An Interesting Norway Holiday

Norway may not be the usual destination for most tourists who go to Europe but it does provide people with one of the best sights in the world. But unlike Italy and France, which mostly attracts tourists that are more into city tours and shopping trips, visitors in Norway are more of the nature-tripping kind and those who are not on a holiday to rest and walk but to engage in different sporting activities. Still, the country is not without a rich history. In fact, there are a lot of areas in the country that have been preserved until the present day. So those interested in history, whether in the past or in more recent times, will also enjoy in Norway.

Below are some of the areas and sights that tourists can visit in the country to get a taste of history.

1. Bryggen Wharf
One of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, the old wharf in Bergen dates back to the 14th century. What is great about this area is the fact that the buildings that overlook the wharf are still standing and are well-preserved. The area was once part of the Hanseatic League's trading empire, which lasted until the 16th century. The buildings were of course remodeled and rebuilt over the years but the main structure and design were preserved. The buildings are relics from the past, when wooden buildings were still the fad.

2 Lillehammer
The municipality of Lillehammer figured in history when the Birkebeiners traveled from the area to rena with Kind Haakon on skis. In the 17th century, the area had a lively market and is in fact one of the leading merchant towns. Now, the area is actually a very popular spot for skiing and is in fact the venue for the 1994 Winter Olympics.

3. Vigeland Sculpture Park
This is a must-see not only for those who are interested in history but also the art enthusiasts. The whole park, covering 80 acres, is filled with the masterpieces of Gustav Vigeland, who handcrafted the statues from clay. There are more than 200 bronze and granite sculptures in the park. One of the very popular statues in the area is the Sinnataggen or "Angry Boy", which can be found along the Bridge, which connects the Main Gate and the Fountain.

4. Trondheim
The third largest municipality in Norway, the Trondheim like the Bryggen Wharf also has preserved buildings that tourists can visit. The town was actually a former seat of the King and the capital of Norway until the early 13th Century. It used to be also the Catholic Seat. The last archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson had to flee from the city when Protestantism was introduced in 1537. The famous Lewis Chessmen made of walrus ivory found in the Hebrides were believed to be carved in Trondheim.

Unfortunately, the city has experienced a lot of fires. One fire, what they call the Horneman Fire, led to complete reconstruction of the city. Trondheim is also home to the world's largest sundial, the Trondheim Torg, which is very popular with tourists on a Norway holiday.