Norway the Ideal Holiday Country

This beautiful and early Norwegian travel poster from 1913 promotes the country as “The Ideal Holiday Country,” capturing both the natural grandeur and wildlife of Norway in a striking, painterly composition. The design is by Per Lasson Krohg (1889–1965), one of Norway’s most versatile and important 20th-century artists.

The poster depicts a brown bear drinking from a mountain pool, surrounded by rugged rocks and a serene Nordic landscape. The imagery emphasizes Norway’s untamed nature and sense of wilderness, appealing to early 20th-century travelers seeking adventure and scenic beauty. A small inset map situates Norway within Europe, reinforcing its accessibility while still presenting it as an exotic destination.

Krohg’s career spanned a wide range of artistic disciplines, including illustration, stage design, sculpture, and monumental painting. He is perhaps best known internationally for the mural he created for the United Nations Security Council Chamber in New York, a work that reflects his later prominence. This poster represents an earlier phase of his career, when travel posters played a key role in promoting national tourism.

The original Norwegian text, “Til Norge – et ideelt land for turister og feriereisende,” translates to “To Norway – an ideal country for tourists and holiday travelers,” clearly positioning the country as a premier destination even at this early date.

Printed as a lithographic poster, it reflects the craftsmanship and aesthetic of pre–World War I travel advertising, where fine art and commercial promotion were closely intertwined.

Condition: In very good condition with some age wear. Mounted on linen, it remains a highly attractive and historically significant example of early Scandinavian travel poster design.