Spiritual sites in Scandinavia: With the Norway gods

Scandinavia is a place like no other boasting spine-chilling nature views, a vast choice of exceptional activities, and a cultural heritage like no other. One of the most significant and unique parts of the Scandinavian heritage is the legends and myths surrounding their Gods, getting acquainted with which is a must while on Scandinavia tours.

Even though often similar in many ways, each of the Scandinavian countries features their own stories and, of course, their own sites related to them. And Norway is no exception; thus, this time, set off on a journey with the Norway Gods!

Norse mythology

If epic tales and legends are something you are interested in, delving deeper into the Norse Mythology is without a shade of doubt something you are highly recommended to do. It is a set of myths from the tribes of North Germanic people dating back hundreds of years ago, which cover the stories of over sixty Gods and other beings of great significance. In addition to the Gods, there are also several realms in Norse Mythology, such as Ásgard, Asgard, Hel, Midgard, and others.

Norse Gods

Norse Mythology refers to a polytheistic religion that was prominent before the rapid spread of Christianity. According to it, there are around 66 Gods and Goddesses, all entangled by spine-chilling legends. Some of the most well-known Gods include but are not limited to Odin (God of Wisdom, Poetry, and War, father to all Gods), Thor (the God of Thunder, defender of the Asgard), Vidar (the God of Vengeance), Idun (the Goddess of Rejuvenation), Loki (known as the trickster God), and Freyr (the God of Fertility). Each of the Gods have their own set of powers and traits, as well as an abundance of myths telling the stories of their battles, life, and struggles.

Norse spiritual sites

Some of the main followers of the Norse Mythology were the Vikings who created settlements all over the areas that are now known as the Scandinavian countries. Therefore, the region boasts sites of historical significance providing insight into the confluence of their daily life and the parallel realms of Norse Gods.

Unfortunately, there is not a lot of information about the exact places of worship or spiritual sites, as the Nordic tribes held ceremonial rites in their everyday surroundings, usually in a serene place out in nature. This is represented in place names in the Scandinavian languages that are often related to the Norse Gods or myths and legends.

However, some locations where spiritual sites once stood have been mentioned in the ancient Sagas, including but not limited to Gaular, Mære, and Trondheim in Norway. During recent excavations in Ørsta, Norway, remains of what scientists believe to have been a temple to the Norse Gods were found.

Related must-visit locations in Norway

Some of the most informative sites when it comes to the life of Vikings and Norse Mythology include but are not limited to the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, the Viking Farm and the Norwegian History Center in Avaldsnes, and the Trondenes Historical Center. There you can find interactive exhibitions providing information and visuals on both the Viking settlers, and the unparalleled mythical world.

Following the paths of the Norse Gods is a mission difficult to accomplish due to the lack of specific places of worship. Be that as it may, there are locations all over the area providing information about the exceptional mythology and, of course, the almighty Gods.

An abundance of such locations can be found in the Norwegian capital, making any time – the best time to go to Oslo. And if you want to explore sites further away from Oslo, hop onboard one of the Norway trains and continue your acquaintance with the Norwegian Gods elsewhere.