How the Concept of Norwegian “Friluftsliv” Can Save Your Life

The Norwegian concept of Friluftsliv is the new Scandinavian concept that reached international news, after Danish hygge and Swedish lagom. In 2018 I held a TEDx Talk explaining what it is and why you need it in your life. Two years later, we are in the middle of the Corona crisis and friluftsliv is even more needed for people all around the world and especially Europe … Continue reading How the Concept of Norwegian “Friluftsliv” Can Save Your Life

Rights: Ole Johnny Hansen for afroginthefjord.com

Dating in Norway: the Strangest things only Norwegian men say

All of these are true, either experienced by me or some of my female friends. Okay okay, some I made up, not that many actually. Hey, no one said it was illegal to have a little imagination 🙂 You can try to guess which ones I made up though, a good test to know whether you know Norwegian society well, or whether you know me … Continue reading Dating in Norway: the Strangest things only Norwegian men say

The Real Reasons why Norway is the Best Place on Earth

This blogpost is inspired by an article published in The Huffington Post stating 25 reasons why Norway is the greatest place on Earth. Here are my own reasons Norway is that place. Before I tell you why I think Norway really is the best place on Earth, let’s get this straight: Norway is not the best country on Earth for everyone. Norway is the worst place … Continue reading The Real Reasons why Norway is the Best Place on Earth

The Definition of “Fun” for a Norwegian

You and I have fun while lying on a beach with friends, stuffing ourselves with chips in front of a movie or going to play curling. All of those things also enter the category “moro” (fun) for Norwegians, but there are so many other things which are fun for them and not at all for the rest of the world. This gap is striking when … Continue reading The Definition of “Fun” for a Norwegian

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10 Tips to Visit Norway on a Budget

Many foreigners coming to visit Norway get a little surprised, or shocked is probably the best word, when realising the price of things in this country. From transportation to food in restaurants, everything except maybe for smoked salmon is more expensive in Norway than most Western countries. The kroners (NOK), Norway’s currency, confuse you at first and then when you convert it to euros or … Continue reading 10 Tips to Visit Norway on a Budget

How to Prepare for a Norwegian Easter

“So what do Norwegians usually do for Easter?” I ask my friend. “Usually we go to our cabin, go skiing and eat lots of eggs”. “Eggs? You mean chocolate eggs?” “No, regular eggs”. WTF. Like real eggs? Do they also eat real rabbits instead of the chocolate ones? These people take the whole Easter thing way too seriously. (Check it out: Norwegians ate 35 million … Continue reading How to Prepare for a Norwegian Easter

What is a Butter Boss (smøresjef) and other Norwegian lessons from the Winter Olympics

Every “happening” in Norway is an opportunity for us foreigners to learn about Norwegian customs: wearing a bunad for the 17th of May, drinking oneself to death and sleeping with one’s colleague for the Julebord (Christmas party), living in one’s underwear without taking a shower for 4 days during a hyttetur and so on. More recently, the Winter Olympics made me realise that sometimes Norwegians … Continue reading What is a Butter Boss (smøresjef) and other Norwegian lessons from the Winter Olympics

Why do Norwegians lose it during the Winter Olympics?

It’s been the Winter Olympics for over a week now and Norway is on the edge. The edge of glory or the edge of a national crisis. As a foreigner not particularly into the Olympic Games I can feel a palpable change of mood in Norway since the beginning of these games. Every new day of competition can bring either tears of joy and pride … Continue reading Why do Norwegians lose it during the Winter Olympics?