The largest cities in Norway and their population

The article will consider the largest cities in Norway. We will talk about their features, learn the most interesting historical cases and understand why they attract tourists from all over the world.

Beauty of Norway

The capital and large cities of Norway today impress everyone. However, earlier all settlements were almost identical and were divided into trade and port. Each of them had some peculiarities and privileges, but everything was simplified in 1857. In 1952, there was another strong change - the classification ceased to exist, and all cities began to be called by. At the same time, the first communes appear, which are divided into urban and rural. In 1946 each commune receives its unique four-digit code. However, this division was abolished in 1992 by government agencies.

In the 1960s, many communes united. Because of this, many settlements lost their city status. At the moment it is considered that no less than 5,000 inhabitants should live in one settlement in order to obtain the status of a city. Until 1996, only the Ministry of Local Government could assign such a status. But today it is assigned by the municipal council, and afterwards it is confirmed by the state.

Oslo

Are there many large cities in Norway? Their list is quite impressive, and the country's capital, Oslo, is in the lead. 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 huge natural massifs. 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 the listed advantages, it will surprise and please fans of ancient sights.

A little bit about the history. The founder is Harold III, who built it in 1050. In ancient times, the city was called Christiania. The peak of development occurred at the beginning of the 18th century and the end of the Northern War. Things have recovered due to the expansion of trade and due to the rapid pace of shipbuilding.

Interestingly, 600 thousand people live on the territory of the city itself. About 1.3 million people live in the suburbs, so to speak, in the bosom 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

On the second place in the list of the largest cities in Norway is Bergen. This is an amazing place, which is called the capital of the kingdom of trolls. Its population is 242 thousand people. It is from Bergen that one should begin any journey and become acquainted with the natural delights of Norway. Among tourists there is an opinion that one day can be spent on Oslo to study it and see all the interesting things, but in order to get a little insight into the spirit of Bergen, it will take at least 3 days. To many it reminds a fantastic country, because colorful houses are located on tiny paved paths.

The city is divided into 8 districts. The center is located in the Bergenhus district. 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 for which you can not love this city - for frequent rains. However, many people like this weather, adjusting them to inner contemplation and tranquility.

Trondheim

Three major cities in Norway close Trondheim. Its population is 185 thousand people. The historical name is Nidaros. In the Danish period of its history the city has already received the name Trondheim, which meant "house of the strong." In 1930, the authorities wanted to return the historical name, but because of the mass protests of the population had to leave the already loved by everyone the option.

The city is located on the banks of the Trondheim fjord. Not only the turbulent currents give it vitality and brightness, but also a huge number of students who come here every year. And he founded the "capital of students and fjords" Ulv Trygvasson in 997. There are many historical monuments here, as well as natural areas for recreation. An abundance of historical sights is due to the authorities, who during the Second World War surrendered to his enemy without a single shot, in order to preserve as much as possible valuable architectural structures. On the territory is the famous fortress Christiansen. She suffered many tests, but in 1997 she was skillfully restored. When a member of the royal family has a birthday, gunshots from the cannons of the fortress are audible in all the neighborhoods.

Stavanger

One of the largest cities in Norway (by population) is Stavanger, which is part of the oil capital of the country. 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 on the third place among Norway's agglomerations. It was founded in 1125 as a small settlement that surrounded the Bishop's Cathedral. Up to 1990, the number of residents 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 an oil capital and experiencing the strong influence of the West due to its proximity to the NATO military base, the city retains its historical identity. In addition, it is famous for its beautiful lakes. Many people fall in love with him forever after they visit the Old Town. Stavanger is the center of trade and the fishing industry. The North Sea plays an important role in the development of its economy.

Sandvika

The population is 105 thousand people. However, Sandvika was long considered a suburb of Oslo, and the status of the city was received only in 2003. It is famous for the huge shopping center Sandvika storsenter, a lot of shops, a large library, a cinema and a cultural center. It is known that in 1895 Claude Monet lived here, who painted several landscapes. In 2014, it was here that the first building in Norway appeared with a positive energy balance.

Kristiansand

The list of major cities in Norway (by the number of townspeople) continues Kristiansand, whose population is 75 thousand people. It is the largest city in Southern Norway. был заселён ещё в доисторические времена. The area of present Kristiansand was inhabited in prehistoric times. The church on its territory was erected in 1040, but the city itself was founded in 1641 by Christian IV, the Danish king.

The first inhabitants were very lucky. All visitors and local merchants received great privileges and exemption from taxes for 10 years. Like many localities in Norway, Kristiansand was badly affected by the fire that happened in 1734. However, this is what contributed to the rapid pace of development. The most flourishing industry has reached shipbuilding. In 1892, there was another fire, which became the impetus for the creation of a large nickel factory. During the Second World War, the city was badly damaged because the authorities were not going to give up just like that. We love Kristiansand for the mild climate, which is very much like the fastidious weather for Europeans, and the famous zoo. In addition , the city is the most important transport hub of the country, connecting Oslo and Stavanger.

Fredrikstad

Large cities in Norway can not 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. Settled town on the shore of the fjord of Oslo, next to the capital. Famous figures of culture and science were born here: Polar explorer Rual Amundsen, mathematician, economist, physicist, politician and educator Ole Jacob Brock, musicians Andy La Plagua and Ogue Sten Nielsen.

Tromsø

The list of major cities in Norway (by population) completes Tromsø, which is located on the island of Tromsøya. It is located only 400 km from the Arctic Circle. The population of the city is 63 thousand people. It is here that the most northern planetarium, a beer factory, a football club and a 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 in 1252, Tromso received the status of the city only in 1794. The significance of the city increased in the XIX century, when the chair of the bishop was established here, the pedagogical college and shipyards 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 (about 1,000 victims from the enemy's side) was sunk nearby, the city itself was not harmed by military operations.

As you have already understood, all the major cities of Norway have their own characteristics. Tromso is rich in sports clubs. There are several football clubs, and even one female, which is a member of the top division.

The large cities of Norway and their population are a vast topic, which is difficult to consider in detail within the framework of the article. One thing is clear: the country of the fjords is amazing, diverse and welcoming. Large cities of Norway every year attract thousands of tourists. Many of them visit these territories for the first time. The legacy of the Vikings enchants with its power, divine simplicity and greatness.