If you’re fascinated by the rich, diverse history of Norway, you’ve come to the right place. Norway’s history spans centuries, from Viking invasions to World War II heroics and beyond. Whether you’re interested in the legendary Viking age, Norway’s role in world conflicts, or its cultural transformation, the following list of books will offer you profound insights. Here are the top 10 best books on Norway history that will captivate both casual readers and history buffs alike.
Written by Lars Nielsen
Lars Nielsen is a Scandinavian history enthusiast, specializing in Viking culture and Nordic nations. His passion for Norway’s storied past shines through in his reviews of historical texts, making him a trusted guide for history enthusiasts.
10. The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada
Don Hollway
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – 502 ratings
Why We Chose It: Don Hollway’s masterful retelling of Harald Hardrada’s life offers a gripping narrative of one of Norway’s most famous rulers. This book delves into Harald’s reign and his ultimate demise at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, often considered the end of the Viking age.
Fun Fact: Harald Hardrada was not only a warrior-king but also spent time in the Byzantine Empire as a commander of the Varangian Guard.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get The Last Viking here
9. Narvik: And the Norwegian Campaign of 1940
Donald Macintyre
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.8 out of 5 stars) – 7 ratings
Why You’ll Love It: This book takes readers back to 1940, a pivotal moment in Norwegian history during World War II. The detailed account of the Battle of Narvik highlights Norway’s resistance against German forces and its importance in the broader context of WWII.
Fun Fact: The Battle of Narvik saw one of the first major defeats of Nazi Germany, a rare and crucial moment in the early stages of the war.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get Narvik here
8. Longships on Restless Seas (The History of the Vikings Book 2)
History Nerds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.1 out of 5 stars) – 7 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book gives a vivid depiction of Viking voyages and how these sea warriors shaped the course of Norway’s history. It’s a detailed account of the Vikings’ longships, crucial to their exploration and dominance.
Fun Fact: Viking longships were so well-constructed that modern naval architects still admire their design for speed and maneuverability.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get Longships on Restless Seas here
7. The Shetland Bus: A WWII Epic of Courage, Endurance, and Survival
David Howarth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – 453 ratings
Why You’ll Love It: This incredible story captures the heroism of Norwegian resistance fighters and their perilous missions across the North Sea during World War II. It’s a tale of survival, endurance, and courage that shows Norway’s resilience during one of its darkest hours.
Fun Fact: The Shetland Bus was a covert operation where small fishing boats ferried weapons, supplies, and people between occupied Norway and the Shetland Islands in Scotland.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get The Shetland Bus here
6. The Wolf Age: The Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons and the Battle for the North Sea Empire
Tore Skeie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – 204 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book is a sweeping account of the Viking battles for control of the North Sea. It’s an essential read for anyone wanting to understand the strategic importance of this region to Viking Norway.
Fun Fact: The Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, which marked the end of Viking rule, was fought between the English and Norwegian armies.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get The Wolf Age here
5. To Hell & Back Again: The Complete Autobiography of Varg Vikernes
Varg Vikernes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5.0 out of 5 stars) – 1 rating
Why You’ll Love It: Varg Vikernes, a controversial figure in Norwegian history, recounts his life’s journey in this compelling autobiography. It sheds light on his involvement in the black metal scene and subsequent incarceration.
Fun Fact: Vikernes was a founding figure of the Norwegian black metal scene, which became infamous for its violent and often controversial acts.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get To Hell & Back Again here
4. We Die Alone: A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance
David Howarth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 2,142 ratings
Why We Chose It: This is an extraordinary account of a Norwegian soldier’s escape from the Nazis during World War II. Howarth’s storytelling is gripping and emotional, making it one of the finest books on Norway’s war history.
Fun Fact: The soldier, Jan Baalsrud, was the sole survivor of his commando unit and evaded capture in the freezing mountains of Norway for over two months.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get We Die Alone here
3. Northmen: The Viking Saga, 793–1241 AD
John Haywood
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – 459 ratings
Why You’ll Love It: Haywood’s book covers the entire Viking age in Norway, from their first raids to their eventual settlement in various parts of Europe. It’s an excellent overview of Norway’s Viking past for both beginners and experts.
Fun Fact: The Vikings were not just raiders but also explorers who founded cities such as Dublin and discovered parts of North America.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get Northmen here
2. The Old Norse Spell Book: Your Guide to the Elder Futhark, Norse Folklore, Runes, Paganism, Divination, and Magic
Alda Dagny
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 474 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book dives deep into the magical and mystical side of Norway’s history, focusing on Norse folklore, runes, and pagan practices. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the spiritual and mystical aspects of ancient Norway.
Fun Fact: The runic alphabet, known as the Elder Futhark, was used by the Vikings for writing, divination, and magical rituals.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get The Old Norse Spell Book here
1. Children of Ash and Elm
Neil Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6 out of 5 stars) – 1,817 ratings
Why You’ll Love It: Neil Price’s deep dive into the Viking age is a comprehensive and engaging history of Norway’s most famous warriors. This book explores not just their conquests but their society, culture, and daily life, making it the definitive work on Viking Norway.
Fun Fact: The title “Children of Ash and Elm” refers to the Norse mythological belief that humans were created from ash and elm trees.
Category: Norway History
Buy it now: Get Children of Ash and Elm here
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