15 Extraordinary Things About Norway That Will Make You Want to Move There

The Nordic country is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating natural phenomena, and distinctive wildlife, many of which are exclusive to this region. If you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind travel experience, Norway should be at the top of your list. Here are some of the most remarkable things that make Norway stand out, and may even entice you to book your next flight to this Nordic country.

1. “Segway in rural Norway.”

• In Norway, the rural population witnessed a decline of 1.52% in 2021 compared to the previous year, with a count of 901,946. As a comparison, in 2018 the count was 942,971.

2. “Spring in Norway”

• When it comes to snowfall, Norway experiences extreme seasonal variation, with the snowy period lasting for 6.1 months, from October to April. The month of January sees the most snow in Norway, with an average snowfall of 16.7 inches. On the other hand, the snowless period lasts for 5.9 months, from April to October, with the least snowfall occurring around July 21.

3. “Visited Norway for the first time. Wasn’t disappointed.”

• The Norwegian goat, also known as the Norsk Bukk, is a domestic breed developed in Norway. These goats are medium-sized to giant, with bucks typically weighing between 150–200 pounds. One of the most striking features of the Norwegian goat is their long, shaggy coat, which comes in various colorations, including gray, blue, white, or pied. Their distinctive coat consists of a longer outer coat and a thick undercoat, providing protection from the chilly winters in Norway.

4. “A reindeer joined us on the beach today outside Harstad, Norway.”

• Contrary to popular belief, Norway’s wild reindeer do not live in the Arctic but instead roam free in the vast Hardangervidda National Park, Europe’s biggest mountain plateau. During winter, the total number of wild reindeer in Norway is around 25,000, with up to 7,000 of them found in the Hardangervidda region. The park provides a unique opportunity to witness these majestic animals in their natural habitat.

5. This is one way to mow the roof lawn.

• Sod roofs support biodiversity by creating a space for local plants to thrive, even in urban areas. These roofs serve as a habitat for birds to nest and insects to breed. Furthermore, the vegetation on these roofs helps to absorb rainwater, which can reduce annual runoff by 40% to 90%. During winter, the plants keep the home warm, while in the summer, they keep the house cool. The vegetation also acts as a sound barrier, absorbing external noise and creating a peaceful indoor environment.

6. This bus stop library in Norway. The signs on the tables say: “Have a nice day.” and “Bring a book on your journey.”

• Building cozy and warm bus stops and shelters is very popular in Norway, with many of them appearing all over the country. That’s why a competition was announced a few years ago. The bus stops were required to have a representative and recognizable theme that users could easily identify.

7. “Oslo, Norway has mobile charging stations that are powered by solar panels.”

• Norway’s reliance on hydroelectric power for domestic power usage is staggering — 98% of it comes from hydroelectric power plants. This figure sets Norway apart, as it generates more electricity than the top 8 countries globally that use renewable energy combined. To further reduce carbon emissions, the Norwegian government has been encouraging the use of wood and other forms of biomass for heat and power, instead of fossil fuels.

8. “In Norway, a large school of fish is frozen just under the water’s surface, near the northern island of Lovund.”

• Off the coast of Norway, a stunning sight has emerged: an entire school of fish frozen mid-swim. The occurrence happened near Lovund, a small island located just a few miles from the northern shores of the Norwegian mainland, due to a sharp eastern wind that caused part of the ocean to freeze. Despite the temperature only being −7.8 degrees, the wind chill factor was enough to freeze the fish in place, creating a fascinating and unusual scene.

9. “Awesome bridge in Norway”

• The Storseisundet Bridge is an iconic attraction that forms part of the famous Atlanterhavsveien road connection. It is the longest of the 8 bridges along the route, and its unique design allows it to weave through the surrounding archipelago. As a recognized national tourist route, the bridge is located on the border between Eide Municipality and Averøy Municipality, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists exploring the region.

10. “Norway. Close to midnight, no lights needed.”

• The closer you get to the North Pole, the longer the period of daylight becomes. Above the Arctic Circle, visitors can bask in up to 24 hours of sunlight during the summer season, providing more time to explore the breathtaking scenery and create unforgettable memories. When planning your midnight sun adventure, consider the 6 main areas of Northern Norway as you journey further north.

11. The bicycle escalators of Norway.

• Trondheim, Norway has found a solution to a challenging hill climb for bikers with the innovative CycloCable, or Trampe Bicycle Lift. This bike escalator, which has already transported over 200,000 cyclists, is a 150 m long incline equipped with a powered angled platform where bikers can rest their foot while their body and bike are propelled forward at a speed of 5 mph.

12. “Eastern Norway now has silly walk crossing signs.”

• One place where Monty Python’s humor is appreciated is in the small town of Ørje, Norway. There, fans of Monty Python gather to watch sketches and discuss their favorite moments. The town has even built a dedicated Monty Python park, which features a giant foot statue and a recreation of the famous Spanish Inquisition sketch.

13. “In Norway, they have little shelters to keep your bike seat dry.”

• Over the past decade, bicycle sales have experienced steady growth, which can be attributed to bicycles being considered a durable good within the consumer goods category. Maybe it’s because there is a growing focus on healthier lifestyles, particularly in North America, Europe, and certain parts of Asia. Bicycles are now considered an appealing alternative to cars for short to medium distances, like commuting to work or buying groceries.

14. “On my way home from work.”

• Norway is a country that is filled with natural beauty. From its picturesque cities to its endless forests, fjords, and mountains, you won’t have to go far to rest your eyes upon something spectacular. Norway’s beauty is truly awe-inspiring and is sure to leave you breathless. In fact, no matter where you look in Norway, beauty is all around you.

15. “In Norway, you get a small amount of money for recycling bottles/cans. They’re often collected by poor people or the homeless.”

• Norway has been at the forefront of establishing a deposit return system (DRS) for reusable bottles since 1902, making it one of the first countries in the world to do so. The country’s system for non-refillable or “one-way” containers like cans and PET was implemented in 1999. What makes Norway’s DRS unique is that it was created voluntarily by the beverage and grocery retail industries. Today, a basic tax for beverage producers is imposed on all single-use containers, and a variable environmental tax is reduced as return rates increase.

In case you are interested in seeing and learning more things about Norway and Scandinavia, here are a few more articles:

• 25+ Photos That Prove There Is No Place Like Scandinavia
• 10 Scandinavian Secrets to Turn Your Home Into a Place of Dreams