DON’T IGNORE GOOD ADVICE

Norwegians are rather reserved and avoid actively interfering with their guests’ plans. However, if someone who knows the place even hints that the weather might change and that it could be better to make your hike or fishing trip shorter rather than longer, accept this a being well-meant advice – and follow it.

DO SAY ‘THANK-YOU’ FOR EVERYTHING

The little word takk is the basis for all politeness and is often a door opener. The Norwegians even thank you if you ask how they are. But, they never say ‘thanks for everything’ – takk for alt. That is reserved for tombstones, wreath ribbons and obituaries. The Norwegians are much more precise about thanking: after a meal takk for matten, after a pleasant evening takk for i kveld and for the last get-together takk for sist.

DON’T OFFER SPIRITS

In a country where drinks are so expensive, it is a great temptation to try to gain favour through a bottle of wine or even hard liquor. However, that can easily backfire. Especially in the south and west, many people prefer to stay away from alcohol and find it rather objectionable if wine or schnapps is offered.

DON’T GET IMPATIENT

Norwegians do not push and shove. There is a widespread saying in the country ting tar tid (all good things take time) and this applies to road construction just as it does to service in shops. This is different with beer. It is tapped with very little gas and your glass will be full in less than 15 seconds – and you have to pay immediately!

DON’T RISK A TRAFFIC FINE

There are speed controls everywhere. The lowest fine is 600 NOK and it will cost you almost three times that (1600 NOK) if you travel more than 6–10 km too fast in a 70-km zone. Turning without indicating and driving without dipped headlights will each take 2000 NOK away from your holiday budget. Don’t drink and drive: the limit is very low. With more than 0.2 parts per thousand alcohol in your blood is a punishable offence, with more than 0.5, you will lose your license. Foreign drivers are fined and the authorities in their home country informed.

DON’T STOCK UP FOR YOUR REFRIGERATOR AT HOME

Take the export restrictions on fish seriously (see ‘Travel Tips’). The fish stocks in the fjords are endangered; you can have easily get into trouble with the customs authorities and talk of anglers who leave their holiday resort on the coast with a full deep freezer on their trailer also disgruntles the locals.