Slow Travel through Norway Q&A
The culture of Norway is rich and varied, and it's easy to see why it's one of the most visited countries in Europe. The country is known for its stunning nature, but it's also packed with museums, art galleries, and festivals. There are plenty of great restaurants serving up traditional Norwegian food and drink. Norway also has a thriving tech scene which is supporting the increase of opportunities for remote workers.
What is the history of Norway?
Norway is a country in Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden to the east, Finland to the northeast, and Russia to the north. Norway has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, with Greenland and the Arctic Ocean to the north and northwest.
Norwegian history dates back to about 870 CE and has been marked by conflict with Sweden, Denmark, and Russia. In 1814, Norway was ceded from Denmark by the Treaty of Kiel after being under Danish rule for about 400 years. Norway declared its independence from Sweden in 1905 but remained neutral during World War I. It became a sovereign state in 1905 when it signed an agreement with Sweden that allowed it control over its own affairs while remaining part of a personal union with Sweden until 1905; this meant that Sweden could still control foreign policy issues as well as many domestic ones such as defense policy. Norway remained neutral during both World Wars but was occupied by Germany in 1940; after five years of occupation it regained its independence thanks to Allied forces.
The country has a population of 5 million people who speak Norwegian (a North Germanic language), Sami (a Finno-Ugric language), Kven (a Finno-Ugric language), English (the primary foreign language taught in schools).
What is the cost of living in Oslo?
Oslo is one of Europe's most expensive cities. In terms of living costs and quality of living, it can be compared to San Francisco, New York or London.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Oslo City Centre is around $1,600. A decent meal out on a weeknight should cost you around $50 per person and dinner for two at a nice local restaurant is around $160.
What are the best things to do in Norway?
Three places to visit in Norway are Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger.
Trondheim is a city of contrasts. Traditional wooden houses, churches and schools sit side by side with modern architecture. It's also home to the world's largest museum devoted to Moomin - those popular cartoon characters created by Tove Jansson who lived in the area for 25 years. A great way to see Trondheim is on foot or by bike - but you can also rent a boat or try your hand at some rock climbing or skiing.
Next suggestion would be to go to Bergen and visit the famous mountains - The Seven Mountains. The second thing to do in Bergen is to hike the mountain or cross country ski and snowshoe, depending on the season. The last thing to do is learn the story of how gold was discovered along these seven peaks. There are also several attractions close by, including an aquarium, a music museum and an art museum.
Stavanger is a charming, vibrant city that has a lot to offer! Join the local guides on an exciting and informative city walk through this historic, vibrant city. Learn about the old and new architecture, admire the many boutiques, take photos at the Stavanger Naturhistoriske Museum and enjoy our Norwegian waffles from Mufos as we stroll through Gamle Stavanger.
What is the best food to try in Norway?
The best food to try in Norway is the traditional lutefisk. This traditional Norwegian dish is made of dried, salted cod that has been soaked in caustic soda or potassium hydroxide to remove the salt and any remaining bones. The fish then has to be cooked in a lye solution for several hours.
They have different types of cod, some that are smoked and others that are served raw - often with a dill sauce.
Other seafood dishes that are worth trying include shrimp, lobster, Krabbesandwich (lobster sandwich), kaviar (caviar) and various types of pickled fish like lutfisk (a type of fish jelled by fermentation in salt water) or sill (freshwater herring).
What are the best things to do in Oslo?
Oslo is a city of art and culture, steeped in nature and history. See the best of Oslo by visiting the famed Vigeland Sculpture Garden, taking a boat ride through the fjord and finding relaxation at one of the many spas and natural hot springs located throughout the region.
The city of Oslo has it all: museums and art galleries, parks to explore, an abundance of outdoor activities, new restaurants, cozy cafes, and shops selling everything from flowers to fine jewelry.
Does Norway have a large expat community?
Norway has a small expatriate community of mostly international business professionals and wealthier retirees. The country’s reputation as one of the world’s wealthiest and most prosperous places contributes to an expensive cost of living that can be difficult to maintain for expats living on a modest budget.
Does Norway have co-working spaces for digital nomads?
Yes, you can find co-working spaces in Norway. They are present in Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim. Some of them offer memberships to digital nomads only, while others require you to apply and be accepted by their regular members.
What is the best way to learn the Norwegian language?
Norwegian is one of the hardest languages to learn, as it differs so greatly from English. Foreign language learners usually struggle with the difficulties of native intonation and grammatical structure.
However, there are a few good ways to acquire some basic knowledge about Norwegian: Duolingo, watching videos on Youtube and living in Norway.
Which airlines have direct flights into Norway?
Norwegian, Scandinavian Airlines, Finnair, British Airways, American Airlines, Ryanair, Singapore Airlines and Wideroe all fly direct to Norway.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway?
The Northern Lights in Norway are best seen during the Arctic winter months from December to March.
