The Vikings
Vikings form an important part of the Norwegian history and culture. From 800 to 1065 AD, the period came to be known as the Viking era or the Viking age. This period saw numerous Norwegians travel to foreign countries as traders, explorers and raiders. The focus of the travel was Britain and Ireland, countries rich in culture and resources. Some of the Vikings even settled abroad. The Vikings also travelled to Greenland and North America.
This was also the time when the first Norwegian kingdom consolidated, and by the time any records of the amazing history of Norway were made, the country had been divided into several small kingdoms. The main historical records that provide the best excerpts of the history of Norway from this period are the King’s sagas, written in Norway in the 12th and the 13th century. Although these accounts of the Viking era are considered to be mostly accurate, and there are several parts that are even legendary, these cannot be taken to be as a part of the Norwegian history. This was also the period when Christianity was introduced to Norway, probably from the western influences.
The Middle Ages
By the end of the Viking era, the Norwegian kingdom had been established properly, although it lacked the proper administrative framework. This period also saw the establishment of cities and places like Trondheim, Bergen and Oslo. The city of Tonsberg was considered to be the most important city of this era. Christianity began to spread and the archdiocese of Nidaros was established, after five other dioceses had been established throughout Norway. Due to the succession practice prevalent at that time, there were times where more than one King ruled at a time. The Kings divided the royal income, and there were no geographic boundaries to the kingdoms.
Irregularities in the succession law were one of the main reasons behind the civil war era that lasted till 1240 AD. The civil war led to further consolidation of the Kingdom, and the country appeared more unified than it had ever done before. This Kingdom introduced central administration for the first time. In 1295, Norway joined the alliance with Scotland and France against the Kingdom of England.
Norway after the World war
In the year 1949, Norway became a member of NATO, thereby consolidating its position in the world as a political power. In the 60s, the discovery of oil and gas led to a miraculous economic reform and resulted in great fortunes for the country. In 1994, Norway refused the offer to become a part of the European Union.
Norway has been ranked as the nation with the highest standard of living by the United Nations, mainly due to economic reforms that peaked in the 70s. Lately, Norway has been focusing on developing its culture, with a number of new museums, including the Norwegian National Gallery. Norway is gaining popularity among travellers, and is one of the most promising tourist destinations in the world.
Learn more about their history by booking a package holidays to Norway. Amongst the most popular trips to this amazing destination we list the notable Norway Northern Lights Tour, Norway Fjords holiday, Norway breaks, and plenty of other traditional Norwegian holidays.