We continue our virtual journey through the strange and unusual tourist attractions of different countries, and today we will go to get acquainted with Norway!

Most of you may not believe it, but Norway is so much more than just ski slopes. If you take a little time to get to know the amazing places of this picturesque mountain, you will discover a lot of unexpected things.

10. Trolltongue (Trolltunga), Hordaland

If height and adrenaline are your thing, then you should definitely visit the "Troll's Tongue" on Mount Skjeggedal near the city of Odda, towering over Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

This stone ledge, resembling a tongue in its shape, is located at an altitude of 700 meters. It was formed during the Ice Age, when most of the mountain froze and a piece broke off.

This unusual ledge offers an incredibly picturesque view, although only the most physically prepared can get here. Climbing the mountain takes several hours. However, even having reached the "Troll's Tongue", only the most desperate daredevils decide to climb the ledge.

Hike to this place passes through high mountains and takes 10-12 hours. In total, you will have to overcome 23 km (round trip) and climb to a height of 900 meters. It is a long and difficult hike, but the result is worth it!

9. Kjeragbolten, Forsand, Rogaland Fylke

Kjøragbolten (which can be translated from Norwegian as "Kjørag boulder") is a huge stone that wedged into a mountain crevice on the edge of Mount Kjørag in Lysefjord.

The 5 m³ cobblestone itself is a stone block hanging over a deep abyss at a mind-blowing height of 984 meters. Despite the impressive view from this place, you can easily get to it - on foot and without any special equipment. Mount Kjerag itself is a popular tourist area, and Kjeragbolten is a favorite place for photographing among tourists.

True, in this case, only the most courageous climb here, and only the most desperate climb the boulder to enjoy the view of the Lysefjord.

Due to the huge popularity, whole queues line up on the Kyorag boulder from those who want to take a memorable photo at this place. The wait can take from several minutes to more than an hour, so when going there, you need to stock up not only with courage, but also with patience.

8. Kannesteinen Rock, Måløy, Vogsoy Island


Formed over thousands of years by crashing rocks, Kannesteinen Rock is an impressive mushroom-shaped rock located on the coast of the Oppendal countryside, about 10 kilometers from the town of Moløy.

The height of an unusual rock formation is almost 3 meters, and its surface is wide enough to fit 3-4 people on it. The Kannesteinen Rock is very popular among both tourists and photographers who want to take picturesque and impressive photos.

7. Leonardo da Vinci Bridge, Akershus


Unfortunately, this one was not built by Leonardo da Vinci himself, but by the Norwegian artist Vebjørn Sand, but to create this unusual structure, he used sketches made in 1502 by the Italian genius himself.

It is a much smaller version of the bridge that Leonardo da Vinci designed as part of a civil engineering project for the Sultan of Constantinople (now Istanbul), Bayezid II. Then the Sultan rejected the project of the bridge, which was supposed to be built across the bay with a length of just under 400 m, doubting its practicality.

A Norwegian artist has recreated Leonardo da Vinci's proposed bridge on a much smaller scale, while retaining its minimalism and design.

6. Emanuel Vigeland Museum, Oslo


This amazing work of art is located in a part of the building that is completely lacking in natural light, that is, sunlight from the street does not enter there.

The interior of the room is rather dimly lit, and its walls are decorated with drawings of people from floor to ceiling, creating a stunning effect.

The large vaulted hall is completely covered with drawings showing a person's life from conception to death in detailed erotic scenes. The talented Norwegian artist took 20 years to create frescoes with a total area of ​​800 m².

5. Stavkirke in Borgund (Borgund stavkirke)


The Stave Church in Borgunn is a frame church located in Borgunn, which is one of the oldest surviving mast churches.

Of almost 1,500 wooden churches built in Norway, most of which were erected between 1130-1350, a little less than 30 have survived to this day.

The frame church in Borgunn was erected in honor of the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, presumably in 1150-1180.

4. Lærdalstunnelen, Aurland


The Lerdal tunnel, located in the province of Sogn og Fjordane and connecting the municipalities of Aurland and Lerdal, is the longest road tunnel in the world - its length is 24.5 km.

An interesting feature of the tunnel, opened in 2000, is the unusual lighting, which was designed to give the illusion of daylight. So if you drive from Oslo to Bergen (E16) by car, you will be able to personally appreciate this amazing car tunnel.

3. Aurland Lookout, Bergen


This unusual observation deck looks like the most dangerous slide in the world, but at the very top of this amazing wooden structure there is a thin glass panel that prevents visitors from "rolling down".

The observation deck, located 3 hours from Bergen, offers stunning views of Aurland, a small town in the province of Sogn og Fjordane, one of the largest fjords on the west coast of Norway.

The wooden structure of the observation deck, 4 meters wide, starts at the side of the road and stretches for 30 meters, providing an opportunity to see all the beauty of the local nature.

Here you can almost always see numerous tourists enjoying the view of the fjord, so there are special parking spaces nearby for 2 buses and 10 cars.

2. Statue of Liberty, Karmøy


No, you don't, and it's not a mistake. This is where the Statue of Liberty is located. True, not quite real, since it is just an exact copy of the one located in New York. However, the copper from which the real Statue of Liberty was cast, donated by France to the United States of America in 1876, was mined in copper mines from these places.

1. Bastnas Car Cemetery, Bastnas


Most likely, you have repeatedly seen photographs taken in this place, but still did not know where it is. It may be nothing more than an old dump, but for many photographers it is a work of art that must be captured on camera.

This place is located on the Swedish-Norwegian border, about 113 km from Oslo. All the cars that can be seen here were assembled by two brothers who dismantled them for parts and successfully sold them until the 80s of the last century.

To keep things going, they continued to buy old cars and ran the business from a house built on a field surrounded by the remains of abandoned Saab, Volvo, Buick, Ford, Opel, Volkswagen, Fiat and various other brands. The dense forest continued to devour the cars that came across in its path, and after almost 40 years, nature finally won this battle.

One of the owners left here in the early 90s in search of a better life, and his brother continued to live until 2010. According to him, there are up to 1,000 rare cars in the Bastnas forest.

It is said that this collection of cars can cost in the order of $150,000, and not including parts, but Bastnas is so far from civilization that most of these cars are unlikely to budge anytime soon.

If you want to go there to take something special from there, the only thing you need is a helicopter and a chainsaw... for starters.

The country of the fjords and the birthplace of the harsh Vikings - this is how those who have not been here often imagine Norway. In fact, this is an amazingly beautiful land of small cozy towns, stability, tranquility and security. Well, a very strange sometimes food, where without it.

Facts about Norway

• The name "Norway" in translation from the Old Norse language means "the way to the north."
• This country has been a leader among the quality of life of its inhabitants for many years.
• In Norway, more than 235 thousand square kilometers are occupied by uninhabited mountains and swamps, and only 2,400 square kilometers can be used for sowing fields.
• Norway is one of the least populated European countries.
• In this country, the church was separated from the state only at the end of May 2012, which is an amazing fact for a European power. Until that moment, the king and half of the State Council had to profess Lutheranism without fail.
• The constitution gives the Norwegian king quite extensive powers, but in reality this position has long been purely "ceremonial" in nature, as in Great Britain ().
• After the end of the ice age, the lands of modern Norway were one of the most densely populated regions of the planet.
• To extract gas, the Norwegians built the world's largest drilling platform in the North Sea with a displacement of 1 million tons and a height of 465 meters.
• Europe's largest titanium ore deposit has been discovered in Norway. In addition, the state is the largest European producer of aluminum and magnesium.
• Norway exports about 90% of the paper produced in the country.
• It is also the world leader in per capita electricity reserves.
• The salary of an average Norwegian male is 40,800 crowns (303.7 thousand rubles), and women - 34,800 crowns (259 thousand rubles).

• Norway ranks first on the planet in terms of the number of daily newspapers published per inhabitant of the country.
• It became the first country on Earth to decide to completely abandon analogue FM radio broadcasting and has already begun this process.
• Norway has hosted the Winter Olympics twice.
• Norwegian Ole Einar Björndalen is the only athlete in history who managed to become the Olympic champion in biathlon 8 times.
• Musicians from Norway have become the winners of Eurovision three times.
• Traditional Norwegian cuisine includes several unusual dishes - for example, Norwegians are happy to eat fermented trout (rakfisk) and dried fish soaked in alkali and then soaked in water (lutefisk).
• The first settlement in Greenland as early as the 1st century AD. founded by the Norwegian navigator Eric the Red. Later, his children became the true discoverers of America, long before Columbus ().
• Heather is the national flower of Norway.
• Norway is considered the birthplace of skiing. In Norwegian, the word "ski" means "piece of wood".
• This country is the world leader in the export of ostriches.
• In popular culture, the image of a Viking in a two-horned helmet is widespread, although in reality these harsh warriors most likely did without headgear at all.
• The cheese knife was invented and patented by a Norwegian carpenter in the 1920s.

1. The northernmost land border of Russia is the border with Norway. It stretches for 200 km and is entirely located beyond the Arctic Circle. Near the city of Kirkenes is the only international checkpoint for cars between countries.

2. Norway is a constitutional monarchy, the head of state is Harald V. We are ready to bet that you have never heard anything about him, unlike the British monarchs.

3. The average life expectancy in Norway is about 80 years (in Russia, for example, about 70 years).

4. There are few churches in the country, religion is unpopular, despite the fact that formally 80% of the country's population are Lutherans. Temples are often in poor condition or even closed.

5. Cemeteries in Norway are as austere as possible: small black tombstones, no fences.

6. The average salary of a Norwegian is around 5000-7000 euros.

7. Norwegians prefer inexpensive cars, many of which are diesel powered. But many residents of the country have their own yachts.

A dirty car is nonsense. Cars standing near private houses glisten like in an advertisement for car brands.

8. In Norway, almost all private houses, with rare exceptions, look great. Design complemented by good condition. Real estate is very expensive.

And here is a rare exception :)

9. A significant part of the territory is located beyond the Arctic Circle. During the polar day, the sun does not go down, and you will not be able to admire the sunsets. The polar day in English is called midnight sun and nothing else. Nobody is safe from cloudy weather even on a polar day.

10. During the polar day or in periods shortly before or after it, the country does not sleep: the inhabitants fish, hunt, and actively travel back and forth. The forest tundra lives and is filled with people. People not only come by car, but also live in houses in this harsh region.

11. During the trip, we saw black migrants beyond the Arctic Circle several times, which looks a bit ridiculous. This is not a mass phenomenon.

12. Norway is not like sleepy Europe, shops and gas stations do not close at 18-19 hours, as in many European countries.

13. Norway is definitely a masculine country. In our opinion, the symbols of the country are the Vikings, hunters, fishermen, conquerors of a harsh land. Norwegians are tall, strong, businesslike.

14. Norwegians choose discreet comfortable clothes, often sporty.

15. In any village in Norway, even beyond the Arctic Circle, the locals speak excellent English.

16. Unlike neighboring Sweden and especially Finland, in Norway the city streets and roads are not so neat and there is no such pedantic observance of the rules. Although, of course, you will not meet Russian disregard for the rules :)

17. There are almost no signs prohibiting overtaking and double solid lines on the roads, the authorities are counting on the prudence of drivers.

18. Fines for traffic violations are high, speeding violations and alcohol intoxication are aggravating factors in an accident. At the same time, you will, of course, not meet any traffic police standing along the road or hiding in the bushes.

19. In the middle of the 20th century, Norway did not belong to the richest countries in Europe, but the oil boom changed everything. The country keeps oil money in oil funds and invests in other sectors of the economy, including agriculture.

20. Norway has some of the highest petrol prices in Europe. A liter of AI-95 costs more than 1.5 euros (even more expensive on popular routes).

21. Food prices are also very high. In some supermarkets, you can buy products with a best before expiration date with a 50% discount.

22. Vegetables and fruits are especially expensive beyond the Arctic Circle: potatoes and apples cost about 300 rubles per kg in terms of rubles, sweet peppers - 700 rubles per kg.

23. Favorably priced positions lie on the lowest shelves of supermarkets and are often already sold out.

24. Tap water is drinkable. The water in lakes and streams is also clean and very tasty.

25. Beer in a store costs from 350 rubles per bottle, in a restaurant - from 800 rubles per 0.5 liter. Strong drinks can be bought only in the daytime and only in state monopoly stores. On Sundays, strong alcohol is sold only in cafes and bars.

26. Fish is quite expensive, for example, trout costs about 2000 rubles per kg.

27. Prices in an ordinary cafe can be compared with the cost of dishes in the Pushkin restaurant in Moscow.

28. Despite the "tropical" blue color, the water in Norway beyond the Arctic Circle is almost always cold.

However, locals and non-locals manage to get their feet wet :)

Come to Norway, it's very interesting here.

How to survive for a budget traveler in this expensive country, read the following article.

All reports on the trip to Norway and the Russian North:

Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3

Norway is a country with a rich history. The homeland of the harsh Vikings, today it is one of the most well-fed, calm and prosperous states in the world. The standard of living in Norway is one of the highest, as is the level of social security. This state attracts not only tourists who want to join the ancient Scandinavian culture, but also immigrants who are ready to overcome any difficulties, just to stay here forever.

1. In all of Norway, about 2.5 times fewer people live than in Moscow.
2. All Norwegians speak at least two languages ​​- Norwegian and English.
3. A city with a population of over 25-30 thousand people in Norway is considered large.
4. Four out of five Norwegians have their own boat, or at least a boat. Norwegians love the sea. Apparently, the spiritual heritage of the Viking ancestors is affecting.
5. Almost all of Norway's electricity comes from hydroelectric power plants.
6. There is no deforestation in Norway at all - Norwegians prefer to buy wood from countries that do not care about their nature so much. For example, in Russia (see facts about Russia).
7. Seeing rubbish lying around somewhere on the ground in Norwegian cities is simply unrealistic.
8. Norway is nominally ruled by a king.
9. The average salary in Norway fluctuates around the mark of five to six thousand euros per month.
10. Everything in Norway is really, really expensive. The taxes here are huge too (see tax facts).
11. Strong alcohol in Norway is not only extremely expensive - it is also sold only in specialized state stores.
12. Winter sports such as snowkiting, skiing and snowboarding are very popular here.
13. Norway ranks first in the world in terms of the length of fjords, overtaking Canada and New Zealand in this parameter (see facts about New Zealand).
14. On country roads, there are often tables with vegetables and fruits, and a price tag and a jar for money are nearby. How much you took - so much and put the bills. Nobody is watching. Cheating is simply not accepted here.
15. On Norwegian television, most of the programs are in English with subtitles in Norwegian.
16. Robbery or murder in Norway is a national event. Such serious crimes are a vanishing rarity here. A similar situation is observed in Oman (see facts about Oman).
17. Norway ranks first in Europe in terms of the number of road tunnels.
18. The northernmost point of mainland Europe, the North Cape, is located precisely in Norway. Insanely beautiful place.
19. It is not easy to anger phlegmatic and calm Norwegians, but if you have already succeeded, run! Norwegians are terrible in anger. Apparently, the blood of the Vikings is again affecting.
20. In Norway, energy is very, very expensive. A family of four spends on electricity for one month can come close to a thousand euros.
21. Most Norwegians prefer to live in houses rather than apartments.
22. Contrary to popular belief, not all of Norway is cold. In the south of the country in winter there may be no snow at all, and the thermometer may not fall below zero.
23. The least popular fast food in Norway is sushi. However, the majority of Norwegians, in principle, do not favor fast food.
24. It is not customary to visit without an invitation in Norway.
25. Norwegians are a patriotic nation, many people hang a flag on their house. When leaving, the flag is removed, and upon returning home, it is hung back.

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The country of fabulous trolls and fantastic fjords will not leave indifferent even the most experienced tourist. Here, penguins can command people, snow is collected and stored in special hangars so that it does not melt longer, and film shows on high rocks and concerts in caves are quite common.

We are in website made an unforgettable trip to Norway and collected for you the most amazing facts about this mysterious northern country.

1. Penguin at the head of the royal guard

Perhaps this can only happen in Norway. The animal here easily overshadows the popularity of politicians and monarchs. Sir Niels Olaf is the most famous penguin in the world and is the honorary commander and mascot of the Norwegian Royal Guard. He was knighted in 2008 and promoted to brigadier general in 2016.

2. Equal rights

3. Reward from the state

The state appreciates any help from its citizens here. For example, you, on your own initiative, helped put out a fire in the forest along with your neighbors. This act will not go unnoticed by the local authorities, and they will gratefully pay you compensation for the time spent. It can be several thousand Norwegian kroner (several hundred dollars).

Even if you live in a small village and suddenly bad weather left you without electricity for several hours, the utilities will not only quickly fix the damage, but also pay you compensation for the inconvenience caused.

4. Dream schools

5. Pay for purchases in bottles

In many Norwegian stores you can see machines for receiving plastic, glass bottles and aluminum cans. In exchange for the container, they will give you a check with the amount for the returned bottles, which you can use instead of money to pay at the store's checkout.

In Norway, there is so much snow in winter that small wooden houses can easily disappear under its thickness. However, the Norwegians collect all this snow and store it in huge hangars all summer, in order to use it in October when creating ski slopes, when the weather is still warm, and everyone really wants to ski.

7. Sunbathe the Norwegian way

Since the ski season starts in October and lasts almost until May, you can sometimes see hot Norwegians combining their favorite sport with sunbathing in warm weather.

8. Subdue the sun

The sun in northern Norway, especially in winter, is a rare pleasure, and in some settlements, due to the specifics of the landscape, it may not appear at all. So, in the period from September to March, the town of Ryukan is in the shade of the surrounding mountains, completely covering it from the sun. To illuminate the city, in 2013, 3 giant mirrors worth NOK 5 million were installed on the mountain range, which reflect sunlight onto the central square.

9. Clean energy

If you are in Norway, then pay attention to the bus stops. They can be very comfortable. But tourists are more struck not by the decoration, but by the fact that no one takes home all this decor. In addition, no one will steal your phone if you accidentally leave it on a bench in front of a store in a small Norwegian town, as the author of the article saw firsthand. In small towns, it is not customary to lock cars, and the keys to the guest house can be safely dropped into the mailbox and not worry that someone else will take them.

11. Everything is built on trust

Norwegians are so sure of each other's decency that in small villages you can see the following picture: next to the farm there may be a "self-service" table with potatoes packaged in bags and a sign with a price. And next to it there will be a box for paying for purchases - and no seller or hidden cameras. It would never occur to any of the locals that food or money could be stolen.

12. Norwegians love to party

To see the world's largest bonfire, you can visit the Norwegian city of Ålesund, where a 40-meter tower is built from wooden pallets for several days, which is then burned. In this original way, the Norwegians celebrate the middle of summer (June 24).