Fredrik Daniel Bruno (1882–1971) was a town engineer in Hudiksvall in the province of Hälsingland in the northern part of central Sweden. He was also a dedicated amateur photographer, and some of the colour slides he took during travels in the 1940s and early 1950s are from Norway, Sweden’s neighbouring country in the west.
The Norwegian photos show towns and landscapes from different parts of the country.
Stunning and dramatic scenery and landscape is found throughout Norway. The west coast of southern Norway and the coast of northern Norway present some of the most visually impressive coastal sceneries in the world. National Geographic has listed the Norwegian fjords as the world’s top tourist attraction. The 2014 Environmental Performance Index put Norway in tenth place, based on the environmental performance of the country’s policies.
The Norwegian farm culture continues to play a role in contemporary Norwegian culture. In the 19th century, it inspired a strong romantic nationalistic movement, which is still visible in the Norwegian language and media. Norwegian culture blossomed with nationalist efforts to achieve an independent identity in the areas of literature, art and music. This continues today in the performing arts and as a result of government support for exhibitions, cultural projects and artwork.
With expansive forests, Norway has had a tradition of building in wood. Many of today’s most interesting new buildings are made of wood, reflecting the strong appeal that this material continues to hold for Norwegian designers and builders.
With Norway’s conversion to Christianity some 1,000 years ago churches were constructed. Stonework architecture was introduced from Europe for the most important structures, beginning with the construction of Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. In the early Middle Ages, wooden stave churches were constructed throughout Norway. Many of them have survived and represent Norway’s most unique contribution to architectural history. A fine example is Urnes Stave Church, which is now on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Another notable example of wooden architecture are buildings at theBryggen Wharf in Bergen, consisting of a row of narrow wooden structures along the quayside.
At the beginning of the 20th century the city of Ålesund was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, influenced by styles of France. The 1930s, when functionalism dominated, became a strong period for Norwegian architecture. It is only since the late 20th century that Norwegian architects have achieved international renown. One of the most striking modern buildings in Norway is the Sami Parliament in Kárášjohka, designed by Stein Halvorson and Christian Sundby. Its debating chamber is an abstract timber version of a lavvo, the traditional tent used by the nomadic Sami people.
