According to Norwegians I encountered in Stavanger, it would be sacrilegious to visit Norway without seeing the Fjords.
However, merely visiting them is not enough to appreciate the essence of the Scandinavian country. In order to learn about the foundation of Nordic ways, or so I was told, historic exploration to the heart of Norwegian culture is required.
So, I embarked on a short journey, delving into aspects of modern Norwegian society. And here they are.
The Vikings
Throughout history (and more so in recent centuries), the world has assembled a portrait of a typical Nord that undeniably stems from their predecessors: The Vikings. Masters of the sea and somewhat cunning in the acquisition of foreign soil, their savage behaviour travelled through time, carrying forward and possibly leaving an unsavoury – and inaccurate - impression of Norwegian people in modern minds.
Following the death of the Viking era, Oslo emerged victorious and became a centre of power that endured until many of the country’s inhabitants were wiped out by the bubonic plague. The ramifications were significant: the prosperous Norway of yesteryear was absorbed by Denmark with a successive rule by Sweden.
The Nords who survived were stuck in cultural darkness, unable to identify with a single national identity. The only truth they maintained - grounded in theoretical history - was of their origins.
With a unified voice, Norway fought to release the monarchical reigns of Sweden and gained independence in the early 1900s.
But who were they, in a modern light?
The Discovery of Oil
After a legacy of poverty post-Vikings, the Nords discovered offshore oil; an era of prosperity ensued. Norway rapidly became one of the world’s richest nations.
Despite its apparent successes, the period of social darkness that occurred between the end of the Viking era and the introduction of independence left the nation faceless: with only a Viking legacy and fragmented sense of self, little else was available with which to define a national identity.
However, in the years following Swedish rule, Norway used its legacy to gain strength. Nords worked to embed new cultural subtleties within their national identity, features now present in society.
Nordic Benevolence
Today when visiting Norway, although remnants of Viking dominance are present, the people - who are benevolent, fortified and spirited by nature - ensure such leftovers are interpreted as history.
Passionate about the natural and rugged beauty of their country, they encourage visitors to taste that which has rooted itself firmly at the core of their new identity.
The beauty of the landscape is visible to the naked eye and reflected in Norway’s inhabitants. It’s part of everyday life. “You must leave Stavanger and see the fjords” is the advice I daily received from locals I met. I took it to heart.
Visiting the Fjords
Cruising through the Fjords on a sunny Sunday afternoon gave me a taste of the beauty I'd heard discussed.
Jagged rocks plummeted into icy waters as cumulus clouds shifted across the blue heavens. Often misconstrued as algid, you need only peel back the rough exterior to expose the affability and strength of character intrinsic to each individual.
While reflecting, I started to see the parity between nature and people.
Visiting Norway?
I encourage you to see and experience the beauty of Norway. If you allow her nature and people to get under your skin, you too will enter a world of intrigue that will leave you hankering for more. You will likely not leave feeling dissatisfied.
For further information and links to articles about destinations across Europe, please visit the Europe continent page.
