NORWEGIAN HERITAGE

THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE was founded by the Swedish inventor and industrialist Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833-1896). The prize has been awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee since 1901 and is regarded as the world's most prestigious award.

THE VIKING AGE (800-1050), generic term for a period when traders, warriors, emigrants and discoverers from southern Scandinavia spread to the coasts of England and France, through Eastern Europe to Constantinople, and westwards to Iceland, Greenland and North America.

HISTORY OF NORWAY AFTER 1814 is the tale of modern Norway’s growth from dependence and poverty to sovereignty and wealth – from the Eidsvoll Constitution to the Second World War, the evolvement of the welfare state, the oil finds in the North Sea, and the complex relationship to the EU.

KNUT HAMSUN (1859-1952), Norwegian author of a number of novels, short stories and essays. Among his best-known works are Hunger, Victoria and Growth of the Soil. Hamsun was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature in 1920. His politics were highly controversial.

NORWEGIAN MOUNTAINS have been the basis of existence for people for more than 10,000 years. Here, you are invited on an exploration journey through Norway’s most spectacular mountain areas, including Jotunheimen, Hardangervidda and Rondane.

HENRIK IBSEN (1828–1906), a Norwegian writer and playwright. He wrote iconic pieces such as A Doll’s House, Peer Gynt and An Enemy of the People. His plays are still staged all over the world, and he is considered one of the most influential dramatists of all time.

THE CRADLE OF SKIING is a designation often used about Norway, where skis have been a means of transport, a pastime and a sport for centuries. Here you will find the story of the people who allegedly ”are born with skis on their feet”.

FRIDTJOF NANSEN (1861–1930), a Norwegian polar explorer, scientist and diplomat. In 1922 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work as a League of Nations High Commissioner on behalf of refugees after the First World War.

ROALD AMUNDSEN (1872–1928), a Norwegian polar explorer and national hero. The first man to find and sail through the North-West Passage, and the first to set foot on the South Pole.

EDVARD MUNCH (1863–1944), Norwegian painter and graphic artist. Best known for works like «Scream» and «Madonna». The only Norwegian visual artist to have attained undisputed world fame.

NORWEGIAN FOLK TALES were collected and published in the mid 19th century by Peter Christian Asbjørnsen (1812–1885) and Jørgen Moe (1813–1882). The folk tales were early on illustrated by our leading artists, and contributed to the development of a national identity.

NORWEGIAN FJORDS have repeatedly been rated among the best and most beautiful destinations in the world. In this illustrated volume the reader is invited along on an expedition following Norway’s extended coastline into its many dramatic fjordscapes.