Do as the Norwegians
Explore Norway like a true local!
Visit the land of the Viking row
Did you also get a bit curious about the country that shaped the quirky, fun and tough members of the Norwegian fotball team?
Norway did not win the World Cup, but the Norwegian national team and their supporters rowed their way into many hearts.
Come and check it out for yourself!
Here's a bucket list for all you Norwegian football fans!
1. Let's row!
First things first. Do you know the story behind the famous Norwegian viking-inspired fan ritual "ro, ro, ro"? The chant is actually rooted in ancient Norwegian rowing traditions, fjords, and life by the sea. "Ro" simply means "row".
2. Get to know the Vikings!
First: The real Viking helmets didn't have horns!
Strong, proud and with a stamina like no other. Dig into the Nordic Viking heritage. Meet the modern Vikings in Njardarheimr Viking village in Gudvangen!
3. Row the fjords
The fjords were Norway's main thoroughfares for thousands of years, and rowing was a way of life.
These dramatic landscapes have a star quality that could match even Haaland's, especially while you're in a kayak!
By the way, did you know that "ro" also means "calm" in Norwegian?
Experience it on a silent and comfortable electric fjord cruise!
4. On the right track
How to get to the fjords? By taking one of the world's most beautiful train journeys! The Flåm Railway runs between the fjord village of Flåm and Myrdal station in the mountains, corresponding with the Bergen Railway.
The train journey is also a part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell roundtrip starting from Oslo or Bergen.
5. Row like the royals
Selfie spot!
Every Norwegian, even the Royal Family, joined in on the row during the World Cup! On the palace grounds outside of the Royal Palace in Oslo, HRH Crown Prince Haakon rowed for Norway together with tens of thousands of Norwegians!
6. Eat like Norway's national team
The Norwegian football team's own chefs brought 116 kilos (!) of brown cheese and 300 kilos of salmon to the World cup.
Both are must-tries when visiting Norway!
7. Visit Haa-land
Explore Erling Braut Haaland's hometown of Bryne! Tourists and journalists from all over the world are flocking to the small town in the district of Jæren in southwestern Norway.
8. Go "Haaland zen"
If you have ever seen Erling Braut Haaland score goals, you have probably seen his famous "zen" or "meditation" pose, sitting cross-legged on the pitch with his eyes closed and fingers touching his thumbs.
Looks relaxing, does it not?
9. Viking wellness
Ready for a challenge?
The Norwegian fotball players know how to tackle both the heat and the cold. Do you? Warm up in a Norwegian badstue, sauna, and build character by jumping into the Arctic waters or taking a snow bath!
10. Join the Arctic football fever
The Norwegian team was a true underdog in the FIFA World Cup. But the Norwegian football club Bodø/Glimt brought UEFA Champions League north of the Arctic Circle for the very first time!
The club's success is not only a story about how greatness can grow in the most unlikely of places, it's also a story about a forward-leaning city, full of determined and creative people.
11. Lights in the dark
Yes, we lost this time. But the Norwegians know that even in the darkest of times, the most beautiful lights can still dance across the sky.
Be grateful for what life brings you – and proud of what you achieve.
