Local culture in Norway

Expats may initially struggle to adjust to the local culture in Norway. From the icy weather and dark winter months to the shockingly high prices in supermarkets, it can take some time to settle into a new normal here. 

Foreigners frequently report that Norwegians are difficult to get to know. While Norwegians can be wary of strangers, they will slowly open up once they are familiar with someone. Once you manage to break through the frosty exterior and make a Norwegian friend, you'll often find that you have a friend for life.

Cultural differences in Norway

Much of Norwegian life can be understood by a social value called Janteloven, similar to conformity and equality between all people. As a result, it is still considered inappropriate for people to flaunt their wealth, achievements or career status.

Norwegians are known for being reserved, honest, humble and straightforward people. They don’t like hierarchy, so an expat’s boss will be more likely to ask for their opinion than give them orders. 

Expats may also discover that Norwegians are not outwardly social and are unlikely to greet in shops, in the street or even in social settings until they know someone. Extroverted expats should use their skills to get to know people. Work is a good place to socialise and meet others, but new arrivals should not be surprised if they are the only ones who want to socialise after work. Norwegians put a high priority on spending time with their families and are likely to go home straight after work.

Language barrier in Norway

Norway has two official languages: Norsk and Sami (spoken by the indigenous Sami of the north). English speakers have an advantage, since most Norwegians speak some English and anyone born after 1960 is probably quite proficient, if not fluent. English may be widely spoken in the cities, but it's less so in the rural areas and towns. 

Expats won’t necessarily need to learn Norwegian (unless they want to become a citizen), but it will certainly be useful in adapting to life in Norway and is a good way to integrate into the local community.

Office culture in Norway

Foreigners may find Norwegian working hours surprisingly lax and flexible, and very family- and sun-friendly. Norwegians work hard and are effective during work hours, and Norwegian companies expect employees to work between 8am and 4pm. On the rare warm and sunny days of the year, some companies close up shop at 3pm to allow their employees time to be with their families, play sports and be outdoors.

Employees with children can usually leave by 3.30pm or 4pm to pick them up from daycare without the need for an excuse or explanation. If your children are sick, it's also often possible to stay home for a few days to take care of them. These general rules apply to the public sector and most private sector companies, but not all of them. Also, certain jobs do not allow for this kind of work balance, such as consultancy and senior management positions.

Doing Business in Norway

Climate in Norway

One major challenge for expats moving to Norway from warmer climates is coping with the cold weather and long, dark winters. Between 6.5 and 19 percent of the population suffers from some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs during the winter months and is related to lack of sunlight.

Most foreigners find the winter months tiring at best and unbearable at worst. Some tips for handling the winter include:

• Wearing properly warm clothing

• Getting a sunlamp at home and in the office

• Taking a mid-winter trip to a warmer climate

• Partaking in winter sports such as skiing

Weather in Norway
Got Light? The Importance of Sunlight in the Nordics
Surviving Winter in the Nordics as an Expat

Food in Norway

Depending on your taste in food, you may find Norwegian cuisine takes some getting used to. Staple foods are fish and rice or potatoes. Lunch is usually eaten during a half-hour break, and consists of cold spreads of fish, meat, eggs, and vegetables on slices of bread, often accompanied by a glass of milk. There is more variety than this in most cafeterias and restaurants, but don’t be surprised to find colleagues eating these open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) every day.

Norwegian delicacies include pinnekjøtt (dried meat eaten at Christmas), lutefisk (dried whitefish prepared with lye), rakfisk (salted, fermented fish), risgrøt or riskrem (rice porridge), ribbe (fatty pork eaten around Christmas) and smalahove (sheep’s head).

Religion in Norway

Though Norway’s government is officially linked to the Church of Norway (a Lutheran church), the country is highly secular. Religion and personal faith are not common topics of discussion. There are many churches and a few temples and mosques, but controversy remains over some religious faiths and practices, such as wearing the hijab.

LGBTQ+ in Norway

Norway's culture is accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals, and in 2006 the country became the first Nordic state (and sixth country worldwide) to legalise same-sex marriage. Conversion therapy has been banned since 2023, and discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is illegal.

Anyone can change their legal gender, and no surgery is necessary to do so. It's worth noting, though, that there is no legal recognition of non-binary gender, with the only available options being male or female.

LGBTQ+ culture is openly celebrated in Norway, with Oslo Pride being a major event that draws attendees from near and far.

Women in Norway

Norway is a world leader in gender equality, and expat women in Norway can rest assured that they will be treated with fairness and respect. 

While truly equal representation in politics and leadership is a way off, the country has made major strides. Around 45 percent of parliament is female. Numerous high-ranking roles in the Norwegian government have been held by women, including the role of Prime Minister, which has twice been held by female candidates.

Despite laws that mandate equal pay for men and women, a gender pay gap of around 12 percent still exists in Norway. The government sees this as a priority and continues to work at improving the situation.