How to Be Norwegian (Cultural Concepts Worth Stealing) with Lorelou Desjardins

Why does a tiny Nordic nation with just 5.5 million people feel impossible to summarize in a single sentence? Lorelou Desjardins has been writing about Norwegian culture since 2013 at her blog and publishing house, A Frog in the Fjord. She has published six books in Norway and internationally, along with 250 articles in mainstream media including Norway's largest newspaper. Her latest book, How to Be Norwegian, offers a crash course into 55 essential Norwegian cultural quirks. She lives in Oslo and is now a Norwegian citizen. In this episode, Lorelou and I dig into Norwegian culture and what makes this country so unique, covering the surprising scale of Norway's geography, the country's cabin culture, social dynamics among Norwegians, food and drink customs, the quirks of Norwegian English, and a Norwegian concept worth stealing for your own life. Norway can feel like a country of contradictions: vast and remote in parts, intensely social in others, shaped by long winters and short summers that flip the whole rhythm of daily life. This conversation moves between practical travel insight and a more personal look at what it is actually like to live here long-term, even after becoming a citizen. Whether you are planning a trip, exploring your own Norwegian roots, or just drawn to borrowing a little wisdom from another culture, there is something here for you. What is one custom or tradition from somewhere else in the world that you have brought into your own life? I'd love to hear your thoughts, and I hope you'll share by sending me an audio message. Tune In To Learn: How long Norway actually is, and which European capital it would touch if you spun it on its southern tip Why a growing wave of travelers are choosing Norway over traditionally hot summer destinations What Norway's "freedom to roam" law actually allows you to do How cabin culture works, and how travelers can access cabins most visitors never think to look for Why Norwegians have a reputation for being emotionally cold, and the bus ride that put that reputation to the test for me Why Norwegians are so eager to talk about their own cultural identity with outsiders The surprising history behind Norway's strict modern alcohol laws Why frozen pizza and Friday tacos became beloved national traditions The Norwegian concept that's similar to hygge, but with its own colder, deeper edge And so much more Resources: Sign up for our FREE newsletter A Frog in the Fjord Lorelou's website How to Be Norwegian The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) Want More? Cracking the Cultural Code, Ethical Travel To Indigenous Areas, & Life in Norway With Lorelou Desjardins Hidden Norway: 7 Off The Beaten Path Gems You'll Love, Popular Norwegian Concepts Worth Stealing, Trekking In Bhutan, & Living At The Crossroads of Magic & Science w/ Torunn Tronsvang from Up Norway Top 7 Hidden Gems in Oslo, Norway with Curtis Rojak of Viking Biking Thanks To Our Sponsors Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/zerototravel Experience intelligent trip planning for calmer travel with the TripWaffle app Earn points on rent and mortgage payments. Apply at joinbilt.com/zerototravel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices