Nestled between Sweden and the North Atlantic Ocean, Norway is a land of towering peaks, pristine fjords, and vibrant cities.
Its dramatic landscapes, outdoorsy people, and rich culture make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Norway is known for its unparalleled natural beauty. It is home to the world’s famous Norwegian fjords and is surrounded by mountains, beautiful lakes, and picturesque villages.
Its friendly people, diverse languages, and rich culture are also some of Norway’s defining characteristics.
However, this isn’t all there is to know about Norway. The rest of this article will explore the famous people from Norway, its tourist attractions, and interesting facts about the country.
Also, see Do Norwegians Hate Swedes and Danes? to learn more.
What famous people are from Norway?
While it’s a relatively small country located far away from the globe’s center, Norway has produced some big names over the years.
Famous people from Norway are Edvard Munch, Henrik Ibsen, Roald Amundsen, Magnus Carlsen, Alan Walker, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Knut Hamsun, and Kygo, to name a few.
Below is more information about Norway’s most famous:
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch is a world-renowned painter and is best known for his painting, The Scream and The Frieze of Life – A Poem about Life, Love, and Death. [1]
Munch was a leading figure in the Expressionist Movement, and his work profoundly influenced modern art.
Henrik Ibsen
A giant of Norwegian literature, Henrik Ibsen is considered one of the greatest playwrights of all time. [2] He is referred to as “the father of realism” for his immense contribution to modernism in theater.
His plays examined social issues and often caused controversy when first staged. Many of his works, including, A Doll’s House, and Hedda Gabler, are still performed today.
Roald Amundsen
An accomplished Norwegian explorer, Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole. [3] He was also the first to sail through the Northwest Passage – a dangerous route through the Arctic Ocean.
His many achievements earned him the title “The Last Viking.” Unfortunately, he disappeared during a flight over the Arctic in 1928 on a mission to rescue Umberto Nobile, an Italian aeronautical engineer.
Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen is a world champion and prodigy chess player. He is the highest-rated chess player in history. [4] He is also the youngest person ever to be ranked number one.
Carlsen became a grandmaster at the age of 13 and has been dominating the chess world ever since.
Alan Walker
A global sensation in the electronic music scene, Alan Walker is a Norwegian DJ and record producer. [5] His signature sound – a mix of EDM and pop – has taken the world by storm and won him legions of fans worldwide. His hit song “Faded” has been viewed over three billion times on YouTube.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
As a former professional footballer and manager of Manchester United, Ole Gunnar Solskjær is a Norwegian legend. [6]
He played for Manchester United for 11 seasons and won numerous trophies, including the Champions League.
He’s also remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final – one of the most iconic moments in soccer history.
Also, see Is Norway Socialist? to learn more.
What tourist attractions does Norway have?
Some of the tourist attractions in Norway include The Fjords, Pulpit Rock, Tromso, and The Lofoten Islands.
These tourist attractions, coupled with quaint villages, rugged coastlines, and exciting cities, make Norway an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Below is a detailed explanation of these tourist attractions:
The Fjords
Norway’s world-famous fjords, including Sognefjord, Lysefjord, and Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a must-see for any traveler.
These glacier-carved valleys offer some of the most stunning scenery on earth. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or even kayaking through these natural wonders.
Pulpit Rock
An iconic landmark in Norway, Pulpit Rock is a massive rock formation that towers over the Lysefjord.
Visitors can take a ferry to the base of the rock and then hike up to the viewing platform to take in the breathtaking views and have an unforgettable experience.
Tromso
Norway’s arctic city, Tromso, is located above the Arctic Circle and is a popular tourist destination for Aurora Borealis seekers.
The city also offers dog sledding, whale watching, and ice sculpting – making it the perfect place to experience the unique culture of the arctic.
Lofoten Islands
An archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, the Lofoten Islands are known for their dramatic landscapes, quaint fishing villages, and towering peaks.
The islands offer a variety of activities, from hiking to whale watching and chasing the northern lights.
Svolvaer, the largest town on the islands, is a great base for exploring all that the Lofoten Islands have to offer.
Also, see How to Move to Norway to learn more.
15 Interesting Facts About Norway
Norway is a country with rich history and culture dating back to the Viking era. Here are 15 interesting facts about Norway:
- The world’s longest road tunnel, The Lærdal Tunnel, is located in Norway. It is 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) long and took five years to build. It cost one billion Norwegian Kroner ($110 million). [7]
- Oslo, the capital of Norway, is the venue for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
- Ancient and modern skiing techniques were first developed in Norway.
- The cheese slicer, a staple of Scandinavian kitchens, was invented in Norway.
- Norway has more than 2500 glaciers, covering 0.7% of the mainland.
- Norway has the world’s highest concentration of electric cars per capita.
- Bouvet Island, the world’s most remote island, is a Norwegian territory. It is 49km² (19mi²) and is uninhabited. However, Norwegian authorities run an unmanned weather station on the island.
- The current Colonel-in-Chief of the Norwegian King’s Guard is a Scottish king penguin named Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III. [8]
- Every year, Norway gives a Christmas tree to London to thank the British for assistance during World War II. The tradition began in 1947 and the tree is placed in Trafalgar Square.
- There are 1,190 fjords in Norway, the highest concentration of fjords in the world. The Sognefjord is the second longest and deepest fjord in the world.
- Norway introduced salmon sashimi and sushi to Japan in the 1980s through a marketing campaign called Project Japan.
- There are two official languages in Norway: Norwegian and Sami. Norwegian is the most widely spoken language, with Sami being spoken by the indigenous Sami people in the North.
- Mountains account for two-thirds of Norway’s landmass, making it a paradise for mountaineers, hikers, and skiers.
- Winter sports are Norway’s national pastime making it one of the most successful countries in the Winter Olympics. They have won 368 medals, including 132 golds.
- It is illegal to advertise to children under 12 in Norway. This includes TV commercials, print ads, and online marketing. The law was enacted to protect children from being targeted by commercial interests.
Conclusion
Norway’s stunning natural scenery, outdoorsy people, and numerous tourist attractions make it a country like no other.
Also, see Why Is Norway So Rich? to learn more.