Norway
is known for its fjords, Arctic landscapes and rich Viking heritage,
but there’s far more beneath the surface. Discover the surprising
facts, cultural quirks and hidden stories that reveal the deeper side
of this Nordic nation.
• Norway has a town where the sun doesn’t rise for two months each winter.
• In Longyearbyen, it’s illegal to die — the permafrost prevents proper burial.
• Norway has a “hell” — a real village named Hell that freezes in winter.
• The country’s brown cheese, brunost, tastes sweet and caramel-like.
• Norwegians eat more frozen pizza per capita than any other nation.
• Norway created the modern paperclip design.
• The world’s first fully electric commercial ship launched in Norway.
• Norway was one of the earliest adopters of electric cars and leads global usage.
• The cheese slicer was invented by a Norwegian carpenter in 1925.
• “Allemannsretten” gives everyone the right to roam freely in nature.
• Personal space is valued — small talk with strangers is uncommon.
• Shoes are removed when entering most homes.
• Alcohol is tightly regulated, with dedicated shops selling wine and spirits.
• Quiet, respectful behaviour is expected on public transport.
• Roald Amundsen was the first person to reach the South Pole.
• Edvard Munch painted “The Scream,” one of the world’s most iconic artworks.
• Magnus Carlsen is considered one of the greatest chess players in history.
• Henrik Ibsen shaped modern theatre with groundbreaking plays.
• Norway has over 1,000 fjords, many carved by ancient glaciers.
• Trolltunga is one of the world’s most photographed natural rock formations.
• The Lofoten Islands sit above the Arctic Circle yet have mild winters.
• Norway’s coastline is one of the longest in the world due to its fjords.
• The Northern Lights are visible for months in Norway’s far north.
• Outdoor life — “friluftsliv” — is an essential part of Norwegian culture.
• Norwegians value equality and simplicity in daily living.
• Cross-country skiing is considered a national passion.
• Weekend cabins (hytter) are central to family life and relaxation.
• Norwegian holiday celebrations include traditional foods like ribbe and pinnekjøtt.
• Bunads, traditional costumes, are worn with pride on national holidays.
• Norwegian literature ranges from sagas to modern noir fiction.
• Salmon is a staple, and Norway helped popularise sushi-grade salmon globally.
• The Vikings were skilled sailors, explorers and traders across Europe.
• Stave churches are unique medieval wooden structures found throughout Norway.
• The Kalmar Union once joined Scandinavian kingdoms under one crown.
• Norway’s constitution, created in 1814, is one of the oldest in Europe.
• Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) towers over 600 metres above the fjord below.
• The Atlantic Ocean Road is a scenic coastal route with dramatic bridges.
• The Midnight Sun illuminates northern Norway throughout summer.
• Svalbard is home to polar bears and untouched Arctic landscapes.
• Norway leads the world in electric car adoption.
• The Northern Lights appear regularly in winter.
• Norway has over 1,000 fjords.
• The cheese slicer was invented here.
• Vikings explored as far as North America.
• Norway gifted a Christmas tree to London annually.
• Brown cheese is a national favourite.
• Svalbard has more polar bears than people.
• “Right to roam” is protected by law.
• The country has some of the world’s highest living standards.
• Skiing is deeply embedded in daily life.
• The coastline stretches over 25,000km.