Home | The Norwegian Experience

The EEA Agreement – Norway's most significant agreement after oil?

For over 32 years, the EEA Agreement has been the backbone of Norway’s relationship with Europe. Originally intended as a temporary solution after Norwegian voters rejected EU membership in 1994 (under Gro Harlem Brundtland), the agreement was signed in 1992 and entered into force on January 1, 1994. Today, however, it is anything but temporary. The agreement has shaped the Norwegian economy, labor market, public administration, and legal practice more than any other agreement in modern times.

Written by Dave April 25

Bergen at Its Absolute Best – My Secret Trick

After living in Bergen for 22 years, I’ve learned that if you want to get the most out of the city, you should come here in April or May.

Dave // BERGEN April 25

Operation Mountain Goat - I’m married to the Energizer Bunny

So, I went to see the doctor. Fortunately, it wasn’t a death sentence, but I was told that my vitamin D levels are as healthy as a basement apartment in November. On top of that, the doctor said my body could use some “increased mobility.” That’s doctor-speak for: “Stop rotting on the couch, you lazy bum.”

Dave // BERGEN April 24

The world's most efficient 37.5 hours?

We often hear that Norwegians have a unique work life. But what does an ordinary Tuesday actually look like? How does our cup of coffee in Norway compare to a desk in New York or a factory in Germany?

Written by Dave April 23

The Cold Norwegian

I notice a lot of people describe Norwegians as socially cold -even my friends and family from the US say the same.

Dave // BERGEN April 22

Norwegians Are Addicted to Brown Cheese

I’ve learned to love black coffee, tolerate lutefisk (barely), and I can now pronounce “kjærlighet” without sounding like I’m choking on a potato.

Dave // BERGEN April 22

Psoriasis -New Options in 2026

Living with psoriasis can feel pretty draining at times. Those random flares that come out of nowhere, the endless itching, and the way it messes with how you see yourself -it’s a lot to handle. Since I deal with it myself, I really get how important it is to keep an eye on new treatments that might actually make a difference.

Written by Dave April 21

I really hate gym

It now turn’s out that my employer pays half the monthly cost of gym memberships. I showed up wholeheartedly for a hard workout-session at my close-by gym for the very first time.

Dave // BERGEN April 20

Bergen Humor at Its Best

Bergen humor is a special flavor of Norwegian wit – think dry as week-old flatbrød, delivered with a straight face while the rain pours down outside. It’s not loud slapstick or over-the-top jokes. Instead, it’s sharp, sarcastic, self-deprecating, and often wrapped in that thick, sing-songy Bergensk dialect that sounds like someone cheerfully gargling gravel.

Dave // BERGEN April 19

Stolpejakten or Pole Hunt

Let me tell you, after a few years here, my energy levels have been… well, let’s just say they’ve been auditioning for the role of “retired sloth.” Rain, wind, and that cozy Norwegian urge to Netflix-and-waffle my way through winter didn’t help.
But then I downloaded this app from Google Play called Stolpejakten, and suddenly I’m out there feeling like a slightly overweight treasure hunter with a caffeine buzz.

Dave // BERGEN April 18