Beyond Viking culture: 10 curiosities about Norway, Brazil's opponent in the World Cup traduzido por: OPENROUTER

Norway will be Brazil's next opponent in the World Cup, this Sunday (5) at 5 p.m., putting on the field a national team that represents one of the most imposing countries in Scandinavia. Located in northern Europe, the nation borders Sweden, Finland and Russia and has an extensive coastline carved by mountains, islands and fjords.

Noruega. (Unplash/Divulgação)

Far beyond the Viking culture that draws attention among the Norwegian fans, the country stands out for its close relationship with nature, for the architecture that dialogues with the landscape and for traditions that span centuries. Before the match, it is worth learning some curiosities about the culture, customs and destinations that help reveal different facets of Norway.

1. Viking culture is still present

The Viking Age ended about a thousand years ago, but it still remains part of the Norwegian identity. Museums, archaeological sites, festivals and preserved vessels keep alive the history of the Scandinavian navigators who set out from the region between the 8th and 11th centuries. In cities like Oslo, it is possible to find important collections dedicated to this period, which influenced the culture and maritime expansion of northern Europe.

2. Summer has bright nights and winter barely sees the sun

Norway's geographic position causes striking natural phenomena. During the summer, regions north of the Arctic Circle experience the so-called midnight sun, when the star remains visible for almost the entire day. In winter, the opposite happens: in some places, the sun may remain below the horizon for several weeks.

Noruega. (Unplash/Divulgação)

3. Oslo has already been named European Green Capital

In 2019, Oslo received the title of European Green Capital, granted by the European Commission to cities that stand out for environmental policies. The capital invests in sustainable mobility, preservation of green areas and reduction of carbon emissions, reconciling urban growth and quality of life.

4. Wooden churches are a national heritage

Known as stavkirker or wooden churches, these buildings were erected between the 12th and 13th centuries using traditional carpentry techniques. About 30 preserved examples remain, considered some of the most important testimonies of medieval architecture in Europe.

Noruega. (Unplash/Divulgação)

5. Fjords have shaped the country's landscape

Fjords are the result of the action of glaciers over thousands of years and are among the greatest natural symbols of Norway. Some of them, such as the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract visitors interested in mountains, waterfalls and deep waters.

6. "Outdoor living" is taken seriously

The concept of friluftsliv can be translated as "outdoor living" and is part of everyday Norwegian life. Hiking, skiing, camping and outings in nature are encouraged from childhood and reflect the importance that contact with the landscape has for local culture.

Noruega. (Freepik/Divulgação)

7. Norway is among the countries that read the most in the world

Reading plays an important role in the country's cultural life. Well-structured public libraries, programs to encourage literature and policies to support the publishing market help explain why Norway usually appears among the countries with the highest reading rates. The government also maintains initiatives to expand access to books and strengthen national authors.

8. In Longyearbyen, "it is forbidden to die"

The curious statement is linked to the climatic conditions of the northernmost city on the planet. Since the ground remains frozen for most of the year, bodies practically do not decompose, which led to the interruption of local burials decades ago. Terminally ill people are usually transferred to other cities in the country to receive care and, later, to be buried.

Noruega. (Unplash/Divulgação)

9. The world's largest road tunnel is in Norway

At 24.5 kilometers long, the Lærdal Tunnel connects the cities of Lærdal and Aurland and holds the title of the largest road tunnel on the planet. To make the crossing more comfortable, the project includes large halls illuminated with blue and yellow lights, creating visual breaks along the route.

10. Salmon sushi was born from a partnership with Japan

Although sushi is a traditional Japanese dish, raw salmon only began to be widely used starting in the 1980s, thanks to a Norwegian government campaign to promote the export of the fish to Japan. The strategy worked and turned salmon into one of the most popular ingredients in contemporary Japanese cuisine.

CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creator agent, developed by CASACOR's Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Milena Garcia.

traduzido por: OPENROUTER