Blog
Deep dives into Norwegian architecture, economy, and future perspectives.
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17th of May: The world's most charming national day
May 17th is Norway’s National Day, celebrated as a joyful festival defined by children’s parades, traditional costumes, and plenty of ice cream. It is a unique celebration of freedom and community where the entire country comes alive with music, flags, and smiles.
Written by Dave May 17
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Viking Raids in Red Cotton: A Father's Guide to the Norwegian Russe-Chaos
Get an inside look at Norway’s craziest tradition! As a father with roots in the U.S., I’ve gone from shock to excitement over the three-week-long “russe” celebration. Here’s my guide to overalls, “russe” bows, and mobile nightclubs.
Written by Dave May 14
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Norway: The oil nation that fleeces its own
In May 2026, 23 kroner per liter is the new normal. Why does one of the world’s top energy producers have Europe’s highest fuel prices? An honest look at why Norway fleeces its own.
Written by Dave May 13
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Historical Norwegian buildings that still impress
After writing about how we build differently here at home than in the rest of the world, I thought it would be perfect to delve a little deeper into history. Because what really reflects Norwegian building traditions are our old structures. They’ve stood strong through the ages, weathering the elements for centuries—some almost a thousand years.
Written by Dave May 09
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Working with restoration in Bergen
When people hear that I’m a carpenter, they often picture new construction, scaffolding, and concrete. For me, though, it’s mostly about the opposite: taking care of what’s already there -and has been there for hundreds of years.
Written by Dave May 07
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What are other oil nations doing for the post-oil era?
A lot of countries have built their prosperity on oil and gas, but the world is moving toward an era in which demand for oil is expected to level off or decline. While Norway’s got a big oil fund to cushion the blow, other oil-producing countries are in for a rougher ride.
Written by Dave May 03
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May 1st: Red flags fly and locals find their inner worker
Welcome to the only day of the year (except May 17th) when the people of Bergen voluntarily march in a parade, and it’s not because it’s the Norwegian soccer championship or there’s free beer afterwards.
Written by Dave May 01
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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
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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
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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
