Life in Norway: Strange rules and customs that leave newcomers confused
Strange rules and customs of Norway that surprised Ukrainians (photo: Getty Images)
Norway is one of the safest and most stable countries in the world, but for Ukrainians, it often becomes a source of culture shock. Some rules seem overly strict, others appear strange, and some traditions are difficult to explain from the perspective of our own reality.
Yet these rules shape everyday life that foreigners don’t see on tourist postcards. RBC-Ukraine spoke with Olha from Sogndal and Vasyl from Bergen to collect the most interesting and unusual Norwegian rules that Ukrainians often discover only after moving there.
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Quiet after 10 p.m. is the law, not a recommendation
The right to evening rest in Norway is legally enshrined. Noise after 10 p.m. is considered a serious public disturbance. If neighbors hold a “concert” and ignore requests to quiet down, the police will arrive without accusing anyone of being petty.
For Norwegians, quiet is as important as clean stairwells or taking turns in a store.
“Don’t sit next to me” – silent transport and respect for personal space
There is a rule that shocks almost every Ukrainian: in Norwegian buses, it is not customary to sit next to someone if there are plenty of empty seats nearby. Doing so is considered an invasion of personal space.
After 10 p.m., Norway is quiet and peaceful (photo: Olga Kuzenko)
Another point: acquaintances may not start a conversation and might even pretend not to notice you. Not out of malice, but to avoid small talk, which in local culture is considered intrusive.
Graduation that lasts a week, and chaos where almost everything is allowed
Norwegian graduation is not just an evening at a restaurant, it’s a full festival. Students:
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Order special overalls with their names
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Wear them for weeks
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Rent or build party buses
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Stage dance battles with the police
During this period, teenagers are allowed much more than usual. It’s part of an old tradition, and society is very tolerant of it.
Collective vacations: when the office can just disappear
This is another rule that sounds incredible to Ukrainians. Some workplaces in Norway may have the entire team go on vacation at the same time.
For locals, it’s a normal practice and part of work-life balance. For Ukrainians, it seems strange how an entire office can simply stop working?
In Norway, doctors are convinced that fresh air helps with any illness (photo: Olga Kuzenko)
Medical advice that can be confusing
Many Norwegians (including doctors) believe in a simple formula for treatment:
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Go for a walk in the fresh air;
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Eat cod liver;
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Take a painkiller;
“You’ll have to convince the doctor that you really feel bad. But emergency medical care is free, which is a plus. They even have a saying: ut på tur, aldri sur - go for a walk, never be grumpy,” explained Vasyl.
Ukrainians share insights into life in Norway (photo: Olga Kuzenko)
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