We all know that Norway is a beautiful country, a bucket list for most. But not many people know about our culture and our behaviours. I always do research about the culture of the country I am about to visit, so I know how to behave and be respectful. Norway is different, we don’t really care how you behave, just keep your distance and we are OK. If you read this article, I am sure you will be ready for us without getting a major culture shock.

#1 NORWEGIANS NEED THEIR PERSONAL SPACE

After traveling the world, I have picked up on a lot of different cultures. There is one specific thing Norwegians don’t have in common with other countries; Personal space is highly respected in Norway. Norwegians don’t like to stand up close to strangers. We don’t talk to strangers in the bus, elevator, or waiting room. Julien S. Bourrelle has written several books called The Social Guidebook to Norway. This is a book to make you understand more about how Norwegians are at work and in everyday life. We are not huggers, we don't like to sit next to strangers on the bus. We stand as far away from each other while waiting for public transportation. If you want to sit on the bench while someone else is sitting there, they will most likely move, you are way too close. 

#2 FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN NORWAY WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

People might think that Norwegians are upset all the time. When we talk with people, we don't show any expressions, so it's hard to tell if we are happy, sad, or annoyed. If we get drunk we get more social, we smile more and talk with strangers like we have known them for a long time. 

#3 NORWEGIANS do not use SHOES INSIDE 

Make sure to take off your shoes if you visit a Norwegian home. We don't use shoes inside. Using shoes inside is a sign of being dirty, which makes sense. We have “tøfler” to use inside. Or just wearing our socks. In Hawaii they do the same thing, they leave the shoes by the entrance. Ecuador is the first country I have experienced wearing shoes inside. All I can think of is how dirty the floors and the rugs are. 

#4 NORWEGIANS USE BODY LANGUAGE INSTEAD OF ACTUAL TALKING

It is normal for a Norwegian to use body language when getting off the bus instead of just simply saying so. 

Using body language when we go off the bus is kind of awkward and funny in a way. It is absurd that we can’t even ask the person who sits next to us that we are getting off the bus. Most Norwegians start getting ready, putting on shoes and jackets, trying to express that they are getting off the bus. It somehow works though. 

#5 NORWEGIANS CHERISH NATURE

Norwegians are nature enthusiasts. We spend a lot of time in nature every day. Norway is beautiful, we have hikes and trails everywhere. It is really easy for us to just put on our shoes and get outside. There are even apps you can download and register for your hikes, and try to manage to find these popular "sjekk ut" signs that are placed on many popular hikes throughout the country. Check out my article about the best hiking spots in Laerdal

#6 NORWEGIANS ARE BORN WITH SKIS ON 

We admire ski season. We watch skiing on TV every day during winter. Watching the Norwegians get gold medals. We usually start skiing at 2 years old. Every Norwegian own a pair of cross-country skis, downhill ski (slalom), or snowboard. After-ski is something we appreciate. The ski resorts have huge rave parties and we show up drunk with our ski clothes, usually very colorful and back to the 80s kind of vibes. 

#7 “NO BAD WEATHER, JUST BAD CLOTHES” 

It sounds a little better in Norwegian; “ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær” It means that the weather won't stop us from going out. We just put on layers of clothes. It doesn’t matter if it's raining like crazy, hailing, or snowing. Not even if it is -15 degrees, we still go out. 

#8 NORWEGIANS DON’T DRINK ON WEEKDAYS, JUST ON THE WEEKENDS. 

After the weekends, we meet up with our friends to talk about the “helgafylla”. Which literally translates to a drunk weekend. Norwegians are very focused on work on the weekday. We usually go to bed early so we feel fresh for work the next day. But weekends are different. We drink Friday and Saturday like we are celebrating something. It's all about getting drunk, if you didn’t get drunk you didn’t party hard enough. 

#9 NORWEGIAN TACOS IS ABOUT TO BECOME A TRADITIONAL DISH 

The Norwegian tacos are super tasteful. The ingredients we use are minced meat or minced chicken, taco spice, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, corn, lettuce, and cucumber. Some also use mango. Most Norwegians don't like spicy food, so usually no jalapeños or chili. We have something called taco Friday, which means we eat taco every Friday all year round, and we never get tired of it. 

#10 NORWEGIANS LOVE SNOW BATHING DURING WINTER  

Yes, we snow bath. Whenever there is snow, we jump into the snow. We climb on top of a rooftop and jump in. Makes no sense, I know. But when you have tried it once, you will understand the fun. The adrenaline kick is amazing. Try it sometime. 

#11 EATING AT RESTAURANTS IS A LUXURY FOR NORWEGIANS

Norwegians usually go out for a coffee or a sandwich, but not really for dinner. Eating out is way too expensive and we prefer to make our food at home, usually from scratch. We also make “nistepakke” which is lunch from home in a box. Usually dry bread with sweaty cheese and wet cucumber. Norwegians don't mind, we love our nistepakke. 

#12 NO HIGH HEELS

When we go partying, we wear sneakers not heels. People in Norway can also show up to a party in their sweat pants. This is normal. Maybe more normal in the country side compare to the cities.

#13 NORWEGIANS TEND TO BE SOCIAL WHEN HIKING 

Even though we are not very social in public places, we tend to forget all of that while hiking. We say hi to everyone passing us, and we can also start talking to strangers. 

#14 THE “HYTTE” IS A SECOND HOME.

Hytte is a cabin, usually without electricity, water, or a real toilet, Which we see as luxury. Some Norwegians have started to modernize the cabin by installing electricity, wifi, water and they make the cabin bigger. But the ones who like the hytte tradition, keep the non-electricity vibes. 

#15 DON’T LEAVE NORWAY WITHOUT BuYING A MARIUS SWEATER

It is the bestselling knitted sweater in Norway. We have used this sweater since 1953. On https://www.marius.no/story they say that the patterns on the sweater say something about Norwegians and their love for the outdoors. Why is the sweater called Marius? Marius was a war legend and a ski legend back in the 40s. In the mid-50s he participated in a movie called “Troll i Ord” wearing the Marius sweater, this is what made the sweater popular. 

#16 NORWEGIANS TRAVEL TO SOUTHERN EUROPE A LOT (WE CALL IT SYDEN)

In Norway, we have short summers and long winters. In some places in Norway, we can’t even see the sun for 5 months. Norwegians love the sun and we need D-vitamins to not get winter depressed. Every summer or winter, Norwegians head to Syden, which practically is Southern Europe. An example of a destination would be to the Canary islands which we call Granka. And usually go there with our families, or friends to drink a lot of alcohol and stay in one place; the beach, usually to get super sunburnt or very tan, that’s the goal.

#17 "MMM" IS SOMETHING YOU WILL HEAR OFTEN

Oh, this is very annoying for a lot of people not knowing our culture. We say “mmm” instead of, "You say so"? "That sounds exciting". "Yes sounds good". "I totally agree with you". etc. If you ever go to Norway and people respond with “mmm” just accept it and know it doesn’t mean that we dont pay attention. We are just simple in our vocabulary.

#18 You will never hear “HOW ARE YOU?”

When I have been traveling around the world, I am used to people asking “how are you” when entering a store. Norwegians would just say hi and ask if you need any help. As i said earlier, we are very simple. Some can feel it is rude, but it is not, we just dont want to bother.

#19 NORWEGIANS ARE TALL

Norwegians are usually very tall. We are ranked as some of the tallest people in the world. We eat a lot of good animal protein from young age, which might be one of the reasons why we tend to be so tall. (A study was actually published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)

#20 NOT ALL NORWEGIANS ARE BLONDE AND BLUE-EYED.

The myth says that all Norwegians are blonde, tall, and blue-eyed. That is not true. A lot of Norwegians have brown hair and eyes. In fact, my cousins are brunettes with brown eyes.

#21 THE WEEKENDS ARE DEEPLY APPRECIATED

The weekends are a blessing for us. That's when we hang out with friends, play games, watch TV, and eat a lot of good food such as cheese-souffle, pizza, and tacos, or we go to our cabin. My parents for instance, go to their cabin in the mountain every weekend.  

#22 NORWEGIANS USE A LOT OF SNUS (A TYPE OF MOIST POWDERED TOBACCO, TYPICALLY HELD IN THE MOUTH BETWEEN THE LIPS AND GUMS.) 

Snus is something I can’t stand, and especially not when they spit the snus on the ground and not in the garbage. Some think it is cool to just spit it out anywhere not thinking about the environment and the wild animals. But anyhow, snus is very popular among teenagers and adults, both men and women. It ruins the gum, you get bad breath and yellow teeth. 

#23 A SHOT OF FISH OIL EVERY MORNING (MÖLLERS TRAN)

Drinking fish oil is very odd, I know, but so healthy though. We have several brands in Norway selling fish oil, but the most popular fish oil company is called Möllers Tran. One tablespoon a day is enough. It is a Cod liver oil full of Omega-3. It is good for our immune system, brain, and heart. Norwegians need their vitamins during winter when the sun is gone and winter depression start. 

#24 KJÆRESTE 

Norwegians have one word for boyfriend and girlfriend. It basically means our dearest. Kjæreste is gender-neutral, and it is simple to use. You don't need to state if it is he or she, it is your kjæreste.

#25 norway is considered one of the most gender-equal countries in the world

Men and women have almost the same benefits. Let's say if you have a child, both mom and dad can get up to a total of 12 months of parental leave. and fully paid for 49 weeks and 80% paid for 59 weeks. When Norwegians go on a date, it's normal to split the bill, 50/50. Norway is actually considered one of the most gender-equal countries in the world. But it is still not high enough. Women still dont have 100% the same opportunities as men, even in Norway.

#26 Norwegians DRESS-CODE is simple.

I don’t know if this is positive or negative, however, If you go to the cities you will see most people in the same kind of shoes, jeans, and jackets. basically wearing the same trends. No joke. Other than that, the clothing style in Norway is fairly basic and minimalistic, but often expensive. 

#27 ALL NORWEGIANS KNOW SOME ENGLISH, AND MOST OF US SPEAK IT VERY WELL. 

We start learning English at an early age. The younger generations speak good English. Most Norwegians can communicate the language well. So it is very easy to travel in Norway because of that.

#28 NORWAY IS ONE OF THE SAFEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, WHICH YOU CAN TELL BY OUR BEHAVIOUR 

The crime rate in Norway is very low. If you forget your Gucci purse on the train or the bus, most likely no one is going to steal it, but rather deliver it to the driver or police. Of course, you have to be careful like everywhere else in the world. But Norway is super safe. You can hike, camp, go by yourself at night and be fine. 

#29 NORWAY HAS A REALLY GOOD POLITICAL SYSTEM.

I guess this is a subject I should not be talking about. But Norway has a functional system. We have very high taxes. We have an income tax, road taxes, tunnel taxes, bridge taxes, car taxes, house taxes, employee taxes, etc. but in return, we get free education, free health care, low priced insurances, scholarship for everyone (unless your parents are rich) vacation money (12% of your yearly salary), tax return, etc. We trust the system and it feels good to be part of saving someone's life. The money doesn't go to waste. 

#30 MAKING NEW FRIENDS IN NORWAY IS NOT AN EASY TASK. 

Norwegians are shy in a way. If we drink, we loosen up right away. You go out, get drunk and make friends. When you are sober again, you won't probably talk to that person. It would be an awkward hi or pretending not to know this person. If you want to get friends in Norway, the best bet is to start a degree, get a job, or go to social events or play sports. But keep in mind, if you get friends in Norway, they will be your friends forever. 


#31 WE DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS

Talk to strangers on the street? They will probably just answer your questions with a simple answer and go on with their lives. This is how I was before I moved away for years. In the states, I got used to people taking to me in the elevator and bus stop, that would never happen in Norway.

#32 COMMONLY, YOUNG PEOPLE IN NORWAY BUY REAL ESTATE 

I didn’t even realize this was a thing before I moved to another country. But, normally, in Norway young people have their own house already at 25, or even younger. It is possible because Norwegians are good at saving money. And the main goal is to own a car and a house as early as possible. 

#33 WE USE HEATED FLOORS IN EVERY ROOM 

When I travel, I always get so upset when I notice that hotels abroad don’t have heated floors. Most Norwegians have heated floors in their bathrooms. And it is getting more normal to have heated floors throughout the house. I love it, because I like to be barefoot.

#34 PAY-CHECKS?

We barely use paychecks anymore. Everything happens online. This was something that bothered me a lot when I lived in the states. When I had to pay rent I had to give the landlord a check. So much back and forth with checks. I think it is still common for a lot older people in Norway to use checks though.

#35 NORWEGIAN GRADUATION IS MORE LIKE A 17 DAYS PARTY

In Norway, we have something called Russ. When we graduate High school, we get to dress out in this very weird costume. It's either, red, green, blue or black carpenters suit. The color depends on the choice of a college major. The final important exam is actually after the celebration. 

Blue Russ are students who do general education within economics or students who study sales, service and, tourism. But they are starting to use red colors as well. 

Red Russ are students who graduate from General studies, the most common Russe color. Now they can choose which color they want to wear.

Green Russ are students graduating from agriculture.

Black Russ are students graduating from vocational courses 

Graduates order a bunch of business cards, with an image, a Russ nickname, study location, and a slogan or a quote. These cards are given out to whoever wants the Russe cards. Usually kids. 

The Russ also buy clothing that looks like a carpenter suit, with their graduation color, their chosen letters, and badges for clothes. 

It is normal to gather together a group of friends they have been hanging with throughout High School and buys a bus or a van. It is typical to have a good sound system in the bus.

The Russ parties for 17 days straight. May the 1st until May the 17th. They wear the carpenter suit for 17 days without washing it. 

A lot of money are spent on this celebration. There are several Russe meet-ups with huge rave parties and a lot of booze throughout the country.


#36 NORWAY HAS 4 SEASONS, SO NOT ALWAYS COLD AS EVERYONE THINKS

The summers can get very warm. Falls can have warm nights and winters aren’t always full of snow and minus degrees. Most people from other countries think that Norway is super cold, which is not true. It has its moments, but not bad. Up north and in the mountains though, it can get really cold.


#37 A HUGE APPRECIATION TO CELEBRATE NORWEGIAN CONSTITUTION DAY, EASTER, CHRISTMAS, AND NEW YEARS

On the Norwegian Constitution day (our national day) there are full of parades all over Norway. Friends meet up for 17th of May breakfast, consisting of champagne and strawberries. Followed by the parades, everyone holding a Norwegian flag, and wearing the national outfit (bunad) 

For easter, it is common to go to the cabins in the mountains and decorate everything with yellow. Also having ski challenges among the kids and adults with good food and alcohol. 

Norwegian Christmas is a huge tradition. Starting the preparations on the first Sunday in December. (We call it first Sunday in advent). On little Christmas, (the 23rd of December) most Norwegians set up the Christmas tree, followed by good food with family and watch a TV show called “the night before the night” eagerly waiting for the “Grevninnen og Hovudmesteren” or in English “Dinner for one, 1963”, which starts 9 pm every little Christmas. On Christmas morning (24th of December) it is a tradition to watch “Tre nøtter til Askepott 1973” Original title is: “Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel 1973”. It is a Cinderella story from 1973. Followed by watching tv all night long, mostly tv shows from Disney.

At around 5 pm the church ring the bells to tell us that Christmas is here. After church, the celebration continues at home with Christmas food. The traditional Christmas food is called pinnekjøtt, which is dried, salted, and smoked lamb ribs. When the smell of the food gets our in the room, we know its Christmas.

After dinner, Christmas gifts will be handed out one by one while drinking coffee and eating dessert. Norwegians spend thousands of dollars on gifts every year. It has become a tradition to give gifts to family and friends. 

25th of December is Christmas Day, which is just another day. 

#38 NORWEGIANS LOVE SEX AND ESPECIALLY ONE-NIGHT STANDS. 

You read it right, Norwegians are in love with Tinder and going out for one reason, finding someone to get laid with. Norwegians are bad at using condoms as well. A study from the Health directorate says that Norwegian men are the worst in Europe at using condoms. Some countries call Norway; “The land of chlamydia”. There was a sign at the Oslo Central Station that said “Welcome to the land of the fjords, and chlamydia”.

#39 WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DRINK OR DRIVE BEFORE 18 YEARS OLD. 

In Norway, you can’t drink any alcohol before you turn 18 years old. And from 18-20, you are only allowed to drink alcohol with a maximum of 21% alcohol. You can also get your driver's license if you have around $2500 - $3000. It takes a minimum of a month to take the driver's license. You need to do a whole lot of driving lessons and then a written exam. 

#40 WE SPLIT THE BILL ON DATES. 

It is very common in other countries that the man pays the bill at a restaurant. But in Norway, women pay the bill as well or split it. It is not expected that only men support their families, men and women share the responsibility equally.

#41 WE USE A TOOTHPICK EVERYWHERE TO CLEAN OUR TEETH 

At almost every restaurant or cafe you go to in Norway, there will be toothpicks on every table or bar. It is weird for some cultures to clean their teeth in public, but for us it is normal. 

#42 WE LOVE FROZEN PIZZA AND COKE

Luckily this is not me. But Norway sells a lot of frozen pizzas. (Grandiosa) usually, students and gamers are a fan of this pizza and of course drinking coke along with it. According to Grandiosa, Norwegians consume 47 million frozen pizzas a year.


#43 VORSPIEL AND NACHSPIEL 

Vorspiel is a party taking place at someone's private residence before going out. Vorspiel is very socializing and it is cheaper to get drunk at home than buy alcohol at the bar. When the bar closes, we go to someone's flat to continue the party, we call that nachspiel. 


#44 NORWAY'S COLLECTIVE HOLIDAY PERIOD (FELLESFERIEN)

During the summer, July is when all Norwegians take holidays at the same time. We either go abroad or we hit up the most awesome spots in Norway. In the last 2 years because of Covid-19, Norwegians have been forced to travel within the country, and I think that made them realize that Norway has so much to offer instead of going to the coast of Spain all the time.


#45 TIPPING AT RESTAURANTS ARE NOT COMPULSORY

In Norway the salary is pretty good, so we don’t tip that much. It's more like if we don’t want the coins or we just want to be nice. But it is far from normal. In small towns, people barely tip at all, it's more common in the bigger cities. If the service has been good, it is normal to tip around 10%. It is uncommon to tip taxi-drivers or cleaning staff at hotels. But we will be very happy if someone actually tip.

#46 JANTELOVEN

Janteloven is a very strange law that says you are not supposed to be better than others. It goes like this:

1. You are not to think that you are any special

2. You are not to think you are as good as we are

3. You are not to think you are smarter than we are

4. You are not to think you are better than we are

5. You are not to think are more than us

6. You are not to think that you are more important than we are

7. You are not to think that you are good at anything

8. You are not to think to laugh at us

9. You are not to think that anybody cares about you

10. You are not to think that you can teach us anything

These are not official laws you have to follow, and shouldn’t for that sake. You can notice by the mentality of the Norwegian people that it means something for many.

#47 SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON HAIR

Hair dressers are very expensive in Norway. To cut your hair it will cost $60 (short hair). If you also want to dye your hair it will cost you between $160 up to $300. For foreigners this might sound insane, but Norwegians care too much about their hair to even care about the price.

#48 ONLINE SHOPPING

Norwegians use online shopping a lot. It is a lot easier to go online and shop compare to going to the actual store. People who live in smaller towns have to drive far to get to a shopping mall, therefore they tend to go shopping online. Also, things tend to be cheaper online and the shipping take approximately 2 - 3 days.

#49 DENTIST IN NORWAY IS VERY EXPENSIVE

Norway has a really good “free” health care. But for some reason, teeth are not seen as part of the body. So, going to the dentist can make you broke. a check-up cost about $100. If for some reason they need to do more, it can get very costly. Whitening your teeth? at least $600. Root filling can get up to $1000. A dental implant cost at least $4000

#50 NORWEGIANS LOVE COFFEE

Norway is said to have the second-highest per capita coffee consumption. Norwegians have multiple cups of coffee everyday. Usually for breakfast, lunch, after lunch, after dinner and yes, you get the point. The average of coffee a day is over four. Usually filtered coffee, which is the easiest and cheapest option.

A little language lesson in Norwegian: