The article will examine the largest cities in Norway. We will talk about their features, find out the most interesting historical cases and understand why they so attract tourists from all over the world.
Beauty of Norway
The capital and major cities of Norway today impress everyone. However, previously all settlements were almost the same and were divided into trade and port. Each of them had some features and privileges, but everything was simplified in 1857. In 1952, another major change occurred - the classification ceased to exist, and all cities began to be called by. At the same time, the first communes appeared, which were divided into urban and rural. In 1946, each commune receives its own unique four-digit code. However, such a division was abolished in 1992 by government bodies.
In the 1960s, many communes united. Because of this, many settlements lost their city status. At the moment, it is believed that at least 5,000 residents must live in one village in order for it to receive city status. Until 1996, only the Ministry of Local Government could assign such a status. But today it is appropriated by the municipal council, and after it is confirmed by the state.
Oslo
Are there many large cities in Norway? Their list is quite impressive, and Oslo is the leader in it. The population is 575,475 inhabitants. At the same time, Oslo is one of the smallest capitals in Europe. This city is very popular with tourists because it is surrounded by vast natural areas. If you want to relax in the cultural capital, but at the same time enjoy the beauty of nature, come to Oslo. In addition to these advantages, it will surprise and delight lovers of ancient attractions.
A bit about the story. The founder is Harold III, who erected it in 1050. In ancient times, the city was called Christiania. The peak of development came at the beginning of the 18th century and the end of the Northern War. Things got better due to the expansion of trade and thanks to the rapid pace of development of shipbuilding.
It is interesting that 600 thousand people live on the territory of the city itself. Another 1.3 million people live in the suburbs, so to speak, in the lap of nature, and about 1.7 million people settled in the region. By the way, in Oslo there is no such territory from which it would be impossible to reach the park or any green spaces in less than 10 minutes.
The capital of Norway is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world (14th place in 2009).
Bergen
In second place in the list of the largest cities in Norway is Bergen. This is an amazing place called the capital of the kingdom of trolls. Its population is 242 thousand people. It is with Bergen that you should begin any journey and familiarization with the natural charms of Norway. There is an opinion among tourists that one day can be spent on Oslo to study it and see all the most interesting, but it takes at least 3 days to at least get a little inspired by the spirit of Bergen. To many, it resembles a fabulous country, because colorful houses are located on tiny paved paths.
Geographically, the city is divided into 8 districts. The center is located in the Bergenhus area. Modern division was adopted only in 1972, after 5 communes united and laid the foundation for Bergen. It is surrounded by many small settlements, the total population of which is approximately 17 thousand people. The only thing you can not love this city - for frequent rains. However, many people are impressed by this weather, tuning them to inner contemplation and calm.
Trondheim
Three major cities in Norway closes Trondheim. Its population is 185 thousand people. The historical name is Nidaros. In the Danish period of its history, the city was called Trondheim, which meant "house of the strong." In 1930, the authorities wanted to return the historical name, but because of mass protests of the population, it was necessary to leave the option that everyone already liked.
The city is located on the banks of the Trondheim Fjord. Not only the turbulent currents give it vivacity and brightness, but also a huge number of students who come here every year. And he founded the "capital of students and fjords" Olav Trygvasson in 997. There are a lot of historical monuments, as well as natural areas for recreation. The city owes an abundance of historical sights to the authorities, who during the Second World War surrendered to his enemy without firing a shot to preserve valuable architectural structures as much as possible. The famous Kristiansen fortress is located on the territory. She suffered many trials, but in 1997 was skillfully restored. When one of the members of the royal family has a birthday, shots from the cannons of the fortress are heard in all the surroundings.
Stavanger
One of the largest cities in Norway (by population) is Stavanger, which is also the country's oil capital. It is located in the south-west of the country, its population is 119 thousand inhabitants. At the same time, about 270 thousand people live in the district. In size, it is in third place among the agglomerations of Norway. It was founded in 1125 as a small settlement surrounding the bishop's cathedral. Until 1990, the number of inhabitants here was very small, but then there was a sardine boom, and the city was replenished with thousands of new faces.
The peculiarity of Stavanger is that it combines the incongruous. Being the oil capital and experiencing the strong influence of the West due to its close proximity to the NATO military base, the city retains its historical identity. In addition, it is famous for its beautiful lakes. Many people forever fall in love with him after visiting the Old Town. Stavanger is a center of trade and fishing industry. The North Sea plays an important role in the development of its economy.
Sandvika
The population is 105 thousand people. At the same time, Sandvika was long considered a suburb of Oslo, and received the status of the city only in 2003. Known for the huge Sandvika storsenter shopping center, many shops, a large library, a cinema and a cultural center. It is known that in 1895 there lived Claude Monet, who painted several landscapes. In 2014, it was here that the first building in Norway with a positive energy balance appeared.
Kristiansand
The list of major cities in Norway (by the number of citizens) continues to Kristiansand, whose population is 75 thousand people. It is the largest city in southern Norway. The area of the present Kristiansand was inhabited in prehistoric times. A church on its territory was built in 1040, but the city itself was founded in 1641 by Christian IV, the Danish king.
The first residents were very lucky. All visitors and local merchants received great privileges and exemption from taxes for 10 years. Like many places in Norway, Kristiansand was badly damaged by a fire in 1734. However, this is what contributed to the rapid pace of development. The shipbuilding industry reached its peak. In 1892, another fire occurred, which became the impetus for the creation of a large nickel plant. During the Second World War, the city was badly damaged due to the fact that the authorities were not going to just give up. We love Kristiansand for its mild climate, which Europeans are very picky about for the weather, and the famous zoo. In addition , the city is the country's most important transportation hub connecting Oslo and Stavanger.
Fredrikstad
Major cities in Norway cannot be listed without mentioning Fredrikstad - the port city. It was founded by King Frederick II in 1567. It is divided into 6 administrative districts. The population is 70 thousand people. The town is located on the shores of the Oslo Fjord, near the capital. Famous cultural and scientific figures were born here: polar explorer Roald Amundsen, mathematician, economist, physicist, politician and teacher Ole Jacob Brock, musicians Andy La Plagua and Oge Sten Nielsen.
Tromso
The list of major cities in Norway (in terms of population) is completed by Tromsø, which is located on the island of Tromsø. It is located just 400 km from the Arctic Circle. The population of the city is 63 thousand people. It is here that the northernmost planetarium, beer factory, football club and botanical garden are located.
It is known that the first settlements on this territory arose in the Iron Age and during the last ice age. Despite the fact that the first church was built back in 1252, Tromsø received city status only in 1794. The importance of the city increased in the 19th century, when a bishop’s chair was established here, a teacher training college and ship repair yards were opened. When the Second World War began, it was here that the government of the country was located. Despite the fact that the German battleship Tirpitz was sunk nearby (about 1,000 casualties from the enemy), the city itself was not affected by the hostilities.
As you already understood, all major cities in Norway have their own characteristics. Tromsø is characterized by an abundance of sports clubs. There are several football clubs, and even one female, which is a member of the top division.
Major cities of Norway and their population is an extensive topic that is difficult to consider in detail in the framework of the article. One thing is clear: the country of the fjords is amazing, diverse and welcoming. Major cities of Norway attract thousands of tourists every year. Many of them visit these territories not for the first time. The Viking heritage is fascinating with its power, divine simplicity and grandeur.