Norway is a country with beautiful nature and harsh climatic conditions. The population is only 5 million inhabitants, but is actively increasing due to immigrants. The average winter temperature is down to -4 °C, but in some parts of the country it drops to -40 °C. Summer is rainy and cool, the air temperature often does not exceed +16 °C. From autumn to early spring, the polar night reigns here, which is decorated with the northern lights. From May to June in Norway - a polar day.
Forest resources
40% of the country's territory is covered by forests. In total, there are 3 vegetation zones here: forest-tundra, tundra and forests of temperate latitudes. The tundra covers the northern region of the country and extends to the south through the Scandinavian mountains. Lichens, birches, spruces predominate here, and shrubs occasionally come across. And in the forest-tundra there are birch and spruce woodlands. The taiga subzone is dominated by coniferous forests that spread oversouth and southwest Norway. To the south, they give way to mixed ones, and in the extreme south, mainly deciduous trees grow - oak, alder, birch. Swamps and swampy forests also spread throughout Norway.
It is noteworthy that the Norwegians themselves prefer not to visit the forest in search of mushrooms and berries, and most often just buy them in supermarkets, although they are not forbidden to walk even on private property. That is why there are especially many mushrooms here in the harvest year.
Private area
According to estimates, 12 million hectares are occupied by the total forest fund. About 97% of the territory belongs to the families of farmers. About 125 thousand owners are registered. However, as mentioned above, the law does not prohibit visiting someone else's property. Hiking and cycling are actively developed among young people. It is even allowed to make fires in the forest from April to September.
Norway used to be a leader in woodworking. Emphasis was placed on the use of wood due to its environmental friendliness and reliability in terms of operation. Many interior items are made in Norway from wood, and design elements from this material are found everywhere.
Save the environment
However, the first country to abandon deforestation is Norway. According to experts, paper has long been made from recycled waste, a huge amount of other materials can be used to produce fuel, and the need for palmoil and is completely doubtful.
After all, according to the World Wildlife Fund, our planet loses up to 150,000 square kilometers of forest zone per year. Also, deforestation in Norway and other countries around the world disrupts the natural water cycle and increases soil erosion. And affects the he alth of millions of people.
At the same time, soon the information that Norway had banned deforestation turned out to be not entirely reliable. The thing is that the government has banned zero-deforestation, which is called deforestation. The country has launched a policy against zero deforestation. It was also decided to stop buying products made from tropical trees in order to preserve unique species around the world.
Bekeskugen Forest
Means "beech forest" in Norwegian. It is famous for the fact that representatives of beech grow here. The forest is located in the vicinity of the resort town of Larvik, which almost closely adjoins its borders.
It is notable for being the northernmost forest in the country. In addition to majestic trees, which are up to a hundred years old, tourists have the opportunity to see rare animals and plants.
Trillemark-Rollagsfjell Forest
This unique forest in Norway (you can see it in the photo above) is located in the province of Buskerud. It has been a national park since 2002 and is one of the ten most unusual forests in the world. Wildlife preserved hereNorway untouched by man. Trillemarka-Rollagsfjell occupies 147 sq. km.
Rivers and lakes not defiled by human hand (there are more than two hundred of the latter throughout the country), beautiful centuries-old trees, rare endangered species of animals - all this makes the forest unique and incredibly harmonious. 93 species of animals living here are endangered. For example: golden eagle, klintukh, kuksha and spotted woodpecker. Today, 73% of its territory is under the reliable protection of the state.
Forest Eventyrskogen
This fabulous forest is located near the commune of Ardal, in the province of Sogn og Fjordane. It is no coincidence that it is called magical - on its territory you can find about 40 figurines of mythical characters. The natural beauty of the forest is perfectly combined with these mystical works of art.
It is located on a hill from which dozens of streams flow, constantly changing their course. Streams of water flow right between the trees. This is the purest water that flows down from the mountains. Between the tree trunks, there is a mesh somewhere that protects tourists from the rash desire to dip their palms in a swift ice stream.
Forest dwellers
Lots of animals live in the forests of Norway. Here are red deer, and graceful lynxes, and dexterous martens, as well as arctic foxes, weasels, ermines, beavers, squirrels, hares and foxes. Increasingly, bears, wolves and wolverines are encountered in the forests and on the coast of the country. Previously, these animals caught the eye of tourists quite rarely, but todaythe government has taken tough conservation measures, as these predators were on the verge of extinction until recently.
Of poisonous snakes in the forests of Norway, only the viper can be found.
Legends
On the photo - a forest in Norway in winter. It is truly beautiful, but the creatures that live in it according to legends are no less beautiful.
Norwegian folklore is very interesting and original: skillful gnomes, dangerous trolls, graceful elves. Here you can find a legend about numerous mythical creatures. In the northern part of Norway, these creatures were treated with special reverence. Even with the spread of Christianity, faith in these amazing creatures has not died out among the locals. They believed that when the Lord banished the angels to hell for sins, some, less sinful, lingered in the water and air. So there were numerous spirits, legends about which we meet in the folklore of any country.
There is an interesting legend: in the forests of Norway you can meet a creature that the locals call huldra or hullah. It looks like a beautiful woman dressed in a blue skirt. She has a white scarf on her head. She differs from people in that she has a long cow's tail, which she diligently hides under her clothes. Sometimes the huldra visits people, but most often it can be found in the forest. Many travelers hear her quiet and sad song.
The huldra is said to raise fine cattle, but it is notable for not having horns.
Another legend says that the abandoned pastures of the country are inhabited bya whole tribe of huldr who wear green clothes, and the cattle they raise have blue skin and produce a lot of milk. Huldra are friendly and love to invite people into their caves to listen to their beautiful songs.
The belief in the existence of these wood nymphs is deeply rooted. There is a written mention of how in 1205 Queen Magnus Lagabaeter, who was delayed due to heavy rain in Bergen, asked the Icelander Sturli Thordsen to tell her the saga of the great giantess Huldra. Her name probably comes from the Old Norse horrl, which means "merciful", "benevolent".
