Articles on Norwegian Village Life

Article Index

• Easter, Norwegian Style — Curious about how Norwegians celebrate Easter? In a country with one of the longest Easter holidays in the world, there’s plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the good things. Think skiing trips, sunny cabin walls, oranges in your backpack. And, of course, the iconic Kvikk Lunsj chocolate. And do not forget påskekrim! Easter crime, directly translated.
• Norway’s Easter Crime Obsession — This might just be Norway’s most unusual Easter tradition. And the most blood dripping! While many associates Easter with chocolate eggs and family dinners, Norwegians add something extra to the mix: murder mysteries.
• How to Get a Norwegian Bank Account – in 7 Steps — Moving to Norway? You’ll quickly realise one thing: you really need a bank account. No bank account equals no salary, no rent payments, no life admin. The good news? It’s totally doable. However, there are a few steps. Let’s break it down.
• World Class Silversmithing in Setesdal — Silversmithing has long been a celebrated tradition in Setesdal. For centuries, skilled artisans have crafted exquisite brooches, buttons, and jewelry for the region’s bunads – and more. To this day, Setesdal’s silversmiths are in the elite league.
• The Norwegian Christmas Beer – the Viking Tradition that Lives On — In Norway, Christmas beer has been brewed for more than 1 500 years! For the Vikings, beer was such an essential part of life that brewing for the winter celebrations was mandatory. Skipping was literally a crime! The brewing law eventually vanished, but the Christmas brew most certainly did not.
• Arnt Inge: the Apprentice who Became a Yard Director — At the age of 18, he started as an apprentice in the industrial mechanic trade. Today Arnt Inge Gjerde is the Yard Director for both Vard Søviknes and Vard Brattvaag.
• Helene: from City Life to Career Growth on Sunnmøre — After ten years in Oslo, Helene Aarøe and her family made the decision to move to Sunnmøre. With a career in HR and a growing family, the move became both a personal and a professional choice.
• Jól: Christmas the Viking Way — Long before Christianity made its way to Norway, the Vikings celebrated the jolly season in their own manner. They drank
• Be Buste – When Newlyweds Went Door to Door — Imagine a young, blushing couple, freshly married, standing at your doorstep in their best clothes, asking for seed grain, some wool, or maybe a piece of meat. They weren’t begging out of desperation, though. They were doing the
• The Woolly Pigs of Setesdal — BYGLAND: In the Setesdal forest a rare herd of pigs live their best lives among the green moss and whispering birches. Meet the
• Autumn Equinox – Goodbye, Sweet Norwegian Summer! — The autumn equinox was a time filled with myths, rituals and symbolism back in the days. For the Vikings, it started the countdown to Høstblot – where food, animals (and sometimes people, probably) were sacrificed. For the Norwegians of today, though it’s more of a goodbye to summer and a hello to autumn.
• Norway’s Love for Hot Potatoes – Literally! — Norwegians love themselves some hot potatoes! Boiled, baked, in raspeball/kompar/kumle, mashed, fried… you name it. However, the potato has not always been welcomed at the table (shock!). Its history in Norway is actually a story of mistrust and suspicion. Thankfully it turned into true love in the end.
• Rondanevegen – the Scenic Route Of Blue Mountains — Some of the most memorable nature experiences are found inland in Norway, where cozy villages meet mighty mountains. One of the most stunning scenic routes is Rondanevegen, that traces the eastern edge of Rondane National Park.
• The Vest-Agder Bunad — There are so many versions of the Vest-Agder bunad! Each one beautiful in its own way, of course. Though work on the bunad began in the early 1900s, many would say it remains a work in progress to this day.
• Daisies – Loves Me, Loves Me Not… — They may not be super showy, but they’re among the most beautiful wildflowers in Norway (and a lot of other countries, of course). Let us take a closer look at the daisy’s role in the Norwegian nature, folk medicine, and folklore. Feel the summer vibe!
• 10 Essential Foods for Self-Sufficiency in Norway — The feeling of making dinner for the kids with your own home-grown veggies… Priceless! But where to start? After all, Norway is a country with relatively short summers and sometimes harsh winters. But there are plenty of possibilities! In Norway; it’s about choosing crops that are nutrient-dense, storage-friendly, and suited to Nordic conditions.
• The Graffer Bunad — A stunning sight - often in red, white, and blue! The beautiful Graffer bunad originates from Lom in Gudbrandsdalen valley and carries a heritage that dates back hundreds of years.
• Flåklypa Grand Prix: Norway’s Ultimate Vintage Car Adventure — LOM: Each spring, hundreds of classic car enthusiasts gather in the mountain village of Lom for the largest vintage rally in Norway. Between towering peaks and winding roads, Flåklypa Grand Prix is a rolling tribute to pure joy on four wheels. The vintage car lovers sure know how to have fun!
• May 8 – Norway’s Liberation Day: From Occupation to Freedom — May 8, 1945, marks one of the most important days in Norwegian history: the liberation from five years of Nazi occupation. Every year, this day is celebrated as a tribute to freedom and in memory of those who fought and sacrificed everything for a free Norway.
• Get your Skilled Trade Certificate for Free, While Working — The possibilities for workers within a lot of fields are great in Norway. This is how you get your «on-the-job trade certificate». The Norwegian authorities give unskilled workers the opportunity to obtain a trade certificate while already in paid employment. And – it’s completely free!
• Oldemors Hus – A Historic Feast for the Senses — Who knew! A cookbook from 1924 can create pure culinary magic! If you're looking for a truly special dining experience, keep reading. We’re stepping back in time to the elegant 1920s, where Oldemors Hus
• Thriving Theater Scene of High Quality — Nothing is left to chance when children, teenagers, and adults from Nordøyane take the stage. Productions like
• Ulla Lighthouse: A Beacon of History — HARAMSØYA: The history of Ulla Lighthouse (Ulla Fyr) is dramatic for sure. But the beautiful lighthouse from 1874 is still standing, and it has entered a new era – one that benefits both the locals and the visitors of Nordøyane.
• The Storegga Tsunami: the Disaster that Shaped Nordøyane — Over 8,000 years ago, a massive underwater landslide off the coast of Norway triggered one of the largest tsunamis in history. The Storegga tsunami. This event reshaped coastlines, altered settlements, and left a lasting mark on the region of Nordøyane.
• Nordøyane’s Peaks: Your Hiking Checklist — From fjord to summit! The five islands of Nordøyane offer many fantastic peaks to conquer. Here’s a good list for hiking enthusiasts!
• The Sunnmøre Bunad, Ørskog Version — While there are eight different embroidered bunads from the Sunnmøre region, the Ørskog version is the most widely used. It is also known as the Märtha bunad, named after Crown Princess Märtha, who received one as a wedding gift in 1929.
• The Romsdal Bunad, Bolsøy Version — The Bolsøy bunad is one of four women’s bunads from Romsdal - and perhaps the most well-known and widely worn. It was designed during World War II by Mali Furunes. She played a key role in shaping several of the region’s bunads.
• Haramsskatten - Gold Treasure from the Roman Empire to Nordøyane — Haramsskatten (the Haram treasure) is a remarkable gold treasure that goes all the way back to the Roman Iron Age (0 – 400 AD). Just imagine, the people of Nordøyane must have travelled far, far away!
• Dream Home for a Bargain? Look to the Norwegian Countryside! — FOLLDAL: Owning a house at just 21 might sound like a utopian dream. But not for Adrian Solly. The young carpenter owns a home with a basement apartment and a lovely garden. Like a lot of guys his age, he works, hangs out with friends, parties and relaxed. Often with gaming. Oh, and does a lot of renovation projects in his very own house.
• The Saga of Grettir: the Viking Antihero that met the Ghost of Haramsøy — The first written source about Haramsøy comes from the Icelandic saga Grettis saga, known in Old Norse as Grettis saga Ásmundssonar. It dates back to the early 14th century and is set in Iceland between the years 880 and 1050. It includes many (!) stories about the the remarkable hero Grettir Ásmundsson, including when he won over a Haramsøy ghost and robbed his grave. Also, he slayed a dusin bearserkers for Christmas.
• The Newcomers Guide to Nordøyane — Welcome! We hope you'll love Nordøyane as much as we do. Here are some useful things to know about the beautiful region in the ocean.
• The Norwegian School System: What You Need to Know — When do kids start school in Norway? What are the school values? What is the typical «niste» and why is so much school work digital from a young age? And what’s up with the fact that even the Royal Family chooses public schools?
• The Tiny Monarch of Norwegian Birds — Have you heard of Norway’s smallest bird, Fuglekongen? In Norwegian it means "the king of birds", in English it is known as Goldcrest. The story behind its Norwegian name is just as charming as the tiny bird itself, whose trilling song echoes through the forests.
• January Garden Calendar — Planning, sowing and winter care. January may feel like a bit of a bore, garden-wise. But this is a great time for preparation, and a head start for the growing season.  And for breathing in cold, clean air while taking a breather around the fire pit. Make the most of the January garden!
• Lordehytta – the Hidden Castle in the Mountains of Åseral — ÅSERAL: If you just stumbled across it, you would stop in awe. A castle in the middle of nowhere? Welcome to Lordehytta, as historical and Insta-friendly as they come.
• Seven Types of Snow in Norway — Living in a country like Norway, packed with wild nature, you'll learn that not all snow is created equal. Here’s a quick guide to seven different types of snow Norwegians think and talk about before they go skiing, driving, hiking or sledding.
• Saint Lucia Day – More than Cute Kids and Candlelit Crowns — Every year, on December 13th, they appear across Norway. Cute, white-clad children, holding candles (and sometimes wearing them on crowns on their heads), singing sweetly and carrying baskets of freshly baked saffron buns,
• Setesdal's Cultural Heritage Recognized by UNESCO — Have you heard of stev, sprekleik or Hardanger fiddles playing slåttar? They are examples of true Setesdal treasures. In 2019, the traditional music, dance, and song of Setesdal were inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the region’s vital and evolving cultural traditions, which continue to thrive to this very day.
• From Schoolhouse to Modern Apartments with Great Views — The former Verket School in Folldal is getting a fresh, modern makeover! Located near the famous Rondane National Park, the project will transform the old building into 14 new apartments, available for both purchase and rental. Residents will enjoy access to generous shared spaces, and the ground floor will house a bakery, a shared hall for the residents, and a creative reuse workshop!
• Brewing Beer with Deep Norwegian Roots — BYGLAND: A small brewery is making big strides forward, and its secret to success lies in rediscovering nearly forgotten Norwegian traditions. Master brewer Torkjel Austad discovered the power of kveik—a uniquely Norwegian brewing yeast with ancient roots. Today, Bygland Brewery crafts a wide variety of beers, all infused with the rich cultural heritage of Setesdal as their unifying theme.
• The Bacalao Adventure in the Mountains of Folldal — FOLLDAL: Bacalao every day! It’s no exaggeration to say that Sissel Opshaug, the manager of Primar bacalao factory, has a true passion for the dish. In fact, she eats bacalao for lunch every single day! -It might sound unbelievable, but my amazing colleagues can vouch for it, she says with a laugh.
• Folldal’s Flocks of Icelandic Horses — Don’t be surprised if you encounter an Icelandic horse -or ten- while hiking through the forests of Rondane! These sturdy, shaggy horses have become very popular in the village of Folldal, which is situated next to the famous national park. Over the years, a vital community of Icelandic horse enthusiasts has developed here.
• Norwegian Cinnamon Buns — The smell of cinnamon buns alone will make the day brighter. Norwegians absolutely love their cinnamon buns, whether they call them "skillingsbolle", "kanelbolle" or "kanel i svingene". Here is a easy way to make them. And honestly, they don't need to be pretty to taste good. We talk from experience. This recipe will give you between 20 - 30 kind of big buns. What can we say. We like it a lot. (If you don't want a ton, just slice the recipe in half.)
• Use of Foreign Driver's Licenses in Norway: Rules and Guidelines — Good to know! Using a foreign driver's license in Norway is a situation many foreign citizens and tourists encounter, whether they are on short visits or planning to settle in Norway. The rules for using foreign driver's licenses depend on the country of issuance, how long you plan to stay in Norway, and what type of vehicle you wish to drive.
• Norwegian Rowanberries – Ready for Something Else? — They’re not sweet, they’re way up there, they are all over the place every fall. But can the sour rowanberries be turned into delicious treats?
• How to Learn Norwegian for Free — Knowing Norwegian gives you access to Norwegian culture, work opportunities in Norway, and the opportunity to communicate with Norwegians in their own language.
• Mushroom Foraging in Norway: Five Safe Treats — Norway's forests and meadows are home to a variety of delicious and nutritious mushrooms, just waiting to be foraged. Here are five edible mushrooms you can discover in the Norwegian wilderness. Yum! These mushrooms don’t have poisonous look-alikes, so they are great to start with for foraging newbies.
• Getting your Education Approved in Norway — Want to work in Norway? If so, you might want to get an official green light for your education. In some cases, it's easy. Other times, it's a bit of a bureaucratic labyrint.
• Eat the Wild - Five Edible Plants in Norway — They are full of vitamins and nutrients, they’re tasty, and they are completely free! Enjoy nature's gifts and try these edible Norwegian plants. Here are five favorites.
• Blossom Beware – Five Poisonous Plants in Norway — The Norwegian wilderness is generally safe to explore, but a few plants can cause serious harm. Nausea, vomiting, and, in the worst cases, death. Here are five to watch out for.
• Havsnø – Viking Salt Taking the World by Storm — AUKRA: Icy, crystal-clear water of the Norwegian Sea is converted into sea salt that receives acclaim from some of the world's top chefs. The unique purity and flavor are achieved through methods used in Norway since the Viking era. Havsnø (Sea Snow) is the result of one passionate American, her husband and his ties to the island of Gossen at the west coast of Norway.
• Wakesurfing Wonderland in Flå, Hallingdal — Far from the coastline and the traditional surfers, wakesurfing has emerged as a thrilling activity in the world of water sports. In Norway, the first official wakesurfing group is located in village of Gulsvik, by lake Krøderen. -It’s perfect for wakesurfing, prime mover Gisle Erichsen says.
• From Pennsylvania, USA to Tingvollvågen – the Village of Eco Research — The combination of hard science and outstanding nature has been a winning formula for American researcher Joshua Cabell. He came to the village of Tingvollvågen ten years ago - and loves the absence of traffic jams in the morning.
• The History of the Norwegian Children’s Parade — Forget celebrating the national day with a military parade and serious faces. In Norway, the Constitution Day is the day kids all over the country take to the streets! The children’s parade of 17th of May is a tradition that came about in a time when kids weren’t too valued. But they got center stage in the celebration of Norway.
• Bleke - the Unique Ice Age Salmon — It’s the only one of its kind in the world, and you can catch it yourself! The bleke is not only tasty, but probably one of the most unique dinners you’ll ever have.
• The Coolest Milk: Meet the Northernmost Dairy Farmer on Earth — The cows grassing at Lise Kaldahl Skreddernes’ farm have a fresh life for sure. They produce elite milk under the midnight sun and above the arctic circle.
• Norwegian Fairytales - Asbjørnsen and Moe — The Norwegian universe of trolls, princesses, mythical creatures and cheeky underdogs is one that has been treasured for generations of children. But if it hadn’t been for two young men with a passion for magical stories in the mid-1800s, the famous Norwegian fairytales might have been lost.
• Be Safe at Sea — We love being at sea! Chilling, sailing, fishing, swimming, rowing – it’s an awesome way to explore nature. From ancient mariners to modern-day boating, the sea has led us on journeys and the making of good memories. However, there is one aspect that must never be overlooked – safety at sea. Here is a brief reminder of things to considerate before you set sail.
• Garden Calendar - May — Ahh, May… Finally! This is when the garden fun really kicks off for many gardening enthusiasts in Norway. Gardens start to really come to life, with colorful flowers, the humming of bees and and overall sense of renewal. There is plenty to do in the garden, just remember to breathe in and smell the flowers. Garden therapy is great!