norway.co.ukLocal Traditions and Customs in Norway
Whilst Norway is a very cosmopolitan country where most people will speak good English there are a few local traditions and customs in Norway that are worth knowing about if you are planning a trip here. These include:
- Christmas - the Norwegians start to celebrate Christmas on the 24th. Their kids are visited by Nisse who are mischievous elf/troll like creatures.
- Flowers - if giving flowers as a gift in Norway then avoid lilies, carnations and white flowers as they are traditionally used at funerals.
- Modesty - Most Norwegians are modest and will not ‘blow their own trumpets’ about their achievements. So, they don’t like people who boast or who lack humility.
- Norwegian Constitution Day - on May 17th every year Norway celebrates the day when its constitution was set out. This is a public holiday.
- Shoes - if you are visiting a Norwegian at home then it’s better to take your shoes off at the door as it is considered rude not to.
- Toasts - toasting the health of people at a meal or when having a drink is important in Norway. If someone is being toasted then you should look at them, take a drink and then look at them again to be polite.
- Work/Social Mix - Norwegians tend to keep their work and social lives separate. So, they don’t tend to socialise with work colleagues and, if they do, they probably won’t talk about work.