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History of Norway
From antiquity to the modern era — the historical eras, key events, and narrative that shaped Norway.
Overview
The Viking period (9th to 11th centuries) was one of national unification and expansion. The Norwegian royal line died out in 1387, and the country entered a period of union with Denmark. By 1586, Norway had become part of the Danish Kingdom. In 1814, as a result of the Napoleonic wars, Norway was separated from Denmark and combined with Sweden. The union persisted until 1905, when Sweden recognized Norwegian independence.
Historical Eras
The major periods of {country}’s history at a glance.
Viking Age
793 – 1066
Harald Fairhair unified the Norwegian petty kingdoms around 872, establishing the first Norwegian monarchy. Norse seafarers raided, traded, and settled across Europe, the North Atlantic, and as far as North America, reached by Leif Erikson around 1000. King Olav Tryggvason's conversion to Christianity in 994 and Olav II's subsequent evangelization reshaped Norwegian society, culminating in Olav's martyrdom at Stiklestad in 1030.
Medieval Kingdom
1066 – 1397
Norway consolidated as a Christian kingdom under a succession of Scandinavian rulers, reaching its medieval apex under Haakon IV and Magnus VI in the 13th century, when Norwegian law was codified and Iceland and Greenland came under the crown. The catastrophic Black Death of 1350 killed roughly half the population, decimating the nobility and administrative capacity and severely weakening the kingdom's independence.
Danish Union
1397 – 1814
The Union of Kalmar in 1397 brought Norway, Denmark, and Sweden under one crown; after Sweden's departure in 1523, Norway remained firmly subordinated to Denmark. By 1536–37, Norway was formally reduced to a Danish province, its church reformed to Evangelical Lutheranism under Christian III. Four centuries of Danish rule reshaped Norwegian language, culture, and governance, ending only when the Napoleonic-era Treaty of Kiel ceded Norway to Sweden in 1814.
Swedish Union & Constitution
1814 – 1905
Norwegian patriots drafted a liberal constitution at Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814, asserting self-governance before a Swedish invasion forced a compromise union under the Swedish crown. Norway retained its constitution and Storting, fostering growing national consciousness throughout the 19th century. A peaceful referendum in 1905 dissolved the union, and Danish Prince Carl ascended as King Haakon VII, restoring full Norwegian sovereignty.
World Wars & NATO
1905 – 1949
Independent Norway maintained neutrality during World War I but was nonetheless drawn into the conflict through its large merchant fleet. Nazi Germany invaded in April 1940 despite a declared neutrality; Haakon VII and the government fled into exile while resistance movements fought a five-year occupation. The trauma of occupation extinguished faith in neutrality, leading Norway to become a founding member of NATO in 1949 and of the United Nations, whose first Secretary-General was Norwegian Trygve Lie.
Modern Norway
1949 – present
Post-war Norway rebuilt rapidly under a social democratic model, developing one of the world's most comprehensive welfare states. The discovery of North Sea oil and gas in the late 1960s transformed the economy, with petroleum revenues channeled into the Government Pension Fund to secure long-term prosperity. Norway today ranks consistently among the highest nations in human development and quality of life, while maintaining a prominent role in international diplomacy and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Timeline Preview
The first 7 key events. View the full chronology on the timeline page.
700 – 800
Vikings began arriving to the Orkney Islands
Vikings began arriving to the Orkney Islands.
850 – 870
Viking King Harold Fairhair united Norway into one Kingdom
Viking King Harold Fairhair united Norway into one Kingdom.
1000
Leif Erikson discovered North America
Leif Erikson discovered North America.
1015
Olaf II Haraldsson, declared himself King of Norway
Olaf II Haraldsson, declared himself King of Norway after returning from war with the Danes. In time, he converted his people to Christianity.
1028
King Olav II forced to flee Norway
King Olav II forced to flee Norway by Canute, King of England and Denmark; thus Canute the Great became King of Norway.
1030
King Olav II killed at battle of Stiklestad
King Olav II killed at battle of Stiklestad.
1066
Battle of Stampford Bridge
King Harold Godwinson II marched north and attacked the Vikings at the Battle of Stampford Bridge in Yorkshire.