Colorful Wooden Houses of Norway: A Virtual Trip

One thing we miss living in America is the vast array of really old buildings and homes. Can you imagine living in a house that’s over 500 years old? I think about the lives and history of older homes here in the United States, but old houses in Europe have seen so much more. Today I’m taking you on a virtual trip to the towns of Stavanger and Bergen in Norway to visit some of the colorful wooden houses.

 

Colorful Wooden Houses in Bergen

Let’s start our trip in Bergen which is situated on the southwestern coast of Norway. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords and bears the nickname “the capital of the fjords.” Although it’s the second largest city in Norway, it retains a quaint charm.

The majority of Norwegian homes were built with wood and tile roofs. I love the use of color, like the kelly green trim on the white house below. The cobbled streets and walkways add to the charm of the city.

 

Norwegians seem to landscape every square inch, no matter how small. I wonder if this is due to the long winters and dark days. From the middle of November until the end of January, the sun just peeks above the horizon. I don’t think I could handle that, but I supposed you get used to it growing up in the region.

 

On the flip side, it never gets really dark from late June to early August, so that would feel strange, too. Regardless, Norway has beautiful scenery and is on my bucket list of places to visit.

 

Potted daffodils and tulips take the place of shrubs in Bergen due to the proximity of the colorful wooden houses to the street.

 

You’ll see plenty of red wooden houses in Norway. Note the handkerchief trim above the windows.

 

Don’t you feel like every little street and walkway is calling you to come explore?

 

Charming Houses in Stavanger

Stavanger is almost a 5-hour drive directly south of Bergen. This area is known as the oil capital region of Norway. Stavanger also has the largest collection of wooden houses in northern Europe (approximate 8,000). Each ones is just as quaint as the next.

 

The oldest of the houses are located in Old Historic Town, also known as Gamle Stavanger.

 

 

 

 

 

I love the combination of pink and green that decorates the outside of these white houses in this historic area of Stavanger. You can’t help but smile when you look at the cheery appeal of these cozy homes lining the brick streets.

 

Even the shops and restaurants emit a happy vibe. Colorful flag banners adorn the streets.

 

Stavanger has a marina where you’ll see plenty of red houses and buildings.

 

Located in the heart of Stavanger is Norway’s oldest cathedral that was built in the early 1100s. What a gorgeous church. I love touring the inside of old churches.

 

The cathedral is especially beautiful when lit up at night.

 

I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip to Norway to admire the colorful wooden houses. I’ll try to find more areas to virtually explore with you. It might give you ideas for your next trip!

 

See More Historic Homes:

Romantic English Cottage Homes

Little Brick Houses of Galena

French Country Cottage Home Tour

Walking the Aurora Historic District

Historic Homes of Sycamore