Picture this: you step inside an unassuming 1800s farmhouse in a Norwegian valley, and every surface is painted with wild, swirling flower designs.

The wooden walls, the furniture, even the milk jugs have these psychedelic flowery patterns that look like a folk art version of Versailles’ extravagance.

That’s rosemaling – Norwegian for “rose painting” – and it’s a distinctive Norwegian art form with roots going back to the 1700s. What’s the story behind it and how did it survive to this day? Let’s take a closer look.

The Beginnings of Rosemaling

To understand where rosemaling comes from, you have to look at the interior design trends of the 1700s. If you’ve visited any European palaces or mansions, you know that rich people’s tastes at the time weren’t exactly subtle.

Ceilings were overloaded with ornate plasterwork and gilded moldings, sometimes also elaborate frescoes. Walls had carved panels and shiny gold-leaf reliefs.

This was the height of the Baroque and Rococo era. Although it could only be afforded by the very rich, ordinary people took notice.

Over time, travelling painters and local woodcarvers started borrowing the fanciful designs they saw in churches and manor houses, translating them into painted and carved motifs on wood. Eventually, they reimagined these patterns and made them their own.

They took the swirling scrolls, floral garlands, and intricate ornamentation of palace halls, and simplified them, exaggerated their curves, and painted them in bolder colours that suited rural Norwegian interiors and everyday objects.

Rosemaling wasn’t just about decoration; it was also a way for rural Norwegians to brighten their long winters and put a personal stamp on their homes. This important aspect of Norwegian culture had been born.

The “rose painters” who mastered these designs often worked as travelling craftsmen, moving from farm to farm, sometimes painting entire rooms in exchange for a meal and a warm bed.

In a time when money was scarce, rosemaling provided both artistic expression and a bit of extra income. Each valley or region developed its own twist. Styles like Telemark, Hallingdal, or Rogaland became as distinct as regional dialects.

From Decline to Revival

By the mid-1800s, rosemaling’s golden age was coming to an end. Changing tastes and new influences swept across Norway, and the lavish scrollwork that once brightened rural homes started to feel old-fashioned.

There are multiple reasons for this. The rise of industrialisation brought cheaper, factory-made goods and new materials like wallpaper.

This made it easier (and trendier) for people to decorate their homes in more modern, mass-produced styles. At the same time, economic hardship and mass emigration to America meant fewer families could afford to commission handcrafted art, and many of the old traditions faded quietly into the background.

For a while, rosemaling was largely forgotten. But, as so often happens, it was only when the art began to vanish that people truly started to appreciate what they were losing.

Norwegians began to rediscover and celebrate traditional Norwegian culture and arts at the beginning of the 20^th century.

Museums and cultural societies started collecting rosemaled objects, artists and historians studied and preserved regional styles, and soon, classes and competitions were helping to bring the art back to life.

Where to Find Rosemaling

If you’re curious to see authentic rosemaling, some of the best places are Norway’s folk museums. The in Oslo, for example, displays historic rosemaled furniture, trunks, and entire rooms decorated in classic styles.

In Telemark the is another prime spot for viewing traditional farmhouse rosemaling as it existed in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The artform can also be found in other museums, community centres, and churches so do check with the local tourist office no matter where in the country you end up.

You don’t have to stick to museums, though. Norway’s stores, found in many towns and cities all over the country, are a reliable place to find hand-painted rosemaling for sale.

These stores are worth a visit in their own right if you’re interested in other traditional arts and crafts – notably the bunad or traditional Norwegian dress.

Otherwise, you can visit the workshops of specific rosemaling artists, such as in Vindafjord, near Haugesund.

Local craft fairs and Christmas markets are also a good place to look if you visit at the right time of year. For those outside Norway, the tradition is alive among the Norwegian diaspora, especially in the United States.

Museums like Vesterheim in Iowa offer rosemaling classes and sell original pieces online and in their gift shop. In places with large Scandinavian communities, you might stumble upon rosemaling items at festivals, folk art shows, or specialty shops.

It’s also worth noting that Norway isn’t the only country with a tradition of decorative folk painting. Sweden, for instance, has its own version called kurbits, with its own colourful, fantastical style found especially in Dalarna.

If you want to acquire a piece, remember: real, hand-painted works are time-consuming to create and priced accordingly. If you’re on a tighter budget, souvenir shops and online stores can sell you a mass-produced item featuring rosemaling designs.

Rosemaling Remains Alive Today

Today, rosemaling is far from a lost art; in fact, it’s very much alive and evolving. Artisans, hobbyists, and even a new generation of designers keep the tradition going.

In Norway, artisans continue to practice and teach this traditional art form, ensuring its transmission to new generations. Institutions like the Raulandsakademiet in Telemark offer courses where students can learn traditional techniques, from mixing paints to mastering the characteristic C- and S-shaped brushstrokes.

Contemporary artists are also reimagining rosemaling, blending classic motifs with modern themes. This is on full display in Trondheim’s new contemporary art museum, .

Housed in a restored early-20^th-century post office, the museum features a reading room decorated with a playful, contemporary interpretation of rosemaling.

Dutch artist duo painted the A-frame ceiling using rosemaling-inspired brushwork, but instead of the usual scrolls and flowers, their motifs are drawn from local nature and Nordic folklore.

Rosemaling has also inspired international artists. In Stavanger, for example, Portuguese artist Add Fuel (Diogo Machado) created a large-scale work that fuses Norwegian rosemaling with his own roots in Portuguese azulejo tile design.

His mural overlays traditional Rogaland rosemaling patterns with the geometric, repeating forms of southern European tiles. It can be viewed .

Across the Atlantic, Scandinavian cultural centres host rosemaling workshops and events, such as the Scandinavian Cultural Center at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, which offers year-round programming in Scandinavian folk art, including painting classes.

Contemporary artists like push the boundaries of the art, applying them to unexpected materials such as leather, glass, and even electric guitars.

Sometimes she experiments with the motifs themselves, modernising colours or playing with scale, but the heart of rosemaling’s swirling lines and floral energy always remains.

The post The Revival of Rosemaling, Norway’s Floral Folk Art appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

From romantic peasant tales to controversial plays criticising social double standards, Bjørnson’s writing didn’t just follow the times, it helped shape them.

But how did a pastor’s son from rural Norway end up writing the national anthem and winning the Nobel Prize in Literature? Let’s dive into the life and legacy of the man known as Norway’s poet chieftain.

A Pastoral Upbringing

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was born on 8 December, 1832, in Kvikne, south of Trondheim. When Bjørnstjerne was five, his father, who was a pastor, was assigned to a new parish in the Romsdal valley.

This scenic, larger-than-life area would later provide the setting for many of his rural novels. The knowledge he would accumulate about rural life during his upbringing would serve as a basis for the famous peasant tales he would later write.

Sagas and Peasant Tales

During the first part of his literary career, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson produced a series of rural stories and historical plays. The rural stories told a romanticised version of farm life in 19th century Norway, while the historical plays were heavily based on the viking sagas.

This approach allowed him to connect Norway's past with its present, and to strengthen Norwegian cultural identity.

Works like the peasant tale “Synnøve Solbakken” (1857), also translated as “Trust and Trial” or “Love and 51łÔšĎÍř”, propelled him to the forefront of Norwegian literature.

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and the Transition from Romanticism to Realism

It’s impossible to talk about literature (or art) in 1800s Scandinavia without mentioning romanticism and realism (keep reading if you’ve never heard of those). At the beginning of the century, Norway was re-establishing itself as a separate nation.

After years of being ruled by Denmark, it gained its own constitution and some degree of independence, even though it was technically in a union with Sweden.

Still, Norway felt like a young nation trying to find its identity. Writers wanted to celebrate Norwegian history, nature, and the spirit of the people – the perfect moment for Romanticism.

Henrik Wergeland (1808–1845) was one of the most important romantic writers in Norway. He saw literature as a way to build a strong Norwegian identity, and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson saw himself as his heir.

But what Bjørnson did, after years of writing peasant tales and historical plays, was to pivot to realism. Instead of romanticising the past or contemporary farm life, these works exposed real – and sometimes very controversial – social issues.

One of these works, En hanske (1883, A Gauntlet), attacked the double standard of sexual morality. In this play, Bjørnson condemned the hypocrisy that demanded sexual purity of women, but not of men. This aligned him with early feminist ideas.

The play was ahead of its time and provoked debate across all of Scandinavia. In another example, ¸éąđťĺ˛š°ěłŮø°ůąđ˛Ô (1875, The Editor) Bjørnsom takes aim at corruption in the press and local politics, exposing how newspapers could be used as tools of personal gain and manipulation.

This was a direct commentary on the influence of the media and how editors could influence public opinion or protect their own interests instead of serving the common good.

Plays like this positioned him firmly within the broader movement of socially engaged drama, alongside other playwrights of the time – most notably Henrik Ibsen, author of A Doll’s House (1879).

Champion of the Norwegian Language

It seems strange to think about it today, but the language of choice for everything culture in Oslo in the early 19th century was Danish, not Norwegian. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was a passionate advocate for changing that.

As a theater critic, he insisted that Norwegian audiences should hear their own language on stage rather than imported Danish, and even staged a noisy protest against the hiring of Danish actors.

He respected Ivar Aasen’s work in building ł˘˛š˛Ôťĺ˛őłžĂĽąô (now Nynorsk) from rural dialects, but believed that the national language should instead evolve from the written Danish traditionally used by the educated classes.

The version of Norwegian that is by far the most used today, , largely follows the principles Bjørnson championed, demonstrating that he left a lasting imprint on Norwegian identity that goes beyond literature.

Norway’s National Anthem

In the early 1860s, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson wrote the lyrics to Ja, vi elsker dette landet (“Yes, We Love This Country”). The poem was first publicly performed in 1864 during the 50th anniversary of Norway’s constitution, set to music composed by his cousin, Rikard Nordraak.

At the time, Norway was still in a union with Sweden, and the song’s heartfelt celebration of the Norwegian people, landscape, and history struck a chord. The tone of the poem was patriotic but not aggressive, which helped it gain broad support even during politically sensitive times.

Over the following decades, Ja, vi elsker gradually became the de facto national anthem, widely sung at public events, school ceremonies, and national holidays.

Surprisingly, it was only officially adopted by parliament as the national anthem in 2019, a largely ceremonial move that essentially confirmed what was already there.

Nobel Prize in Literature 

In 1903, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson became the first Norwegian to receive the .

The Nobel Committee awarded him the prize “as a tribute to his noble, magnificent, and versatile poetry, which has always been distinguished by both the freshness of its inspiration and the rare purity of its spirit.”

The award acknowledged not just his poetic and dramatic works, but also his long-standing influence on the cultural and moral life of Norway. Although Bjørnson had not published major new literary work in the years immediately leading up to the award, the committee recognised the full scope of his career.

At home, receiving this honour solidified Bjørnson’s reputation as ťĺžą°ěłŮąđ°ůłóøąšťĺžą˛Ô˛ľąđ˛Ô — the poet chieftain. On the international stage, it elevated Norwegian literature and gave it a new audience.

It was a moment of national pride during a period of growing Norwegian cultural confidence, just two years before the dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905.

The post The Literary Legacy of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

In towns big and small across Norway, groups of students, coworkers, and neighbours take to the stage each year with home-cooked comedy and self-made costumes.

It’s called revy, and it’s part sketch comedy, part musical, part local roast. You’ve got questions, I’m sure. Where did it all begin? And why is this still a big deal today? Stick around while we dim the light, raise the curtain, and start the show.

What is a ‘revy’ show?

Revy refers to a variety show mixing sketches, monologues and music, with the groups themselves known as revylag. Think Saturday Night Live, but with music, dance, and inside jokes about the local mayor. 

When I first had the term explained to me, a short time after moving to Norway, it was in the context of someone telling me about an acquaintance participating in a revy show.

I was very impressed with the concept, and thought the acquaintance was a genius for coming up with it. What I discovered later is that revy isn’t some quirky one-off idea, it’s a long-standing tradition across Norway.

Every year, everyone from small-town neighbours and high-schoolers to university students and hospital staff team up to write, rehearse, and stage their own satirical variety show.

The history of ‘revy’

Norwegian revy has its roots in 19th century . The word revy comes from the French revue, meaning “review.”

By the late 1800s, this playful format had made its way to Oslo, where small-scale shows began poking fun at local society and politics.

Things really took off in the early 20th century. The opening of the ‘Chat Noir’ theatre in Oslo in 1912 marked the rise of professional revy, turning the genre into big-city entertainment.

Stars like Lalla Carlsen and Leif Juster helped make the genre the go-to comedy form of the interwar years. Over time, it absorbed new influences, keeping it fresh and deeply woven into Norwegian cultural life.

By the 1960s, revy wasn’t just for the professionals anymore. It had become a true national pastime.

What it’s like to see a Norwegian ‘revy' show

Going to a Norwegian revy show is a fun way to get insight into Norwegian culture while having a good laugh.

The obvious disadvantage for a foreigner is that the show will be in Norwegian. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that “getting the joke” in a foreign language is not always easy.

As if that wasn’t hard enough, the shows are focused on topical humour, for which you have to know a lot of context. So, unless you’re integrated into the local community, you’re almost guaranteed not to get a good portion of the humour.

But that’s not to say you won’t have a good time. Between the songs and dances, the physical comedy and the wide-context jokes about stuff you are bound to know if you know the language (national current events for example), there is something for everyone.

How to attend a ‘revy’ show

There are revy shows quite literally everywhere, so it shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find one.

Late winter is prime time: high-school and student revues dominate January to March, while many community troupes premiere in the dark weeks before Easter.

Programmes are advertised on Facebook pages such as “[Town] Revylag,” on the local kulturhus website or pinned to supermarket notice boards.

Don’t worry if your Norwegian is basic. Pick a larger student revy, as they tend to rely on visual gags and big musical numbers. If you can, bring a Norwegian friend who can whisper-translate key punchlines, or give you extra context afterwards, over a beer.

Feeling brave? Most groups welcome non-Norwegian speakers for crew roles, such as set-building, lighting, or ticket sales.

A national ‘revy’ championship

Revy is such a big deal across Norway that the country even has a national championship, held every other year as part of the .

Since 1987, the festival has drawn thousands of spectators and amateur performers to a field in this tiny town in the middle of the country.

About 100 acts from all over Norway compete in semifinals across five categories, with only 20 advancing to the grand finale. Awards are handed out for best sketch, monologue, musical performance, delivery, writing, and the coveted “Number of the year”.

The event is part competition, part celebration, and helt toillåt (totally bonkers), as locals like to say. With nearly 10,000 in the audience, it’s clear that this homegrown tradition still knows how to draw a crowd.

Why ‘revy’ still matters

Ask Norwegians why they keep doing this and they’ll tell you about fellesskap: community. In sparsely populated regions, the annual revy is a social glue that pulls generations onto the same stage.

I’ve experienced this myself watching a show in Melhus, a small town located just south of Trondheim. Looking at the audience, you got a sense that this was a significant event in the community’s social calendar, one where their little community takes the centre stage… literally.

In bigger cities it’s a democratic equaliser: when the hospital’s chief surgeon has to deliver a power ballad while wearing fish-net tights, titles and hierarchies melt away. This is entirely in line with Norway’s tradition for flat-hierarchy.

Combine that with gentle political satire and you get something rare in modern life. This is a space where neighbours can laugh about the very issues they argued over on Facebook yesterday, then share coffee and waffles during intermission.

More than entertainment, revy is a yearly reminder that humour and teamwork can make even potholes and budget cuts feel bearable.

Is Norway’s ‘revy’ tradition unique?

Norway is not the only country with a healthy amateur theatre community. Across the world, people gather to write, rehearse, and perform for local audiences. But there is something distinctive about the way Norwegians do it.

Take the United Kingdom, for example. Student groups like the Cambridge Footlights have launched major comedy careers, and local theatre groups across Britain keep the tradition of alive each Christmas.

Pantomimes are full of energy and community spirit, but they tend to lean on classic plots instead of a succession of separate numbers related to current events.

They are also notorious for involving the audience directly. That’s a component not usually present in Norwegian revy.

In the United States, amateur theatre is widespread, with thousands of community groups staging musicals and plays. Sketch comedy thrives too, though mostly through professional troupes or college clubs.

What’s less common is the kind of hyper-local, satirical performance you’ll find in a Norwegian village hall. It’s a show that pokes fun at municipal politics, neighbourhood gossip, and national headlines all at once.

Even in neighbouring Sweden and Denmark, similar student and community groups exist, but few countries match the reach of Norway’s revy tradition.

The post Revy: Norway’s Homemade Comedy Shows appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

From navigating political storms and shaping global security, to his dramatic return in Norwegian political life, his journey is packed with surprising twists.

So, what's behind his surprising resilience? Keep reading for some remarkable facts about one of Norway’s most prominent figures.

1. He got into politics really early

Jens Stoltenberg’s first contact with political action came in his early teens, thanks to his sister Camilla, who was part of Marxist–Leninist group Red Youth at the time.

The group opposed the Vietnam War, especially after the intense bombing raids that hit the North Vietnamese city of Hai Phong.

Jens didn't just watch from the sidelines: he joined protest marches right up to the doors of the US Embassy in Oslo. Things got heated; protesters even threw stones, breaking a few embassy windows.

Jens himself avoided arrest, but several of his friends weren't so lucky.

2. He was prime minister twice–with a twist

Jens Stoltenberg's journey as Norway's Prime Minister had its ups and downs. His first stint, starting in March 2000, was brief. It lasted just over a year.

His push for liberal economic reforms, including privatising government-owned enterprises and restructuring public services, didn't sit well with many Norwegians.

This led to a significant loss for his Labour Party in the 2001 elections, marking one of their worst performances since World War II.

But Jens wasn't done yet. Learning from his mistakes, he orchestrated a comeback in 2005. This time, he formed a coalition with the Socialist Left Party (SV) and the Centre Party (SP), creating what's known as the Red-Green Coalition.

This alliance resonated with voters, leading to a majority government that held strong until 2013.

Among the main achievements of Stoltenberg’s second stint as prime minister (2005–2013) were maintaining low unemployment, steering Norway steadily through the global financial crisis, and expanding social services.

His government also increased defense spending and resolved a long-standing maritime border dispute with Russia in the Barents Sea.

3. He called for unity at a time of national tragedy

On July 22, 2011, Norway experienced its worst massacre on home soil since World War II.

In the chaos following the terror attacks in Oslo and on the island of Utøya, as Norwegians filled streets with flowers and messages of love and defiance, Jens Stoltenberg emerged as a calm and steadying voice.

His composed leadership helped unite a grieving nation at a moment of profound shock.

Instead of responding with anger or fear, Stoltenberg famously urged Norwegians to embrace “more democracy, more openness, and more humanity, but never naĂŻvete.”

Stoltenberg’s measured words set a tone of resilience, compassion, and solidarity that helped guide Norway through its worst tragedy since the occupation. His response drew international praise for its emphasis on unity over division.

4. He was NATO's Secretary General for 10 years

In 2014, Jens Stoltenberg took on the role of , succeeding former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

His appointment reflected his extensive political experience, strong diplomatic ties with key NATO member states, and his reputation as a steady leader with a firm stance on defense and security.

While the position typically involves a fixed term, Stoltenberg’s mandate has been extended several times.

One of those extensions came in 2022, shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, when NATO leaders asked him to stay on to ensure continuity during a period of heightened tension in Europe.

Stoltenberg’s leadership at NATO has been marked by efforts to strengthen the alliance’s defenses, improve cooperation between member states, and respond to emerging security threats.

He stepped down on 1 October, 2024, after a decade in the role.

5. He recently made a shock return to Norwegian politics

Shortly after Stoltenberg’s departure from NATO, it was announced that he would become the next Chairman of the Munich Security Conference, in February 2025. Events on the national political stage would soon disturb those plans, however.

In January 2025, the Centre Party (SP) unexpectedly withdrew from the governing coalition. The split was due to disagreements over adopting European Union energy policies, particularly concerning the integration of EU energy market rules. ​

This departure meant that several SP ministers left their posts, including the Finance Minister, SP leader Trygve Slagsvold Vedum. In a surprising move, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre appointed Jens Stoltenberg to .

Stoltenberg accepted, stating: “I am deeply honoured to have been asked to help my country at this critical stage.” ​About his role at the Munich Security Conference, Stoltenberg said that he would resume that position once his public service concluded.

The combination of the coalition's breakup and Stoltenberg's return helped catapult the Labour Party from trailing in the polls to taking the lead. In the first three months of the year, AP surged about 10 points in the polls, overtaking both of the main opposition parties.

6. He comes from a family that is used to the spotlight

Jens Stoltenberg didn't stumble into public life by chance; in many ways, it's the family business. His father, Thorvald Stoltenberg, was a prominent figure in Norwegian politics, serving as both Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs.

Known for his warmth and humanitarian efforts, Thorvald was especially recognised for advocating refugee rights and progressive drug policy reform. His mother, Karin Stoltenberg, dedicated her career to women's rights and family policy, shaping Norwegian social policies for decades.

Even his siblings have made their mark. Jens's sister, Camilla Stoltenberg, gained widespread recognition as director-general of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, guiding Norwegians through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Growing up in this environment, political and social debates were common around the Stoltenberg dinner table. These lively discussions undoubtedly shaped Jens's ability to communicate clearly and confidently, skills that would prove useful in his political career.

7. He drove a taxi to hear what voters really thought

During the 2013 election campaign, Jens Stoltenberg did something most politicians wouldn't dream of: he got behind the wheel of a taxi.

With hidden cameras rolling, the then-Prime Minister drove passengers around the Norwegian capital, chatting casually about politics and everyday life.

His goal was to listen in on the honest, unfiltered thoughts of Norwegian voters… and no doubt, to generate a buzz for his campaign. Some passengers recognised him right away; others had no idea they were chatting with the nation's leader.

Either way, the stunt quickly went viral, sparking plenty of laughter and conversation across the country. So, next time your taxi driver starts discussing politics, take a good look at his face, you never know who might be behind the wheel!

The post 7 Facts About Jens Stoltenberg, Norway’s Political Heavyweight appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

The Arctic Ocean isn’t exactly a place for sightseeing. It’s cold, remote, and unforgiving – and time spent there is precious.

On a research vessel, every minute counts, with work demanding your full attention. The exception to that rule is when a polar bear shows up.

When that happens, anyone that can safely spare a minute goes out on deck to take a look. Those encounters are never really part of the plan, but they’re the moments I remember most. 

Curious how those run-ins played out? Let me tell you.

Welcome to my office in the Arctic

We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the bottom of the Arctic Ocean. The reason for this is that sea ice makes the area so difficult to access.

This is why multiple nations send research vessels there every year. Norway is one of those nations, and the RV Kronprins Haakon is its research icebreaker.

I’ve had the privilege of working on this icebreaker during three of its missions to the Arctic Ocean.

Running a research icebreaker is enormously expensive. Expedition participants are expected to make every minute count.

The same sea ice that makes the area so difficult to access for humans, however, makes it a playground for the Arctic’s greatest predator: the polar bear. You never know when they show up, but spend any amount of time in Arctic sea ice and there’s a good chance you’ll get to see one.

Much like people, all bears are different. Some like to keep their distance, while others get so close it feels like they’re sizing you up.

But no matter the distance, every encounter leaves a lasting impression. There’s something surreal about seeing such a big animal appear out of nowhere in the icy landscape, and silently approach your ship as if it owns the place.

The reason the bear behaves like it owns the place is that on many levels, it kinda does. No other creatures can hurt it up here—except sometimes humans.

When a polar bear gets that close to the ship, the helicopter deck usually fills up with people eager to snap a photo.

One day, a large male took his time approaching, then sat down to look at us, and eventually left us to go rest on a nearby ice flow.

Suddenly, a second, smaller one approached, catching on the first one’s scent. The first one, despite its large size, decided to avoid a direct confrontation and ran away.

The second one then shifted its attention to the ship, treating us to a double polar bear sighting in a single day!

Polar bears: Built for the cold

Polar bears are built for life in the Arctic, thriving in temperatures between -10 to -20°C. Their thick layers of fur and fat help them stay insulated against the biting cold.

However, this perfect adaptation to freezing environments has a downside – if a polar bear overheats, it has no way to sweat like we do.

Overheating is a real risk, especially during physical activity or in warmer temperatures, which can leave them uncomfortable or even at risk of heatstroke.

They manage this by resting frequently or taking a quick dip in icy water to cool down.

Polar bears and their icebreaker fascination

Actively attracting polar bears is strictly forbidden, but with their incredible sense of smell, it’s hard to stay unnoticed when you’re aboard an icebreaker.

Polar bears can detect scents from over 30 kilometers away (about 20 miles), and a ship navigating through their domain doesn’t go unnoticed for long.

The rules are simple—let the bear come to you. If a polar bear approaches, it’s best to observe and wait until it decides to move on.

This usually doesn’t take long—after a few minutes of mutual curiosity, the bear typically loses interest and goes on its way. But those few minutes of up-close observation? They’re unforgettable.

One of the most heartwarming sights in the Arctic is witnessing a polar bear family in the wild.

A mother bear will typically raise her cubs for about 2.5 years, feeding them her milk and teaching them how to survive in one of the planet’s most challenging environments.

It’s during this time that cubs learn to hunt, find shelter, and navigate the vast icy terrain. And just like human families, the bond between mother and cubs is incredibly strong.

Not all polar bears are eager for a close encounter. Some are more cautious, content to observe from afar.

These distant observers are no less majestic—seeing a polar bear on the horizon is a reminder that the ice-covered Arctic Ocean is their home, and that we humans are mere guests.

The post In Pictures: My Encounter with Polar Bears, the Kings of the Arctic appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Ever wondered what it would be like to step back in time and live among the Vikings? In the heart of Norway's famous fjord landscape, Viking Valley offers exactly that.

This attraction in Gudvangen, a village nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed NÌrøydfjord gives you a hands-on glimpse into Viking life.

I had the pleasure of exploring it recently, and came back with all the essential details to help you plan your visit.

What it really means to be a Viking

I visited Viking Valley with a group of British tourists, several of whom had questions. “A Viking village? Are there still Vikings in Norway today?”

The word “Viking” is sometimes mistakenly assumed to be referring to an ethnicity, often by people claiming to have “Viking blood”. In fact, the word is more of a job title.

Vikings were seafaring Scandinavian warriors and traders who lived during the Viking Age, roughly from the late 8^th century to the early 11^th century.

The word is derived from the Old Norse word ąšĂ­°ěžą˛Ô˛ľ°ů, which refers to a person who participates in expeditions or raids.

So while it’s not necessarily wrong to say one is “descended from the Vikings” (although such a claim would be hard to prove) it’s definitely wrong to think of it as an ethnicity.

Many people living in Scandinavia during the Viking age were not Vikings, and no, there are no actual Vikings in Norway today.

Exploring Viking Valley: What to see and do

is located in Gudvangen, at the very end of the NÌrøyfjord, which is a branch of the Sognefjord. I was a bit surprised when I got there that the entrance was right next to a decidedly not mediaeval-looking service station.

Viking Village tour: Keen on the Viking Village but don't have time to cruise there from Flüm? This  is perfect for those tight on time.

The place is well designed though, because as soon as you enter the main building, you forget all about the service station and start noticing Viking imagery in every corner.

That building is where the gift shop is located, and where you can purchase tickets for your visit.

Once you’ve got your tickets, you can step right through to the other end of the main building, into the ‘village' of Njardarheimr. This Norse name means “the home dedicated to the god Njord”.

Viking Valley is an immersive experience that lets you actively engage with the Viking way of life. As you wander through Njardarheimr, you'll find yourself surrounded by meticulously reconstructed buildings that reflect the ĂŚsthetic and atmosphere of the Viking Age.

The village is home to an international community of Viking enthusiasts who are passionate about sharing the history and culture of this fascinating era.

They bring the village to life, not only through storytelling but by demonstrating traditional crafts, cooking methods, and daily activities that were integral to Viking society.

One of the highlights of your visit will be “The Viking Experience,” a 45-minute guided tour included with your entrance ticket. In our case, our guide for the tour was Karl, and he really looked the part.

He told us all about Viking ships, the expeditions and raids they enabled, and the mark these raids left on history.

This was particularly relevant for our group, which mostly consisted of English people – England being a target of some of the most notorious Viking raids.

Other topics included the Viking’s religious beliefs, their dress and crafts, and their weapons. Speaking of weapons, the village lets you try your hand at archery and axe throwing, should that interest you.

Unlike a typical museum, Njardarheimr encourages hands-on interaction. You are free to touch most of the exhibits and ask questions directly to the villagers, who are eager to share their knowledge.

This approach makes learning both fun and memorable, especially for younger visitors.

Tailored experiences for a deeper dive

For those looking for an even more personalised experience, Viking Valley offers several tailored activities. You can book a private guide to take you on a tour of the village, ensuring a more intimate and detailed exploration.

There’s also the option to enjoy a Viking meal in one of the traditional houses, where you can taste dishes that would have been served over a thousand years ago while learning about Viking culinary traditions.

If you’re interested in trying your hand at blacksmithing, private sessions are available, offering a unique opportunity to learn the craft in a setting that couldn’t be more authentic.

These sessions tend to be booked long ahead of time so do contact the Village well ahead of time if this interests you.

For a truly unique experience, Viking Valley even offers traditional Viking weddings and vow renewals, conducted by the village chieftain.

The ceremony, filled with drumming, includes mead (obviously), and all the ancient rituals that make a Viking celebration so special.

The difficulty of recreating an authentic Viking experience

While Viking Valley in Gudvangen offers an immersive and engaging journey into the Viking Age, it's important to recognise the challenges and controversies that come with attempting to recreate an era based on limited historical evidence.

Historians have pointed out that much of what we think we know about Viking lifestyle is, in reality, educated guesswork, and this has led to some sharp criticism of Viking Valley.

One of the most vocal critics is historian and author Aud Farstad, who has and accused it of being historically inaccurate.

Farstad argues that the village's construction and presentation of Viking life are not based on historical facts.

She finds it particularly troubling that such a reconstruction exists within a UNESCO World Heritage site, stating that it feels more like a theme park than a serious historical project.

Another critic compared the buildings of the Viking village decorated with rune motives.

The core of the issue lies in the fact that there is very little concrete evidence about what Viking buildings, clothing, and food truly looked like. Much of what we do know is based on archaeological findings that are fragmentary at best.

This challenge is acknowledged by Frode Aas Tufte, the manager of Viking Valley. “Painting a picture of how things really were during that time is incredibly complicated, and builds upon a lot of guessing.”

No complete houses survive from the Viking age, so recreations inevitably involve a degree of interpretation.

In addition, buildings whose purpose is to host visitors need to be built according to modern needs and safety regulations, which will have an impact on authenticity.

Viking Valley: Our verdict

Despite the critics, Viking Valley does an incredible job of bringing history to life. The guides are knowledgeable and a visit to the village is guaranteed to leave you with at least some information you did not know previously.

While it’s impossible to recreate such a site with perfect historical accuracy, the guesswork that went into building the site enables a level of immersion that you just can’t get looking at genuine artefacts in a history museum.

Viking Village tour: Keen on the Viking Village but don't have time to cruise there from Flüm? This  is perfect for those tight on time.

The visit is well worth it. It is both entertaining and educational, as long as you approach the experience for what it is: a well-meaning recreation, not an entirely accurate representation.

Practical information

You can get to Viking Valley easily by car, on the E16 road. By train, you can take the Oslo-Bergen line, switch in Myrdal to the legendary FlĂĽm railway, and then catch a shuttle bus to Gudvangen.

Viking Valley is open year-round, with longer hours of operation from April to October. Entry price as of writing this is 235 NOK for adults and 105 NOK for children, with those under 4 getting free entry.

The post What to Expect at Viking Valley in Gudvangen, Norway appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

While Norway is often associated with old-style cabins, stave churches and time-honoured wooden seaside warehouses, the country boasts some of the world’s top examples of modern architecture.

The world of Norwegian architecture really stands out in this field for how it blends buildings with the landscape, and vice versa.

Its buildings seem to fit the landscape, and once inside, they frame the view nicely, making the most of the stunning surroundings.

From Oslo's sleek Opera House to the innovative restaurant Under, submerged beneath the North Sea waves, the country's buildings tell a story of creativity fused with sustainability.

Get ready to see Norway through the lens of its modern masterpieces!

The new Deichman Library

Where: Oslo
Architect firms: Lund Hagem Arkitekter and Atelier Oslo

If I had to choose a top favourite out of all the buildings in this article, it would be Oslo’s stunning new main library.

The building already looks intriguing from the outside, with its iconic cantilevered fifth floor jutting out towards the Oslofjord.

But indoors is where the building really comes to life. When was the last time you entered a public space that’s entirely free and not actively trying to get you to buy something?

The main Deichman Library does this, and does it very well. Each floor has its own specialty, from children’s literature to non-fiction.

You can borrow not only books but board games, musical instruments, sewing machines or 3D printers (the latter to be used on site of course). It also has auditoriums, meeting rooms and co-working spaces where you can just set up your laptop and do a bit of work.

In fact, if you want to meet up with a few friends and finish that uni project, you better show up early because the space is extremely popular. I myself did a half-day of work there once, when I was in Oslo for work and without office space.

The views from the top are fantastic. Go see it. You won’t regret it.

˛ŃÂáø˛őłŮĂĽ°ů˛ÔąđłŮ: A pioneering wooden skyscraper

Where: Brumunddal, 1.5 hours north of Oslo
Architect firm: Voll Arkitekter

is an impressive 18-storey tower in Brumunddal, Norway. It rose to fame as the world's tallest wooden building upon its completion in 2019, before being surpassed by .

It’s named after Lake Mjøsa, Norway's largest lake, just about 100 kilometres north of Oslo. The building houses a hotel, apartments, offices, and a restaurant.

The design strategically employs timber for both vertical and lateral structural elements, including floor spanning systems, which classifies ˛ŃÂáø˛őłŮĂĽ°ů˛ÔąđłŮ as an all-timber structure.

To meet comfort criteria and improve acoustics, concrete slabs were incorporated into the top seven floors.

Why use wood for skyscrapers instead of steel and concrete, you ask? Aside from being more sustainable (steel and cement production generates a lot of CO₂), it’s more lightweight and allows for a quicker construction process.

The Vennesla

Where: Vennesla, 20 min. North of Kristiansand
Architect firm: Helen & Hard

The has received several awards both nationally and internationally for its outstanding architecture. When stepping inside, it’s easy to understand why.

The building uses laminated timber for structure, most visibly for its roof, supported by 27 striking ribs that evoke the skeleton of a whale.

This design choice creates a unique “cathedral of knowledge” visual experience that is definitely Instagram-worthy.

The “ribs” morph into shelving at the ends, storing the library’s books, but as libraries go, it definitely looks eerily uncluttered.

The building also includes a cinema hall with a stage and 300 seats, and constitutes a central public meeting place for the little town of Vennesla.

Manshausen island cabins

Where: Nordskot, 3.5 hours north of Bodø
Architect firm: Stinessen Arkitektur

If you’re an off-the-beaten-track kind of person, the are sure to pique your interest.

Located on a small island off the coast of the tiny village of Nordskot, north of Bodø, these cabins have won many architectural awards for their minimalism, efficiency and quality.

Again, what sets this modern architecture apart is that it adds value to the landscape instead of taking away from it. The layout of the various cabins differs, but they all have in common huge windows framing the stunning local vistas.

This windowed end of the building often juts out over a rocky outcrop, ensuring an entirely unobstructed view of the surroundings.

The two newest additions bring the concept to the extreme: here, the cabins have two floors, and the entirety of the ceiling and of the seaside-facing wall are made of glass.

In addition to the nine cabins, the complex includes a fine dining restaurant, a conference room and a sauna, making it a prime destination for big budget creative companies.

Oslo Opera House

Where: Oslo waterfront
Architect firm: Snøhetta

Oslo Opera House might not be as instantly recognisable as its Sydney, Australia counterpart, but it wins the prize for usebility.

It’s not unfair to compare the two buildings, since the price tag of the Oslo Opera House was even higher than that of Sydney’s, even after adjusting the latter amount for inflation.

The architect firm behind the Oslo landmark, Snøhetta, truly delivered on its vision of creating a new public space for the city.

The slanted roof, covered in white marble from Carrara, Italy, is open to exploration at no cost. It offers wonderful views of the Oslofjord and the Bjørvika neighbourhood.

This new public space integrates almost magically with the surroundings, slanting all the way to the waters of the fjord. Inside, you are greeted by a light and open foyer featuring a large, undulating oakwood wall.

Behind this wall are the three performance halls, with the main stage at the heart of the building.

The design of the main stage, influenced by rigorous acoustic requirements, features dark, golden woodwork that transforms the space into a grand, resonant wooden instrument.

Outside, at the street level, you can peer through large glass windows to catch glimpses of the activity in the scene painting room, the sewing room, and the hat and mask atelier, offering a rare insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of the opera house.

The building is definitely worth the detour, regardless of whether you want to attend a show or not.

The Twist: Kistefos museum

Where: Jevnaker, 1.25 hours north of Oslo
Architect firm: Bjarke Ingels Group 

The Twist blurs the line between museum and artwork. Part of the Kistefos sculpture park, the building itself presents as a larger-than-life sculpture twisting its way across the Randselva river.

The idea for the design came from the park’s simultaneous need for a new bridge and a new exhibition hall for high-calibre international art. The result is a striking white building, suspended over the river and twisting in the middle.

Inside, the building houses three distinct galleries: the Closed Gallery, Twist Gallery, and Panorama Gallery. The Closed Gallery features high ceilings and no windows, creating a controlled environment free from natural light, ideal for certain art displays.

The Twist Gallery, as its name suggests, is where the building’s twist is located, with walls seamlessly transforming into the ceiling as the building rotates 90 degrees.

Finally, the Panorama Gallery at the north end is filled with natural light from its large windows, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, river, and sculpture park.

Powerhouse Brattørkaia

Where: Trondheim waterfront
Architect firm: Snøhetta

This striking building is impossible to miss if you arrive in Trondheim by sea.

Whether you get to town via Hurtigruten, Havila or one of the multiple cruise lines visiting the port, the natural way to walk to town is via a pedestrian bridge that skirts Powerhouse Brattørkaia.

It’s not so much the visual appearance of this office building that makes it worth mentioning, but its design philosophy as a zero-emissions building.

A clue to that design can be observed from the middle of the pedestrian bridge, where you can clearly see how solar panels cover the entirety of the roof.

With every design decision, Snøhetta has sought to minimise the building’s energy needs. Heating and ventilation require so little that the building is essentially a small power plant for the local area – including an electric bus charging station.

Over the course of its lifetime, including construction, operation and decommissioning, it will have generated more energy than it has consumed.

An information screen visible when approaching the building from the bridge shows how much power is being produced by the solar panels at any given time.

Tverrfjellhytta: The Norwegian wild reindeer pavilion

Where: Hjerkinn, 2.5 hours south of Trondheim
Architect firm: Snøhetta

A must if you drive on the E6 between Oslo and Trondheim, is one of those prime examples of landscape-enhancing architecture.

Overlooking the Snøhetta mountain, the small building serves as a gateway for visitors to explore the Wild Reindeer Foundation's educational programmes.

It is accessible via a 1.5 km (about one mile) hiking trail and offers a serene vantage point to appreciate the Dovrefjell mountains. The pavilion’s design offers a striking contrast between a rigid, rectangular outer shell and a soft, organic inner core.

This core, crafted from wood and shaped by inspiration from natural erosion processes like wind and water, is nestled within a frame of raw steel and glass.

The result is a blend of natural elements and modern architectural principles, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Under restaurant: Dining under the sea

Where: Lindesnes, 1 hour west of Kristiansand
Architect firm: Snøhetta

The name of Under restaurant has a double meaning: in Norwegian, “under” means both “under” and “marvel”. And this restaurant, with its underwater dining room, truly is a marvel.

From the outside, it looks like the building just slid halfway into the ocean. Inside, the vaulted concrete ceiling gives way to a large window at one end, allowing diners to observe the underwater wildlife.

The food alone is worth the detour: head chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard secured a Michelin star after just one year of operations.

However, opening a fine dining establishment in the middle of nowhere a year before the onset of a worldwide pandemic has proven quite difficult.

In the fall of 2023, the restaurant had to let go the entirety of its staff and move to a seasonal schedule, being open only from May to September.

Munch Museum: Leaving no-one indifferent

Where: Oslo waterfront
Architecture firm: Estudio Herreros

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I must admit there is no beauty in my eye when I behold the new Munch Museum in Oslo. This dystopian aluminium-clad skyscraper stands on the Oslo waterfront like the Opera House’s ugly sibling.

Things don’t really get much better when you get inside. The finishings of the main hall are more reminiscent of an airport than of an art museum.

That being said, the building has its redeeming qualities that earn it a place on this list. The exhibition halls are large and do an excellent job at showcasing Munch’s artwork.

Moving from floor to floor using the escalators, you can see the surroundings through the building’s oh-so-ugly perforated aluminium cladding (at least from the inside you look through it, not at it).

The top floor’s observation deck offers the town’s best views of the Bjørvika area and the Opera house. Curious about the architecture? Listen to this interview with the architect to hear the thought processes and decisions behind the building.

Juvet Landscape Hotel

Where: Valldal, about 1.5 hours east of Ålesund
Architect firm: Jensen & Skodvin Architects

A surreal complex of buildings, is featured in the 2014 science fiction thriller “Ex Machina”.

It’s easy to see why it captured the imagination of director Alex Garland. Each room is its own free-standing building, constructed with minimal impact on the landscape.

They consist of minimalist wooden cubes, which are devoid of distractions like pictures, magazines or televisions, allowing the occupant to fully focus on the vibrant green landscape outside.

The river Valldøla cuts a path through the greenery, and can be viewed from the comfort of the armchairs inside.

Dark interiors increase your focus on the landscape. The various cubes are positioned and oriented in such a way that you can’t see into the neighbour’s room. Film and TV appearances have seen interest in the hotel skyrocket.

The Juvet Landscape hotel inspired similar projects worldwide, such as the Vivood Landscape Hotel in Spain and the Sacromonte Landscape Hotel in Uruguay.

What are your favourite modern buildings in Norway? Let us know your thoughts on these choices, or others, in the comments below.

The post The Best Modern Architecture in Norway appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Trollkrem (literally: troll cream) is pink, light, fluffy, and as whimsical as the folklore creatures it's named after. In our latest cozy kitchen adventure, we're diving into the world of this delightful slice of Scandinavia on your spoon.

Whether it's for a festive gathering or a quiet evening by the fireplace, trollkrem always finds its way into Norwegian hearts and homes.

So, grab a bowl and let us whisk you along on the path of this traditional dessert, and the history-rich ingredient it features.

What is trollkrem?

Trollkrem is the closest you’ll come to capturing a piece of Norwegian sky in a bowl. Its main ingredient is the humble łŮ˛âłŮłŮąđ˛úĂŚ°ů, known in English as the lingonberry. Yes, that Nordic favourite that features in IKEA stores worldwide!

The magic of trollkrem lies in its simplicity: egg whites, sugar, a touch of vanilla, and of course, lingonberries. Whip up these humble ingredients, and you're in for a surprise.

The result is a creamy, fluffy mixture that grows in volume, almost like a culinary magic trick!

Serving trollkrem is a joy in itself. Pair it with fresh lingonberries, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of vanilla sauce.

The tartness of the lingonberries is balanced by the sweetness of the sugar. The fluffiness of the beaten egg whites provide the perfect canvas for a burst of natural berry flavour.

And trollkrem is not a one-berry wonder. Swap the lingonberries for freshly picked blueberries, and voilĂ , you've got yourself what some folks cheekily call vettekrem: a nod to another creature from Norwegian folklore.

Trollkrem recipe: How to make trollkrem

Here’s how to whip up some Norwegian, berry-licious magic.

Gather your ingredients

• 2 egg whites (that's where the magic begins – make sure there’s no yolk in there)
• 250 g of sugar (sweetness, ahoy!)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla sugar (for that extra dash of flavour)
• 500 g of lingonberries (freshly picked or thawed)

Can’t find vanilla sugar? No problem. Just swap it for a teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Make the magic happen

The easiest way to make this recipe is using a stand mixer with a large bowl and a whisk attachment. A hand mixer also works, but whatever you do, just make sure your bowl is large enough.

The procedure is deceivingly simple. Chuck all the ingredients in the bowl and whisk at high speed until the mixture has increased in volume and become light and airy.

Some people prefer beating the egg whites first, adding the sugar and vanilla gradually, beating some more, and finally adding the berries and beating until the mix is homogenous. But mixing everything from the get go works as well. 

A few tips for making Trollkrem

• Trollkrem grows A LOT in volume, so be prepared for a pleasant surprise!
• It's best to enjoy it soon after whipping it up as it tends to settle if left standing too long.
• If you have leftovers, you can freeze them. The result will be similar to a sorbet.
• This dessert is dairy-free so perfect for those who can’t handle lactose.

Serve with fresh berries, ice cream, a bit of vanilla sauce, some whipped cream, or maybe crushed cookies for a bit of crunch.

But wait, isn’t it bad to eat raw eggs?

We know some of you might be raising an eyebrow at the idea of serving raw egg whites as part of a dessert, especially our friends in the United States.

There is a small risk that raw eggs contain salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. This danger is on literally no one’s mind in Norway, unless they are pregnant or have a suppressed immune system.

The standards of egg production in the country make the risk so small as to be negligible, so it’s just not worth worrying about.

That being said, you can still enjoy trollkrem even if you’re not comfortable with the idea of eating raw eggs. All egg products sold in the US have to be pasteurised, by law.

This includes eggs sold outside of their shells. So bottles of egg whites are guaranteed to be free of salmonella and can be used with peace of mind to whip up a batch of trollkrem.

Lingonberries explained

Lingonberries are known for their ability to be stored for long periods. The secret is their high content of benzoic acid, a natural preservative. The antimicrobial properties of this compound helps keep them fresh for long periods of time.

Traditionally, this would have been advantageous during the long, harsh winter months in Scandinavia. It's also one of the main reasons we believe they formed part of the Viking diet.

Where can I find lingonberries?

Whether you are in the UK or the US, your best bet to get lingonberries is to find a Scandinavian specialty shop. If you are in Scotland, you might want to try picking your own – they are known as cowberries over there.

As a last resort, Ikea has lingonberry jam, which can be used to make trollkrem. Just start by whipping your egg whites until fluffy, and add the jam gradually while beating continuously.

Taste as you go, and stop adding jam when you’re satisfied with both the consistency and the flavour. It won’t be exactly the same as using fresh berries, but it will be a close-enough approximation.

Have you ever tasted trollkrem? Are you tempted to hunt for the ingredients and try making it for yourself? Does the idea of eating raw eggs put you off? Let us know in the comments.

The post Trollkrem: Introducing the Norwegian Lingonberry Mousse appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

A big part of the fun associated with travelling, in my book, is sampling new foods. Eating like a local is a sure fire way to create new memories and get insight into another culture.

Foodie trends like craft beer, local cheeses, single-origin coffees and artisanal bread may have started a bit late in Norway, but they are now firmly established.

At least in the cities, you don’t have to look too hard to find exciting foods, and festivals make it even easier to discover new flavours.

From cosy Trondheim to coastal Bergen, via Mandal’s shellfish extravaganza, let’s explore together why Norway’s food festivals are not just foodie events, but a celebration of life and culture.

So, grab your favourite drink and ready your tastebuds for a gastronomic journey like no other! From Norway's must-try foods to something new, here are the leading food and drink festivals in Norway.

Stavanger's Gladmat festival

Next event: 26-29 June, 2024

transforms Stavanger’s city centre into a vast festival ground with about 150 stands, not counting a bunch of restaurants hosting special events. More than a place to sample new dishes, the festival is meant as a showcase of culinary expertise.

There are chef competitions where the public joins the city’s top chefs as judges, in an interactive feast.

In the festival’s main tent, called Kokepunktet (literally: The Boiling Point), pro chefs on stage dazzle the crowds with their culinary magic, and share practical tips for cooking at home.

Outside of the festival’s official locations, restaurants across the city challenge themselves with new concepts and extended hours. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or sitting down for a multi-course meal, there's something to satisfy every palate.

Bergen Food Festival

Next event: 6-7 September, 2024

(Matfest) is another must if you’re in the area at the right dates. The two day event takes over the public plaza area near Lille Lungegårdsvannet, that octagonal pond not too far from the train station.

Several restaurants are also participating, offering unique festival events that showcase local flavours in new, imaginative ways. The festival also boasts its very own bar, where you can sample local cider, beer, gin and aquavit.

For the culinary curious, the festival hosts inspiring “Learn from the Best” food and drink courses in a special tent. These sessions are a chance to glean tips from some of the region's finest chefs and producers.

As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bergen proudly embraces its international connections. The festival features skilled chefs from other European UNESCO cities, adding a global flair to the local scene.

Hardanger International Cider Festival

Next event: 9-11 May, 2024

This relative newcomer to the scene (it started in 2019) focuses on food of the liquid kind.

The Hardanger fjord is known for its fruit orchards, and the showcases the best Norway has to offer on the cider front.

The festivities kick off with cider-themed dinners throughout Hardanger, and continue with a “cider safari”, offering a close-up look at cider production.

The main festival day in Odda has expert-led tastings at historic cider farms and educational gatherings for cider producers aiming to share knowledge and expand their craft.

Hardanger's cider producers are on a mission to establish Hardanger as a brand synonymous with excellence, akin to France’s Champagne.

Like Champagne, Hardanger cider enjoys protected geographical indication, in a hope to enhance its visibility and appreciation globally.

Norwegian Rakfisk Festival in Fagernes

Next event: 31 October – 2 November, 2024

Not for the faint of heart, the lets you sample a cherished (among some) traditional Norwegian food. Rakfisk is a dish made from fish, typically trout or char, which has been salted and left to ferment for several months.

The process allows the fish to develop a strong, pungent flavour and a soft texture. It is typically eaten uncooked and served with flatbread or lefse (a soft Norwegian flatbread), along with accompaniments such as sour cream, raw onions, and boiled potatoes.

The festival features 100 stands highlighting local rakfisk, but also other food products such as baked goods and charcuterie. If fermented fish is not your thing, you can always enjoy song and dance every festival evening.

Mandal Shellfish Festival

Next event: 8-11 August, 2024

The attracts over 60,000 visitors yearly, and transforms the small coastal town into a hub of music, seafood, and fun.

The town’s waterfront street, Bryggegata, comes alive with restaurant tents overflowing with mouth-watering seafood dishes that blend local ingredients with exotic flavours from around the globe.

There are activities for children, who can learn culinary skills at a special kokkeskole (cooking school). Adults might try their hand at the World Championship in shrimp peeling — an event as entertaining as it sounds!

It is often said that the southern tip of Norway has the best summers. Check it out for yourself while experiencing the largest seafood festival in the country!

Trøndelag Food Festival, Trondheim

Next event: 1-3 August, 2024

We saved the best for last! features 200 exhibitors, all eager to showcase a slice of their unique culinary traditions. Best of all, it blends foodie paradise with the liquid happiness that is craft beer.

Indeed, the Trondheim Food Festival is a joint event with the local Brewing festival (Bryggerifestivalen), and the combined events have earned their stripes on the global stage.

In 2023, the festival was lauded by veranda.com as one of the .

Like many of its counterparts, it offers cooking seminars and special activities for children. Here you can find both inspired dishes and local ingredients ranging from organic vegetables to dried and cured meats, artisanal cheeses and baked goods.

Local restaurants are in on the fun, with some of them having dedicated stands on the festival grounds, where they serve specially designed dishes featuring local ingredients.

Read more: Major Events in Trondheim, Norway

As for the brewing festival, I cannot overstate the festive atmosphere that comes from the outdoors consumption of multiple sample-sized servings of locally brewed beers.

The setting will remind you of German beer gardens, if you’ve ever experienced those, but the extra excitement that comes from this being a rare annual event, in the equally rare Trondheim sunshine (sun is not guaranteed but it tends to show itself a lot more than average in August).

The organisers, Oi! Trøndersk Mat og Drikke, have set ambitious goals for the festival. By 2025, they aim to make it Europe’s top food and brewery festival, a global talking point, and a platform for innovation in local food and brewery production.

Have you attended one of Norway’s food festivals? Be sure to let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

The post Popular Food Festivals in Norway appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Norway has some of the world’s most scenic roads, offering not only breathtaking views but also a thrilling driving experience. Bringing your own car to Norway to experience these thrills is easier said than done, however, given the country’s strict rules.

Those rules on car ownership make buying a car in Norway a very expensive affair. It can therefore feel very tempting to import a car from abroad, but buyer beware: the road to importing a car in Norway is fraught with unexpected detours and toll booths.

So, whether you’re bringing your car to Norway temporarily or permanently, let us guide you through the mazes of custom regulations and Norway’s unique road tax system.

Buckle up, adjust your rearview mirrors and get your credit card ready, because it’s gonna cost you!

A history of high road taxes in Norway

While the post-war period in America led to an unprecedented boom in car ownership, the story was quite different in Norway. Due to the necessity of allocating resources to rebuilding after the occupation, private car ownership was rationed until 1960.

This rationing period led to cars being considered a luxury in Norway. This perception has changed: cars are now considered a basic necessity in the country, unless you live in one of the bigger cities.

But the historical context of car scarcity and luxury taxation has contributed to higher costs for purchasing a car than in many other countries.

The exception in recent years has been electric cars, which are exempt of many of the fees imposed on their fossil-fuelled predecessors. This led to comparatively lower prices and a high adoption rate for battery-powered vehicles.

Bringing your car to Norway as a tourist

First, let’s get the basics out of the way: driving your car in Norway as a tourist (up to 90 days on a typical tourist visa) should pose no major problems, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

First, make sure that your driver’s license is recognised by Norwegian authorities.

Next, make sure your car is roadworthy. Assuming you are coming from another European country, this means having your EU inspection documentation in order.

Keep in mind also that it is mandatory to carry a red warning triangle and a yellow fluorescent visibility vest in the car in case of breakdowns or accidents. Last but not least, please, for the love of everything you value, equip your car with tyres that are appropriate for the conditions.

This means that if you are planning a winter road trip to Norway, you need winter tyres. Driving in winter conditions with summer tyres amounts to a death wish.

Winter tyres are not mandatory, strictly speaking, but drivers are obligated to have tyres that are adapted to the driving conditions. Not complying with this rule and being involved in an accident can result in charges of gross negligence.

Bringing your car to Norway as a temporary resident

If you're planning to hang out in Norway for up to a year, you're in luck. You can drive your foreign-registered car just about as easily as if you were a tourist.

A crucial condition is that you need to be able to provide proof that your stay won’t exceed a year from the time you rolled into Norway. And by ‘time you rolled in', we mean your feet touching Norwegian soil, not when your car arrives (if it arrives before you).

What counts as proof, you ask? Things like an employment contract, evidence of your study placement, or maybe your spouse's or family member's documents showing how long they'll be in the country, if you’re just tagging along.

If you have plans to jet back to your job overseas, that paperwork is also good to show. Proof that you are renting out your pad back home works as well. Basically, anything that shouts, “I'm just here for a short Norwegian adventure!”

If you stay for up to two years, things get a bit more complicated. You'll need to apply for a temporary driving permit for your second year – which means you have to do this within your first year of arriving in Norway.

Keep in mind that to qualify for this “temporary” status, you shouldn't have been hanging around or officially registered in Norway for more than 365 days during the two years before you came over. So moving in and out of the country to “reset the counter” doesn’t work.

Importing a car to Norway

So, you’re either moving to Norway with your own car, or you already live here and want to bring a foreign car into the country. Here are the ground rules.

Before you cross the border

Check with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen) to see if there are special rules applying to your particular type of car. This can be done by contacting a .

Next, if it’s a new car that you are importing from abroad, make sure the country you’re buying from doesn’t have any export restrictions or requirements to be fulfilled to clear the car for export. Also, ensure you have the proper licensing and insurance to drive the car to the Norwegian border.

You can drive a car in Norway with valid foreign licence plates for a period of 30 days after crossing the border, while you wait for your Norwegian plates. If your foreign insurance doesn’t cover Norway, there’s a solution for that – read on.

When you cross the border

If you arrive by road, pick a staffed border crossing to enter the country, since you’ll need help from a customs officer. Go through the red “something to declare” lane and get ready to cough up the value-added tax (VAT), which amounts to a whopping 25% of the car’s value.

The value of the car is equal to the purchase price plus freight and insurance costs, if the car is new. If you have owned the vehicle for a while, you need to get a valuation from the dealership in the country where the car is registered – here too, freight and insurance costs will be added to that amount before calculating the VAT.

If your car is not insured for driving in Norway, you can get “border insurance” right there at the customs office. You really don’t want to be that person responsible for damages with an uninsured vehicle.

Now if you arrive by ferry, things are a bit more complicated. Customs offices in ferry terminals are typically not equipped to complete the whole procedure.

What you need to do is get a transit document from the customs authorities of the country you travelled from. If you can’t or didn’t get that, Norwegian customs will issue this at the border crossing when you stop in the red zone.

But then, you will have to report at another customs office to complete the paperwork, within a certain deadline. Fail to meet up within the deadline they give you and you will have to pay a fine.

If this all sounds a bit overwhelming, a third option is to use the services of a forwarding agent who will take care of the paperwork with the customs, for a fee. Your ferry company can give you information about how to proceed to come into contact with a forwarding agent.

What to do after you have crossed the border

So you’ve cleared customs and paid the VAT. Don’t put your wallet away just yet: there are two more bureaucratic hurdles left.

The first is to get your vehicle approved by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen). Do this by booking an appointment at your nearest .

Then, you need to pay a one-off registration tax. This is calculated based on the vehicle's tax group, kerb weight, CO₂ emissions, NO_x emissions and cylinder capacity.

For some vehicles, engine power is also included in the calculation. As you can see, the fees are quite varied and not super specified.

It might be worth it for you to calculate in advance the cost of importing your car before actually doing it, just to see if it’s worth all the money and trouble.

The Norwegian Tax Administration have prepared a handy (in English!) to help you figure out how much you’ll need to cough up, bless their hearts.

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