ARTICLES

In Norway, Christmas beer has been brewed for more than 1 500 years! For the Vikings, beer was such an essential part of life that brewing for the winter celebrations was mandatory. Skipping was literally a crime!

Long before Christianity made its way to Norway, the Vikings celebrated the jolly season in their own manner. They drank jól - and it was far from giving presents to sweet kids. It was mead, slaughter, and feasting Viking style

Be buste! An old, forgotten tradition at the Norwegian countryside, involving a newlywed couple, a weird form of begging and loads of seed grain! The tradition was a symbol of solidarity and generosity in rural life back in the days.

BYGLAND: In the Setesdal forest a rare herd of pigs live their best lives among the green moss and whispering birches. Meet the ullgris, curly-coated big pigs that give viking vibes. But these animals are cuddly, happy and bring extraordinary meat to the table.

The autumn equinox was a time filled with myths, rituals and symbolism back in the days. For the Vikings, it started the countdown to Høstblot – where food, animals (and sometimes people, probably) were sacrificed. For the Norwegians of today, though it’s more of a goodbye to summer and a hello to autumn.

Norwegians love themselves some hot potatoes! However, the potato has not always been welcomed at the table (shock!). Its history in Norway is actually a story of mistrust and suspicion. Thankfully it turned into true love in the end.