Buzz
Among the narrow fjords and tales of towering blonde Vikings, memories of Norway arise. Yet, this North European land holds much more for you to uncover.
Discovering Viking Heritage in Norway
The imagery of rural architecture amidst the picturesque landscape, reminiscent of fairy tales, always encourages adventurous footsteps to seek out this North European country.
* Churches constructed entirely of sturdy pine wood stand out as a distinctive architectural feature of Norway.
Most Norwegian wooden churches exhibit a unique fusion of traditional Christian symbols with Viking motifs from the pre-Christian era, notably depicting battles between mythical creatures from Norse mythology on the columns and façades of the churches.
Among the array of wooden churches, Borgund Stave, built in the 12th century and also known as the “Staircase Church,” stands out as one of the medieval churches with the architectural style of the Stave Church. Thanks to strict preservation efforts by the authorities, Borgund Stave remains remarkably intact as it was in its early days.
Currently serving as a repository for numerous ancient texts from the Viking civilization of Northern Europe, this church is famed for its antiquity. Notably, overlooking the narrow Lustrafjord in Ornes, Sogn og Fjordane, is the Urnes Stave Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979), alongside Norway's largest wooden church, the Heddal Church in the city of Notodden.
* En route to the Borgund Stave Church, travelers will pass through the ancient Vindhellavegen road. Viewed from above, Vindhellavegen resembles a colossal serpent slithering amidst the mountainous forests.
A prime attraction of Laerdal, Vindhellavegen serves as a significant historical landmark.
* Valldal is a 30km-long valley renowned for its cultivation of exotic fruits and strawberries, nestled in Romsdal, Western Norway.
Surrounded by majestic towering mountains and breathtaking hillsides, Valldal is adorned with a wild river that meanders through the valley, forming several waterfalls that enhance the allure of Valldal’s landscape.
Thus, Route 63 through Valldal connects Trollstigen, home to the famous winding mountain road in the north, and Geiranger, two renowned attractions in Norway known as the “Golden Route.”
After capturing the stunning imagery of Valldal, be sure to indulge in the region's specialty fruits, particularly the renowned Valldal strawberries, known for their exquisite flavor.
* Latefossen Waterfall in the town of Odda, Western Norway, boasts twin cascades—not the tallest or largest globally, yet its magnificent beauty is undeniable.
The distinct streams of Latefossen originate from Lake Lotevatnet, cascading from a height of 165m and converging in the middle of the falls, flowing under a rustic six-arch bridge, creating a spectacular sight.
This imagery continuously draws crowds of eager visitors despite the challenging visibility of the entire waterfall panorama.
The narrow winding roads and the intricate shape of Latefossen obscure viewpoints, sometimes requiring even professional photographers to invest significant time to capture the most stunning shots.
In return, there are numerous trails around the waterfall that have been carved out, allowing visitors to capture impressive angles of Latefossen's swirling waters beneath the bridge...
* Kvednafossen is a waterfall in Oppland, Eastern Norway, that leaves travelers dreaming upon seeing the image of cascading waters down natural stone steps alongside a solitary small house.
Currently, the only way to reach the Kvednafossen waterfall area is by train.
* Verdens Ende (The End of the World) is the nickname given by early 20th-century travelers to the southernmost point of Tjome, in Vestfold County, where panoramic views stretch out over the Skagerrak Sea and stunning rocky outcrops, inviting tourists to wave beneath the waters or fish while admiring the surrounding nature.
In 1932, with the construction of a rocking lighthouse and a restaurant, the village of Tjome became a sought-after destination for tourists.
Today, Tjome boasts a large marina along with fairly comprehensive infrastructure. During the summer, the beaches of Tjome are bustling with tourists and locals alike, soaking in the warm Nordic sun...
* Renndolsetra is a traditional mountain farm in Innerdalen, one of Norway's most beautiful valleys and a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. After a three-hour hike from the parking lot, you'll reach Renndolsetra.
Amidst serene landscapes reminiscent of a fairy-tale world, with wooden houses adorned by lush greenery against a backdrop of mist-shrouded peaks, the Norwegian-style cinnamon rolls with special preserves and sour cream always leave visitors longing for Renndolsetra.
The dreamlike scenery makes Renndolsetra a tourist hotspot in the summer. In October, if you're lucky, you might even witness a local wedding here...
* In recent years, “Northern Lights tourism” has seen significant growth, with Norway emerging as a popular destination for this type of adventure.
The Arctic town boasts numerous islands and towering mountains in Tromso, Northern Norway, considered one of the best places in Europe to witness the Northern Lights. From September to March is the prime time for Aurora hunting here.
This phenomenon occurs from 6 PM until midnight, with the best chance to see the Northern Lights around 10 PM. During this time, the sky is bright and cloudless.
As reported by Tuoitre.vn
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 20, 2015
