Norway is a country that’s getting more and more recognition and is becoming increasingly apparent in our culture, despite the fact that a lot of backpackers are put off by its prices. Whether it’s the detective dramas, the football team, the ethos or the crime books, it’s hard to pin point the reasons that Norway, like lots of Scandinavia is all the rave at the moment. So, I decided to compile a list of the more offbeat things that you need to do on a trip to this fantastic northern European nation.
6 things you don’t expect to find when Travelling in Norway
Eat Weird Animals
The Norwegians have a number of animals that we don’t have further south in the UK. The moose, the reindeer and the whale are all common and roam the countryside. Even more notable is the fact that people like to eat all three. Smoked moose and smoked whale are common foods and Norwegians see them as a delicacy. In addition, expect to see plenty of moose paraphernalia no matter where you go – that said, visitors to the country love it and you probably will too.
Dis-orientation
You may know this, but Norway’s position so far north on the globe means there are times of the year that you can expect almost complete darkness throughout the day and during the summer; you may expect up to 24 hours of light. It’s quite an astonishing experience when you realise that you’re sitting outside having a beer in near daylight at 2am in the morning. It will be disorientating no matter how much you prepare for it.
Norway’s odd daylight hours can disorient you!
Alcohol is Strict
If you’re under the age of 23 then it’s worth taking note of this before you go to Norway. The legal drinking age for spirits in the country is 23 – this means you can’t buy or drink hard spirits until you almost in your mid-20s. However, don’t despair, if you’re 18 you can drink beer and wine – though it can be £3 a can or more than, as much as you pay for a beer in a bar elsewhere. If buying spirits it’s also worth noting that all liquor stores are state owned and only open until 6pm each day – so be prepared.
Me and my top Norwegian mate Lief having a beer but alcohol can be strict.
Gambling in Norway
Gambling in Norway runs along a similar vein to that of a lot of other Scandinavian countries in that it’s regulated. Even though there are no casinos in Norway, horse racing is very popular, as is the lottery, known as Norsk Tipping. Sports’ betting is also quite common in the country too. The country may not have casinos, but it does have 21,000 slot machines, and for those who do want to play casino, there are popular online options that provide a Nordicbet casino bonus, where numerous online offerings are available in the country.
Allemannsrett
This is the perfect law for those who love the great outdoors. The law allows you to pitch your tent anywhere you want in the country and just go for it. It’s the perfect solution to expensive hostels and hotels and means people can get back to nature for a lot less. It’s perfect for a trip up the Atlantic highway.
Transport is Great but Bad at the Same Time
Public transport in Norway is very good, however that’s when you take the Fjords into account – they obviously aren’t ideal for travelling around. Often a place that’s quite close as the bird flies is a long way by land because of this. Maps may make it look a lot closer than it is – beware.
Norway is a fantastic country to visit and a beautiful place with a very unique feel to it. So, take these tips aboard before going there and enjoy. According to a Facebook game I played recently, Norway is the place I am recommended to live in! We shall see.!
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