Wondermondo 🢖 World 🢖 Wonders of Europe 🢖 Wonders of Norway
Territory
Wonders of Norway
Highlights
The most interesting wonders of Norway are the beautiful fiords with extremely tall waterfalls and cliffs as well as the unique medieval architecture.
Norwegian overseas territories and dependencies
Norwegian Antarctic Territory includes not only Bouvet Island but also Queen Maud Land and Peter I Island, both reviewed as a part of Antarctica.
Map with the described wonders
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Top 25 wonders of Norway
Geological wonders
Hessdalen lights
Sør-Trøndelag
In the valley of Hessdalen frequently are seen unexplained light phenomena. More than 20 years long scientific research on this phenomenon has not provided a convincing explanation of this phenomenon.
Trolltunga
Hordaland
Unusual formation – a tongue of rock hanging some 350 m above the ground with Skjeggedal in the background.
Preikestolen
Rogaland
Impressive cliff rising 604 m above Lysefjorden. The top of the cliff contains a flat surface, adding an unusual accent to the beautiful scenery.
Nærøyfjord
Sogn og Fjordane
One of the most dramatic and impressive fjords in Norway, an arm of Sognefjord. 18 km long, very narrow (at places only 250 m), with up to 1400 m tall cliffs.
Torghatten
Nordland
Enormous cliff monolith – a mountain with a well-visible hole through it. This natural tunnel is 160 m long, 35 m wide, and 20 m tall.
Jutulhogget
Hedmark
Unusual formation – 2.4 km long, 100 – 240 m deep canyon formed by a stream that formed when a large proglacial lake ruptured.
Mardalsfossen
Møre og Romsdal
657 – 705 m tall falls with two large drops, the highest is 358 m tall.
Vettisfossen
Sogn og Fjordane
Powerful falls with 275 m tall single drop.
Kjosfossen
Sogn og Fjordane
One of the most impressive falls in Norway, 225 m tall. A tradition of the dance of huldra – a seductive forest creature – is performed by students of ballet school there on a regular basis.
Saltstraumen
Nordland
Sound with the most powerful tidal currents in the world, where 400 million m³ of water are forced through 150 m wide strait every six hours, speed of water reaches 40 km/h. In the process are formed up to 5 m deep funnels of whirlpools.
Vinnufossen
Møre og Romsdal
860 m tall waterfall with multiple drops. The highest drop is 420 m tall.
Sautso
Finnmark
10 km long and 300 – 420 m deep canyon, the largest in Northern Europe. River Altaelva flows through it.
Biological wonders
Værøy bird cliffs
Nordland
On the high cliff facing the ocean, there are nesting numerous birds, including puffins.
Architecture wonders
Borgund stave church
Sogn og Fjordane
The best preserved Norse stave church, built in between 1180 – 1250 AD, contains runic inscriptions. Representative of the unique Norse wooden architecture that unites Viking, Celtic, and Roman elements.
Nidaros Cathedral
Sør-Trøndelag
Outstanding monument of Romanic and Gothic architecture, built in 1070 – 1300. An important medieval center of pilgrimage in Northern Europe. Especially impressive is the Gothic West Front, constructed in 1248 – 1328 and after the fire rebuilt again, last time in 1901 – 1983.
Hopperstad stave church
Sogn og Fjordane
One of the oldest and best-preserved stave churches with beautiful ornamentation. Could be built in 1130 and it still is located in its original location.
Heddal stave church
Telemark
The largest stave church in Norway, constructed in the early 13th century.
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Oslo
Impressive park with 212 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland in 1924 – 1943. Includes the famous Monolitten – a 14.12 m tall sculpture formed of 121 human figures rising towards the sky.
Røros
Sør-Trøndelag
This copper mining town gradually developed since the 17th century. The town contains some 2000 authentic wooden buildings.
Bryggen and Old Bergen
Hordaland
The old wharf of Bergen – Bryggen – consists of a unique ensemble of wooden buildings (some 62 structures), always renovated following old patterns and methods since the 14th – 16th century. The beautiful old city of Bergen has several parts, developed since the 12th century.
Kaupanger stave church
Sogn og Fjordane
Large church with 22 staves, built sometime around 1150 and in continuous use since then.
Urnes Stave Church
Sogn og Fjordane
This stave church was built around 1130, still in its original location and possibly the oldest of its kind. Contains beautiful, unique woodcarvings.
Nore stave church
Buskerud
This church was built after 1167 AD and has a unique planning for its time, adorned with paintings.
Lom stave church
Oppland
Beautiful stave church with the original dragon head on the crest. Built at the end of the 12th century, relocated in medieval times.
Ålesund
Møre og Romsdal
The town is located in a beautiful setting – on islands, surrounded by the sea and mountains. The town burned down entirely in 1904 and was rebuilt entirely in Jugendstil. Now it together with the surrounding landscape forms a highly unusual and magnificent cityscape.
Recommended books
The Making of a Land – The Geology of Norway
‘The Making of a Land – Geology of Norway’ takes the reader on a journey in geological time, from primordial times to the present day. A fantastic journey from the summits of Norway’s spectacular rugged and weather-beaten mountains to the riches concealed in the sedimentary rocks on the continental shelf. This book displays the treasures of Norwegian geology for everyone to see.
DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Norway
Explore Norway region by region, from the enchanting Northern Lights and beautiful fjords to the vibrant Oslo nightlife. Experience the culture, history, wildlife, and architecture of Norway with walks and hikes through dramatic landscapes and scenic routes, and guidance on Norwegian cuisine. Whether you are whale watching, exploring museums, or hiking across spectacular mountains, this in-depth guidebook provides all the insider tips you need.