HISTORIC PLACES. NORTHERN STORIES.
Norway
Discover Norway through Viking history, medieval trading ports, dramatic fjords and Arctic landscapes. From Oslo and Bergen to Ålesund, the Lofoten Islands and the North Cape, explore the places where Norwegian culture meets the sea.
A COUNTRY SHAPED BY FJORDS AND HISTORY
Discover Norway Through the Ages
From Viking voyages and medieval stave churches to Hanseatic wharves, coastal communities and the modern constitutional monarchy, Norway has a layered history. Explore its historic cities, northern fishing settlements and landscapes shaped by travel and trade.
EXPLORE BY DESTINATION
Discover Norway’s Destinations
Oslo
Discover Norway’s capital through Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace, waterfront museums, Viking heritage and the history of Oslofjord.
Lofoten Islands
Explore the Lofoten Islands, where traditional fishing villages, stockfish trading heritage, steep mountains and Arctic seascapes meet.
North Cape
Travel to the North Cape (Nordkapp), an Arctic landmark on Magerøya, and explore Sámi heritage, northern coastal history and vast sea views.
Bergen
Explore Bergen’s UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, Hanseatic trading legacy, medieval churches and the gateway to western Norway’s fjords.
Ålesund
Discover Ålesund’s distinctive Art Nouveau centre, reconstructed after the 1904 fire, with maritime heritage and striking island viewpoints.
NORWAY THROUGH THE AGES
A Brief History of Norway
From Viking sea routes and medieval kings to centuries of union, independence in 1905 and today’s maritime nation, Norway’s history is visible across its cities and coast.
c. 800–1050
Viking Age
Norwegian seafarers establish trading routes and settlements across the North Atlantic and Europe.
c. 872
Early Kingdom
The traditional dating of Harald Fairhair’s victory at Hafrsfjord reflects the gradual formation of a Norwegian kingdom.
c. 1030
Christianisation
The era of Olaf Haraldsson marks a turning point in Norway’s Christianisation and royal identity.
1380–1814
Reformation
Norway spends centuries in political union with Norway; the Reformation arrives in 1537.
1814
Norwegian Constitution
Norway adopts its constitution at Eidsvoll and enters a union with Sweden.
1905
Independence
The union with Sweden ends and Norway becomes an independent constitutional monarchy.
Early Norwegian Kingdom
The Viking era and gradual consolidation of royal power helped form the foundations of medieval Norway.
Medieval Heritage
Fortresses, stave churches and trading towns preserve traces of Norway’s medieval political and religious history.
Maritime Heritage
Coastal trade, fishing communities and North Atlantic voyages are central to Norway’s cultural history.
PLAN YOUR NORWAY TRIP
Everything You Need for Norway
Everything you need to plan a trip to Norway, from historic city stays and Arctic experiences to ferries, trains, car hire and flights.
Hotels
Find accommodation from historic city hotels and waterfront stays to rorbuer fishing cabins in the Lofoten Islands.
Tours & Activities
Find guided city walks, fjord excursions, cultural museums and seasonal northern Norway experiences.
Car Hire
Explore scenic routes and remote regions at your own pace, allowing time for ferries, weather and long distances.
Flights
Compare flights to Oslo, Bergen, Ålesund and northern Norwegian airports for your itinerary.
Trains & Buses
Plan rail, bus and ferry connections; allow for longer journeys to Lofoten and the North Cape.