NorwayExplainedLillehammer is one of those Norwegian towns that quietly gets everything right. Set on the northern shore of Lake Mjøsa with forested hills on every side, it blends small-town charm with world-class outdoor experiences, Olympic history, and culture you can actually touch. I grew up visiting relatives in the area and still stop in for … Read more
Kristiansand is the sunny capital of Southern Norway, a seaside city with white wooden houses, island-dotted horizons, and a relaxed pace that makes it easy to breathe. It is compact, walkable, and genuinely family friendly, yet there is more than enough here for culture lovers, food hunters, and anyone who wants a dose of Norwegian … Read more
Geilo sits high in Hallingdal between Oslo and Bergen, framed by Hallingskarvet and the vast Hardangervidda plateau. It is one of Norway’s original mountain resorts, known for easygoing alpine skiing, excellent cross-country trails, and a summer season full of hiking, biking, and family-friendly adventures. With reliable winter conditions and crisp summer air, Geilo works year-round … Read more
Stavanger is a compact coastal city on Norway’s southwest edge, famous for its white wooden houses, colorful street art, and easy access to the dramatic Lysefjord. It blends maritime history with an energetic food scene and some of the best beaches in Norway. I grew up visiting family in Rogaland and have spent many weekends … Read more
Hemsedal is one of Norway’s classic mountain destinations, loved for its big alpine feel, dependable snow, and easy summer access to rugged peaks and trout-filled rivers. Sitting midway between Oslo and Bergen, it has the charm of a valley village with the playground of a full-scale mountain resort. If you want a place where you … Read more
Gol is a friendly mountain town in the heart of Hallingdal, perfectly placed between Oslo and Bergen and surrounded by the gentle highlands of Golsfjellet. It is small enough to feel local, yet big enough to be a useful base for skiing, hiking, cycling, and family adventures. If you want a taste of classic Norwegian … Read more
Fredrikstad is one of those places that sneaks up on you. Just over an hour south of Oslo, this riverfront city blends a living medieval-style fortress town with a relaxed, seaside vibe and island-hopping on its doorstep. It feels intimate yet full of small discoveries: cobbled lanes in the Old Town, cafés along the Glomma … Read more
Cabins are woven into Norwegian life. We head to the mountains or the coast to unplug, ski, fish, and linger over long dinners with a view. If you want to experience Norway like a local, renting a hytte is the way in. The challenge isn’t whether cabins exist; it’s knowing where to book the right … Read more
Buying a home in Norway as a non-Norwegian can feel like learning a new language while juggling snow boots and coffee. The good news is that Norway’s system is transparent, consumer friendly, and highly regulated. If you understand how bidding works, what the paperwork looks like, and where the hidden costs sit, you can move … Read more
Sundays in Norway have a different rhythm than the rest of the week. The streets are quieter, families head out for hikes, and the retail scene slows right down. If you are visiting from a country where Sunday shopping is the norm, it can be surprising to find shutters down on most stores. With a … Read more