Welcome to Norway! We have a lot to offer here, including a good mix of fjords, skiing, brown cheese and "why isn't anyone talking to me?"-moments. There's no need to panic - we Norwegians are just a little shy until we get warm in our woollen socks.

❄️No bad weather, only bad clothing: Norwegian weather is a study in itself. You can experience all four seasons in one day. Is it raining sideways? Perfectly normal. Does it snow in May? Absolutely. Just dress in layers and be ready for weather talk. It's Norway's best icebreaker (literally).

🏞️"Out and about, never grumpy": You'll hear the word "friluftsliv" - which basically means that Norwegians love to go out into nature and pretend to enjoy it, whatever the weather. You will be invited on a trip. Say yes, but be prepared for the fact that "a little hike" could mean walking 3 miles up a mountain. Bring a snack (slices of bread with brown cheese are a classic) and a quick lunch. But remember: "ut på tur, aldri sur" - you'll need to memorise that one!

🤫 Silence is golden: Don't take it personally if Norwegians don't talk much. We love silence - it's like little breaks in conversations that just hang in the air. If you want to become a master of Norwegian small talk, try to say as little as possible. Just nod and smile - and whatever you do, don't be the obnoxious loud guy! We would never.

🌮Taco Friday: This is a national tradition! Every Friday it's standard to eat (not-so-traditional) tacos, also known as Norwegian tacos. Lots of sour cream, cheese, and tortillas - basically everything mild. Join in and you'll get bonus points for setting up your own taco party.

🛍️Harry-trip, anyone?: To save money, we often travel to our neighbor Sweden on a day trip to shop for goods that are cheaper than in Norway - called 'harrytur'. This typically includes food, alcohol, tobacco and other goods. Why don't you bring a group of friends and take advantage of the lower taxes and fees in Sweden?

🍺Afterski: Norwegians love après-ski (afterski) because it combines two things we love: skiing and socialising. After a day on the slopes, it's great to relax with music, a good atmosphere and something tasty to drink. It offers opportunities to celebrate an active day outdoors, meet friends, and enjoy the unique cabin atmosphere that often characterises ski resorts in Norway. In the summer, on the other hand, we rarely say no to a beer garden 😎

🪣'Dugnad' - mandatory volunteering: If you're invited to volunteer - say yes! It's like a Norwegian gathering where everyone in the neighbourhood does things like painting fences or raking leaves. And yes, it's "voluntary", but don't say no... it's social suicide.

🏡Cabin fever: If you're lucky, you'll be invited to somebody's cabin. It's like a sacred space for Norwegians. Cabin life is simple: no internet, long ski trips (even if you can't ski), and endless amounts of board games. Perfect for getting the full Norwegian experience.

Norwegians may be a little quiet and reserved on the surface, but underneath the layers of woollen socks you'll find a warm and friendly people. So enjoy your time here - go hiking, eat tacos, and embrace the silence. And remember - always dress for three seasons in one day!