Norway is the “Land of the Midnight Sun”, which occurs from mid-May until July’s end. Many journey here primarily to experience this phenomena, as the areas above the Arctic Circle enjoy summer sunlight 24 hours a day. In winter Norwegians endure the “polar night”, when the sun does not appear at all.
Such extremes demand rugged endurance from those who inhabit these climes. Norway’s bitter winters exact a heavy toll, and the small population of this country is perhaps a reflection of this. Still, the Norwegian landscape of glaciers, mountains and fjords, and its status as one of the world’s few remaining wilderness areas, make the cost well worth it for some. Tucked in the midst of Norway’s natural terrain, the cities of Oslo and Bergen draw visitors seeking modern amenities and a taste of Norwegian culture. Oslo, the capital, has one of the world’s highest standards of living, and features attractions such as the Munchmuseet, a museum dedicated to Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, as well as the Vikingskipshuset, which houses three Viking ships. One can take a train ride from Oslo through the fjords to Bergen to visit its historic harbor area, art galleries, and the home of composer Edvard Grieg, among other sites.
