Home | The Norwegian Experience

Norway - After oil

As a country that has built one of the world’s most prosperous welfare states on oil and gas, Norway now stands at a historic turning point. Production on the Norwegian continental shelf has been a huge boon, raking in massive revenues, a sovereign wealth fund of over 20 trillion kroner, and a standard of living most nations can only dream of. But nothing lasts forever. Oil and gas production is expected to drop gradually by the end of this decade, and investments in the sector will likely peak in 2025–2026 before falling.

Written by Dave April 30

Dugnad – The most effective excuse for drinking coffee in the rain

There’s something uniquely Norwegian about us and the dugnad. Other countries have volunteer organizations too. We have a national pastime where we show up at nine on a Saturday morning to paint an outhouse that nobody really needs, while we complain about the weather and praise the neighbor for the fantastic buns.

Dave // BERGEN April 29

The Law of Jante, voluntary community work, and Norwegian friends

Welcome to Norway! Here, the weather is cold, but the people are warm—just not in the way Europeans and Americans take for granted. No, here you have to put in a little effort. And it often starts with understanding two of the most Norwegian things there are: “Janteloven” and “dugnad.” Once you figure those out, the path to true friendship is suddenly much shorter than you think.

Dave // BERGEN April 29

Why are mutual funds the best form of savings for most of us

I’ve been thinking a lot about saving over the past couple of years. It’s not just about a job or a number in a spreadsheet, but about freedom, security, and our future.
When I look at the different ways to save, I always come back to the conclusion that mutual funds—especially broad, global equity funds—are the smartest and most effective form of saving for the long term.

Written by Dave April 28

The Norwegian Matpakke

I’m curious: How many other countries have a source of national pride that’s basically just four slices of dry bread wrapped in curling wax paper? Welcome to Norway, where the packed lunch is more than just a meal. It’s a way of life and an identity. Researchers say it’s also one of the biggest changes in our food culture ever.

Dave // BERGEN April 28

Norwegian Food is Weird But Smalahove is Genius

I’ve been living in Norway for years. It’s been so long that I don’t even bat an eye when someone says “thank you for dinner” like it’s some kind of religious ritual. But trust me, Norwegian food customs can be downright bizarre at times. And I say that with love…mostly.

Dave // BERGEN April 27

Differences in building style and methods between Norway and the rest of the world

From building timber frames for cabins in Øygarden to renovating old wooden houses in Sandviken, I’ve seen it all. However, whenever I speak with colleagues from other countries or see projects from abroad, I’m struck by just how differently we think when it comes to construction.

Written by Dave April 27

How to buy cryptocurrency for beginners

Are you curious about Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the rest of the cryptocurrency world but don’t have any experience? It’s easier than ever to get started, especially in Norway, in 2026. Here’s a short, straightforward, step-by-step guide.

Written by Dave April 26

What exactly are cryptocurrency and wallets?

If you’ve heard people talking about Bitcoin, Ethereum, or “crypto” and have wondered what it’s all about without feeling completely lost, then this post is for you! I’ll explain everything as simply as possible without using unnecessary technical jargon.

Written by Dave April 26

When Dad dreams of the midnight sun and the rest want to go to Cyprus

Dad dreams of the midnight sun, while the rest of the gang wants cocktails by the pool.

I’m someone who gets butterflies just thinking about the bright nights in northern Norway.
You know that feeling when it’s 11:30 p.m., yet the sun is still up, hanging like a big, stubborn orange ball in the sky? The midnight sun, the silence, the fjords, the mountains, and the smell of seaweed and peat. The sky that never gets completely dark. It’s pure magic.

Dave // BERGEN April 26