Oslo Local Custom Tips by bpwillet

National celebrations

It is great to see all the parades that happen during the summer. Especially this year as Norway celebrates its 100 year anniversary as a nation. I am sure the celebrations during the 17th of May are no comparaison. But keep a look out on the weekends and you may unexpectedly find yourself a front row spectator to a festival or parade.

On a date

It is great when you can see locals taking advantage of their own city. This is a perfect date city as there are so many great places for views, great restaurants or plenty of things to do.

Try your luck at Klubb

This is quite a frustrating game. Maybe it is because I am no good at it. It is a cross between lawn bowling and croquet. Kind of. It was fun and I am sure it would be again if I tried it.
2 teams, rows of pins to knock down, a king to win and 6 pegs to throw to knock down the pins. I don't know.....

State Liquor store

In all supermarkets you can buy beer, but only until 8o'clock on weekdays and 6 on Sat. This applies even if the shops are open longer. You've probably heard about it, it's one of Norway's peculiarities. In this country it's not possible to buy wine or anything stronger than beer in regular shops. If you go to Vinmonopolet you draw a number, queue for some time and then pay, most likely the double or triple of what you're used to, for a bottle of wine or Vodka.
You have to be 18 to buy beer and wine and 20 to buy spirits. One of the cheapest options is the 3 litre cartons of red or white wine.
Liquor-stores in the central area are usually open from 10-5, Thu and Fri they are open till 6, and Sat from 9-3. All the bars will serve you whatever you want while they are open.

Local artists

There are so many talented people in Oslo, and in Norway for that matter. If you go on the Rådhuset tour you will see what I mean. These paintings were done by local artist Haakon Gullvaag, who is known for his contemporary style. They are the portraits of HM King Harald V, HM Queen Sonja. Many people were not too crazy about the pictures but they are liked by the Royal family, so it is alright then. Queen Sonja is quite an art collector herself apparently.

MIlitary Service

It is a choice. You can choose to go into the military and serve one year or have it deferred. You can have it deferred as long as you do something with the social service. If you are a man that is. Women don't have to do any of it, though some choose to.

More great local traditions...

I have had cold soups before. Either because of my bachelor-ed-ness or because I didn't thaw it out enough. Whatever the reason this is the first time I have actually tried cold soup on purpose. I am so glad that I did. Apparently quite traditional is cold rhubarb (and strawberry) soup. This is so good. It is just right-not too tart and not too sweet. At the Gamle Rådhus they serve it with lemon sorbet. Soooo good! Great way to end a day-cold rhubarb soup and coffee. Coffee-that should be in here too. There is a lot of coffee drinking going on. It is the perfect linger and talk a while drink. It is given at homes and taken in cafes by many a local Norwegian. Not too much different than any other area of the world but it is unique.

Salmon is sooooo good!

This is one of the dishes that I had while in Oslo. Though it seemed to be on every menu. Which is good because it is very good. This one was poached and came with potatoes of course!

Anything you order will be great there in Oslo. The salmon, while quite expensive in other parts of the world (the US for example) here in Oslo is fairly inexpensive and quite fresh. Good to check for any fish specials also!

Thirsty?

The Norwegian beer market is dominated by two large brewers- Carlsberg-Ringnes and Hansa-Borg. Most of the output is lager-style beers such as Pilsner and Fatøl which are widely (and to some extent exclusively) available and heavily consumed. Bayerøl, a kind of dark lager, slightly sweeter than German dark lagers, is also readily available. Frydenlund Bayerøl, brewed by Ringnes, is the most ubiquitous example of this style.

Give it a try. Not bad.

Bathing houses

So the story goes that it was once considered impolite to change into your "bathing" clothes in public areas. So these bathouses were built at the shores of the Oslofjord for the residents to be able to change into their bathing suits, decently. Now they seem to be just a traditional addition to any home that is on the fjord.