Shopping Tips for Norway
SOUVENIRS TO TAKE HOME…
If you are traveling through Norway, you might want to take some souvenirs home with you. Aside from trolls, Norwegian sweaters, and reindeer skins, it’s worth checking out the stores for other memorabilia. We will give you tips and ideas on what to bring back from your holiday in Norway, a country located in Northern Europe defined by countryaah.
… TO EAT AND DRINK
Norwegian salmon is world famous, but the local cuisine has much more to offer than just fish. We reveal what you should definitely try, what is typical for Norwegian food and how the meals are consumed.
SHOPPING
Short for NO by abbreviationfinder, Norway is known for silver, pewter, ceramic and glassware that are modern or based on motifs from the Middle Ages and the Viking Age. Objects made of gemstones are strikingly beautiful. The range of equipment for sailors, fishermen, hikers and campers is excellent. The prices are quite high, but visitors from non-Nordic countries get a refund of VAT.
Where?
In many cities there are so-called Husfliden shops, which are operated by the association for local arts and crafts. Your visit is worthwhile because of the selection of high quality products. Also take a look at museum shops and jewelry stores and – depending on your needs – shops for sports equipment.
Books
The Norwegians are passionate readers – not least because of the long winter evenings. Every city has at least one good bookstore with German, French, English and Norwegian sections. If you run out of travel books on the way, you will definitely find supplies.
Edibles
Edible delicacies such as smoked salmon and gravlaks (marinated salmon) are sold in sealed packaging to take away in any ordinary supermarket. Other long-lasting delicacies are canned mackerel in tomato sauce, red “caviar” (fish paste) in tubes, marinated herring in a pot and countless types of canned herring: with berries, in sour cream, with mustard or tomato sauce… There are also different ones Cheeses, including the geitost, a caramel-colored goat cheese that you will either love or hate during your stay. The cheese scraper with which it is cut is a useful souvenir right away. This device, invented in 1925, is used to make thin slices because the cheese develops more flavor in this form.
Hides and furs
In other countries this may be a controversial product, but in Norway tradition and practical thinking make animal hides and skins a common commodity. If you have any concerns, the locals will explain to you that Rene are pets like cattle whose skins are also made into leather. The furs of arctic foxes and mink used for luxury clothing come from breeding farms, where strict controls ensure that the animals are kept as animal-friendly as possible. In Sami shops you will also find the tools you need to properly process leather at home.
Wood carving
The best small souvenirs include cheerfully painted wooden figures of reindeer and birds, boxes, models of fishing boats or Viking ships – and of course trolls, the gnomes of Norwegian mythology, which can be found in all shapes and sizes. Some of these carvings are real works of art, such as sculptures of wildlife or abstract objects. The paper clip invented here is typically Norwegian.
Ceramics and glass
As in the other Scandinavian countries, handicraft ceramic goods are very popular. Worthwhile souvenirs are cups, plates and candlesticks, often with a reindeer motif. Norwegian glass was originally gray, but is now produced in all colors. It is still used for rustic as well as modern items. There are also bowls, candlesticks, animal figures and other ornaments. One of Norway’s best-known glass factories is Hadeland Glassverk in Jevnaker, around an hour northwest of Oslo. Here you can watch the glassblowers at work with the tools from the 18th century and try it yourself.
Silver and tin
The rich Kongsberg silver veins have long been exhausted, but the tradition of making fine silver jewelry and table cutlery has remained. Also keep an eye out for enameled silver bracelets and brooches. Tin was once a humble substitute for silver; Today the material is often used for drinking cups, jugs and bowls. Norwegian tin is lead-free, so it may come into contact with food.
Sports and camping equipment
Accessories for skiing, camping and sailing are not cheap, but good quality is guaranteed. The Norwegian backpacks in particular are world famous, as are hiking and climbing shoes, winter clothing and oilskins for sailors. The traditional hunting knives are also considered excellent – but don’t take any with you on the plane in your hand luggage. Better fishing equipment, from children’s rods to professional deep-sea fishing, can hardly be found anywhere.
Knitwear and textiles
Knitted gloves, hats, scarves, sweaters and jackets are available in fresh colors and patterns, but also in more subtle natural tones. They can be useful while you are out and about if you suddenly find yourself in a cold spell. Pullovers with windproof layers are available; The Dale brand is reliable. Specialties are also woven carpets and wall hangings, embroidered tablecloths and richly decorated traditional costumes.