If you all you think about when Norway is mentioned is Vikings and beer, think again. This 'land of the midnight sun' has long summer days and delightful sedate cities all complemented by beautifully rustic fishing villages.

Norway is a constitutional monarchy that occupies the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula and borders Sweden, Finland and Russia. The region also includes the Arctic island territories of Svalbard and Jan Mayen.

In the post-war years, Norway has experienced tremendous economic growth and is now one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The country has also been ranked as the most peaceful country in the world in the 2007 Global Peace Index.

On paper, Norway looks like an ideal holiday destination so what are you waiting for? Book that last minute holiday and enjoy the best that this Scandinavian gem has to offer.

Traditions and culture in Norway

Norway is a Christian country and many of its traditions revolve around its Christian roots. Common Christian holidays are celebrated, the most important being Christmas (called Jul in Norway after the pagan and early Viking winter solstice) and Easter.

In recent times, the Norweigan cultural sector has thrived, with a number of literary and performing artists - particularly in the fields of contemporary dance, fine arts and music - coming to the fore.

Music is also an important part of Norwegian cultural life. In the latter part of the 20th century, like many other countries in the world, Norway underwent a roots revival which saw the re-emergence of indigenous music.

Folk music in Norway falls into two main categories based in the ethnic populations from which they emanate: North Germanic and Sami.
Traditional Sami music is centered on a particular vocal style called joik, which sounds similar to the traditional chanting of some Native American cultures.

Traditional North Germanic Norwegian vocal music is among the most common traditonal kinds and encompass work songs, hymns, tralling vocals and old printed ballad stories.

Recommended in Norway

Jotunheimen National Park is one of Norway's best wilderness destinations and the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. It has a network of hiking trails leading to around 60 glaciers and to the country's highest peaks.

The artistic manifestation of Norway's religious culture is best exemplified by Heddal Stave Church, which is Telemark's most visited attraction. The church possibly dates back to around 1242 and visitors can marvel at the rose paintings and a runic inscription which feature inside.

Weather in Norway

Because of the gulf stream, Norway's climate is noticeably warmer than what would otherwise be expected at such a distance from the equator. Summers can be moderately warm (up to 30 degrees C), even in northern areas, but only for limited periods.

In the north there is more snow and winters are dark; on the southern and western coast, winters are moderate and rainy, while further inland the temperature can fall below -25 degrees C.

Destination checklist for Norway

The official language spoken in Norway is Norwegian Bokmal and Norwegian Nynorsk. A holiday guide and a language phrase book will be helpful.

The currency in use is the Norwegian krone; tourists must be aware that Norway is a relatively expensive country. However, a room in a cheap hotel or mountain cabin can rented for around 150 to 300 krones.
Norway is one hour ahead of GMT and uses the international dialling code +47.