Norway is defined by its fjords, the jagged inlets of the sea where the rugged mountain plateau falls dramatically into the ocean. Access to nature and the idea of friluftsliv (living in the open air) are central to Norwegian culture. The Indigenous Sámi people, largely based in northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, are the oldest culture in Norway. Reindeer herding, a strong part of Sámi culture and ancestry, is a practice legally protected as an exclusive Sámi livelihood in Norway. While Oslo is by far the largest city, rural communities and ways of life are valued and supported.

Norway is home to two official languages: Norwegian and Sámi. English is widely spoken in Norway.

Summer in Norway is typically warm and clear, with daytime temperatures in the cities in the 60s and 70s°F/15-25° C. The mountains and coast see lower temperatures and can have fast-changing weather, and rain is always a possibility.

Norway has one of the longest coastlines in the world, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a big part of the cuisine here; however, the food scene goes much further, with excellent restaurants in the cities, and hearty hiking food at mountain huts. Local specialties include lefse (a delicious sweet flatbread), pickled herring, and lapskaus (beef stew). Prepare to learn the art of the smørrebrød, the open-faced sandwich, the key component of any Scandinavian lunchtime.