[13] Norway has a total area of 125,021 square miles (323,802 square km), which includes Bouvet, Jan Mayen, and Svalbard Islands. Although Leif was born in Iceland, his father was the famous Norwegian Viking – Erik the Red. Today, Norway is still a major exporter of culture – and the world’s biggest exporter of black metal music. Remember this is only a very basic level introduction and is not meant to stereotype all Norwegians you may meet! A Norwegian proverb claims that ’Norwegians are born with skis on their feet’. There is a reason why the Norwegians are among the happiest people on earth. Norway’s art and culture range from Viking culture and wooden stave churches via the paintings of Edvard Munch and writings of Henrik Ibsen to modern design and cutting-edge architecture. June 20, 2017 at 11:53 pm. It Must Be My Royal Bloodline. However, even if sports and culture largely depend on voluntary work, cultural events in Norway are not free. Leif Erikson is the original European discoverer of North America and the United States. The place swarms with Norwegians with and without skis that have come to cheer national and international cross-country stars through the 50-kilometre race. Norway is the most Succesful nation at the Winter Olympic Games! Especially considering the total amount of the population. Did you know that there are two separate versions of the Norwegian language? When Norway was occupied the puppet government Oslo ordered Norwegian ships in international waters to call back to Norway or an Axis port. Norway’s art and culture range from Viking culture and wooden stave churches via the paintings of Edvard Munch and writings of Henrik Ibsen to modern design and cutting-edge architecture. There is such a big difference in our way of talk all around the country, so most of us have trouble understanding each other . Voluntary work in Norway, however, transcends efforts made through dugnad. The primarily used version is called “Bokmål” and the second one is called “Nynorsk”. Volunteer work also creates a sense of community – and  is often social and fun. {{/}} For example, now it’s 22:11 and it’s still bright outside. Prices may even be perceived as high. <3 {{? The Northern lights though, I should probably have been more clear regarding that :), Having lived in Norway for 22 years now i knew all of these and as a bonus here is a little known fact you left out…, Norwegians hate the winter At least all the ones i know and have met do. {{preprice}} Subscribe to our mailing list * indicates required. Some of the famous dishes of Norwegian cuisine include smalahove (dish made from sheep’s head)… The Fjords of Norway are world famous and each year tourists from all around the world come to admire their beauty. Norway was originally called Nordweg, meaning the “Northern Way.” [6] Norway’s national symbol is the lion. In the 19th century, Norwegian culture blossomed as efforts continued to achieve an independent identity in the areas of literature, art and music In Norway there is also a widespread culture for participating in and contributing to culture and cultural growth. Svalbard is the only place in Norway with Polar Bears in the wild – Photo: Shutterstock. And the sun will rise again just a few hours after midnight. About 10,000 BC, following the retreat of the great inland ice sheets, the earliest inhabitants migrated north into the territory which is now Norway.They traveled steadily northwards along the coastal areas, warmed by the Gulf Stream, where life was more bearable. She was from the northern most part of the country. That’s a lot of money! {{pricing}} From October to March, it’s possible to get a glimpse of the magical and natural light show, also known as Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. As an international student in Norway it can therefore be a good idea to check if it is possible to volunteer at events such as festivals. Definitely one of the most interesting facts about Norway because before the introduction, the Japanese didn’t serve salmon sushi, and now it’s one of the most common options when you go to a sushi restaurant in Japan. And about dialects! Total Population: 5,295,619. To make this even more fun, I want to challenge you. Norway highest mountain is called Galdhoppigen and is 2,469 m/8,100 ft high. Culture is not, however, only consumed. The unique Norwegian farm culture, sustained to this day, has resulted not only from scarce resources and a harsh climate but also from ancient property laws.