A special gift—Christmas Traditions of Norway
Exclusively for members, our newest publication is Christmas Traditions of Norway. This interactive, 16-page PDF includes Christmas customs, fun activities, and recipes with embedded links and video content.
Norsk winterwear—more than just warm
Norwegian wool sweaters are something we associate with tradition, cozy warmth and, if we’re lucky, the people who knitted them. But did you know that they were made to protect us not only from cold, but also to ward off malicious spirits?
Studded tire subsidy is a hit with Oslo’s winter bicyclists
Norway is well known for its ambitious—and successful—efforts to encourage greener, healthier lifestyles among its residents. But the latest of these efforts may come as a surprise even among those who are accustomed to Norway’s overachieving outdoorsiness...
For the birds, and good fortune
The tradition of putting up a julenek (Christmas sheaf) at Christmastime goes back a few centuries. It was supposed to be a large cut of a farmer’s best grain, and the last thing to be harvested in the autumn.
Princess Märtha risks it all to defend Norway in new drama
Norway’s royal family thought that neutrality would protect their nation from hostile takeover, but they were caught unawares when the Germans invaded in 1940. A new historical dramatization, Atlantic Crossing, recently debuted on NRK, Norway’s National Broadcasting Corporation.
Surviving winter like a Norwegian
As much of the United States and Europe brace for a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us worry we’re facing our darkest time yet and wonder how we’ll cope with the long winter nights. Our answer might be to look at the Norwegian lifestyle.
Celebrate a merry Norwegian Christmas!
Christmas, known as jule in Norway, is a magical time. Norwegians enjoy getting into the spirit of Christmas, or julestemning, with loved ones.
With demand skyrocketing, Norway expands citizenship processing
Ever since Norway began allowing dual citizenship in January 2020, applications have been pouring in from people seeking to become Norwegian citizens. The influx of applications has far outpaced expectations, prompting lawmakers to propose expanding Norway’s citizenship processing capacity by NOK 61.5 million in 2021.
Norway’s fortresses bring History to life
Norway’s fortresses all hold secrets of the past. They were built as far back as the 1100s and as recently as the German occupation. Once built to keep invaders out, today they invite people in.
Neither COVID nor border closure could stop this couple from getting married
Throughout this COVID era, many situations have become more uncertain and challenging than ever before. One thing that has become extra stressful for many couples is wedding planning.
Norway’s popular dog breeds reflect human lifestyles
In Norway, there are around 200 dog breeds of all sizes and temperaments. Each year, the Norwegian Kennel Club releases a list of the country’s most popular dog breeds. A look at this list reveals a bit about what Norwegians look for in a pet.
A 1,200-year-old sword
Vegard Høystad-Lunna was roaming the fields of Innlandet County in Norway with his metal detector when suddenly he heard a loud series of beeping sounds. His device was hovering over an iron object buried about three inches below the surface of the ground.
Nordic Designers to Know
Admired worldwide for its simplicity and understated elegance, Nordic design is a balance of functionality and aesthetics. With a respect for nature, love of light and desire to juxtapose classic styles with contemporary accents, Scandinavians design their homes for logical living.
Must-See Libraries in Norway
Attention book lovers! Scandinavia is home to some of the world’s most impressive libraries. Not only do they house thousands of books, they are designed to impress. Here are three to put on your bucket list.
Norwegian companies pay employees to bike to work
With Norwegian society gradually re-opening since May, many offices are open for business again. To ensure that public transportation in Oslo can allow for proper distancing, authorities have asked residents to work from home, and to only use buses, trains and trams for essential travel.