Historical Overview

History of Norway:
The earliest recognizable kingdom is Hemming in southern Denmark from 811; but the king's successors fail to hold his territory. Another century passes before the whole of Denmark is united in a single kingdom, under the rule of Harald Bluetooth - who is baptized a Christian in about 960.

The period from 800–1066 AD is referred to in Norwegian history as the Viking age. During this period, Norwegians, as well as Swedes and Danes, traveled abroad on longships, as raiders, explorers, settlers and traders.

By the middle of the 11th century, the Norwegian kingdom was firmly established. The establishment of cities gathered pace, and by the end of the 11th century, the three largest cities of modern-day Norway, Oslo, Trondheim (Nidaros) and Bergen (Bjørgvin) were flourishing, as well as Tønsberg.

LATER ON...

Norway remained neutral during World War I, but 829 Norwegian ships were sunk during the war at sea,[2] with the loss of some 2,000 sailors.

As World War II erupted, Norway insisted on remaining neutral. In a surprise dawn attack on April 9, 1940, Germany launched Operation Weserübung.

After the year 2000, Norway has first of all focused on culture. A number of museums have been built and now the new Munch museum and the Historic Museum is the government's current focus.