Do not smile at strangers and do not carry an umbrella: advice to follow when traveling to Norway

Norway is a fascinating tourist destination, and the people here are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors. However, there are some social mistakes that you should avoid to prevent unintentionally offending anyone.

Knowing these social norms and customs will help you show respect for Norwegians and also have a positive and enriching experience from the trip. NewsBytes reports on this.

Don't smile at strangers for no reason

If you are in a waiting room and a stranger comes in, for example, they might think you are either drunk or crazy for smiling at them.

It's not that Norwegians are grumpy or unfriendly; it's just that they don't typically smile at strangers. Respect their reserved manner and avoid making them feel uncomfortable by forcing a smile.

Do not confuse their reserve with rudeness

Their idea of politeness is slightly different from what you are used to. Instead of engaging in small talk with strangers, they prefer to respect each other's personal space. So don't mistake their reserve for rudeness.

Norwegians appreciate a calm and quiet environment, so most of them consider it impolite to speak too loudly.

Do not say anything negative about the king

The role of the king and the royal family in Norway is mostly ceremonial. The real power lies with the elected government. Since 1905, no king has vetoed a single law. Perhaps it is the neutrality of the royal family that makes them so respected in society. In addition, the current King of Norway, Harald V, is a particularly beloved figure.

Do not drink alcohol on the streets on weekdays

Norwegians have a unique relationship with alcohol. Due to their Lutheran past and state monopoly, drinking alcohol on weekdays is generally frowned upon.

However, when the weekend rolls around, it is culturally acceptable to drink to your heart's content and party hard. If you plan to take your drinks outside, wait until Friday night when the whole country joins in the fun.

Don't carry an umbrella; wear a raincoat instead

The weather in Norway is unpredictable, especially in spring, fall, and summer. It can start and stop raining several times in one day. As a result, Norwegians do not consider umbrellas to be very practical.

They won't judge you for using an umbrella, but they might find it amusing when you keep opening and closing your umbrella as the weather changes.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about the most common mistakes made by travelers. We also offered tips on how to improve your travels.