How to get the best out of the Norwegian capital, you ask? We’ve got you! Read on for the most essential information you need to know in order to have a good time – from networking opportunities to cultural codes, music festivals, green living, getting around, and where to eat and drink.
Celebrating 17 of May Norways national day in bunads.
Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen/Maverix Media AS
There are a few things however that could be called “typical Norwegian”.
As a foreigner in Oslo, you might find yourself questioning for instance what a “dugnad” or “matpakke” is – two crucial components in the life of a Norwegian.
Dugnad is a widespread concept that can be explained as a joint effort in your spare time, such as fixing the communal garden together or cleaning up the local football field. You will often be invited to a “dugnad” in the building you live in or through school.
A “matpakke” is a packed lunch, usually involving slices of bread with cheese or jam and perhaps a fruit, and is common amongst children and adults. To go hiking or skiing with a “matpakke” with bread and cheese, an orange, and a “Kvikk Lunsj” chocolate is probably the most cliche and quintessential Norwegian thing imaginable.
Nature is the holy grail in Norwegian culture, being both a beloved topic of conversation as well as a refuge from the busy life in the city. Some Norwegians own their own cabins in the mountains or by the sea, and others rent or borrow throughout the year. In winter, it is common for many Norwegians to leave the city and stay in their cabins during the weekends.
Do not be surprised if you find your colleagues rushing off Friday midday in order to beat the traffic and reach their “hytte” in time for “Gullrekka” – a common name for a series of Friday entertainment programs on the Norwegian broadcasting channel, NRK. Happy weekend!
They are celebrating the Norwegian Constitution Day, 17th of May and dressed up with "bunad".
Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen/Maverix Media AS
Norwegians enjoy quite a few public holidays, such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, in addition to Easter, Labour Day, and Ascension Day. Most important of all is the Norwegian Constitution Day on the 17th of May (amongst the population just called “17.mai”). You can read more about it here.
On “17.mai”, there are children’s parades all over the city, and many people carry Norwegian flags in the streets, often dressed in the traditional clothing called “bunad”.
The Pride festival has also become an important celebration in recent years, gathering several thousands of Norwegians across the country. During the celebrations, make sure to check out Pride Park in Oslo, a festival arena in the heart of the city.
For a full overview of the public holidays for schools in Oslo, have a look at City of Oslo (Oslo kommune).
