1. Meet the Norwegian people

Meet the Norwegian people

Happy woman enjoying hot cocoa in Norwegian winter mountain setting with friends
Couple experiencing magical northern lights aurora borealis in Norwegian Arctic landscape at night
Norwegian women enjoying outdoor coffee gathering demonstrating friluftsliv and social connection culture
Couple experiencing magical northern lights aurora borealis in Norwegian Arctic landscape at night
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Get to know the Norwegian culture

Join us on a journey through the land of the midnight sun and northern lights as we unravel the nuances of Norway's cultural tapestry.
Through its music, art, festivals, and everyday rituals, Norway invites you to experience the harmonious coexistence of tradition and modernity in a way that is uniquely Norwegian.

Get to know the Norwegians

The typical Norwegian cherishes nature and embraces the great outdoors. Minimalist in design and lifestyle, they prioritize practicality. Norwegians honor heritage and folklore, fostering a vibrant, inclusive society that blends tradition with a modern, open-minded outlook while embracing sustainability.

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Articles

Colorful houses with triangular roofs against snow-capped mountains, surrounded by green grass and white flowers.
Life in the Arctic
The majority of people who have not gone on a Norwegian cruise have likely never seen the Arctic in person. Therefore, when they picture locals living there, what might come to mind is the image of people wrapped in massive puffy winter jackets all year round and walking through roads that are covered in several feet of snow and ice.
Wooden cabin interior with curved walls, cozy seating, large windows offering breathtaking natural views.
Top 5 Norwegian Architectural Firms
From the Art Nouveau style of Ålesund to the modern appearance of Oslo, Norway truly has some impressive architecture. This is the result of centuries of some of the world's greatest architects being born and raised in Norway and spreading their influence and skill sets to other young architectural minds.
Girl overviewing Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord with a norwegian flag in her backsack
Learn Norwegian words and phrases before your trip
If you’re planning a trip to Norway, you might be interested in learning a few Norwegian words and phrases. It can be really helpful to have some handy phrases up your sleeve for communicating with locals during your upcoming trip to Norway, so we’ve prepared a great guide that will help you learn the lingo before you arrive!
An elderly man plays a Hardanger fiddle in a red folk costume with black trim in front of a rustic building.
The Ultimate Guide to Norwegian Folk Music
When people think of Norway, there are many things that likely come to mind including all of the incredible outdoor activities you can do here. However, something else that the country is well known for is its thriving music scene. And none have a richer history than Norwegian Folk Music.
Sunset over Bergen harbor with lit buildings and ship reflections.
The real Norwegian towns that inspired Frozen
After watching Frozen and the Frozen II, every child (and a lot of adults for that matter) will desperately wish they could visit the enchanting world of the Disney film. Even though you can’t simply just stumble into Arendelle and join Anna and Elsa on their daring adventures, but you can get pretty close when you book a tour to Norway.
Couple on viewing platform overlooking Norwegian fjord, mountains, cruise ship below, and sun casting a warm glow.
Why a Scanditour is the New Eurotour
Done the whole Eurotrip thing? Looking for some fresh insight into where your next travel adventure should be? Head over to Scandinavia, and Norway in particular.
Tonje enjoying the peace and beautiful nature on the white beaches in Lofoten
What is ‘slow travel’ and why Norway ticks all the boxes
Have you ever felt more exhausted after a trip than before you left? Then you have probably done the exact opposite of slow travel! When slow traveling, there is no need for a vacation after your vacation.It is not about "likes" that generate hotspots on Instagram and overwhelmingly long bucket lists.
People with life jackets on boat in fjord, hands raised to mountains, calm water, and clear sky creating serene atmosphere.
Film sites in Norway
It’s no secret that Norway is a beautiful, scenic country with some fantastic natural attractions. In fact, the dramatic scenery in some parts of Norway makes it the perfect backdrop for filming, and several Hollywood films have been shot in Norway. Keep reading for an overview of some of the most exciting movies that were filmed on location in Norway!
Colorful waterfront building with street art, whimsical characters, flowers, and bold text, with glowing sunset in background.
6 gorgeous examples of Norway’s famous street art
Norway is known for many things like its impressive glacier hiking, summer skiing, Aurora Borealis sightseeing, and much more. However, one thing most people aren’t aware of is Norway’s thriving art community.
17. May on Bryggen in Bergen. National Day in Norway.
The 17th of May – Norway’s National Day
The 17th of May is Norway’s national day, and what a party it is! Though many countries mark their national day with military parades, Norway’s celebration is lighthearted and fun, with a special focus on kids enjoying this special day. In this article, we’ll tell you all about Norway’s Constitution Day, how it began, and how it’s celebrated across Norway today.
Climber on rocky shoreline with dog, gazing at glacier in the distance, preparing for ice climbing expedition.
Arctic Docuseries Set in Norway
If you are coming to Norway to explore Norway’s stunning Arctic landscape and you’re antsy to get there, we don’t blame you! You’ve probably been spending hours looking longingly at stunning photos but, if you’re looking for something better to tide you over, might we recommend a docuseries?
Modern architectural structure over a river, featuring wave-like design, large glass windows, and reflection in calm water.
Norway for Art Lovers
When people think of Norway, they usually picture snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and an assortment of natural treasures and outdoor experiences. It may come as a surprise to some that Norway is actually a world-class art destination too, with a rich cultural history and a range of great experiences for art lovers.
Person with red hair photographs misty Sognefjord landscape from boat.
Arctic photography
It’s no secret that the raw, untouched beauty of the Arctic has inspired many photographers over the years. A Google search of ‘Arctic photography’ will reveal thousands of stunning photographs from professional and amateur travel photographers.
Panoramic winter view of Tromsø harbor with boats, snow-capped mountains, Arctic Cathedral, and reflected city lights.
Polar night season in Tromsø
If you’re wondering when to plan your visit to Tromsø, often referred to as the Paris of the North, you might be curious about Polar Night Season. From when it is, to what to expect and things you should pack, this post will cover everything you need to know about Norway’s incredibly magical Polar Night season.
A herd of reindeer moves through snow, with people on snowmobiles enjoying the view, snow-covered terrain in the background.
Sami people of Northern Norway
The Sami people in Northern Norway have a unique culture, traditions and ancient languages. Their clothing, music, food culture and general way of life are very different from other Norwegians and seen as truly exotic by visitors to Norway. Let’s take a closer look at the Sami culture and history.
A woman and a boy sit on a stone bench by a cozy fireplace, enjoying a peaceful moment together.
How to stay warm and koselig this winter
Anyone who has ever taken a trip to Norway during the winter season knows just how vicious the Norwegian winters have the potential to be. This is especially true for Northern Norway where you can find really cold temperatures. So how do Norwegians tolerate the cold and long winter? With the “philophy of koselig” of course.
Norwegian fjord with steep cliffs, waterfalls, a boat cruising, and snow-capped mountains, reflecting in calm waters.
Seven Sisters waterfalls
With so many amazing things to photograph in Norway, it can often be hard to choose which one to visit first. Although the majority of the people that visit Norway in winter tend to want to head up north to Tromsø to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, however, a trip down south to visit the Seven Sisters Waterfalls in Geirangerfjord shouldn’t be overlooked.
Woman smiles on deck on the fjord cruise at the Nærøyfjord surrounded by snowy fjord and mountains .
How to do Norway in a Nutshell® on your own
Are you a solo traveler planning for a Norwegian fjord adventure, our Norway in a nutshell® tour will be a perfect choice for you. Traveling in Norway is safe and simple, with public trains, ferries and buses serving the regions, but it is not always easy to understand, plan and book the transport yourself.
Sunset aerial of Ålesund’s colorful buildings, fjords, and mountains.
How Ålesund, Norway became an architectural icon
Did you know that Norway is one of the more interesting places to experience modern and contemporary architecture? In addition to the gorgeous natural environments, making fjords and mountains unmissable elements of a trip to Norway, there is the lesser known attraction of its architectural history.
Two young children climb an indoor bouldering wall with colorful holds, including animal shapes, in a safe, padded play area.
5 great family activities in Norway
With magnificent scenery and exciting experiences for the whole family, Norway is a great holiday country for both young and old. Give the kids an experience they will never forget, with rafting trips, climbing adventures, dog sledding adventures or even meeting some real-life Vikings!
Snowy bridge over rocky gorge with hikers in snowy forest.
6 essential items for visiting Norway in winter
As a Scandinavian country that is over 2,500 kilometres long, Norway possesses very different kinds of weather in all four of its seasons. While the summer weather is quite warm no matter where you go, the winter can vary widely depending on your location. Therefore, it is important that you bring these essential items when coming to Norway during winter!
Minimalist concrete structure partially buried in snowy hillside, with decorative glass artwork at entrance under pale sky.
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Is Svalbard worth visiting? In a word, yes! Svalbard has fascinated travelers for a long time. The Norwegian archipelago lies just below the North Pole and is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas with almost 3,000 residents. In Svalbard you will also find a fascinating building; The Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
Children enjoy a costume storage room filled with shoes and accessories, one holding a bird costume with a yellow beak.
Norway’s Carnival: Fastelavn
If you’re traveling to Norway during February you might be surprised to find out that the country has its very own version of a carnival. The festival is called Fastelavn and it is meant to celebrate the promise of Spring’s return. It is celebrated in most Scandinavian countries and similar traditions occur in countries like Brazil and Portugal.
Smiling woman in yellow jacket, pink beanie, and ski goggles with snow-covered mountains blurred behind.
How to prepare for the Norwegian weather
You may have an idea of Norway being a cold, desolate and frozen landscape for most of the time. And yes, it is true that Norway can be cold, but throughout the year the weather in Norway varies from cold winter nights to perfect summer days.
Hiker on rocky cliff at sunset overlooks fjords, islands, and peaks bathed in golden light.
Visiting Norway
Known as the land of the midnight sun, Norway is a country that offers outstanding experiences all year round. Culture and cosmopolitan cities nestle alongside some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, creating a location which is unlike any other.
A black wooden stave church with steep roofs stands against green hills, a lake, and a bright blue sky.
Norwegian stave churches
Norway is a country full of beautiful scenery and landscapes, which are highlighted by wonderful architecture. Some of the most unique buildings in Norway are the stave churches whose signature wooden facades and elaborate carvings are instantly recognisable. Let’s take a look at the history of stave churches, and highlight some of Norway’s most important ones!
Two cyclists on lakeside road with green hills and snowy peaks.
A History of Tourism in Norway
Norway has been a top travel destination for a long time, with millions of people around the world ranking our beautiful country as one of their most desired places to visit. For many people, spending time in Norway is at the very top of their bucket list. But tourism to Norway is quite different now from when tourists first started coming here for their holidays – so let’s take a look back at the history of tourism in Norway!
Why Are Scandinavian Countries So Much Happier?
Everyone wants to discover happiness, but for most people, this is an ongoing struggle that they try to fight the majority of their life. However, it seems that the people who live in Scandinavian countries may have discovered the secret to happiness since they consistently rank at the top of the list of the happiest countries in the world.
Woman browses outdoor bookstand by water at honesty library.
Norwegian authors
Take a walk around just about anywhere in Norway, from city centers to small towns, and you’ll find many of the locals carrying or reading a book. Norway is undeniably a country of book lovers and there is no better way to prepare yourself for a visit than by indulging in a little bit of Norwegian literature. Here are a few of the authors we recommend!
Woman in sweater holds cup, gazes at snowy Nærøyfjord surrounded by mountains.
Flying Solo? Why Norway is a Top Destination for Female Travel
Traveling alone is not just about showing the outside world that you are an independent and strong woman. It's about so much more! Those traveling alone come back with a sparkle in their eyes, courage in their chest, and a sharper, more focused mindset.
Calm fjord village with boat, green hills, and snow-capped peaks mirrored in water.
Your Guide to Norway
Norway is one of the most beautiful and varied countries you will ever visit. With the midnight sun and Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) in the North, striking blue seas in the South, viking ships in the cultural capital Oslo to the East and world famous turquoise fjords and snow-capped mountains in the West.