A lively, illustrated survey combines accessible history of the Vikings and medieval rulers with vivid descriptions of fjords, mountains, glaciers, rivers and waterfalls. It sketches rural and urban life, local industries, farms, manners, schooling and seasonal customs, and preserves folk tales and anecdotes. Sections introduce wildlife, birdlife and northern peoples, and offer travel-minded notes on driving, winter life, Arctic day‑night extremes and notable regions such as Hardanger and the fjelds. The overall approach blends cultural observation, natural history and practical detail to give readers a rounded, readable portrait of the country.