Success cake, also known as “suksessterte,” is one of Norway's most beloved cakes and a guaranteed hit at any dessert table. With its characteristic yellow cream and almond base, it balances sweetness and nutty richness in a way that appeals to both young and old alike.

The cake primarily consists of two elements: a moist almond base and a silky yellow cream made from egg yolks, sugar, cream, and butter. The almond base provides a natural sweetness and a chewy texture that perfectly complements the rich cream.

For many, it is the yellow cream that defines the cake’s unique character. Its smooth consistency and delicate flavor make success cake truly special.

Success cake is simple to make but requires precision to achieve the perfect texture. It is gluten-free, making it accessible to more people. Often served as a round cake, it can also be made in small portions as delightful bites.

My Love For Suksesskake

In my first spell living in Norway, my food obsession in Stavanger was skølebrød/skolebolle. It's a soft, white brioche bun, topped with white icing and finely chopped coconut, with a small dip in the middle for a generous helping of custard.

This Scandinavian baked good often sent my taste buds into overdrive. But one other Norwegian cake I’ve always been rather found of is the success cake or tart (suksesskake or suksessterte).

A cake that has a moist almond base and a sweet topping that can vary in colour from golden cream to bright yellow. Are you drooling, yet?

The success cake is a popular choice for family celebrations in Norway and is often baked for occasions such as weddings and confirmations. It's also a very common sight in offices when there is a birthday or other occasion to celebrate.

It can be found in a lot of coffee shops up and down the country, and this is often where I chose to enjoy it. The success cake is a perfect accompaniment to a simple black coffee on a cold and rainy day. Read on to find out how to make this Norwegian favourite.

Ingredients for Norwegian Success Cake

For the base you will need:

• 4 egg whites
• 150 grams of confectioner’s sugar
• 150 grams of almonds

Yep, that's a lot of almonds! They give the cake its distinctive look, flavour and texture.

For topping you will need:

• 4 egg yolks
• 100 mls of double (heavy) cream
• 125 grams of sugar
• 150 grams of butter
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Everything ready? Then let’s make and bake!

How to make the base

1. Preheat the oven to 160/170

2. Line the bottom of a round 24 cm cake tin. The sides can be greased with some butter for easy removal later.

3. Chop the almonds into very small pieces.

4. Place the egg whites into a mixing bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form.

5. Mix the sugar and chopped almonds and gently fold them into the egg whites. It is important to be delicate during the process.

6. Pour the mixture into the pre-prepared cake tin.

7. Place towards the bottom of the even to bake. This should take between 35 to 40 minutes, but each oven will be slightly different so keep a watchful eye on it.

8. When it's baked to perfection, remove from the oven and leave to stand on a cool surface. It can be removed from the tin later once it has cooled.

How to make the topping

1. Place the egg yolks, sugar, cream and vanilla extract into a pan. Stir until the ingredients come together.

2. Cook on a low heat until it starts to thicken, too much heat will ruin the mixture.

3. When it is done it should look like a really thick cream. Dip a clean knife into the mixture to see how well the cream sticks to it. If it is too runny, more heating is required; if is sticks well, it is done.

4. Once the cream reaches the required consistency, pour it into a bowl and leave until it reaches room temperature.

5. Next, add lightly chilled butter. Cut into small cubes and stir in until fully incorporated.

Spread the cream topping over the cake. Sprinkle some sliced almonds on top to finish. Finally, place the success cake in the fridge and remove shortly before serving. Serve and enjoy!

Success Cake Recipe Tips

That’s my recommended recipe. However, part of the joy of baking is experimentation! With that in mind, here are some top tips should you wish to try putting your own spin on this Norwegian classic:

Choose Fresh Almonds: Use fresh, high-quality almonds or almond flour to ensure the best flavor and texture for the base. Grinding whole almonds yourself can add extra depth of flavor.

Whip Egg Whites Properly: Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks for a light and airy almond base. Be sure your mixing bowl and whisk are clean and free of grease for optimal results.

Gently Fold Ingredients: When combining the ground almonds with the egg whites, fold gently to retain the airiness of the mixture. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.

Cook the Yellow Cream Slowly: The yellow cream is the heart of the success cake. Cook it over low heat while constantly stirring to prevent it from curdling. Remove from heat as soon as it thickens.

Cool Cream Before Adding Butter: Allow the yellow cream to cool completely before whipping in the butter. This prevents the butter from melting and ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

Use a Piping Bag for Precision: For a professional look, use a piping bag to spread or decorate with the yellow cream.

Chill Before Serving: Let the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes the cake easier to slice.

Decorate Thoughtfully: Traditional success cake is often garnished with toasted almond flakes, but you can also add a modern twist with edible flowers, chocolate curls, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Make It Ahead: The cake base and yellow cream can be made a day in advance. Store them separately, then assemble the cake on the day of serving.

Experiment with Sizes: While a round cake is traditional, consider making individual portions in silicone molds or cutting the cake into bars for easy serving

The post Suksesskake: Norwegian Success Cake appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Together with the other Nordic countries, Norway frequently sits near the top of the World Happiness Report. Although not a direct factor in the criteria, crime levels are an important barometer to consider when gauging the “happiness” of a nation.

For instance, if a country has a low crime rate then people will feel safe and this ultimately results in a happier society. Of course, there are many other factors to consider too.

The crime rate in Norway

Norway’s fight against crime is headed up by almost 200 police officers per 100,000 people.

In 2023, there were 328,000 offences reported to the across the length and breadth of Norway.

This is 7.7% more than the previous year, bringing the numbers back to the 2018 level. A significant part of this increase is due to more reports from businesses.

For the second consecutive year, the total number of reported crimes and their victims increased. Nearly 23,400 more crimes were reported in 2023 than in 2022.

So, how does that number look when broken down into categories? We've dug into the statistics to bring you this guide to the facts and figures of crime in Norway.

When reading these figures, remember to consider Norway’s population. As of January 2024, that figure stood at about 5.5 million people.

Murder / Homicides in Norway

By global standards, Norway’s murder rate is very low. In 2023, the country recorded just 35 homicides, although that was significantly higher than the rolling ten-year average.

Data also reveals that killings are predominantly carried out by men and that the perpetrators know their victim. Norway’s murder rate is roughly half that of Sweden.

Theft & Vandalism

The 111,600 reported thefts in 2023 are 11,900 more than the previous year, now accounting for one-third of all registered crimes.

“The increase in theft reports accounts for half of the total rise in reported crimes from 2022. Relative to population growth, the extent has more than reversed the decline during the pandemic years, reaching the highest level since 2015,” said Susanne Fjelldalen, senior advisor at Statistics Norway.

While 2022 saw a significant increase in thefts from individuals, thefts from shops and other businesses saw the most significant increase in 2023.

The 23,400 shop thefts (including minor and serious) are 25% more than the previous year, with minor shop thefts contributing most to this increase.

Additionally, there are 1,800 more reports of thefts from other industries and public services, which, combined with the increase in reported shop thefts, account for over half of the total increase in thefts from the previous year.

Nearly one in four thefts from shops and other industries occur in Oslo.

The significant increase in reported thefts from businesses is also reflected in the 27,700 police reports where a business is the victim, more than 22% higher than the previous year.

There are also 2,400 more reports of vandalism with a business as the victim, a large portion of which are reports of vandalism against transportation means within Oslo's public transport system.

Together, the increase in reports from businesses accounts for well over a third of the total increase in reports in 2023, and is also just over 16% higher than the average of the five preceding years.

From the previous year, reported thefts from homes and vacation homes, including serious cases, also increased by 17%, primarily due to more thefts from storage units, garages, and other areas associated with homes and vacation homes.

Violence & Abuse

Reports to the police show an increase for almost all types of violence and abuse offenses in 2023. A total of 37,000 different individuals are registered as victims of these crimes.

This corresponds to 6.7 victims per 1,000 inhabitants – up from 6.3 per 1,000 inhabitants in 2022. For comparison, between 2004 and 2021, there were between 5.7 and 6.2 victims of violence and abuse per 1,000 inhabitants each year.

There are more victims in most counties, but particularly in Oslo and Troms and Finnmark.

In 2023, the increase in registered victims of violence and abuse particularly affects those whose main offense type is:

• Assault (including severe): up 5.5% (+570 in number)
• Bodily harm (including severe): up 7% (+140 in number)
• Threats (including severe): up 5% (+280 in number)
• Robbery and extortion: up 50% (+640 in number)
• Reckless behavior and stalking: up 11% (+750 in number)

The number of victims of domestic abuse remains nearly unchanged from the previous year.

The significant increase in victims of robbery and extortion mainly affects men, while the increase in reckless behavior is greatest for women.

Fraud

The increase in fraud reports seen in 2022 continues, but the rise is not as pronounced in 2023.

Based on the main offense, 21,600 people were victims of fraud (including minor and serious), which is 13% more than in 2022, the highest recorded in years with comparable victim statistics.

More than 13 percent of all individuals who were victims of a crime in 2023 were victims of fraud.

Considering population composition, the largest increase is among those aged 70 or older, as in the previous year. Men are most affected, and the increase is also greatest among men in 2023.

The post Crime in Norway: The Facts & Figures appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

Moving to a new country can be a scary process at the best of times, regardless of the reason or circumstances for the move. But what about if you are an international student making the move?

I have made the leap (from the U.K.), and by recounting my own personal experiences, I hope it will help prospective international students make the move to Norway.

My background

I will start by saying that I have lived in Norway before, a short one year stay in Stavanger across 2016/17. However, moving to Norway as a student was a new experience for me.

Following that initial stay in Norway, I returned to the U.K. to study for a bachelor degree in English Literature. After it finished, keen to keep up the academic momentum, I came straight back to study in Norway.

Right, now onto the stuff that might actually help you!

The search for a study programme 

After my bachelor studies, I was also eager to study more literature at master’s level but perhaps with a narrower focus. I also wanted something Norwegian or Scandinavian themed, which in turn led me to the Ibsen Studies programme at the University of Oslo.

Initially, I used the search function on – a great little site that really got the ball rolling. It provided me with various bits of useful advice and information.

I simply selected the level and area of study which in my case was masters and humanities. The search then brought up many programmes but only one stood out the obscure-sounding Ibsen Studies.

It was perfect! I could learn more about Norway through Henrik Ibsen, the great Norwegian playwright, and gain a deeper understanding of his plays.

The application process

Each individual institution in Norway handles the applications and admissions of prospective new students.

From here, I found all the information I needed to start an application. It included things like application deadlines, admission requirements and which documents I needed to submit. Also listed were the relevant contact person(s) for the programme.

Some institutes have a small questionnaire about your current living and academic circumstances, which helps to tailor key facts about the programme to you.

Finally, if the application window has not yet passed, you can click through to Søknadsweb and apply. I found the whole process very user friendly and straightforward to use.

What happened when I arrived?

When I arrived in Norway, everything suddenly became real. After months of excitement and nervous anticipation, I was back where I wanted to be. I touched down in Oslo at the end of July, something I had strategically timed so that I still had around three weeks to settle before my studies started in late August.

Arranging accommodation way in advance of your arrival in Norway will make the move less stressful. It will help you settle in right away, get to know people and it is one less thing for you to worry about in the early days.

Lots of universities have housing programmes, with the aim of making studying in Norway as easy as possible for international students. In most cases, using these services will be a lot cheaper than renting accommodation on the private market.

I used in Oslo and really can’t recommend them enough. I paid the deposit and signed the housing contract months in advance of the move back to Norway, which meant I only needed to pick up keys shortly after arriving – easy. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of good planning in advance of moving.

Things I wish I’d known before moving

I did a lot of research before I moved, and that together with the fact that I had lived in Norway before helped. Despite this, though, there are still a few things I wish I had known before moving.

Yes, the studies are free, but you still pay a small fee at the beginning of each semester – this I knew, but I didn’t know the additional costs such as having to buy the relevant compendiums (course books) at the beginning of each semester. While this wasn’t a huge problem, knowing would have helped me budget in advance.

Lastly, if you want to get to know a programme then what better way is there than to speak to a current student at the university. This is something I didn’t do but it can be a good way to get to know the programme you have applied for long before you start.

General advice on moving to Norway

Norway is a beautiful country, make the most of it. Even if you are only planning to stay for two or three years, enjoy the outdoors and embrace any Norwegian habits and quirks.

Wherever you are studying in Norway, winters will be dark, long and cold, so be prepared. At least one heavy coat is advisable, and an extra underlayer when temperatures dip below zero always helps.

In winter, it is important you don’t just hibernate away from everybody. Go out and socialise, enjoy the beautiful scenery. It’s important to remember that for every winter there is also a magical (and warm/hot) summer to enjoy.

Teaching style and expectations

The first thing that comes to mind as a master’s student in Norway is what is expected of you. I can say that I definitely felt more in control of my studies compared to bachelor level in the U.K.

It is, in a sense, up to you to take part, nobody is going to chase you down to attend lectures – although there is an attendance requirement in place for most modules – or hand in coursework or take final exams. 

The teaching style at the University of Oslo is informal and friendly. Professors can be addressed by their first name and they are nearly always available to talk to. My master’s programme consisted of a mix of lectures, seminars and various outings to support learning.

I really enjoyed all aspects of , but my favourite elements were the excursions and the theatre performances. It lets you be fully immersed in the study topic.

I was lucky enough to spend time in both Skien (Ibsen’s birthplace) and Rome in Italy (a place where Ibsen spent a lot of time during his self-imposed exile from Norway).

Walking in the Norwegian’s footsteps was magical. I was able to see the things he saw and at the same time imagine what might have inspired him.

Cost of living 

I think this is another one that almost goes without saying, but the cost of living in Norway is very high.

The impact of this can be different depending on which country you are moving from, but it will nearly always be higher than your home country so be prepared. This aspect of life in Norway should actually be your biggest consideration.

For example, if you make the move to Norway to study but can’t support yourself financially for the duration of your studies, you will have no choice but to leave again. Non-EU/EEA students will also have to document that they can support themselves during their studies.

In my case, I didn’t need to do this because I got back to Norway just before Brexit happened. Nevertheless, I had saved some money before I moved to Oslo and I also worked as a freelance writer part-time during my studies. The freelance income helped me out a lot and was something I had in place before moving to Norway. 

Tip: I would recommend you do some research around academic funding for your studies, no matter how small, it all helps offset the high cost of living. I also found it useful to budget, especially in the early days.

The post How to Study in Norway as an International Student appeared first on 51łÔšĎÍř.

If you have ever read any of our previous dog articles, then you probably know by now how much Norwegians love their pooches. One popular breed of dog in Norway is the beautiful Norwegian Buhund.

The Buhund has a distinctive look, is playful and likes to be at the centre of the action. It is also a breed with an interesting history.

So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at this fluffy canine.

Origin and name of the Buhund

The name “Buhund” comes from the Norwegian word “bu” which translates as “homestead” or “hut” – or similar simple outdoor dwelling – a place where a shepherd lived and tended to his sheep.

The Norwegian word “hund” means “dog” in English. Buhunds are also commonly known as the Norwegian Sheepdog.

The Buhund is part of the spitz type, a category of dog that is known for its pointed ears and snout. The word “Spitz” is of German origin and translates simply as “pointed” in English.

This makes a lot of sense if you consider the many pointed characteristics of the animal. The Buhund is also a breed of dog that is closely related to the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Jämthund.

What does a Norwegian Buhund look like?

Like other spitz dogs, the Norwegian Buhund is thought to have originated from colder places such as Siberia and other areas within the Arctic region.

Read more: The Norwegian Elkhound

The breed is characterised by a bushy tail that curls up over its back. The Buhund also has a dense coat that must have come in very useful in the cold climate in which it was put to work.

Like all dogs, the Norwegian Sheepdog can grow to various sizes, but as a general rule they are considered a medium-sized dog. Males can typically range from 43 to 45 centimetres (17 to 18 inches) in size while females tend to be somewhat smaller.

As for weight, males mostly fall into the 14 to 18 kg (31 to 40 pounds) category and females weigh slightly less, between 12 and 16 kg (26 to 35 pounds).

Temperament of the Norwegian Buhund

The Norwegian Buhund is definitely not a breed that likes to laze about the house all day. This type of dog has lots of energy and it can take a lot to tire them out.

This makes a lot of sense if you think of their history as a breed, and a time when they herded sheep and other cattle on a daily basis. Long walks are advisably a few times each day; perhaps with a small ball to play chase, which is a perfect way to use up the dog’s energy levels.

The Buhund loves to be around people and children, so the dog thrives in the busyness and whirlwind environment that can be family life.

In its days on the farm, this dog was trained and shaped for its use as a sheep dog. Today, it is still important to give the Buhund some training in its formative years.

Taking time to do this will benefit the dog’s general behaviour and make it a better fit to its new home. Because it’s an intelligent and playful breed, it’s more than happy to be taught new things. 

Health of the Buhund

Generally, the Buhund has a good health record, although there are a few issues to look out for with this breed. They can be prone to eye problems such as cataracts, an issue that is usually associated with age, but in the case of the Buhund it can occur much younger.

Another health problem that this breed sometimes suffers from is hip dysplasia. It’s a problem with abnormalities in the skeleton that most commonly affects the movement of the hip joint.

There are mild conditions of the disease, to more severe forms – with the serious forms, the dog may require surgery or some other medical intervention.

It is also possible your Buhund will not show any symptoms of the disease and/or may be totally unaffected by dysplasia.

Grooming and care

The Buhund is a pretty easy dog to take care of when it comes to grooming. It has a medium length fur which doesn’t tangle or mat. They blow their coat twice each year, so these are good times to get the brush out.

It is also advisable to give your furry friend a weekly brushing session throughout the year, too, in order to keep the coat in tip top condition.

Clubs and more information

There isn’t a designated Norwegian Buhund club in Norway, but the is always a good source of dog and breed information for owners. It’s the largest organisation for dog owners in Norway with more than 70,000 members.

However, both the U.K. and the U.S. do have dedicated organisations for the Buhund. and are both great resources for owners or prospective owners.

Their websites are packed full of information about the breed and cover everything from breed health to news on upcoming dog shows.

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Northern Europe facts: Discover the people, places and culture of this fascinating region of the world.

Northern Europe can be categorised in several ways, but for the purposes of this article, we will focus on facts about the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and their dependent territories.

So without further ado, let’s look at some fun and interesting facts about this beautiful part of the world.

1. Much of the land in Northern Europe is actually on the rise. 

It’s true! While some countries and regions around the world are being heavily impacted by climate change, rising sea levels and sinking land, some of the Nordic region is rising.

This is because of something called . It happens because huge glaciers in the last Ice Age forced the land downward under their sheer weight.

However, since the ice sheets have long since melted, the land is in effect rebounding or bouncing back upward slowly over time.

The current average global sea level rise is around 3 millimetres per year, but countries such as Finland, Sweden and parts of Norway are actually outrunning that figure with a landmass rise of between 3 to 9 millimetres over the same period.

2. Norway’s coastline would circle the globe two and a half times if it was stretched out

That’s right! If Norway's coastline of fjords and islands was unravelled and laid end-to-end, then it would wrap around the world two and a half times.

The total distance of Norway’s coastline measures 83,281 kilometres (51,748 miles). This figure includes its many islands and outlying territories such as Svalbard and Jan Mayhan.

According to National Geographic, the length of Norway’s coastline is second only to Canada which has a measurement of 202,080km (125,567 m).

3. The Faroe Islands is part of Denmark—sort of!

The Faroe Islands is actually an autonomous territory of Denmark. An autonomous territory is a place that has a large proportion of self-governance and freedom.

The Faroes Islands use the Danish Kroner (DKK) but are not members of the European Union, while Denmark is itself a full member.

4. 75% of Finland is covered by forests

The forests in Finland are made up of 30 indigenous tree species, but pine trees are the most common, closely followed by spruce and birch.

The forest coverage in Finland is higher than any other country in Europe. Read more facts about Finland here.

5. Sweden’s land mass is actually covered by 10% water

The water comes in the shape of Sweden’s many rivers and lakes and consists of 39,960 km2. The Swedes also have a mind boggling 95,700 lakes and 27 rivers which are longer than 100 km (62 miles).

This is even more impressive if you consider that much of the country has many large forests (almost 60%). Read more facts about Sweden here.

6. Sweden is the biggest country in Northern Europe

Sweden’s land area totals 450,295 km2 (173,860 square miles), making it the largest nation in Northern Europe and the fifth largest in Europe as a whole. Only Russia (1st), Ukraine (2nd), France (3rd) and Spain (4th) are bigger. 

7. Norway has just 3% arable land

The physical geography and history of Norway are the reasons for their lack of fertile land. The country is made up of many large mountain ranges and precious little flat, workable land.

Of the little arable land that is available, only 30% of this can be used for vegetable and grain production. Only the Faroe Islands (2%) and volcanic Iceland (1.207%) have less arable land in the region than the Norwegians.

The Danes have the most with almost 57% of land that can be used to grow fruit, vegetables and grains.

8. Villages in Northern Europe have the shortest place names

It may be difficult to believe but in Denmark, Norway and Sweden there are some village names that are just one letter long. In total, there are 10 places that can boast these remarkable titles.

Nine villages across the three Scandinavian countries are named Å, while in Sweden there is a place called Ö.

9. There are no mosquitoes in Iceland

Mosquitoes plague many countries in Northern Europe – and around the world – but Iceland has been spared. It’s largely down to the fact that the volcanic island doesn’t have the best breeding conditions for the insects to thrive.

Iceland has very few ponds or lakes for the mosquitoes to breed; in addition, the island suffers three big freezes each year which also helps keep the mosquitos out. 

10. Sweden is the most populated country in Northern Europe

Although the northern parts of Sweden are much less populated than southern areas, the Scandinavian country is still by far the biggest in Europe with a population of 10.3 million.

The next biggest is Denmark with 5.8 million. Then follows Finland at 5.5 million, Norway at 5.3 million, and Iceland with just 364,134.

11.  People drink more coffee in Northern Europe than anywhere else in the world

People in Northern Europe sure do love their coffee. The Nordic countries regularly top the charts for coffee consumption.

According to , Finland tops the list with 26.45 lbs per person per year. Norway occupies second place with a score of 21.82 lbs, followed by Iceland (19.84 lbs) and Denmark (19.18 lbs).

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When you think of sport in Norway, winter pursuits will likely come to mind. But away from the snow and ice, one sport that often doesn’t get the recognition it deserves is football, or to be more precise, women’s football.

The Norway women’s national football team have made their country proud since the sport took hold in the second half of last century.

Gresshoppene (The Grasshoppers) as they are also known, have achieved success in all three of the major women’s tournaments and beat some of the world’s best teams along the way.

The early years

In 1978, Norway’s first international match took place, a truly Scandinavian affair against Sweden in Kolding, Denmark, a game that ended 2-1 to the Swedes.

Despite the defeat against their near neighbours, it was the start of a special journey for Norwegians.

Women’s football didn’t emerge competitively in Europe until 1984, and a competition that later became known as the UEFA European Women's Championship.

Norwegian women did not compete in the first tournament, but Denmark, England, Italy and Sweden did take part. It was eventually won by the Swedes, who were crowned the champions after a two-legged final win over England.

Record in Europe

In 1987, Norway did make their Euro’s debut in a competition that was staged on home soil. The format was the same as the 1984 tournament with just four teams (Norway, Sweden, Italy and England) competing.

The Norwegians made it to the final at Oslo's Ullevaal Stadium, where they overcame their Scandinavian neighbours Sweden 2-1 courtesy of a goal in each half from Trude Stendal.

In 1989 and 1991, Norway finished runners-up in the Euros to West Germany and Germany respectively. Then, in 1993, still with only four teams taking part (Norway, Denmark, Italy and Germany), Norway won the tournament again.

A solitary goal gave Gresshoppene a narrow 1-0 win over the host country Italy in the final at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi in Cesena. 

Norway haven’t won the tournament since that triumph in Italy but they did finish runners-up in 2005 and 2013; additionally, they made semi-finals appearances in 1995, 2001 and 2009.

FIFA World Cup success

In 1991, the first competitive Women’s World Cup was held in China. Norway made it to the final where they lost 2-1 against the United States to finish as runners-up.

Four years later in Sweden, the Norweginas went one better and won the tournament. They beat Germany 2-0 in the final at the Raysunda Stadium in Solna, thanks to goals from Hege Riise and Marianne Pettersen.

The WC win in Sweden was the pinnacle for Norway and marked a true golden period for Norwegian women’s football. Whilst it remains their greatest achievement to date, it wasn't the last trophy they picked up.

Olympic Games

In 1996 in America, the first-time women’s game was included in the olympic games, Norway achieved a bronze (third place) finish. Four years later in Australia, Norway battled their way to first place on the podium and a gold medal.

In Australia, Norway qualified for the knockout rounds after finishing in second place in a group that contained The United States, China PR and Nigeria. The Norwegians suffered their only loss of the tournament in the group stages, a 2-0 result against the Americans.

In the semi-finals, Norway edged past the mighty Germany 1-0, before gaining revenge over the United States for the group loss in the final. But it was far from a straightforward victory for the Norwegians at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Norway were leading 2-1 thanks to goals from Gro Espeseth and Ragnhild Øren Gulbrandsen earlier in the game, but deep into injury-time and with victory in sight, Tiffeny Milbret equalised for the United States.

Extra-time followed, and Norway fought back – Dagne Mellgren scored a 102’ minute winner to secure a memorable 3-2 win.

The lean years

Norway have also competed in the Algarve Cup, an invitational tournament set up each year by the Portuguese football association.

With the exception of the 2016 competition, which they did not enter, the Norwegians have taken part in the Algarve Cup every year since its inception in 1994. They won four of the first five tournaments in Portugal (1994,1996, 1997 and 1998) while their most recent win came in 2019.

That win in 2019, even though it was only a minor competition, ended a lean period for Norway – it was their first trophy since their Olympic game’s gold at the 2000 Sydney games.

Not many football teams, women’s or men’s, can claim to be European, World and Olympic champions – but that is exactly what the Norwegian team can boast.

They have taken part in the European Championships on 11 occasions, have made eight World Cup appearances and three Olympic games appearances in the space of 23 years. And they have already had far more success than their male counterparts in the sport. 

Famous players

Undoubtedly Norway's most famous player is Ada Hegerberg. The striker, who currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in France, is one of the most talented and famous players in women’s football.

Hegerberg was capped by Norway 66 times and scored 38 goals between 2011 and 2017.

But in 2017, Hegerberg retired from international football. It was, in part, a protest against how the Norwegian Football Federation deals with aspects of women’s football in Norway.

Hegerberg commented that her time playing for Norway was “deeply depressing” at times and that it left her “mentally broken”.

It is a sad situation, not least because she is undoubtedly one of the most talented female footballers to have come out of Norway.

Norway’s most capped player is Hege Riise, a midfielder who made 188 appearances between 1990 and 2004. The country’s all-time top scorer is Isabell Herlovsen with 67 goals. The striker has been a great servant to the national team with a 133 caps since her debut in 2005.

Another of Norway’s talented current crop is winger Caroline Graham Hansen. The 26-year-old Barcelona player is a joy to watch with the ball at her feet while her acceleration and pace complement that excellent technique.

She has picked up 85 caps for the national team so far and has scored 38 goals since her debut in 2011.

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Norway has many fjords, mountains, national parks and one of the longest coastlines in the world, conditions that allow for a diverse range of wild birds. 

There are a lot of different species to discover in Norway, from puffins to pied flycatchers. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a city or in the much of the Scandinavian country’s isolated wilderness, there are always birdwatching opportunities to be had.

Facts and figures on wild birds in Norway 

Recently, it was estimated that there are between 200 to 400 billion individual birds in the world and approximately 10,000 to 13,000 different bird species. This may sound like a lot but numbers are actually in a decline.

In Norway, there are around 300 types of bird that have a natural habitat in the country. There are also about 200 rare birds that migrate to different parts of the Scandinavian country at special times during the year.  

The birding seasons: what to see and when

The physical geography of Norway ensures a diversity in the bird seasons. For example, northern Norway sits in the Arctic circle while central and southern parts of the country do not. There are also climate differences between west and east.

It is this kind of geographical makeup that allows for slightly different bird seasons depending on where you are.

Winters are cold and dark in this part of the world, so the months of December, January and February are typically quieter for bird enthusiasts with a relatively low species variety. Although coastal areas can still offer up many sea birds, from grebes to diving ducks.

Once Winter draws to a close and spring approaches, you will start to see the first migrant birds arrive in Norway. Skylarks, Lapwings and Starlings are all a common sight at this time of year.

When the temperatures rise during the spring months, the long-distance migrants touchdown. Swallows, willow warbler, pied flycatchers and whinchats travel from the southern hemisphere to breed in the north.

Top birds to look for in Norway

Here are some of the most popular species of bird to look out for in Norway.

Atlantic Puffins

Around 30% of the world’s Atlantic puffins are located in Norwegian territory. Also known as the Arctic Puffins (or just “Lunde” in Norwegian), they are one the smallest of the puffin species.

They are an easily recognisable bird thanks largely to their distinctive colourful bill and their black eyes that often appear triangular due to the dark eye ornaments that surround them.

The Atlantic puffin can be found on both sides of the Atlantic. In Norway, they are most common on the rocky outcrop Bjørnøya (Bear Island) in the Barents Sea and the Svalbard archipelago.

There are also puffin colonies on several islands much closer to the Norwegian mainland, including Lovund in Helgeland and Runde, near Ålesund.

The breeding season usually takes place between April and August each year. The Alantic Puffin can have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years.

White-tailed eagle

If you are lucky enough to catch sight of a white-tailed eagle in full flight, then you are in for a treat. This majestic sea eagle is part of the same family as hawks, kites and harriers.

Habitat-wise, they have a wide range and have been found breeding as far west as Greenland and east in Japan.

The wing cord on an average European male white-tailed eagle is 606 to 645 mm (23.9 to 25.4 inches), while European females have a span of between 605 to 740 mm (23.8 to 29.1 inches).

In Norway, you will find this bird all along the North Sea coast in the west, deep in fjord country, a place where it also breeds.

Common Eider

The common eider is a curious little species. I am often mesmerised by this bird and see it regularly along the banks of one of the fjords here in Stavanger.

On a clear day when you can see several metres below the surface, it is fascinating to watch this duck dive to the seabed for food.

The common eider has a more elongated head and beak than other duck species, which it makes full use of when diving.

As well as Norway, it can also be found across coastlines of other countries in Northern Europe, as well as in Iceland, Russia and parts of North America and Greenland. A common eider has an impressive average lifespan of 58 years.

Mute Swans

Mute swans are commonly found in the U.K., many parts of central Europe and southern parts of Scandinavia.

Before I moved to Norway, I had only ever seen them in lakes or ponds where they breed on the small islands in the middle or at the water’s edge on bundled natural materials.

Here on the west coast of Norway, it is a common sight to see swans living happily in the fjords. I remember the first time I witnessed the elegant animals in Gandsfjorden, I was amazed that they are able to adapt so well to such wild conditions and exposed saltwater life.

The mute swan is a species that is able to lay between four and 10 eggs, and the female will usually brood over them for about 36 days.

I have followed a pair of swans and their cygnets here since June. They are almost eight months old now, and the four little ones (who are not so little anymore) are turning whiter by the day and their grey feathers are almost gone.

They still keep close to their parents, except for one, who from about 5 months old has been quite happy to venture away from the rest on a regular basis.

The Grey Heron

The grey heron is an adaptable bird that can be found in many natural habitats, including lakes, rivers and many coastal areas. The availability of food is the decisive factor that attracts this bird to certain environments.

In Norway, I have seen the grey herons along the banks of fjords, on lakes, rivers and the local beaches.

To my frustration, they are very skittish birds, which makes them notoriously hard to photograph. But I did get lucky recently and snapped one in full flight on Gandsfjorden.

The grey heron is also fairly versatile when it comes to their breeding habits too, which usually occurs between February and June each year. The heron favours trees to build their nests, although low lying areas are also considered as long as they are in quiet and in isolated places.

In the wild, the average life expectancy of a grey heron is approximately 5 years; but sadly, only one third of juveniles make it into their second year due to a number of predators.

Ivory Gull

The Ivory Gull is a rare and elusive bird, primarily found in the icy landscapes of the Arctic. While many are unfamiliar with this bird, it is celebrated for its stunning white appearance and its ability to thrive in some of the world's most extreme climates.

Arctic Norway–in particular, Svalbard–is one of the few places where the Ivory Gull can be observed, drawing birdwatchers willing to invest heavily for a sighting.

Aside from Svalbard, the bird nests in northern areas of Greenland, Russia, and Canada's northern islands. When not nesting, it spends its time traversing the Arctic sea ice.

More information on birds in Norway

is the main bird protection and preservation society in Norway. Their website offers resources and various information about wild birds in the country.

In Norway, it is hard not to show an interest in nature and wildlife, not least because you are surrounded by it a lot of the time. Even in the big cities, the wilderness is only a stone’s throw away.

So next time you are in Norway, why not see how many birds you can spot.

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Moving to a new country can be a stressful thing to do at the best of times and it only gets more difficult when you have to take an animal with you. Here is a handy guide about moving to Norway with a pet.

If you are a pet owner that has ever considered moving to Norway, then you’ve probably wondered about the entry requirements.

There are different guidelines depending on the type of animal and from where in the world you are travelling from.

Whatever your circumstances, the journey will go a lot smoother if you plan well in advance. Here is what you need to know about moving to Norway with a pet.

Norwegians love cats and dogs

Whether you are travelling to Norway with a pampered pooch or feline friend, you will be pleased to know that Norway is a nation full of cat and dog lovers.

In 2019, 31% of Norwegian households owned at least one cat, while 17% of households had at least one dog as a pet.

One of the most popular dogs in Norway is the Norwegian Elkhound. It’s a breed that is native to the region and one that has been around for thousands of years.

Where are you traveling from?

Pets that enter Norway from the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) are treated differently than those that enter from the rest of the world. From January 2021, the United Kingdom is classed as ‘rest of the world'.

Pet passports are commonly used in Europe. For the rest of the world, in most cases, this document is replaced with a health certificate. It is vital that you bring the respective document with you when traveling into Norway with an animal.

The rabies situation in EU/EEA countries is considered safe so you do not normally need to provide proof that your pet has been vaccinated.

However, if you are traveling from the rest of the world, documentation must be produced on arrival proving your pet has adequate protection against the disease.

It is always advisable to check with the in order to get a full overview of the rules before you travel. Despite the name, it is the NFSA that oversees the veterinary guidelines for the transport of live animals into Norway.

Moving to Norway with a dog, cat or ferret

Dogs, cats or ferrets must be clearly identifiable by microchip or another readable marking such as a tattoo. The number of animals you travel with must not exceed five, or your reason for travel could be considered commercial.

Some breeds of dog are classed as dangerous, so it is important that you check with the police before you travel. In some cases, a special permit can be obtained from the police for certain types of dog.

In addition to your dog having been vaccinated against rabies, if you are arriving from a non EU/EEA country, your canine friend must also have been treated against the fox dwarf tapeworm.

On arrival in Norway

When you arrive in Norway with your pet, you must go through the red channel at the border check. After your papers have been checked and ratified, you will then be directed through the green channel for entry into Norway.

If you have lived outside of Norway for one year or more with the pet you are travelling with, you will be exempt from paying any customs duty or VAT on arrival.

Different rules if you are travelling from Sweden

Different rules exist if you travel into Norway from neighbouring Sweden with a pet. Just like EU/EEA rules, a pet passport is required when traveling from Sweden to Norway, even if it’s just a day trip or weekend break.

You do not normally need to provide proof that your pet has been vaccinated against rabies at border checks.

But evidence of treatment against echinococcus multilocularis with praziquantel between 24 and 120 hours before entering Norway must be provided, or confirmation of treatment against the fox tapeworm parasite must be documented.

Different guidelines for other animals

There are different guidelines for those wishing to move to Norway with any pets not mentioned above. Animals such as caged birds, rodents and rabbits are considered pets by the NFSA; however, bird species such as chickens, ender, geese, guinea fowl, ostriches, partridges, pheasants, turkeys and quail are not.

It almost goes without saying but, animals that are intended for the food chain are not considered pets and will be refused entry.

This article is intended to be an initial introduction for moving to Norway with a pet. It is always advisable that you make use of the information available on the and before you travel.

It is also possible to contact the relevant pet owners’ associations in Norway if you have any specific questions, such as the (NKF) for dogs.

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Stavanger is nearly 900 years old and one of the oldest cities in Norway. It's a city that has been built from many years of fascinating history – here is the story of the country’s oil capital.

Stavanger is a city and municipality situated on Norway's south west coast. It's the administrative centre of the county of Rogaland and today the city is the fourth-largest in the country.

The city has an intriguing history from Vikings to petroleum, while its origins as a settlement can be traced right back to the end of the last Ice Age. Here is the story of Stavanger.

Early history

The first settlers in the Stavanger region are believed to have arrived in the years after the last Ice Age. The melting ice around 10,000 years ago brought new peoples to the low-lying coastal areas of the Scandinavian peninsula.

In Norway, Stavanger area was one of the first places in Norway to support a settlement – this likely had much to do with its georgraphy.

The receding ice carved out majestic fjords to the north east of the city and, by contrast, large, open expanses of flat land to the south west of the city. The region of Rogaland in which Stavanger sits is a diverse mix of fjords, lakes, waterfalls, forests, open grasslands and long sandy beaches.

The Battle of Hafrsfjord

Many historians believe that this part of JĂŚren (the district in which Stavanger is located) was both a military and an economic centre from around the 9th and 10th centuries. This is also a time when the city played host to a major battle that went on to change the face of Norway.

The Battle of Hafrsfjord was a naval conflict that was fought in Stavanger between 872 and 900 – the exact year of the conflict is unknown. The battle resulted in the unification of Norway.

Harald Fairhair (King Harald I) was the victor in the battle at Hafrsfjord, and as a result, the Viking chief declared himself as the first king of Norway. He brought a number of separate kingdoms together under his monarchy.

However, some scholars believe it was a far more complicated process than the outcome of a single battle and that the country’s unification was a process that took centuries rather than years.

On the banks of the Hafrsfjord today, you will find The Swords in the Rock (Sverd I fjell), a landmark that was created by Fritz Røed in memory of the battle.

Origin of the city's name

Over the centuries, the origin of the name Stavanger has been debated and discussed. But one popular belief is that the city’s name is taken from Old Norse ‘Stafangr'. In turn, the word is believed to be the name of the narrow inlet of water in the city centre, an area now known as VĂĽgen.

The first part of the Old Norse name is stafr- meaning ‘staff’ or ‘branch’. While the latter part ‘-angr' can be understood as ‘inlet’ or ‘bay’. This would tie in with the naming of the waterway in the city, a place that was the historical centre in the city. Today, VĂĽgen is home to the oldest part of the city, a tourist hotspot known as Gamle Stavanger.

The history of Stavanger cathedral

Two centuries after the Battle of Hafrsfjord, Stavanger expanded into a market town and a centre for the church administration in the region. Around 1100 to 1150 (estimated), the city’s Cathedral was built. This coincided with Stavanger gaining city status.

The cathedral was intially made out of local timber, but the devastating fire of 1272 raised it to the ground. Later, a new stone building was constructed, and this is the one that stands in the city today.

Read more: Stavanger Cathedral

City development

The fire that tore through the cathedral is also believed to have damaged other parts of Stavanger. In the centuries after the city was rebuilt, the population remained fairly steady but in small numbers. By 1759, the count had increased to 3,337, which is in line with the slow growth in other cities in Norway at that time.

For many years, the sea and Herring industry were major parts of the city’s economy. As were the flat expanses of land around the city which were perfect for farming. To this day, the region of Rogaland supplies many of Norway’s vegetables, including potatoes, carrots and cucumbers.

The 19th century saw a shift to shipbuilding. The abundance of timber available in the region and Stavanger’s key position on Norway’s west coast were ideal. But that soon came crashing down in the early 20th century with the rise of iron shipbuilding.

Stavanger in World War II

There are many stories from the Stavanger region from the time of World War II. On the morning of April 9, 1940, the city’s airport in nearby Sola came under attack from German fighter planes. The airport had only been built three years earlier but was seen as a key stronghold in Hitler’s advances in Norway.

The German air assault gradually increased in strength until the parachute battalion took the airport within hours of the attack. During the conflict, there were several injured Norwegian solders but no fatalities; however, on the German side, there were several injured and dead.

Later that morning, German cargo planes dropped containers full of weapons, ammunition and other equipment. In total, some 300 transport aircraft were used to deliver further equipment and hundreds of German soldiers in Sola.

Just after midday on April 9, the Nazis had marched into the centre of Stavanger with little or no resistance from locals. Although the Germans took the city almost without conflict, it did spark a resistance movement by local Norwegians. Many men in the city left for the nearby municipality of Gjesdal, where they joined up with the Norwegian armed forces.

Five years of occupation followed for the region and Norway. The Germans remained in the Scandinavian country until May 8/9, 1945, and the capitulation of Nazi German forces in Europe.

A German hanger at Sola has been converted to host the city's .

Norway's oil capital

Stavanger has had to endure some pretty lean years in the 20th century. But that all changed in 1969 when they struck gold (ok, black gold). The discovery of oil at an oil field called Ekofisk in the North Sea changed Norway’s financial fortunes going forward. Shortly after this initial find, Stavanger was picked as the oil industry’s centre in the country.

It is dangerous for a country to rely on just the financial gains from oil, which for many reasons is an uncertain business. This is mainly due to unpredictable global oil prices that constantly fluctuate. With this in mind, Norway planned for the future.

In 1990, the Norwegian government formed the Oil Fund (Oljefondet). This is known today as the Government Pension Fund Global (GPF-G). The purpose of the GPF-G is to ensure sensible and long-term management of the country’s oil and gas revenues. As of September 2020, the fund has investments in more than 9,000 companies around the world.

Modern day Stavanger

Stavanger has grown form small fishing village into an international hub. It’s Norway’s fourth-biggest city. As of 2019, the city had a population of 135,118, while the urban count stood at 237,369.

There are seven boroughs that make up the city: Hundvüg, Tasta, Eiganes and Vüland, Madla, Storhaug, Hillevüg, and Hinna. The city has its own university, the University of Stavanger, and is also home to several international schools.

In 2008, Stavanger was awarded European Capital of Culture status alongside Liverpool.

The oil and gas industry continue to be a big part of the local economy, while tourism also plays an important role. Agriculture is an important industry in the region surrounding Stavanger.

What's your favourite story from Stavanger's past? If you enjoyed this post, why not share it on Pinterest? Just hit the social sharing button for an ideal pin.

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There are several dog breeds that can list Norway as their country of origin – if only they could write. Sorry, bad joke! But perhaps one of the cutest breeds, and one of my favourites, is the Norwegian Lundehund.

It’s a breed that’s right up there with the Norwegian Elkhound and the Norwegian Buhund in terms of cuteness. The fluffy bundle of joy that is the Lundehund is a dog with some curious and unique canine features. They include, flexible joints and an unusual number of toes on each foot.

These characteristics makes it one of the most interesting breeds in the world. So in true doggy style, I've done some digging and unearthed some pretty cool facts. Here are 8 things you didn’t know about the Norwegian Lundhund.

1. The curious name

The Norwegian Lundehund (Norsk Lundehund), or commonly just Lundehund, has a curious meaning in Norwegian. The word Lundehund is a compound noun: ‘Lunde-’ or ‘lundfugl’ means puffin or puffin bird and ‘-hund’ translates literally as dog. So many just refer to this breed as a Norwegian Puffin Dog.

2. Originally a hunting dog

The origin of the breed name gives us a clue about its initial use. Like many dogs, the Lundehund was originally a working animal. It was used as a hunting dog, mostly on Islands in Northern Norway, because it excelled at sniffing out puffins and their eggs.

Read more: Dogs in Norway

The small nature of the breed meant it was agile enough to get to the bird’s nesting sites, which were mostly located on steep cliffs or in dark caves, places that man would have struggled to get to.

In those days, puffins were a good source of food for the farmers and fishermen who lived on the inhospitable islands. While the down feathers were useful for padding clothes and bedding ect.

3. It’s a Spitz type of dog

The Norwegian Lundehund is a type of Spitz dog breed. ‘Spitz’ is a German word that means ‘pointed’ and is associated with small domestic dogs that have thick – often white – fur, pointed ears and short pointed muzzles.

Another distinctive characteristic of a Spitz dog is its tail. It’s often fluffy and curls up over the dog’s back. Spitz breeds are thought to have originated in cold, northern climates and are often found in Arctic regions and Siberia.

4. Connection to an ancient breed

Ok, perhaps this one isn’t the biggest surprise, but the Norwegian Lundehund origins lie in Northern Norway. However, some believe it’s a descendant of an ancient canine breed called the , after fossilized remains were unearthed in Lapland/Russia.

The Varanger dog is now extinct but lived some 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Just like the Varanger, the Lundehund has on less tooth on either side of its jaw, which is two fewer teeth than all other known dog breeds.

5. It has an unusual number of toes

The Lundehund might have two less teeth than other canine breeds but it makes up for it in other areas. On each foot, it has six fully developed toes, unlike other dogs that only have five. Of those six toes, four are forward pointing and two face inward. The official term(s) for possessing six toes is Polydactyly or polydactylism.

Read more: The Norwegian Forest Cat

This type of feature the Lundehund has is just another reason why they make sure good puffin hunters. The extra toes helped them with their grip on the steep and slippery cliff faces of Northern Norway. They also came in handy when the dog was digging the narrow burrows stalking puffin nests.

6. They can wiggle their ears

Another curious fact about this breed is that they can wiggle their ears. This is another characteristic that aided their ability to hunt efficiently in such a difficult environment.

Not only can the Norwegian Lundehund wiggle its pointy ears, it can also open and close them. This helped protect the ear canal when the dog was hunting underground. The closing of their ears kept dirt and water out, enabling it to concentrate on the job in hand.

7. The Norwegian Lundehund's flexible joints

The Lundehund is one of the most agile dog breeds in the world. A really flexible shoulder joint allows them to turn forelegs out to the side at a 90-degree angle to their body.

Having flailing forelegs like this made it easier to capture puffins in the open. It widened the scope of their reach and enabled them to catch their feathered target more easily.

The puffin dog is also able to bend its head right back, to the point at which it can touch its own back. These types of abilities came in really useful when the dog was operating in the tight confines of tunnels and narrow passageways.

8. They almost became extinct

Government taxes being levied on people keeping Lundehunds coincided with a rise in puffin hunting with nets. Catching the birds in nets was a much cheaper for farmers and fishermen, but it meant the Puffin Dog was no longer needed.

In addition to this, when the Puffin became an endangered species, the Lundehund became almost completely redundant as a working dog. Both changes caused the breed's numbers to dwindle consierably over time.

In the early part of the 20th century, Norwegian Lundehund were discovered on the island of VÌrøy in the small fishing village of Mastad. The seclusion of the isolated islands in Northern Norway, in part, contributed to their survival.

However, their ultimate survival as a breed can be credited to one woman, an English dog breeder by the name of Eleanor Christie. She heard about the Lundehund and fell in love. Christie acquired some of the dogs from the islands and set about breeding them, effectively saving the breed from extinction.

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