies throughout the country.

Norway is widely known and appreciated for the numerous fjords that spread across the coastlines, for the excellent skiing resources and the dramatic landscapes of untainted woods, mountains and lakes. Norway is a popular holiday destination for holiday makers going on a family holiday and staying in self catering holiday accommodation. There are some great holiday homes available to rent in Norway. Norway cannot be described roughly because of its huge scope of vacation destinations. There are a lot of things to mention about Norway. In a compact way Norway could be described as craggy, wild, and a very intense.

The country is filled with ice glaciers, gigantic mountains and fjords that can’t be conjured into images of the legendary Vikings or the gods of Norse. Norway is completely covered with awe inspiring beauty and unscathed villages of fishing and also a lot of historical museums and sights including the medieval cabins of the Viking warriors, it is very enchanting. Norway is entirely diverse and there is a lot of difference from the northern end to the souther tip, the area which is around Oslo. There are some superb ski chalets and self catering apartments to rent in Norway.

There is a variety of activities that would excite a tourist, like just walking through the mind blowing landscapes. The fjord in the southern part of Norway is worth exploring and Oslo, Tronhem and Bergen are magical cities. Getting a self catered residence means that you are able to do any outdoor activity in the natural facility. There is also a lot of wilderness in Norway which is quite astounding. There is glass like lakes that flow from the fountains and also glaciers which is the largest in the world. There are also some awesome isolated holiday wooden cabins that can be rented.

Norway has great trekking and hiking areas and also some amazing walks which can be quite scintillating. You can also go hunting, mountain climbing and also fishing which also are great holiday activities. Norway is known as the birthplace of skiing. The landscape almost covers up to 30000km full of pistes. The ski season is from November to may end. There are some great ski chalets available to rent direct from their owners in this region.

It is the Scandinavian region of Norway with coastal villages. The coastal villages here are the size of a picture postcard; it is a very beautiful scene. It is ideal for taking a walk, rock climbing, skiing and also canoeing. It is the most beautiful region of the whole of Norway. The Norwegian fjord which is along the west coast is good for outdoor sports like raft climbing, summer skiing, and kayak. Holiday makers can rent traditional holiday cottages and use them as bases to explore this marvellous country.