Module 15:
Is winter a good time to explore Norway’s cultural heritage?

The Sami are the indigenous people of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Norway has the biggest population, with around half of the world’s 80,000 Sami.

This means plenty of opportunities to experience the Sami way of life. Visitors can camp in a traditional lavvo (Sami tent), get close to reindeer, listen to joiks (Sami folk songs) and go to Sami art exhibitions.

Northern Norway is the best region for a genuine Sami experience. The town of Karasjok is Norway’s indisputable Sami capital with around 3,000 residents and some 60,000 reindeer. Another good place is the neighbouring municipality Kautokeino, which has even more Sami inhabitants.

Besides Sami culture, there's plenty more to experience up north. Lofoten and Vesterålen are famous for an abundance of art galleries and local handicraft. While in Lofoten, we recommend a visit to the impressive Lofotr Viking Museum. Warm up with lamb soup cooked over an open fire and try some honey wine – the drink of the Viking gods! Vesterålen is also a special place for everyone who appreciates wildlife, with whale safaris on offer all year.

Further south, the former mining town of Røros scores top marks for kos (Norwegian style cosiness). This little gem is situated inland, which means optimal chances for lots of snow. It is famous for its old but well-kept wooden buildings, which has given the town a place on UNESCO’s world heritage list. The whole centre is a bit like a living museum with narrow streets, local art, and a strong food culture. One of the best times to visit is in December during the classic Christmas market.

Norway’s folk museums are definitely worth a visit in winter, and there are plenty to choose from. Oslo's Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum) at Bygdøy is an open-air museum with 160 historic buildings. Be sure to check out Gol stave church, built in the 1200s. In December, you can visit the Christmas fair with traditional food, concerts and entertainment.

Another well-known outdoor treasure is Maihaugen in Lillehammer, a few hours from Oslo. It's an idyllic open-air museum with more than 200 houses, some of which date back to the 13th century. Stroll around and get an impression of how Norwegians lived in the past.

And is it really a good idea to go to outdoor museums in the winter? Absolutely! You know what we say in Scandinavia, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. Wrap up warm, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the fresh air  :)

The fishing industry is closely connected to the history of Norway. Cod and salmon have always been two staples of Norwegian cuisine. But did you know that some of Norway’s top seafood delicacies are in season during winter?

The quality and flavour of fresh fish and prawns, langoustine, blue mussels, scallop, and lobster are at their best in the winter.

While we’re on the subject of fish, winter is the best time to experience skrei – a very special seasonal guest. Skrei is migrating Arctic cod that appears along the Norwegian coast to spawn every year. They tend to grow extra large, and skrei fishing is hugely popular with Norwegians and visitors alike.

Skrei is particularly abundant from January to April around Lofoten, Senja and Vesterålen in Northern Norway. At the end of March, the World Cod Championships take place in Svolvær, Lofoten. But you don’t have to travel to Northern Norway to taste it. You’ll find creatively prepared skrei in all the big cities, including Oslo, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger, and Ålesund.

Those who visit Norway in December can also indulge in some of our most mouthwatering traditions. Lots of restaurants serve authentic Norwegian Christmas buffets. You simply can’t go wrong with “ribbe” (pork ribs) or “pinnekjøtt” (cured lamb cooked over birch twigs in a saucepan). Side dishes include meatballs, sausages, sauerkraut, potatoes, and mashed swede. Another important dish on the Christmas table is lutefisk. Made from stockfish treated with lye, it has a jelly-like consistency which is not to everyone’s taste. It is however Norway’s longest-standing Christmas tradition that goes all the way back to the 15th century!