Norway Culture and Food

Typical Norway

Fjords

Fjords represent Norway like no other symbol. It is the typical landscape along the entire coast. There are over a thousand fjords in Norway. Between mighty mountains these inlets lead far inland. Although they look like lakes, they therefore carry salty sea water with them. From the mountains, which often rise steeply next to them, waterfalls flow down again and again. Incidentally, the fjords are often very deep and therefore large cruise ships can also pass through them.

Trolls

Another symbol for Norway are the trolls. They are giants and come from Nordic myths, i.e. stories from very old times. They also appear in fairy tales. Trolls are supposed to live in the vast forests of Norway… If you ever come across one, you will definitely recognize him: Trolls are tall and mostly hunchbacked, with a big belly and a knobbly nose. You have four fingers on each hand. Some have only one eye, others have multiple heads. Trolls are also a popular souvenir in Norway, for example as carved figures.

Norwegian sweater

Another typical Norwegian is the Norwegian sweater! It is a knitted sweater with a pattern. The octagonal star is particularly typical, but points, stripes and reindeer can also be depicted. Black, white and red were the typical colors, today they are available in all possible combinations, but rarely more than three colors are used. By the way, the sweaters are called Lusekofte in Norwegian.

Skiing

When we think of skiing, the Alps are most likely to come to mind. Norway is also a true paradise for skiers. There are more than a hundred ski areas. Many important inventions from skiing also come from Norway. So Sondre Norheim invented the first modern ski binding in the 19th century. In addition to downhill skiing, you can also go cross-country skiing in Norway.

Northern lights

According to historyaah, northern lights are not only found in Norway, but the likelihood of seeing them here is quite high. These lights are best seen in September, October or March. Scientifically, the northern lights at the North Pole are called Aurora borealis. The lights dance green, pink or purple across the sky at night. Why do they arise at all? It’s pretty complicated, but it has something to do with the sun. When it hurls particles into space and hits the earth’s magnetic field, they are led to the magnetic north pole. In doing so, energy is released that we see as the northern lights.

Norway northern lights

Eating in Norway

What do you eat in Norway?

Fish, dairy products and grains are important foods in Norway. Side dishes are mostly potatoes. As bread, people like flat flatbread, either in dried form, which is then flatbrød. Or you can eat it as lefse. This is the name given to a round, soft flatbread made from potatoes, rye and wheat flour. The main meal in Norway is taken in the evening. It’s called Middag because it was eaten earlier for lunch. They are eaten between 5 and 6 p.m.

Not just salmon

With such a long coastline and many rivers and lakes, fish has always been a common food in Norway. The Norwegian salmon is sold in many other countries, but is also eaten in the country itself. But herring, cod, cod and mackerel are also popular. We still like stockfish: it is made durable by drying. In Norway, people like to process it into lutefisk by soaking the stockfish in water with lye and then boiling it. It then becomes typically “wobbly”. There is traditionally pea puree and potatoes.

Beef, sheep and whale – meat!

But meat is also on the Norwegian menu. It comes from sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens, as well as from elk and reindeer. Whale meat hardly plays a role today, but it is also available. Well-known meat dishes are Kjøttkaker (meatballs in brown sauce, similar to the Köttbullar from Sweden), Fårikål (mutton with cabbage) or Pinnekjøtt (cured lamb ribs).

Something sweet, please!

The Norwegians also like sweet baked goods. Cinnamon rolls are called Kanelboller here. Boller are actually sweet milk rolls. With vanilla filling, they become summer bollers. You can find a recipe for them in the participation tip !

A popular cake is Krassekake. Rings made of baked marzipan are glazed in a loop shape. Kransekake is often served at weddings or on New Year’s Eve.