/countries/show/norway/1.rss en-us Embraced by picturesque coastal scenery, the large landmass forming the country of Norway is situated on the northeastern side of Europe. Nicknamed as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” (because the sun never truly sets in the summer), Norway boasts some of the most stable living conditions in the world. Your trip to Norway will be enriched by a visit to one of the country’s many cultural and historical landmarks. Take the Borgund Stave Church in Laerdal, Sogn og Fjordane County, for example. This well-preserved wooden church is one of 28 similar attractions in Norway. Built sometime around 1180 AD, and dedicated to the Apostle Andrew, this stave church is a stunning accent against the scenic mountainous landscape. Borgund Church was built using a basilica plan, using simple yet sturdy materials, such as vertical wood boards (known as staves) on a stone foundation. What makes Borgund Stave Church unique among similar Norwegian stave churches is the fact that it is the oldest and best preserved stave church in the country. When you visit Borgund Stave Church in Norway, you will be blown away by the intricate architecture and unique details. The walls feature runic inscriptions and detailed carvings of crosses and other religious symbols. Moreover, the architecture is very elaborate and quite complex given the time it was built, which makes it more special as one of the best stave churches in the world. You can stroll around the site and inside the church to appreciate the attraction more. From the outside of Borgund Stave Church you will be able to see four dragon heads, carved into wood and perched atop the church’s gables. Surrounded by Norway’s picturesque landscape, Borgund Church is a Norway attraction sure to enrich your travels. The church is a beautifully preserved example of Norwegian history and culture, and the tranquil scenery surrounding it complements and enhances its old-world charm. National Geographic lists Norway as one of the best places in the world to live and to visit. When you travel to Norway you will be greeted by vast coastal vistas, stunning mountainous terrain, and some of the most beautiful fjords in the world. Norway’s diverse landscape has been carved out by centuries of glacial activity from the ocean’s tides. It is a beautiful place to visit any time of year, and is home to many noteworthy attractions. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:06:03 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/borgund-stave-church http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/borgund-stave-church Waterfalls are one of Mother Nature’s most majestic and powerful creations. Short and wide, tall and skinny – it doesn't matter the shape, waterfalls are always a welcome sight. Langfossen, or Langfoss Waterfall in southern Norway is one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful falls. It is the 5th largest waterfall in Norway, spanning 2008 feet high by 205 feet wide.Technically Langfossen is not a waterfall but a cascade, as the water rushing down keeps contact with the cliff face behind it. Technicalities aside, Langfoss Waterfall is a natural wonder and worth the effort in your journey to find it. Skirting the edge of the serene Åkra Fjord, Langfossen is located just outside of a tiny Norwegian hamlet, Etne. Home to 4,000 locals, the town’s population increases in the summer as popular tourist stop. Visitors come not only for the falls but for the amazing countryside, market shopping, and fishing festivals. Etne is the best location for finding food and accommodation in the area, although holiday homes can be found sprinkled throughout the surrounding landscape. It is interesting to note that Langfoss is one of few waterfalls in Norway not to have been altered to power hydroelectric. While certainly a noteworthy use of natural energy, the works often disrupt the flow of the water and thus it is a treat to see these falls continue to amaze visitors with their full power. Sun, 12 Oct 2008 22:09:39 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/langfoss-waterfall http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/langfoss-waterfall