Norwegian Fun Facts

10 Fun Facts You Need to Know

Norway is where fjords meet cities, and ancient meets modern. From the west fjords to the northernmost point of Europe, Norway is full of cool stuff. As a photographer, I’ve been there and captured it all. Here are ten fun facts you need to know.

The Midnight Sun: Endless Daylight in Northern Norway

One of the coolest things I experienced when traveling to Norway  was the midnight sun. In summer, above the Arctic Circle, the sun doesn’t set for weeks. I remember standing on a cliff in the Lofoten Islands at midnight, the sun low on the horizon and golden glowing across the landscape. Experiencing the endless daylight during the summer solstice is pure magic and offers endless possibilities.

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Norway’s coast with our Lofoten Photography Collection, capturing the dramatic fjords, rugged landscapes, and serene fishing villages of the iconic Lofoten Islands.

The midnight sun isn’t just a show; it’s a way of life for the locals. Festivals, midnight hikes, and fishing trips are common during this time. The midnight sun affects energy and mood and creates a special time of year when creativity and community come alive.

Norway Brought Salmon Sushi to Japan

You might not know this, but Norway introduced salmon sushi to Japan in the 1980s. Before that, the Japanese didn’t eat raw salmon because of parasites in Pacific salmon. Norwegian salmon farmers had a solution—they presented high-quality Atlantic salmon from the clean waters of the Norwegian Sea. Now, salmon sushi is loved around the world, showing how Norwegian seafood has contributed to global cuisine.

This mix of Norwegian innovation and Japanese tradition shows how Norway can influence other countries’ cuisine while still being itself. Next time you eat salmon sushi, you’ll know Norway brought it to your plate.

The Longest Road Tunnel in the World

Driving in Norway is not just about the views—it’s also about engineering. Like the Lærdal Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in the world at 24 km. This tunnel goes through solid rock and connects the towns of Lærdal and Aurland and cuts the travel time between Oslo and Bergen in half. To prevent driver fatigue, the tunnel has spacious caverns every few kilometers. These rest areas remove the mental strain from such a long underground journey and make the drive safer and more comfortable.

Add timeless beauty to your space with Norwegian Wall Art from Dan Kosmayer’s Norwegian Wall Art Collection. Capture Norway’s fjords, Northern Lights, and sweeping landscapes in every piece.

This is what the Norwegian government does when it wants to connect communities and prioritize safety. It’s proof of Norwegian innovation and infrastructure development.

A King Penguin Knighted by the King’s Guard

One of the most incredible stories is about a king penguin named Nils Olav III living at the Edinburgh Zoo. Adopted by the King’s Guard in 1972 during a visit to Scotland, this penguin has been promoted and even knighted. Nils Olav is currently Brigadier Sir Nils Olav III.

This tradition between Norway and Scotland adds a bit of fun to the military ceremonies. It’s a fun fact that makes you smile and shows how Norway can mix formality with playfulness.

Norway Gives London a Christmas Tree Every Year

Since 1947, Norway has given London a giant Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. This is a thanks to Norway for its help during World War II. The tree, usually meters tall, is chosen from the forests near Oslo.

The Christmas tree lighting is a festival that shows the friendship between the two nations. It shows how gestures can bridge cultures and honor historical ties. It’s one of those things that shows Norway’s commitment to international friendship.

Reindeer Roam Free in National Parks

In Hardangervidda National Park, you’ll find wild reindeer roaming freely on Europe’s largest mountain plateau. Norway has the biggest herd of reindeer in Europe. How wild reindeer live is closely connected to Norway’s Indigenous Sami people, who have herded reindeer for centuries.

These herds must be protected as they are part of Norway’s ecosystem and cultural heritage. Seeing them in the wild was a humbling experience that made me realize the balance between humans and nature.

Norway Loves Winter Olympics and Modern Skiing

Norwegians love skiing—they invented modern skiing, after all. Norway hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1952 and 1994, and they love winter sports. Norway has won more medals in the Winter Olympics than any other nation and is the most successful nation in the games' history.

Discover iconic Oslo wall art with scenes from Norway’s vibrant capital, explore images of Norway at night capturing the Northern Lights and serene fjords, and bring the beauty of Scandinavian wall art into your space with minimalist landscapes and striking Nordic views.

Whether watching a local biathlon or skiing myself in the Winter Olympics, I felt the nation’s energy and passion for excellence. Skiing is not just a sport here; it’s a way of life that’s part of the country’s DNA.

The Northern Lights: Nature’s Light Show

Seeing the northern lights in northern Norway was a bucket list experience. On a cold winter night above the Arctic Circle, I stood under a sky of fire and colors. The Aurora Borealis is best seen here and attracts travelers and photographers from all over the world.

The northern lights are beyond words. Local legends say the lights are reflections of spirits or messages from the ancestors, adding to the mystique of this natural wonder.

The Cheese Slicer: A Norwegian Invention

In 1925, Thor Bjørklund invented the cheese slicer, a kitchen staple in Scandinavia. Frustrated with uneven cheese slices, he modeled his design after a carpenter’s plane. This simple tool changed cheese cutting worldwide.

Norwegians who eat cheeses like Brunost, a traditional brown cheese, appreciate how the cheese slicer improves the experience of eating cheese. It’s a fun fact about Norway that shows how everyday objects can have a big impact on our daily lives.

Two Official Written Forms of the Norwegian Language

Norway is the only Scandinavian country with two official written languages: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Both are taught in school and used in government and media. The country's linguistic diversity reflects its many regional histories and commitment to cultural preservation.

Reading literature and signs in both forms helped me better understand the Norwegian language and the nation. This coexistence makes Norway more inclusive and respectful of its linguistic heritage.

These fun facts about Norway are just a tiny taste of what makes this country incredible. From the midnight sun and northern lights to introducing salmon sushi to Japan and inventing the cheese slicer, Norway never ceases to amaze and delight.

Now go! Or? 😉iosis and facts about Norway. Norway is awesome! 😉😊🏔️