🌿 Live, don't overwork: Norwegian work–life balance for beginners

The land of fjords has remained at the top of happiness rankings for years, not because of luck, but thanks to simple rules of everyday life. Here, time after work is valued as much as time in the office; weekends and evenings are not ‘spare time’ for tasks, but personal territory. This is supported by a respect for nature (friluftsliv — ‘living in the open air’), a desire for neighbourly mutual assistance (dugnad), and the cosiness of home (kos — when you are surrounded by loved ones, warmth and tranquillity). In this article, we will examine what work–life balance looks like in practice, why people leave work early here (and how newcomers can avoid feeling guilty), and where to go for an evening hike or run if you live in Oslo or Bergen.

⚖️ What is work–life balance in Norway and how does it work in practice?

Balance is not a motivational poster, but a set of clear rules. The working day is shorter, meetings are scheduled for the first half of the day, and a lunch break is mandatory. People try not to check their email or chat apps in the evenings or on public holidays; the right to ‘switch off’ is the norm, not a whim. Teams plan tasks in advance so that no one has to work late. Most people go home after work to spend time with their families, play sports, or go for a walk by the water or in the forest. The culture is complemented by friluftsliv (getting out into nature in any season) and dugnad — when neighbours get together to paint a fence, clean up the yard and maintain common areas.

Let's move from principles to daily habits and your place in this system.

🏃‍♂️ Why do Norwegians leave work early, and is it okay for foreigners to do the same?

Here, the day is built around life, not the other way around. Kindergarten, training, dinner with loved ones are just as important as deadlines. Therefore, meetings after 4 p.m. are rare, and ‘heroic’ overtime is not encouraged. Foreigners can and should do the same — it is important to agree with your manager on clear hours of availability and mark offline time in your calendar in advance. The focus is on results, not on ‘sitting’ in the office. If a task requires evening work, take time off or come in later the next day. The main thing is transparency and respect for other people's time: give notice, plan ahead and keep your word.

Now for the practicalities: how can you fit nature into your daily routine when the days are short?

🚶‍♀️ How can you fit an evening hike/run into your daily routine in Oslo/Bergen?

In Oslo, the easiest option is a loop around Sognsvann (about 3 km) or the paths along Akerselva: flat, well-lit, and close to the metro. For a quick snapshot of the city, climb Grefsenkollen or take a walk through Ekebergparken. If you love the sea, head to Bygdøy: promenades, parks, sunsets. In Bergen, there are trails on Fløyen (easy and close), the Stoltsenkliv staircase for sprints, and a loop around Lille Lungegårdsvann in the centre. In winter, take a headlamp and a reflective vest, and in icy conditions, studded shoe covers. The plan is simple: work → snack → 45–60 minutes of exercise → shower → evening with loved ones. Friluftsliv starts at your doorstep, not on holiday.

The Norwegian way of achieving balance is a habit of keeping work within limits and prioritising life. Simple things help: planning your day in advance, respecting other people's time, the right to ‘switch off’, short trips to the water or the forest, and a culture of ‘doing things together’ through dugnad. As a result, weekdays don't consume weekends, and you have energy left for both yourself and others. Come to this Scandinavian capital of tranquillity and see how close home, a walk in the park and office tasks can be. Try a week according to the local rules and compare how you feel. Share your life hacks, photos of evening walks in Oslo and Bergen, and questions in the comments — we will help you choose routes and tailor a schedule to suit your life.