How to behave in social situations in Norway: practical etiquette tips

Travelling in Norway is an amazing experience! To make the most of it, it's important to understand cultural differences so that your social interactions are as pleasant and respectful as possible. Norwegians are known for their polite and reserved behaviour, and although they are open to interacting with tourists, there are a few important things to keep in mind so as not to violate local etiquette – and this is all part of the fun! In this article, we'll explore the general rules of conduct when meeting Norwegians, at the table and in various social situations, so that your interactions with the locals are as comfortable and harmonious as possible.

What should you do when you meet Norwegians?

When meeting Norwegians, it is important to respect their personal space and social rules. Norwegians like it when people are direct, but they do not like it when people are too pushy. So, when you meet a Norwegian, don't hug or shake their hand too much unless they first offer it to you. The most common greeting is a simple handshake.

Don't ask personal questions at first. Norwegians are usually friendly, but they like to keep their personal lives private. This means they might not want to have a casual chat with someone they just met. It is good to talk about topics that everyone is interested in, like the weather, travel or culture.

What is the correct behaviour at the table in Norway?

When eating in Norway, there are a few simple rules you should follow:

• Arrival time: Make sure you get there on time if you've been invited for dinner or lunch. People in Norway are very punctual. Being late can be seen as rude.
• You can use the cutlery. Norwegians like to use a knife and fork for every meal, even for foods that others may eat with their hands. Remember this, especially if you are having a traditional Norwegian lunch or dinner.
• We had a nice chat. When you're eating, it's fine to chat about things like culture, nature and travel. When you first meet someone, don't talk about controversial political or religious topics. These can cause confusion or discomfort, especially if you are unfamiliar with the local situation.
• Here's some advice about tipping: In Norway, tips are usually included in the bill, but you can leave 5-10% of the bill if the service was particularly good.

What is the correct behaviour at events and celebrations in Norway?

Norwegians love holidays and cultural events, but there are a few things you should know so you don't offend them:

• Restraint and respect are needed. At public events, be polite and show respect for others. Norwegians like to have fun on holiday, but they also like to see their family and friends. So it's better not to be too loud or too emotional.
• Clothing: The clothes you wear should be suitable for the event. For formal events or visits to theatres and museums, people usually wear smart or semi-formal clothes. But for less formal events, like picnics or hiking, it's best to wear comfortable and practical clothes.
• Personal space: Norwegians like to have their own space. At public events, try to keep your distance. This also applies to private conversations: avoid asking overly personal questions or showing curiosity about other people's lives.

How can you show respect for local culture and customs?

When you are in Norway, it is very important to show respect for local customs and culture:

• People who are interested in culture are interested in: Norwegians are proud of their culture, history and nature, and they will be happy to share it with you. Ask questions and show interest in local traditions, crafts and art, but don't be too critical or doubtful of the value of their culture.
• Modesty is... It is important to show respect for the culture of modesty that is characteristic of Norway. Don't brag about your achievements or try to stand out, especially in public places.
• Show respect for nature. Norway is known for its respect for the environment. When you're on holiday in the countryside, there are a few things you can do to help protect the environment. First, don't leave any litter behind. Also, try not to damage the natural world. And finally, follow any rules that are in place at natural sites and protected areas.

Norway is a country that truly values equality, respect and restraint, and these values are at the heart of its etiquette. It's so important to be modest, avoid overly personal questions and respect personal space. Dinners and events are the perfect opportunities to show how much you care! Make sure you follow the rules of politeness and punctuality, and show the people you're meeting the respect they deserve by getting to know their culture. Master these principles and you're sure to become a local favourite!

We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in the comments! If you have any interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, we would love to hear from you – please leave a comment! We can't wait to hear from you, because we're on a mission to create the most popular and useful blog about Norway!