Inspiring Lessons from Norway (greenest country?)

Ready for your quick-stop tour of Norway? Then la oss begynne!

Norway is home to the most northerly town on earth (Longyearbyen) where it is not beyond the realms of possibility to bump into a roaming polar bear (unless he eats you, which he may do if you get too close).

This country holds the current title of ‘world’s greenest country’ but some say it gets points knocked off for still hunting whales (often served to unsuspecting tourists as ‘steak’).

Norwegians Don’t Boast of Wealth

Janteloven is the Scandinavian social code, that says no-one is better than anyone else, simply to an achievement. Many people think this is key to why Nordic countries are happier. If you own a boat, fine. But if you boast about it, you’ll be frowned upon.

Norway is Powered by Water!

Nearly all of Norway is powered by clean energy (hydro water power). Even fjord ships tend to use electric power.

Norway Has Wonderful Public Transport

Trains and buses take you through the most beautiful scenery, even if you are freezing to the bones. Likely they heat their public transit well.

Like the rest of Scandinavia, it’s easy to walk and cycle everywhere, and a wonderful place for people who love the quiet outdoors. Oslo is (like Copenhagen) one of the world’s most walking-friendly cities, and you could easily live here without a car.

Or if not, catch a ferry to wherever you’re going. There are over 10,000 electric bike charging stations nationwide, and Oslo even has a restaurant that serves Michelin-grade food, made from leftovers.

Norwegian is a Good Language to Learn!

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Norwegian is apparently the language our children should learn, as it has the same vocabulary. School ‘first languages’ of French and German are actually some of the most difficult – plus it’s unlikely most of us will ever use them again.

Norwegian has similar verbs and grammar to English. And there would be a lot more ‘A grades’ if that was the main first language to learn at senior school:

Here are some simple phrases, you’ll likely know what they are already:

Hei! (hello!)

God morgen (good morning!)

Takk (thank you)

Sommer (summer)

Vinter (winter)

Midnatt (midnight)

Temperatur (temperature)

Vind (wind)

Storm (storm – the same!)