40 Amazing Photochrom Prints of Norway in the 1890s

Norway in the 1890s was a country on the brink of major transformation. Though still in a political union with Sweden (established in 1814), growing nationalist sentiment was building momentum toward full independence, which would be achieved in 1905.

The economy during this decade was shifting from rural and agricultural traditions to early industrialization. Hydropower development began laying the groundwork for future industrial growth, particularly in regions like Telemark. Fishing and maritime trade remained vital to coastal communities, while emigration to North America continued at high rates as Norwegians sought better opportunities abroad.

Culturally, the 1890s were rich with national romanticism. Artists, writers, and composers like Edvard Grieg and Knut Hamsun helped define a distinct Norwegian identity rooted in the landscape, folklore, and rural life. The expansion of railways and steamship routes also began to connect more remote parts of the country, changing how Norwegians lived, traveled, and interacted.

It was a decade of growing confidence, where tradition and modernity coexisted—and often collided—on the path to a fully independent Norway. Below is a collection of amazing Photochrom prints offering a glimpse of Norway in the 1890s.

Karl Johans Gate with the Royal Palace, Christiania, Norway, circa 1890s

Fish market, Bergen, Norway, circa 1890s

A Lapp family, Norway, circa 1890s

Andrée’s Station at Danskøya, Spitsbergen, Norway, circa 1890s

Bondhus glacier and lake, Hardanger Fjord, Handanger, Norway, circa 1890s

Dalen, Telemarken, Norway, circa 1890s

Folgefond Glacier, Hardanger Fjord, Norway, circa 1890s

From St. Hanshaugen, Hammerfest, Norway, circa 1890s

From the north, Hammerfest, Norway, circa 1890s

General view from Walkendorff's Tower, Bergen, Norway, circa 1890s

General view, Ålesund, Norway, circa 1890s

Grotto in Suphellebrae, Sognefjord, Norway, circa 1890s

Harstad Harbor, Norway, circa 1890s

Hofsfossen with Hønefoss, Ringerike, Norway, circa 1890s

In a Nordlandsbåt, Nordland, Norway, circa 1890s

Kongen og Dronningen, Bispen, Norway, circa 1890s

Kongsberg, Norway, circa 1890s

Loen, Kjendalskronebrae, Nordfjord, Norway, circa 1890s

Loen, Nordfjord, Norway, circa 1890s

Løveid Lock, Telemark, Norway, circa 1890s

Molde Harbor, Norway, circa 1890s

Mundal, Fjaerland, Sognefjord, Norway, circa 1890s

Mundal, Fjaerland, Sognefjord, Norway, circa 1890s

Norwegian carriage, circa 1890s

Oscarshall, Christiania, Norway, circa 1890s

Panorama from St. Hanshaugen, Christiania, Norway, circa 1890s

Panoramic view, Bergen, Norway, circa 1890s

Raftsund near Digermulen, Lofoten, Norway, circa 1890s

Rapids, Hønefoss, Ringerike, Norway, circa 1890s

Stalheim Hotel and Naerodalen, Norway, circa 1890s

Svartisen, Nordland, Norway, circa 1890s

The Seven Sisters, Geiranger Fjord, Norway, circa 1890s

The Storting building, Christiania, Norway, circa 1890s

Tinnfossen, Telemark, Norway, circa 1890s

Tinnoset, Telemark, Norway, circa 1890s

Tromsø, with Tromstind, Troms, Norway, circa 1890s

Tvindefossen hotel, Norway, circa 1890s

View of Smeerenburg, Spitsbergen, Norway, circa 1890s

Vrangfoss Lock, Bandak Canal, Telemark, Norway, circa 1890s

Whaling scenes at Skaaro. The "Nancy Grey" with a whale, Norway, circa 1890s