Welcoming introduction to discover Norway’s history with our guest Kristin Skjefstad Edibe : In 1814, the Treaty of Kiel transferred Norway from Danish to Swedish rule. Norway accepted a union with Sweden under a common monarch, while retaining its own constitution and national assembly. Cultural nationalism led to economic nationalism in the 19th century. Norway demanded its own national flag and consular service in order to promote its maritime commerce. After Sweden was unwilling to concede these points, Norway’s national assembly (Storting) declared an end to the union with Sweden on June 7, 1905. Sweden accepted, and a treaty of separation was signed on October 26, 1905. Norway chose Prince Charles of Denmark as its king, who assumed the name of Haakon VII and ruled until 1957. Discover even more details on the subject here : Kristin Skjefstad Edibe.

Tromsø and the land of the northern lights : The capital of the Arctic, Tromsø, is located right in the middle of Northern Norway. Northern lights, whale watching, midnight sun, and epic nature adventures are the features of this region. The conditions are superb for ski touring, biking and hiking in the Lyngenfjord region. The Sami culture is prevalent in towns like Karasjok and Alta, and the northernmost point of Europe can be reached at the North Cape.

Norwegian gastronomy : There has been a formidable change in attitudes towards Norway’s food traditions in recent years. When it comes to food and drink in Norway, a culinary revolution has been quietly taking place in the last few years. Restaurants and ordinary kitchens have seen a dramatic rise in local and organic food. What really characterizes Norwegian cooking is largely found in rather unique agricultural customs: sheep, cows and goats graze in outlying pastures along the coast and in the mountains. A cold climate and unpolluted land are ideal for slow growing vegetables and fruit and berries without the extensive use of pesticides. Modest farms that produce milk, cheese and beef in healthy environments are virtually disease-free and subject to strict regulations when it comes to animal welfare. And of course, the extensive coastline gives Norway long and rich seafood traditions.

Norway – a world class art destination. 1. MUNCH MUSEUM: Check out no less than three versions of the iconic painting The Scream at MUNCH in Oslo. 13 floors are dedicated to the famous expressionist painter Edvard Munch’s life and art. The highly distinctive museum building, designed by Estudio Herreros, has been specially designed for major art exhibitions. With its 26,313 square metres and 11 galleries, the museum is tailor-made for the world’s biggest collection of art by Munch, as well as works by other Modernist and contemporary artists, often related to Munch’s art. 2. The NATIONAL MUSEUM: More iconic Munch paintings await in the new National Museum, next to Rådhusplassen, the square by Oslo City Hall. Opened to the public on June 11, 2022 the biggest art museum in the Nordic countries exhibits highlights from its collection of more than 47,000 art works and objects. Here, you can experience art from famous international artists like Renoir and Monet, and of course works by Norwegian masters, including Harald Sohlberg’s Winter Night in the Mountains – sometimes referred to as “Norway’s national painting”. The museum’s collection includes the earliest versions of The Scream, by Edvard Munch.

Norwegian creativity, the lesser known of the Scandinavian arts and craft, has its own flavour reflecting the more reserved national temperament. A new wave of designers are making themselves heard, while the classic icons are rediscovered. Lighting, rainwear, wool and passports are among the Norwegian designs that are attracting worldwide attention. Many of the Norwegian designers are now working with the international market in mind, inspired by global trends. That means it can be difficult to define a unified Norwegian design, even though factors as nature-inspired forms, graceful lines and light are prominent. The Norwegian nature, weather and way of life have also set its mark on the work of many designers. It’s probably no coincidence that some of the most renowned clothing brands the last few years have produced rainwear, or warm garments made of wool. They make clothes for ordinary people with a sense of style, while luxury clothing made from Norwegian fashion designers are a rarity. Norwegian designers have worked a lot with lamps and lighting – perhaps natural considering the long and dark winters.

Norwegian architecture is experiencing very exciting times. Urban developments and bold designs are taking shape all over the country. Those projects often reflect a powerful, raw contrasts in nature. One of the fundamental principles of Norwegian architecture is that architecture should always be in constant dialogue with its surroundings, including the abundant nature in the country. Natural, sustainable materials like wood are often present. Norwegian architects are taking wooden constructions to new levels in all types of building in cutting edge contemporary architecture.

The most popular sport in Norway is, by far and away, football. While football only comes third by television viewership (after biathlon and cross-country skiing), the sport is the most popular one in terms of active membership, with 8.5 percent of the population playing it! Even though the national team is lesser known, Norway has produced famous players and managers such as Erling Haaland and Ole Gunnar Solskjær