As soon as the typical Norwegian gets a day off, he goes skiing in Norway’s beautiful mountains. When he cares for a rest he eats homemade bread with homemade brown cheese, which he has sliced with the Norwegian invention – the cheese slicer. At least, so the traditional tale tells us. But like most stereotypes, this one does not fit all Norwegians. It might resemble what some would do, for a few days a year, but like other modernised and globalized countries,  Norway is a blend of different cultures, and different ways of life. A typical Norwegian might be a dedicated housewife, a hard rock enthusiast or a highflying businesswoman.

The typical Norwegian is hard to find. Nevertheless, the Norwegian culture is rich on idiosyncrasy, and everyone who visit the country will surely pick up on something he or she thinks is special about Norway.  

Most Norwegians are proud of Norway’s rich and varied nature. The country has mountainous terrain which is well suited for both hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Even more special for Norway is the numerous fjords, which attract thousands of tourists each year. Another attraction is the midnight sun in the northern parts of the country – where the sun refuses to go down at night in the summer. If you are lucky you can also see the “northern lights”, a spectacular natural phenomenon on the night sky.

Most Norwegians are proud of the country’s history of winter sports. Norway is one of the most successful winter sports nations in the world. The 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer was a big national happening.  

The nation also unites during the celebration of the national holiday, the 17th of May. The day is especially the children’s day. Everyone carries a Norwegian flag and walks around in the streets celebrating the country and its people.