Millions of years ago, in the Ice Age, the Scandinavian Peninsula (including modern-day Norway) was completely covered by the ice of giant glaciers (seen in the picture below; Scandinavian peninsula absoluteley white). When the Ice Age reached an end, the glaciers left the zone towards the North Pole, but they did not dissapear without leaving their eternal "presence".
As they left Norway, the glaciers eroded certain areas next to the Norwegian Sea, therefore forming deep and U-shaped valleys. Thus, they were afterwards connected to the sea, creating an amazing landscape we call "fjords". National Geographic has listed these as the world's most tourist places. There are some concentrations of fjords in zones such as Chile and New Zeeland; but there is no doubt that Norway contains the most beautiful and shocking ones to observe. It is quite more than difficult to explain the marvellous feeling of standing in front of a Norwegian fjord and reflecting about its beauty. However, if we attempt to do so, we could state that our senses may mix or get confused, while the heart of the visitor is attracted by Mother Nature, the responsible for every single piece of exquisiteness captured by the eyes. The reflection of the clean sky in the blue waters look as if they were painted with a brush by the best of the artists, while the soft wind and the sepulchral silence create the most wonderful and ideal peace that every human would desire to feel. Is this "dream" real in other places? Do you think you can find these experiences in other countries you have visited?
The unique touch created by the glaciers millions of years ago is not only seen in the marvellous beauty of the fjords, but in the entire country as well. The glaciers brought changes to the Scandinavian Peninsula and therefore the topography in Norway developed and today is very varied. In fact, there are flat lands, mountains, fjords and a lot of different types of lanscapes in modern-day Norway, and as a result, the natural and climatic conditions in its borders make biodiversity (a lot of types of different species) possible. Thus, Norway may be proud of having the largest number of habitats (territory where a special and specific specie can live and develop) in Europe, while its nature is fortunate to count with 16,000 types of insects, 20,000 types of algae, 2,800 types of vascular (means being able of conducting water) plants, 7,000 types of fungi, 450 types of birds, 90 types of mammals, around 200 types of fish and 4,500 types of water invertebrates. Furthermore, Norway is listed second in environmental positive performance through federal policies (protecting nature through the laws of a country) after Switzerland. Some of these laws protect the whales that reside in the Norwegian coastline. Whales in polar areas move frequently, but usually give birth in Norwegian waters. If you come in the right time of the year, you may get the opportunity of seeing and perhaps touching a real whale!
Eventually, Norway's natural tresures are not only seen in its ground, but are hidden in the sky that covers the country, as well. Norway is in the Polar Artic Circle, a huge imaginary circle that surrounds all the areas around the North Pole. In it, the famous and marvellous natural phenomenon denominated Aurora Borealis, or "polar lights", is seen. The Aurora Borealis consists of an extraordinary show of red, blue and even green lights in the polar sky, creating an unforgettable view which can only be seen inside the Polar Artic Circle. Some countries such as Sweden, Finland or Russia have a part of their territory in this imaginary shape, but there is no doubt that the most exciting show is seen in Norway. This is due to the fact that Norway is one of the nearest countries to the North Pole, especially if we talk about Cape North or the Svalbard Islands. Here, the spectacular polar lights may look like a divine power generated by God in the sky, and it actually does not matter what is your faith or religion; you will either way be quite more than impressed!This unique phenomenon is created when solar light reaches earth, and after colliding with its surface, it somehow "escapes" through both edges of our planet; the North and South Pole. Thus, sunlight "explotes" in this parts of the world, and as a result, the molecules of light break down, generating a big variety of colors in the sky. Is this not wonderful?In conclusion, there are no words to describe the beauty and the marvellous phenomenons that make Norway an extraordinary country. History, art and culture are found in various places around the globe. Nevertheless, if we talk about nature and you are interested in living different experiences through ecotourism; there is no doubt that Norway is your next destination! This country is a well recognized hub of whales and marine life. The glaciers that left it in the past, somehow "drew" a marvellous picture which is actually real, containing a unique beauty seen in its fjords and topography. If the earth and water wonders have not convinced you yet, look at the sky, and you will find an original show of solar lights; the Aurora Borealis. What else can you ask from a country that shows its attractiveness in its territory, its water and its sky? How long are you going to keep pretending that you do not desire to feel Mother Nature in your heart through these exquisite panoramas? Nature and you... a neccesary meeting and an unforgettable journey that is waiting for you only in one place: NORWAY!
