10 ways to visit Norway – from home

1. Let the Vikings into your living room

Yes, it is absolutely best to see real Viking ships and authentic Viking sites up close. But since that isn’t possible right now, why not get the Viking Period right into your living room, through popular tv series like “Vikings” (HBO) and “Norsemen” (Netflix)?

We can all learn from the Vikings right now. Those toughies lived through many a long winter under the same roof, and could be trapped in their longships for weeks at a time. Without Netflix. Maybe not so strange, then, that they urged to get away from home and "act out" a little bit in the summertime... Thank goodness for Fortnite!

2. Read Norwegian “Easter crime”

Talking about the slightly more bestial sides of Norwegian history, yet another of our traditions is hugely relevant quite soon: to sit by the fireplace or under a blanket in the sofa with a good book. Preferably a dramatic one. Easter time is the peak season for murders and mysteries in Norway – in the form of crime novels. At international online bookstores, you’ll find well-known Norwegian crime writers like Jo Nesbø, Samuel Bjørk, Tom Egeland, Anne Holt, and Jørn Lier Holst.

NB! We understand that being together 24/7 in close quarters might evoke a plethora of feelings. Just don’t get too inspired by what you read …

3. Turn your living room into a Norwegian mountain cabin

Do you dream of Norwegian cabin life? Recreate that cosy atmosphere at home! Put on a woollen sweater and longies, light some candles, and decorate the sofa with sheepskin, before you get out the dice game Yahtzee and a deck of cards. New card games are just a google search away. At home, you can also play solitaire with real cards instead of hiding behind your large work screen.

And it doesn’t matter if you haven’t showered (today either). Then your hairdo will look like an authentic “hyttesveis”.

4. Learn the noble art of "kos"

The Norwegian word “kos” means the kind of instant happiness you get when you feel safe, warm, and happy, alone or together. Norwegians are experts when it comes to enjoying themselves both outdoors and indoors, as the winter in Norway can last for up to eight months in some places. Think atmospheric lighting, the right music, candles, soft pillows, and clothes that are more comfortable than Instagram-friendly.

5. Sort through your holiday snaps

You probably have more than 5,000 pictures lying around from when you were hiking to Trolltunga, enjoying yourself in the sun by the Sognefjord, driving along some of the beautiful Norwegian Scenic Routes or picnicking on a white beach in the Lofoten Islands. And they all look like the ones below, right? Now you have the time to both reminisce and dream about your next trip to Norway – and maybe even finally make that photo book.

Haven’t been to Norway yet? Create your own Pinterest board with the Norwegian locations you want to visit – and follow visitnorway on Instagram for more inspiration!

6. Have a break – have a waffle!

Waffles = “kos”, which we need a lot of right now. Try making them yourself with our recipe – unless your Norwegian girlfriend already has a secret one?

If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can pour the batter into a frying pan and make a thick pancake, which will turn out quite similar to the Norwegian ferry favourite “svele”. Enjoy with butter, or jam and sour cream. The brown cheese will have to wait until you get here in person.

7. Try out Norwegian “friluftsliv”

If you’re allowed out of your house, copy many Norwegians favourite activity and get into the great outdoors – go for a hike, a jog, or a bike trip. Not only is it good for your physical and mental health, but it can also help keep the peace indoors. Pass others at a distance – at least two metres – but feel free to bring a friend along - via your cool, new air pods and your phone.

If you can’t go out, try picnicking in your garden or on your balcony, if you have one.

8. Go camping

Let the Norwegian polar explorers inspire your inner adventurer. Dig out the old camping tent and go on that camping trip you’ve been talking about for ages. Just practice setting up the tent in your garden first. It’s no fun to stand out in the wild with a hole in the canvas and realise that the pegs are missing.

If you let the kids do the work (YouTube will teach them how), you’ll get a couple of hours to yourself as well. And you might not even get out of the garden – but it can still be a magical micro-adventure for the whole family.

9. Enjoy a sun-warmed wall

All Norwegians have a special place in their heart for “solveggen” – any warm wall you can lean against and finally feel the heat from the sun on your face after a long winter. Feel free to inflate the flamingos from last year, put on sunglasses, and fill up your glass before you move out onto the sunny balcony. Just remember that your neighbour is probably home too, so listen to the playlist from your last holiday in Norway through headphones. If you have a guitar, though, and can actually play, the people around you might join in.

10. Go on a virtual holiday to Norway

Remember that this too will pass, even though it might not feel that way right now. Take the time to dream about your next holiday to Norway. Find inspiration and plan your trip on Visit Norway’s website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channel. Until then, take care of yourself and your family and friends. We’ll see you soon!