Most pleasant introduction to visit Norway’s culture with our guest Kristin Skjefstad Edibe : Norway is an active participant to world affairs and takes its share of responsibility in global issues. Norway has a foreign policy known as the “Norwegian model,” the goal of which is to contribute to peace and stability through a coordinated response among governmental and non-governmental Norwegian organizations; acting as an honest broker in international conflicts; an informal network of Norwegian individuals with access and credibility among parties; and the willingness to take the long view in international issues. Norway works actively to find lasting political solutions to wars and conflicts by facilitating dialogue between parties to conflict and supporting other actors’ conflict resolution efforts. See extra information about the subject here : https://issuu.com/kristinskjefstad.
The Oslo region: the Norwegian capital is full of surprises. It was named European Green Capital in 2019. A cutting-edge food scene, new and funky neighbourhoods, a fully-packed event calendar, and several brand-new museums and attractions are just a few teasers of what you can expect. Surrounded by the Oslofjord and deep forests, you can easily combine urban city life with nature-based fun like cycling, skiing at some of Norway´s top ski resorts and trips to nearby regions of Østfold and Vestfold, with charming towns such as Fredrikstad and Tønsberg dotted along the coast.
Norway is becoming a hotspot for fabulous restaurants and food producers, all giving you world-class gastronomic experiences: If you are looking for a top-class international restaurant, then Maaemo in Oslo is the place for you! In 2018, the restaurant was ranked the world’s 35th best restaurant. Maaemo is the first restaurant in Norway to earn three stars in the Michelin guide. As the only restaurant with two stars in the Michelin guide for 2022, the gourmet establishment RE-NAA is another jewel. It is located in Stavanger, along the west coast of Norway. Choose from a menu inspired by the local landscape that will give you a unique culinary experience. Under, with its one star, put Southern Norway on the Michelin map in 2020. Located in Lindesnes, the spectacular underwater restaurant is the world’s largest of its kind. Experience the ocean as you dine, sitting five and a half meters below sea level. It’s a once in a lifetime view!
Norway is home to many museums such as the KISTEFOS MUSEUM : combine the perfect day out in nature with an amazing art experience at the Kistefos Museum, which celebrates the best of Norwegian and international contemporary art with its industrial museum, two big indoor art galleries, and impressive sculpture park. The museum is located in Hadeland, less than an hour’s (beautiful) drive from Oslo. Take in the unusual sight of the architectural masterpiece and gallery named The Twist. Afterwards, stroll through the sculpture park, which is home to sculptures by international artist including Yayoi Kusama, Fernando Botero, and Anish Kapoor, to name a few. The Kistefos museum is just one of many phenomenal art experiences in the Oslo region. There are more cultural destinations such as Ramme, the Henie Onstad Art Centre and other fantastic cultural experiences for art lovers around Oslo.
Norwegian design is part of the minimal, functional, and aesthetic Scandinavian design which is a major force in furniture and interiors. Scandinavian design first emerged as a common term in the 1950s, when designers from Norway and the neighbouring countries toured the world with their products, characterised by minimalism and functionality. Norwegians haven’t perhaps been as skilled or eager as our Swedish and Danish neighbours in promoting our post World War II-era design icons. But this could be seen as an advantage: the new generation of designers are now able to express themselves more freely, without having to constantly live up to a legacy. Already, many are gaining international recognition. They work with multiple formats, but the common thread is the willingness to experiment and take risks. The design scene in Norway has really been blooming in the 21st century with brands like brands like Fjordfiesta, Eikund and Hjelle.
Norwegian architecture is experiencing very exciting times. Urban developments and bold designs are taking shape all over the country. Those projects often reflect a powerful, raw contrasts in nature. One of the fundamental principles of Norwegian architecture is that architecture should always be in constant dialogue with its surroundings, including the abundant nature in the country. Natural, sustainable materials like wood are often present. Norwegian architects are taking wooden constructions to new levels in all types of building in cutting edge contemporary architecture.
The most popular sport in Norway is, by far and away, football. While football only comes third by television viewership (after biathlon and cross-country skiing), the sport is the most popular one in terms of active membership, with 8.5 percent of the population playing it! Even though the national team is lesser known, Norway has produced famous players and managers such as Erling Haaland and Ole Gunnar Solskjær