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General Informationen

THE ECONOMY

Norwegian per capita income ranks among the world's highest. North Sea oil and gas fields are one of the cornerstones of the Norwegian economy. Other major industries upon which Norway relies are fishery, pulp and paper, forestry, mining, manufacturing and shipping. Traditionally, however, the country is a fishing nation, with 90 per cent of it's catch exported. Whaling, a subject of controversy, has resumed despite an international ban. Fish farming is a growth sector, with government assistance, and Norway is now the world's leading producer of salmon.
institutions.

HISTORY IN BRIEF

A number of small Norwegian communities were gradually organized into larger regions in the 9th century, and around the year 900 King Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre) unified the realm and became its first supreme ruler. In the Middle Ages Vikings from Norway settled in England, France, Ireland and Iceland. Norway and Denmark subsequently formed one kingdom from 1380 to 1814 when, in the wake of the Napoleonic wars, Norway was united with Sweden, adopting a modern constitution in the process. I 1905 Norway and Sweden went their separate ways peacefully and Norway has been independent since.

NATIONAL HOLIDAY

May 17th is Norway's national holiday. On this day Norwegians celebrate the signing of the Norwegian Constitution which took place on Eidsvoll May 17th 1814. People dress in their beautiful national costumes, sing and wave their flags while parading through the streets. In Oslo King Harald and his family greet the Norwegian people from the palace balcony.

THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Northern Norway is known to tourists as the «Land of the Midnight Sun». North of the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set between the middle of May and end of July; conversely the sun does not rise between the middle of November and the end of January.

OSLO

Oslo is a city in continuous growth, the only really large city with around 700 000 inhabitants, suburbs included.

The city's nightlife attractions rivalling most other major European cities, and it's unique position between a fjord and the hills makes it an unforgettable experience. During summer one can enjoy a summer concert at Holmenkollen, or order something cold to drink at Aker Brygge. Or take a bike ride through Nordmarka. The city also have several interesting museums - the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Fram Museum, the Ski Museum, the Munch Museum etc.

Bergen, Trondheim and Tromsø all have strong traditions of local patriotism and cultural conservatism. Stavanger has grown and changed rapidly in recent years, but has managed to preserve some of the beautiful, original, old wooden architecture.

In Bergen you may visit Edvard Grieg's home in Troldhaugen and try some of the seafood delicacies found in the famous Fisketorget (Fish Market). In Trondheim a visit to the awesome Nidaros cathedral is obligatory, while in Stavanger you can go for a walk in the charming old town area of the city.

FJORDS AND MOUNTAINS

Norway's biggest tourist attraction is without doubt the nature. Especially beautiful are the mighty mountains, fjords and waterfalls in western Norway. The mountains are the place to go for a feeling of freedom and for unique experiences. The distances are great, but cosy tourist cabins can be found at manageable distances. Jotunheimen is said by many to be the most beautiful mountain area.

Fjords can be found along the entire length of the Norwegian coastline, from Oslo Fjord to Varanger Fjord. And each one has good reason to be called the most beautiful. But the best known fjords of all are those found in the west of Norway. They are world-famous and when you glide along the perfectly calm water in the Hardangerfjord when the fruit is beginning

Visa

All foreign nationals who wish to come to Norway must have a valid passport or other identity documents which are recognised as a travel document.

Foreign nationals from a number of countries cannot enter Norway without a visa. A visa is not required, among others, for:

  • Nordic citizens
  • Foreign nationals with a valid passport from countries with which Norway has entered into a agreement waiving the visa requirement
  • Persons with a valid Norwegian immigrant's passport
  • Persons with a valid Norwegian travel document for refugees
  • Persons with a residence permit in Norway.

Main regulations

A visitor's visa may be granted for a tourist visit, family visit, official business, business trip, study visit or other purpose. A visitor's visa has a maximum duration of three months.

The application form for a visitor's visa may be obtained at a Norwegian Foreign Service mission in the applicant's country of residence. It can also be printed from the Internet, see link to the right. The application may be mailed or delivered by hand to the Norwegian foreign service mission.

Information from V.G Norway and the American embassy  

 

For more information about Norway, please contact:

Norway Info. Center, Vestbaneplassen 1, 0250 Oslo,
tel.: 22 83 00 50, or Norway Info. Center, Oslo
Central Railway Station, 0078 Oslo, tel.: 22 17 11 24