Biggest Cities In Norway

Norway is a sovereign, unitary monarchy located in northern Europe where it occupies a total area of 385,252 square km and a population of 5,213,985 as of 2016. The country shares borders with Sweden, Finland, and Russia while Denmark lies across the Skagerrak Strait to the south of the country. Norway’s coastline faces the Barents Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. The cities of Norway are all well-developed with modern infrastructural facilities, housing, educational institutions, and hospitals. Thus, the population of these cities enjoys high standards of living. Here we describe the five biggest cities in Norway.

The Five Biggest Cities In Norway

Oslo

Oslo is Norway’s biggest and capital city that was founded in 1040 and established as a trading place in 1048. Currently, the city is the hub of industry, shipping, banking, and trade in the country. Oslo has been ranked as a "Beta World City” and is regarded as a global city. A 2011 survey by ECA International classified the city as the world’s second most expensive city after Tokyo. The population of Oslo is increasing at record rates, and it is Europe’s fastest growing city. Relatively high birth rates and high rates of international immigration have influenced the population growth in Oslo.

Bergen

Bergen is located in Hordaland on Norway’s west coast. It ranks second among the biggest cities in Norway. Bergen is divided into eight boroughs and is the administrative center of Hordaland. According to tradition, the city was established by King Olav Kyrre in 1070. Bergen was Norway’s largest city until the 1830’s when Oslo replaced Bergen as the biggest city. Currently, the Bergen Port serves over half a million passengers every year. Thus, it is the busiest port in the country. The Bergen Airport, Bergen Line terminus, and Bergen Light Rail are located in the city.

Trondheim

Trondheim, located in Sør-Trøndelag country at the mouth of the river Nidelva, is the third most populous city in Norway. It is the administrative center of the Sør-Trøndelag county. Trondheim features the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), St. Olavs University Hospital and other renowned technology-oriented institutions. The city was founded as a trading post in 997 and during the Viking Age it served as the capital of Norway till 1217. Trondheim currently serves as the seat of the Nidaros Cathedral and the Lutheran Diocese of Nidaros.

Stavanger

Stavanger is the administrative center of the Rogaland county and the fourth biggest city in Norway. The city, considered to have been established in 1125, houses many 18th and 19th-century heritage buildings which are regarded as the city’s cultural heritage. The oil industry is a key industry operating in the city, and thus Stavanger and the surrounding areas are known as the Oil Capital of Norway. The city also hosts a number of higher education institutions, the largest being the University of Stavanger.

Bærum

Bærum is located in Norway’s Akershus county and ranks fifth among the biggest cities in Norway. The city was founded relatively recently on January 1, 1838. The city has the highest proportion of university-educated individuals and also the highest income per capita in the country. Bærum is one of the most expensive residential municipalities in Norway and is known for its fashionable residential areas. It is regarded as the best place to live in the country.