Norse gods and mythology have seen a resurgence in recent decades as Hollywood films and TV shows such as Thor and the Vikings have enjoyed huge success. But Norse mythology and folk legends are much more than the average person can imagine, with many interesting mythical creatures and stories. A country’s folk tales and mythologies offer an interesting perspective on its history and culture, and Norway is a fantastic example of this. In addition to the well-known and rich Norse mythology, there are many folk legends and mythical creatures that were passed on from generation to generation by the Norse.
Norwegian folklore often revolves around mythical creatures such as trolls and giants, but also natural phenomena such as the northern lights.One of the biggest attractions for travelers to Norway is seeing the mesmerizing Northern Lights for themselves. The Northern Lights are an interesting natural phenomenon and as Northern Norway is a fantastic place to see these brilliant lights dancing in the sky, many tourists come in search of this breathtaking spectacle.
Today we understand the science behind the Northern Lights, but in the past this natural wonder was full of mysteries. No wonder the lights have inspired many myths, legends and folklore. In Norse mythology, the Northern Lights were considered Bifrost, the flaming bridge that connected Åsgard (the realm of the gods) to Midgard (earth).Popular myth and folklore also suggests that the lights are a reflection of the glowing shields of the mythical Valkyrie, said to have led the dead into battle in Valhalla.
One of the best places to see the Northern Lights in Norway is Tromsø. While nothing is guaranteed, there are plenty of lights in this arctic city and if you come at the right time you will have the best chance of seeing the lights. We have several Northern Lights activities for you to choose from!
The giants that inhabit the mountains and caves of Jötnar feature prominently in Norse mythology and are not as well known in popular culture.The Jötnar, also called Jotun, were known as enemies of the Norse gods and lived in Jötunheimr, one of the nine Norse worlds. Nowadays you can follow in the footsteps of the giants by visiting the vast mountainous region of Jotunheimen, which means ‘home of the jötunn’.
With Norway’s highest mountains and stunning scenery, Jotunheimen is a hugely popular destination for hikers, climbers and cyclists. The beautiful Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, stretches from Jotun’s homeland in the east to the west coast of Norway. The incredible forces of nature that shaped the Norwegian fjords are awe-inspiring and it’s no secret that sightseeing in the Norwegian fjords is high on many travellers’ wish lists.
