The Most Visited Cultural Attractions In Norway

Norway, a Scandinavian country, is a popular country for tourists to visit. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, like mountains and coastlines. Because of this, it offers great outdoor activities to visitors. Norway also has a long and complex history that lends itself to a number of cultural attractions. Additionally, tourists visiting here may enjoy some of its entertainment options. This article takes a closer look at the most visited tourist attractions in the country.

10. Hunderfossen Familiepark

Hunderfossen Familiepark is located in Oppland province, just north of the city of Lillehammer. This amusement park is the 10th most popular tourist attraction in the country and received 270,500 visitors in 2007. It was founded in 1984 and today, offers at least 60 attractions. Some of the most popular of these are: the Ice Cathedral, which performs wedding ceremonies; the Snow Hotel, where groups of up to 10 can spend the night; and the Fairy Tale Castle, which gives a tour of Norwegian folk tales.

9. Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is the 9th most popular attraction in Norway. Approximately 314,560 visitors came here in 2007. This museum is located in Oslo and belongs to the Museum of Cultural History of the University of Oslo. In the late 19th and early 20th century, archaeologists were uncovering a number of Viking artefacts around the country. The Parliament of Norway approved funding to build a building specifically for storing these items; it was completed in 1932. In 2015, the collection was moved to its present location. The most well-known exhibits here are ships: the Gokstad, the Oseberg, and the Tune. These ships are the most well-preserved Viking ships in the country.

8. Fredrikstad Fortress, Old Town of Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad Fortress is the 8th most visited cultural attraction in Norway and in 2007, it received a total of 372,360 visitors. This fortress was built between 1663 and 1666, making it the oldest building in Fredrikstad. Its position along the river allowed the Norwegian military to attack invading Swedish ships in the 1716 Battle of Dynekilen. The next major military event to occur here was in 1814, when the fortress was attacked during the Swedish-Norwegian War. In 1903, the Fredrikstad Fortress was closed. Today, it is the most well-preserved military fortress in the country. Visitors come to learn about its history, see its historic architectural style, and view the art exhibits displayed within.

7. Hadeland Glassverk

Hadeland Glassverk is the 7th most visited attraction in Norway. The numbers from 2007 indicate that 431,400 individuals came to the glass works industrial site. Founded in 1762, it is the oldest continuously operating industrial company in the country. When it first opened, Hadeland Glassverk produced glass bottles, medicine bottles, and jars for chemists. In 1852, it was restructured to produce cups, plates, vases, and bowls. These products largely copied the designs of other glass works companies throughout Europe until the 1920’s, when it made its own patterns. Today, this organization has 190 employees. Visitors here may participate in making their own pieces of glass.

6. Flåm Line

The 6th most visited attraction in Norway is the Flam Lyne, a railway that runs from Myrdal to Flam through the Flamsdalen Valley. In 2007, 457,545 people traveled along this 12.6-mile section of the railroad. This rail line was opened in 1940, after around 16 years of construction, for both passenger and cargo travel. The Flam Lyne represents a significant engineering feat for the country; it has an elevation change of 2,831 feet with 20 tunnels and 1 bridge. This line is popular with tourists because it connects the cruise ships of Flam with the two biggest cities in Norway: Oslo and Bergen. Today, the Flam Lyne only provides service to tourists and is operated by Norwegian State Railways.

5. Tusenfryd

The Tusenfryd Amusement Park is the 5th most visited cultural site in Norway and had 501,235 visitors in 2007. This park is located just south of Oslo and was opened in 1988. Tusenfryd is located on 55 acres that held a zoo from 1950 to 1985. The park has 30 attractions, 6 of which are roller coasters, and is divided into 3 areas: Vikingland, Fairy Tale Land, and Morgan Kane Town. Additionally, it has a water park, water rides, and kiddie rides.

4. Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park is the 4th most visited cultural attraction in Norway. It was established in 1966 and covers an area of 150 acres. Aside from the wide range of animals here, this zoo also has a number of attractions, including: Cardamom Town, Captain Sabertooth World, and the Port of Abra pirate village. Additionally, it has a haunted house, a variety of shops, and several restaurants. Approximately 532,044 people visited here in 2007.

3. Bryggen

Bryggen is a coastal dock, located on the eastern side of the Vagen harbour in the city of Bergen. The buildings here were designed in a Hanseatic architectural style used by the Hanseatic merchants of the Hanseatic League era. Bryggen was officially established in 1070, although the area has been settled since before then. In 1979, this site became a UNESCO World Heritage Site to protect its unique architecture and preserve one of the oldest trading ports of Northern Europe. It is the 3rd most visited cultural attraction in Norway and in 2007, received 583,510 visitors.

2. Holmenkollbakken and Ski Museum

Holmenkollbakken is a ski jumping hill in the Holmenkollbakken National Arena of Oslo. This hill has been the site of the Holmenkollbakken Ski Festival since 1892 and has been redesigned on 19 occasions. The area around the hill can hold up to 70,000 attendees. Additionally, the Holmenkollbakken Ski Museum is located nearby and offers visitors a look at the history of skiing as well as a simulator of jumping the Holmenkollbakken. It is the 2nd most visited cultural attraction in Norway, drawing around 686,857 visitors in 2007.

1. Fløibanen

Floibanen railway is the number 1 most visited cultural attraction in Norway. In 2007, around 1,131,797 visitors traveled along this rail line between Bergen city center and Floyen mountain. The line runs for 2,769 feet with an elevation gain of 991 feet. It was officially opened in 1918 after 11 years of planning and construction. Visitors enjoy taking this train to the mountain top in order to hike its trails and catch beautiful views of the city below.