Cultural sightseeing in Norway. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

The laconic northern architecture and the world-famous “Scandinavian style” buildings draw in an impressive stream of tourists to the country. In the Country’s capital, the sculpture “Reclining” was opened opposite the building of the Norwegian Opera in 2010. The structure of glass and metal in its outlines resembles an iceberg on the water surface, gradually rotating from the wind. The Italian metal painter Monica Bonvicini named her creation a symbol of change and hope.

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A small ship lighthouse was built on the coast of the city of Ålesund. It would seem like nothing remarkable, but inside the building there is a comfortable room belonging to a local hotel. Connoisseurs of secluded exotics will definitely like it.

The 8.5 kilometers long motorway connecting Molde and Kristiansund is considered one of the most beautiful on the planet. The road located along the northern shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean passes 12 bridges. If you go slowly and peer into the ocean, you can see blissfully playing fur seals. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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In the heart of the quiet valley of Valldalen near the town of the same name, is the Juvet Landscape Hotel. Eight miniature houses with glass walls over a quiet creek will allow every admirer of isolation to enjoy the silence and harmony of the northern nature.

The trolley ladder, open to risky motorists since 1936, to this day remains an astonishing masterpiece of engineering and design skills. A narrow highway connecting several cities is designed for driving cars no longer than 12 meters.

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The park in the Frogner region created by the sculptor Gustav Vigeland is dedicated to the expression of human emotions. Laughing, angry and sad sculptural groups will please children with their expressiveness. Grown-up visitors are welcome to unravel the mysterious expressions on the faces of the sculptures adorning the bridge.

Akershus is an ancient fortress and castle in Oslo loaded with a permanent exhibition of weapons. The building houses the headquarters of the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defense of Norway. Ancient cannons and modern guns, as well as open excursions to historical prison cells tickle the fancy of large tourist companies. An exhibition of the history of the castle is open for connoisseurs of quiet meditation.

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The City Hall in Oslo which was founded in 1950, will appeal to fans of monumental structures. Two powerful towers of dark brick contrast with the bright colored frescos inside the building. Enthusiasts of panoramic landscapes can climb to the roof of the building from which the entire capital of Norway is visible, as if it were in the palm of your hand.

The main and outright owner of the Kon-Tiki Museum is Tour Heyerdahl. This man dedicated his whole life to science and travel. The name of the historical center is identical to the name of the raft on which the great voyager crossed the Pacific Ocean. What is more, the museum’s collection contains many other ships on which the traveler went on expeditions.

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One of the most unusual sculptures showcased is the Monument to the paperclip. Many of you may be surprised and may start looking for an answer in the search engine. And you are right doing so. In general, the “clip” carries a deep symbolic meaning. When in 1940 power was seized by the Nazis and the ban on wearing buttons with the initials of the King came into force, people switched to staples in whose outlines the initials of the ruler could be guessed. After the war, a monument was erected and the clip was permanently fixed in the history of the country as a symbol of resistance.

The city of Stavanger will please visitors with the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. The building which is located on the central embankment of the city is styled under three offshore oil rigs. Inside the museum is an extensive exposition dedicated to the oil industry. Interactive oil platforms and moving borax will entertain the youngest visitors.

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Norway guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Norway

Reference information

Map of all art museums

Art galleries in Norway
♥ Art museum 'Architecture and Design' Oslo. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Henie-Onstad Art Centre' Bærum. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'Munch Museum' Oslo. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Art museum 'National Museum of Art' Oslo. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas in Norway
♥ Nidarosdomen, Trondheim. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all palaces

Palaces in Norway
♥ Palace 'Ledaal' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Oscarshall' . On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Royal Palace' Oslo. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Palace 'Stiftsgården' . On the map Show on the map

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Extreme Guinness-type places in Norway

Lier Psykiatriske Sykehus

From the series “Deserted Places Causing the Feeling of Chill”

The mere mention of the mental hospitals can cause uncomfortable feelings. Abandoned mental hospitals feature very special sinister atmosphere. The Norwegian city of Lier has the old psychiatric hospital Lier Sykehus. The latter is known to the whole world, because terrible experiments on patients have being conducted there for many years. This hospital is a historic place. It was opened in 1926 and occupied a complex of more than a dozen huge buildings.

In 1985, the hospital management decided to close four buildings. The reason for this decision is unknown. Today, local youth and curious tourists come to walk along old abandoned hulls. At the first glance it's clearly seen that all buildings were left in hurry. Furniture, medical equipment, and even personal belongings of patients can … Read all

Ladder Florli

From the series “Furious Footways Around the World That Make You Dizzy”

The longest wooden stairs in the world can be found in Norway. It is located on the territory of a small town of Florli. The length of the stairway is 1600 meters, it consists of 4444 steps. This amazing staircase is one of the main attractions of the city and leads to the important historical object - the power station, which was built here in the early 20th century. The staircase has no fences and creaks noticeably during the walk. The height difference between the first and the last steps is 740 meters.

Travellers who are not afraid to go a long way along the old wooden staircase will have an opportunity to admire the incredibly beautiful historic Art Nouveau building. During the ascent, it will be possible to notice huge pipes laid along it. It was through them that water was once fed … Read all

All unique sightseeing Norway

Culture and monuments in popular cities of Norway

Oslo

Government House is one of the main symbols of Oslo. The building was built in 1958. It is characterized by severe and stately look; Government House has full right to be called a model of high style. Among the cultural institutions of the city visitors are recommended to visit a popular Viking Ship Museum, which is located on Bygdoy Peninsula. The museum exhibits a unique collection of historic ships that have been made by the Vikings centuries ago. Oseberg Viking Ship is considered the oldest … Read more

Trondheim

Another interesting landmark is Archbishop's Palace. Built back in the 12th century, it has survived until today; it has been used on its purpose till the 16th century. Nowadays it hosts museums of city history and culture. Speaking of city culture it's worth to mention the Ringve National Museum dedicated to national music. It hosts interesting collection of national music instruments, folklore costumes and other accessories associated with national musical tradition. Built in late 18th … Read more

Bergen

Not far away from the tower you will find another sight - an ancient Bergenhus fortress, the construction of which also took place in the 16th century. During the Second World War the fortress was seriously damaged – the ship that was carrying ammunition exploded right under its walls. Today the building is fully restored and never ceases to amaze curious visitors with its grandeur. Nowadays the luxury halls of the palace have become a permanent venue for ceremonies and concerts of classical … Read more

Alesund

Aalesunds Museum is open in a beautiful building with a bright orange façade. This is the main museum in Alesund. A significant part of the museum’s collection is dedicated to the beginning of the 20th century. This is when the town was restored after the fire. You will learn how the town literally rose from ashes and see an interesting collection of items dedicated to traditional crafts. The museum has collections of earlier periods including the artifacts discovered by archaeologists. Old … Read more

Lillehammer

On the outskirts of the city, you will find the unique ethnographic museum Maihaugen. The cultural facility recreates an old Norwegian village, the vast territory of which has over 200 old houses that were built in different periods. Here you can see traditional fishing huts and homes of wealthy farmers, as well as several historic churches. Each house stores a collection of interesting historical exhibits such as old national costumes, musical instruments, and folk art objects. In summer, … Read more

Molde

It was destroyed in the period of World War II. The main cathedral in the city was restored after the war. At the site of the old building, a beautiful basilica with white walls was built. Its bell tower was 60 m high. It was constructed under the guidance of Finn Brill in accordance with the beautiful traditions of the past. The exterior of the construction is really incomparable. Much attention has been paid to the interior of the cathedral. Its rooms are decorated with fine paintings and … Read more

Larvik

The city has many interesting museums. Thus, Larvik Museum introduces visitors to the history of Larvik and traditions of its inhabitants. It houses a diverse collection of exhibits, including old furniture, works of art, traditional costumes and household items. The city has always been famous for its craft traditions, therefore a significant part of the museum's exhibits are devoted to various spheres of handcraftsmanship. In the 17th century, shipbuilding started its development in the … Read more

Cultural sightseeing in Norway. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Fantastic City Tours and Excursions in Norway

Extreme Guinness-type places in Norway

Lier Psykiatriske Sykehus

Ladder Florli

Famous sites of culture and history of Norway in photoset

Culture and monuments in popular cities of Norway

Norway map of cultural and historical sites