norway's geography

Norway is situated in the western part of the Scandinavian peninsula. It extends about 1,770 km from the North Sea along the Norwegian Sea to more than 483 km above the Arctic Circle, the farthest north of any European country. It is slightly larger than New Mexico. Nearly 70% of Norway is uninhabitable and covered by mountains, glaciers, moors, and rivers. The hundreds of deep fjords that cut into the coastline give Norway an overall oceanfront of more than 19,312 km. Galdhø Peak, at 2,469 m, is Norway's highest point.

Norway has endless, breathtaking nature attractions. The mountainous regions abound with broad plateaus and magnificent peaks. The fjords that were formed when the glaciers receded are unique in the world. More than anything else, it is nature that makes Norway such a special place to visit or live.

Norway's biggest tourist attraction is without a doubt the nature. Especially the beautiful mountains, fjords and waterfalls in western Norway. The mountains are the place to go for a feeling of freedom and for unique experiences. The distances are great, but cosy tourist cabins can be found at manageable distances. Jotunheimen is said by many to be the most beautiful mountain area.

Fjords can be found along the entire length of the Norwegian coastline, from Oslo Fjord to Varanger Fjord. And each one has good reason to be called the most beautiful. But the best known fjords of all are those found in the west of Norway. They are worldfamous and when you glide along the perfectly calm water in the Hardangerfjord when the fruit is beginning to blossom, you will understand why.

Norway's northern regions lie within the Arctic Circle, where there are borders with Finland and Russia, while much of the long border with Sweden runs through the Scandinavian mountains. This range, sloping to the southeast, is 1,530 km in length and has its highest areas in the south of Norway, where Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest point, reaches a height of 2,469 m (8,100 ft). Almost all of Norway is high ground; in the north the country becomes narrower, with mountains overlooking the fjords and the islands along the coast, and in the center and south the mountains form a high plateau, where there are permanent ice fields. The only area of low ground is around the Oslo fjord and along the coast to Stavanger. The principal rivers are the Glomma, the Lågen, and Tanaelv. Some 6% of Norway's total area is inland water--mostly long, thin lakes. Two-thirds of the country is tundra, rock, or snowfields, and one-quarter is forested, so good agricultural land is rare. Less than 3% of Norway is cultivated, and these areas are in the southeast and in the river valleys. The mountains of Norway are rich in minerals; there are deposits of iron ore, copper, titanium, coal, zinc, lead, nickel, and pyrite, and large offshore reserves of petroleum and natural gas.