When we think about Norway, we automatically think about the northern lights, mountains, and fjords. However, not much else is actually known about the Scandinavian country. If you plan a visit, here are some very interesting facts you might want to be aware of. This might actually help you to plan a more memorable experience for your entire family.
The Longest Road Tunnel In The World
The name of the tunnel is Laerdal Tunnel, and it is 24.5 km long. It actually cost around $110 million to build and connects Aurland with Laerdal. Every single 6 kilometers there is a special cave that separates road sections. Lighting does vary and caves to break the routine, offering quite more than a standard tunnel view. This is great given the fact that the drive is a tiring one.
When you drive through the Laerdal Tunnel, make sure to consider the beautiful snow road back. This national scenic route is a simply spectacular drive.
Oslo – The Home Of The Nobel Peace Prize
Ever since 1901, with a few small exceptions, Norway’s capital held the ceremony for the Nobel Peace Prize. The other prizes, for literature, physiology, medicine, or chemistry, are held in Sweden, in Stockholm. Alfred Nobel is the one that wanted this and nobody really knows why Norway was chosen for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Most Remote Island In The World
Few people know that the most remote island in the entire world is located in Norway. This is because it is actually a territory administered by Norway ever since the year 1929. We are talking about Bouvet Island, which is located around 1,700 km to the north of Antarctica’s coastline.
Bouvet Island is now a reserve, with the title being offered in the seventies. Nobody actually lives there but there is a weather station maintained by the Norwegian authorities. Due to the remoteness of the island, nobody actually visits, excepts scientists from time to time.
Norway’s Border With Russia
If you take a look at a map, you will swear that Norway cannot possibly border Russia. In reality, there is a road crossing between them, one that is 120 miles long, the Storskog crossing. In the year 2017, a brand new bridge and tunnel actually opened in Norway across the border. This decreases travel time and the border is used by many to buy cheaper fuel from Russia. Russians also cross over often to buy goods from Kirkenes. If you hike in the area, you might illegally cross the border.
Hell Is In Norway
Around 1,000 Norwegians can tell you that they live in Hell because there is a small village with this name close to the international airport of Trondheim. There is also a train station there that is a tourist attraction.
Hell is much more than just the name. You just have to walk for a short time from the train station and you will find rock carvings portraying reindeer. It is believed that these carvings are 5,000 years old. You can also visit a shopping center and stay at a local hotel.
