The "lack" of service is actually a result of the fact that Norwegians will leave you alone unless you signal you wish otherwise. Personal space is highly rated in Norway and the last thing a norse will do is to trow himself upon you. This also goes for dating.
@InZomnia3657 жыл бұрын
Remove Cheeseburger!!! On the other hand, Norwegians are near the top of the list of amount of one night stands worldwide lol.
@rexczi62997 жыл бұрын
Remove Cheeseburger!!! Hahah omg true af!!
@tipsycat277 жыл бұрын
this is something i personally massively appreciate. If I need help, or service, I'll ASK for it. I don't like to be pressured to shop or pressured to buy something. I like personal space.
@juliepurpleskater17367 жыл бұрын
I found the personal space to be a plus! When I shop, I browse and compare for a long time before deciding on a purchase. In the U.S., you have people following you all over the store asking if they can help you, until you want to run out of there screaming. In Norway, they give you the space and peace to shop.
@FlorianHWave6 жыл бұрын
Then how do you even make friends or find a partner in Norway?
@LeifHenrik007 жыл бұрын
Useful stuff for foreigners in Norway: 1: If you are staying more than a weekend. Buy and make your own food. Eating at a restaurant in Norway is expensive. 2: If you want to party, Norwegians mostly party only on Fridays and Saturdays. Also its common to pre-drink and then go out so the city wont get lively until 11pm and are open to 4am. 3: Everyone speaks English. Norway has a higher English speaking percentage than Canada. 4: Use credit/debit cards every time you are making a payment. Cash is getting unusual and will probably be gone entirely soon. If someplace dont take cards, dont trust them they are not a real store. 5: Norwegians usually love to speak to foreigners but they are afraid to make contact. Unless they are drunk. 6: Wifi are common on most public transport and hotel/businesses. Use it. 7: Taxi are expensive and untrustworthy. Use public transport or walk. 8: If you are going to take a hiking trip, dress appropriately. Norwegian hiking trips are not built out for comfort and ease. Good shoes and light sports clothing is what you should wear, not suits and dresses. 9: Don't ever slap your kid or each other or do any sort of violence. You will be arrested. Don't try to bribe the cops. You'll get double arrested. 10: Cops and other official servicemen are generally trustworthy and polite. Don't be afraid of them and you can ask them for advice.
@Daniel-qx1ju7 жыл бұрын
leif henrik So true
@ncgoel82806 жыл бұрын
leif henrik in
@roxyroxelle5 жыл бұрын
To add to your list: don't forget your ID or documents that attest your age. I was with my co workers at a restaurant and i ordered a beer and the waiter asked for my id, since i look underage (mind you i was born in 1991).
@Tigers1Girl075 жыл бұрын
leif henrik Awesome! Thanks for the tips. Heading to Oslo at the end of May with my family. Being 1/2 Norwegian I have always wanted to see Norway! Also looking forward to meet family who live there. How is the train service? Some of my family live in Elverum and we’d like to go see them.
@WhatashameMaryJane5 жыл бұрын
That's amazing tips, thank you!! The pre-drink party thing is so true
@samuelseierstad3328 жыл бұрын
Hey! Norwegian girl here. About the beggars, it's not just uncomfrtable for you it's also extremly uncomfrtable for us too. and about the weather, so sorry about that, if you had come in 2014 you would have experienced the best weather in 72 years. yes it is very cold in Norway, but you really got the worst of Norwegian weather. Usually in the summer it's about 20 degrees Celsius. And the fact that everything is so expensive in Norway, we don't realize that it's so expensive because we make alot of money. (I don't because i'm only 14, but i try to get some pocket money in the summer). Try to visit the castle (Or palace or whatever you call it) at some point during your stay,and go on a guided tour inside of it. it is ridiculosly expensive. i did it last year and it was an experiencee i won't forget. The pancake-ish thing around the hot dogs are called "Lomper" and thay are mainly made out of potatos. And we know that Denmark is ruling the hot dog game in scandinavia. We love to talk english here, specally teens. we listen to so much music and i even talk to most of my friends in english and thay are born and raised here in norway by norwegian families. The police usually doesn't have a gun with them, and if they do it's because someones has made a threat. that happens very rarely. and if they do have a gun, a lot of them have shot themselves in the foot by accident. try to go to a little city named Vikersund where you can see the worlds biggest skiflyinghill. it is the world cup there almost every year in february and it's pretty freaking awsome. and they never sell out. if it comes 30 000 people, they will fit in 30 000 people. Thank you so much for visiting our country, and the fact that you're saying so much great stuff about our country makes me really proud. i hope you enjoyed your stay and please come back, we really love tourists.
@syedziaulamin45558 жыл бұрын
Hi dear,I belong from Pakistan.I am just trying for Study Visa of Norway to do Ms there may I know that how much bank statement is required.if you have any information just share with me or also important information other than bank statement which can help me to get study visa of Norway
@samuelseierstad3328 жыл бұрын
syed bahrulamin i'm sorry my friend but i can't help you there.
@melaniehave4037 жыл бұрын
remember the summer of 2008? :) I lived in Oslo and got sick of all that Sunshine ")
@jaiinecupcake6 жыл бұрын
Is Oslo heavy jacket weather in April? I guess it might be? I'm only visiting for a day because of a layover, but do you think that's enough time to see some things? Love everything you wrote :)
@Tigers1Girl075 жыл бұрын
Samuel Seierstad Thanks for the additional information! :) Looking forward to visiting at the end of May this year and meeting some of my Norwegian relatives. Definitely want to visit the castle! :)
@vannillarose73198 жыл бұрын
Im norwegian and I HATE that when I am shopping and people are like "do you need Help?", NO I dont need Help and If I do I will ask!
@ForTheNorth3697 жыл бұрын
100% agree!
@ucube336 жыл бұрын
Exactly the same in Sweden. When I was in Canada and Usa they kept asking me even when i entered the store if they can help me. I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE YET, LEAVE ME ALONE. Also how they at some places see you have an almost-empty glass of beer and they attack and ask what you will have next. Sure it’s nice to have some service, but please relax.
@DanneyTanner6 жыл бұрын
in usa they only ask you if you need help if you dont need help.If you need help you cant find anybody around.
@evafirehill27326 жыл бұрын
Yeah, personal space is higly rated here
@footyfan101ful6 жыл бұрын
Vannilla rose its the same in Australia
@Crozz228 жыл бұрын
Regarding the service: It's more of a culture thing than servers not being attentive. In general the culture is more tuned to 'don't bother people', that's why also people might seem cold, but they just want to not take up any more of your time than necessary (for your sake). And that includes the service. And personally too, I prefer not being interrupted by servers unless I ask.
@wolfgangshr84747 жыл бұрын
About the weather: This is always said in the northern part of Europe: "Here is no bad weather. Here is only wrong clothes!"
@WhatashameMaryJane5 жыл бұрын
Love this say
@hwplugburz3 жыл бұрын
Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, Bare dårlig klær. (theres no bad weather, only bad cloths) 👍
@ganymeade51512 ай бұрын
On a recent cruise from Iceland to Norway there were people wearing shorts and Hawaiian shirts and flip flops. Did they think they were in Florida? LOL.
@ReenoMoon7 жыл бұрын
I'm from Norway and i hate when people ask me if i need help, it's so annoying
@josiahbvevo7 жыл бұрын
Yeah I get it. You're minding your own business and then they bother you.
@ThSkBj8 жыл бұрын
The customer service thing is cultural. Norwegians don't initiate conversations with people they don't know unless they have a specific reason for it. It's deeply embedded in us. If a store clerk came up to a Norwegian shopper and asked "can I help you with anything?" the shopper would think "what? Am I acting suspicious in any way? Why are you taking an interest in me specifically? Can't I just browse?". Of course we just say "no, thanks I'm just browsing", but secretly we feel kinda stressed out when that happens. So if you need something, you have an excuse to talk to the clerk, but otherwise it's not normal for Norwegians to initiate contact with each other unless they had a reason to. It's not that we're actually cold and standoffish, but we do have social codes that can be a bit difficult to navigate sometimes. Unless alcohol is involved...
@bonsummers26576 жыл бұрын
How do Norwegians date and develop relations?
@annebritraaen9395 жыл бұрын
@@bonsummers2657 Alcohol.
@karinasilva89325 жыл бұрын
I've just realized I am little Norwegian hahaha. I don't like that when I go to a store.
@pavener2 жыл бұрын
exactly..when somebody i just met at a bar the other night (foreigners usually) says hello to me the day after at the store im like..jesus chirst, doesnt he/she know the rules
@MMMMEDEIROS8 жыл бұрын
The service is pretty ok, because personally i don't really want a person nagging me just trying to help.
@jae-oh8468 жыл бұрын
They do infact come to you agressively with customer service but mostly only happens to foreigners or foreign looking people. Because they like asume you don't know what to do or something.
@MMMMEDEIROS8 жыл бұрын
^
@Creakko7 жыл бұрын
The service is scandinavian. We do not appreciate it when a salesman or waiter etc approaches us without us asking them first. It feels intrusive because we most often know what we are looking for and prefer to have some space. If you ask for service I'm certain they will be more than happy to help.
@dasteknoviking7 жыл бұрын
I've been to Norway a few times now. Honestly it's not that expensive as everyone makes it out to be. Oslo or Bergen pass is a great deal. Hotels are in the 90-200 a night range. Being from Chicago I find visiting museums here costs way more money, and even getting lunch on the Magnificent Mile is a lot more. Honestly Disney World is the most expensive place on earth to visit with Hong Kong being second.
@shahedarizvi29436 жыл бұрын
Things I love about Oslo, Norway that are not covered in the video 1) Norwegian folks songs, esp. the ones sung at University graduating ceremonies + parties. I was fortunate enough to listen to the most charming songs ever, and I understood not a word. This reminded me of what my Guru often said, listen to the music that stirs you, you do not have to understand it - no one, even yourself can understand why you love it..just immerse yourself in it. 2) Of course the fjords and little fishing towns around Oslo 3) Summer sunshine, when at 10:00 PM, you can not tell whether it's the sun rise or whether it's the sun-set. 4) Norwegian fresh salmon from the specialty fish shops, not from the grocery store 5) Norwegian fish soup from Vulkans at Matthallen 6) Norwegian fish and chips from Vulkans at Matthallen 7) Norwegian fish burgers ONLY from Vulkans at Matthallen 8) Bunads - I have never seen such exotic embroidery and the amazing colors, worn with silver brooches, silver buttons, sliver buckles and silver belts. And the way they are worn 9) Norwegian Sweaters 10) Winters are milder than Montreal winters..the first year I was in Oslo, I found myself saying..where are the much-hated, Scandinavian winters. Sad part is the length of these Scandi winters. Things I do NOT like about Oslo Norway. 1) Young or old, rich or poor, any race or color, Norwegians have not learnt how to walk on a city pavement. They walk in one long row instead of in columns, one behind the other. Joggers, runners, walkers all do that. It's particularly difficult to handle this after a heavy snow fall, when the side walks and the road side are full of snow banks.. Some noticeable signs saying, "Please watch the oncoming traffic-- Walk on the right side of the side walk, leave room for others" Similar to what is done on roads or escalators in other parts of the world, "please stand on your right side" or "left lane is for passing".. Thank You Norway for your lovely folk songs and lovelier folk talents like the sweaters and Bunads, and thank you for the best Norwegian Salmon ever. Thank you for honoring the beauty of trees, forests, sun rise and sun sets and unmatched clean rivers, waterfalls, and silent lakes.
@thorarisan8 жыл бұрын
a little tip from an Oslo native, the Oslo city bikes are super fun, cheep and easy to use for getting around. And in summer, go visit the islands (hovedøya is the best one :) ) by ferries, they go from the pier down by the city hall and are covered by the same ticket as the buses, subway etc. Also, the bier problem, bier and other alkohol with a low alkoholcontent are sold in food stores, they just cant sell you any after 20.00 (18 on saturday) and though we may seam distant or rude or not service minded, its just part of our colture not to bud into other peoples buisness. We are happy to help if you ask! and all norwegians learn english at an early age, though some are better then others. so, welcome to norway ;) hope too see you all!
@user-rc6yn7kq5u5 жыл бұрын
Thora Risan Hello! I’m visiting Oslo in mid-May...I’m crazy to know how’s the weather in May since I’m from the Caribbean 🙃 no seasons down here, just summer, so it’s kind of confusing what I have read online so far
@chrisdean6700 Жыл бұрын
Most Americans in the service industry seem distant & rude because they actually are. If you visit the southern states, you'll find we are more friendly & outgoing. I'm from Kentucky.
@Cta20068 жыл бұрын
:-) Thanx for all these videos from Oslo, Mark ! Norwegians don't really like the overly un natural friendliness, so yes often you have to ask for help. The reason why peope are more "sericeminded" in other countries is because their salary in those countries depend on putting on a fake smile. In Norway you don't really have to pay tip. No one is gonna throw you onto the street if you don't. Tip is suppposed to be something extra you give for good service ... very good service. It is not supposed to be part of your regulare salary and to be given out no matter what. Tourist areas are generally expensive wherever you go in the world. The difference with Norway is that is expensive no matter where you are. You can run a high bill in for instance New York too. Maybe not on beer, but most certainly on hotel room. I recomend the World War 2 resistance museum at Akershus Fortress in Oslo. Gives you an insight in to what it was like being invaded by Hitler and what the Norwegian resistance movement / sabetours did.
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the information. It is much appreciated my friend!
@hianjana Жыл бұрын
I just visited Norway for 2 weeks and I agree that it’s super expensive!!! But I actually loved Oslo and Norway in general. I feel Norway is the most beautiful country in the world! Yes we took the Oslo pass and the museums were absolutely fantastic!!! I could actually feel the Nordic/ Viking vibes. Loved it! Plus English helped a lot. No struggle with language at all.
@mollevampie8 жыл бұрын
The customer service thing is cultural, Norwegians are proud and have an: "I can do this myself"-attitude, which makes us uncomfortable if people gives us unwanted help or services. There is also a saying that "Norwegians love to buy, but hates to be sold to" so generally we just feel more comfortable being left to our own devices, unfortunately we have a tendency to assume everyone else is just like us and so we leave them alone instead of providing service and care.
@jordant32438 жыл бұрын
So glad you posted this!! I'm going to Norway this summer, it will be the first time I've ever left the U.S. Super excited, been watching your channel to get hyped. Love your videos!
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
Thank you and have a great trip this summer!
@chrisvinci54178 жыл бұрын
perfect time to go. everything is 50% off with the current exchange rate.
@magnusfrivoll54738 жыл бұрын
+Jordan T Protip: Tipping the waiters are optional. Giving tips are quite a new thing here and locals rarely do.
@lunne84588 жыл бұрын
+Jordan T Some tips. Go to "Frogenerparken". It's great, and free. Save some money. Food and suvernies is very expencive. Visit some history places. Take a walk in the nature. Ask a young woman for some tips were you should go. She probobly know some awesome places to go. But make sure she don't think you are inviting her out on a date. If you wont a summer girlfriend, Norway is the place. Many girls here that don't have a boyfriend will go out on a date with yo, as long as you look ok.
@dubious67188 жыл бұрын
+Jordan T STAY AWAY FROM OSLO
@juliepurpleskater17367 жыл бұрын
Other than a room, and later a train ticket to Geilo, I didn't spend that much money in Oslo. I was so busy walking all over the city and taking it all in that I didn't take the time to see the museums. (Next time, for sure!) I spent a large portion of my first day on Carl Johansgate, because all sorts of things were going on there. It was a great place to people-watch. (It was August - height of the tourist season.) There were street performers, amazing shops, and as for food - there are little kiosks (sort of mini-delis about the size of a closet or a telephone booth) all over town. If I got hungry, I just grabbed some water or juice, a couple croissants, and their version of the KitKat bar and I was set. (And of course there are people eating ice cream everywhere.) There was a plaza with a tall crane where people were bungee-jumping, sometimes I'd find a musical group playing, and there were hundreds of statues and fountains to enjoy. It stayed light until about 11:00, and that year ('97) the evenings were warm. Frogner Park, with all the beautiful Vigeland statues, is a must-see. I wish I'd spent the day there alone, instead of going on a group tour, because we hurried through it too fast. The harbor area was a nice place to walk, and explore the castle on the hill. And it's true about the nearby forests coming right up to the edge of the city. Oslo seems like a very livable city to me.
@LinariaFreeze8 жыл бұрын
I'm from Norway, near Oslo, where I also lived, and number 4 was the main thing I missed. I've been used to having nature so available, and all of a sudden it was a hassle to reach nature, and people didn't really do it. Now, I moved to Edinburgh, which shouldn't be too bad, but not having nature 20 minutes away was very difficult.
@ShadeOnTheUtube7 жыл бұрын
The trick to dealing with the beggars, particularly the romanian, romani, arabic and balkan beggars, is to *not* give them money, offer to buy them necessities like food, water, socks and such. The joy of seeing a romani woman pick out a pair of socks in a nearby shop at your bill is immeasurable. "Why not give them money?" You may ask. It is incredibly difficult to know if they are forced out on the street to beg by crime rings, so as long as you don't give them money, the crime rings get nothing while the beggars get what they need.
@SanaSamaha7 жыл бұрын
This is probably the best way to treat beggars in most countries... since you never know if those beggars are on the street because they blew all their money on drugs or gambling or alcohol. No one's going to get mad if you buy them a coffee or a sandwich... but don't expect any thanks.
@elisersns96077 жыл бұрын
KidOnTheNet Hi I am a Norwegian girl. You can always see if the beggars are from Norway or not. Not just off the way they look but also how they are begging. Norwegian beggars usually sells a magazine, it's called =oslo, for every magazine they sell they will get 50kr or about 5 dollars. The beggars from Romania don't have this magazine and usually sits on some sort of plastic bag. There they have food or other things that they have been getting from people, they also have a iphone and soda or water. The Norwegian beggars don't follow you but has a place that is there's, because they aren't allowed if they are selling the magazine to follow you. If you really think that the beggars are a problem they will be nice to you if you say hello to them. Personally I think that the worst kinds of beggars is the ones that is outside of the store. You see them sit there until a Tesla comes and pick them up, and if they get chased away by the workers two of them will just switch stores. But I am happy that people are stopping giving them money after the series tv2 hjelper deg ( translates into tv2 helps you ) made an episode about beggars and what they do with the money. I don't really know why I wrote this so don't take this the wrong way.
@DivineFalcon6 жыл бұрын
Wilder I love giving those parasites food or other necessities, because they always blow their cover by getting angry and demanding money instead. A real beggar don't react like that when they get a handout.
@roxyroxelle5 жыл бұрын
@@DivineFalcon Yeah, or they throw what you bought them. I mostly stopped giving a shit about them, but i would occasionally buy them a bagel or give small change if i feel like it. Some people really need help, but most are either in a crime ring and are doing this under pressure or by choice.
@xXImNoBKuDaBKXx8 жыл бұрын
I am visiting Italy, France, Sweden, Austria, and the Czech Republic in March. the tickets are booked and I've literally watched all your videos in preparation. It gave me all the information I needed to make plans thank you the videos!!!
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
That's awesome to hear! Thank you and glad we could help!
@vesleengen8 жыл бұрын
I agree that the service in Norway might feel a bit cold to someone not used to it. It was the other way around when I visited new York some time a go. The waiters at restaurants where all just putting on an act and a fake smile. They where more bothersome then helpful, coming around to the table every five minutes or so asking how the food was or trying to get us to buy more drinks. It was all for the chance to get a tip since their pay is to low to live on without adding tips. Eating out is expensive in Oslo, but you only have to walk half a block outside the typical tourist places to find nice places with cheaper food. I would also recommend buying food at the grocery stores and have a picnic in one of the many great parks, or even taking one of the ferrys out to the many islands in the Oslo fjord. Even tough drinking in public is forbidden, the police won't stop you from having a beer or two on a warm summers day in a park. And speaking of parks, The Botanical Garden in Tøyen i a beautiful park at summer with flowers all over. It is also right next to the Natural History Museum. And it's gets better: It's super simple to get there with the subway.
@LindaengelustrupBlogspot6 жыл бұрын
I would have drinked that beer in a public if I where you. I know someone who got a huge bill for it :/
@johskr22236 жыл бұрын
I recommend two things if you're buying food: Find a store called "Europris" it's cheaper and it isn't really lower quality than other stores. The second thing is if you're going to buy a lot of weird and cool stuff I recommend a store called Tiger or TGR. It's in all of Scandinavia, you can buy like pencils to pillows to phone cases and stuff, and it's cheaper than most stores. I live in Norway btw so I know this stuff!
@carlsondarlson30208 жыл бұрын
The beggers are foreigners!! Not Norwegians !
@zondaboy64937 жыл бұрын
kamil Papa english pls
@kawa202017 жыл бұрын
Slack I delet my comment on this I don't living there & I don't have any imfo .abiut ur country I living in US . In CA but I knew your selfish .. One time vist there many fuckup police ask me on street on my ducoment ! They asked only forgien people very disgusts system people in jial never come back to vist any more there that's way disgusting humanity racist police men .. Slack
@zondaboy64937 жыл бұрын
kamil Papa English pl0x
@Tonnesoflostthoughts7 жыл бұрын
Might just give others an idea of how Norwegians treat immigrants, though.
@_Viking6 жыл бұрын
It's not racism when police ask for Your id, it's because you act like you do.
@Kitti_B8 жыл бұрын
I've been there three times and I love the city. Norwegians are super nice, cool and friendly. It's not easy to get to know them but when you do they become super close and nice. I visited almost everything in the Oslo area, been to Tusenfryd (an Amusement Park), to Bergen and my plan is to visit Nothern Norway (Bodø or Trondheim) and Stavanger.
@OllieSBA28 жыл бұрын
Old stavanger is a must see.. Just be careful (not sure where you are from) but Norwegians are quite introverted, because privacy is appreciated here.. If you need anything ask people who works places, random people might not be too friendly
@Kitti_B8 жыл бұрын
Trollie_Maxi I have Norwegian friends who live there. They are not random people. :)
@OllieSBA28 жыл бұрын
+Kitzhun great, then you are set
@eriknrve29008 жыл бұрын
thx lol xD, wher are u from?
@OllieSBA28 жыл бұрын
+Erik nørve stavanger Norway
@howl20608 жыл бұрын
About the hotdogs, they are 3-6$ per hotdog if you buy them at 7eleven, narvesen etc. MAKE THEM YOURSELVES! The tortilla thing is called a lompe, made of potatoes.
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
+Gamergurl15 cool. Thanks for the heads up!
@TonyWorep8 жыл бұрын
+Wolters World Norwegian: Norge er en 5,000,000 mennesker land, enkelig mange synes Norge er dum. English: Norway are a 5,000,000 human country, but many feel Norway are dumb.
@datsurb76237 жыл бұрын
Did you use google translate or something?
@TonyWorep7 жыл бұрын
Andreas Brustad me?
@howl20607 жыл бұрын
I think so, I mean. Imma just correct that scentence: Norge har 5 millioner innbyggere, men mange syntes at nordmenn er dumme. English: Norway has 5 million citizens, but many people feel that norwegians are stupid.
@llainen8 жыл бұрын
Nr1, people just help you when you ask for it is fantastic! i hata go shopping and someone follows my back and aks a lot of questions etc
@jjuunniiee7 жыл бұрын
Are you American? Because as a Canadian who's been to Oslo, everything you list as things that people would "hate" are totally not what I experienced, lol. We did not feel pressured to tip, the customer service was just fine (I don't believe that workers should bend over backwards for customers), it's just as expensive as it is where I live (Toronto, Ontario), the weather was MUCH warmer in Oslo when we were there (February) as it is/was in Toronto at the same time, although I will agree with you about the beggars; though I mostly only saw them around Sentralstasjon and as you mentioned, among shopping areas like Karl Johan's Gate. At home they're EVERYWHERE downtown. I can't go to the McDonalds a block away without being harassed at least twice. -_- Most museums that we visited were free or very cheap, and transit was not a problem since we didn't use it. Again being from Toronto I walk everywhere and we did the same in Oslo. It was a fantastic way to see more. Other than that, I enjoyed your video. My sister and I fell in absolute love with Oslo and hope to be back soon - preferably in the spring or summer this time to see it in a different light! The locals were so nice, and our hotel was fantastic (Anker Hotel).
@melaniehave4037 жыл бұрын
go in the summer and book a thon hotel instead, you'll get a superdeal and a much better experience than the Anker
@ranganathmaringanti43806 жыл бұрын
Hey I was also in Anker hotel. Nice to know. I felt also the same, like I have my own space over there.
@crBudgetWatches3 жыл бұрын
I spent 2 months in Toronto in 2005 and I remember the beggars were very polite and they looked very Canadian not from other countries (they were all caucasic). That surprised me a lot.
@danicatorrens94048 жыл бұрын
The reason that Norway is expensive is because our taxes are high, which means that our salaries are high and our quality of living is incredible as we have excellent health care and free education. :)
@larsfrogner56493 жыл бұрын
True, Oslo is expensive if you don't know where to go and hang around downtown. There are cafes and bars on the east-side that are more affordable. Ask the locals, they'll be happy to help you out.
@memovalerauxuidesigner66728 жыл бұрын
You forgot something very very nice about Oslo, and i guess Scandinavia in general, the architecture is great, great modern buildings and edge designs, the Opera House is beautifull, and the Aker brygge area in front of the sea is such a nice place, with the scultures and the buildings...!!
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
+La Hus Diseño Gráfico very True.
@olamolla80908 жыл бұрын
Are you from Oslo?
@janjensen7661 Жыл бұрын
Oslo has nothing compred to other capitals
@CHaRTaH8 жыл бұрын
You forgot to mention my favorite part of Oslo: All the free parks! For instance; Vigeland sculpture park at Majorstua. There you can chill out with friends or family and barbeque, play sports or games, go running/jogging, you can buy ice cream, there are playgrounds for kids, you can feed the birds by the small lakes, or just chill out, people-watch or read. One of my favorite places in Oslo.
@bubble08 жыл бұрын
If you ever get the chance to travel to Norway at 17th of may you should rly do it! It is one of the best times of the year and we go in huuuuuge parades celebrating our national day :)
@utavtakt93614 жыл бұрын
I love our seasons. I think it's good for our mental health to have varied season :)
@edmundharderfinseth33998 жыл бұрын
i live in Oslo and i am often guide for turist and you can have fun and enjoy it with out using big money.
@laurie25535 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another great video; really appreciate the transparency. Side trip to Bergen; 2 day cruise in the Fjords, back to Sweden...
@TheSigokk7 жыл бұрын
The reason Norway have higher prices on stuff, is that we want to have as cheep hospitals as possible. Therefore we need to get the money to make this possible somewhere. And some of this makes the prices higher.
@heklaeir7 жыл бұрын
Im not planning on visiting Oslo, im planning on living there for a semester or two. I'm icelandic, i really dont give a shit about seeing the northern lights.
@ccityplanner12175 жыл бұрын
I am commenting from Oslo & I prefer the customer service here to that everywhere else I've been (including England where I live). It is like a dream. The video makes me worry I may be bothered by the attentiveness of American customer service.
@corpkid5 жыл бұрын
One thing to know is: DO NOT TAKE A TAXI FROM THE AIRPORT. I was nursing a sprained ankle so opted to take a taxi into the city center and it cost me almost $200 USD. Needless to say, we used the train to return. :)
@Docteur6668 жыл бұрын
Oslo is safe, relatively clean and with a lot of space, green spots and parks. Nice by the fjord and only 25 min by subway to the woods. He should have mentioned Vigelandsparken and the nightlife wich has improved a lot the last five to ten years (Youngstorget, Torggata, Grunerløkka especially). A lot of great restaurants too - both cheap and expencive (I will reccomand Aymara, Taste Of China, Dinner, Smia, Olympen, Pjoltergeist, Izakaya, Stock, La Benjamin, Munchies burgers and the pizza at Tranen. And Oslo also has more concerts than Copenhagen and Stockholm combined.
@MartinKristianPlays7 жыл бұрын
The beggers is from Romania not Norwegians. I think Oslo is okay.
@elsamuel08275 жыл бұрын
Oslo is the literal best, I’m from here and it’s majestic. At night the view is MAGNIFICENT. I live in an apartment and it’s the best! Oh yeah Oslo!
@lowercherty7 жыл бұрын
I'm from NE Minnesota. Going to Norway is like going to Grandma's house.
@jblistener74918 жыл бұрын
You know a country is pricey if a professor from Illinois says it's expensive. :)
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
Perhaps ;)
@nubeans6 жыл бұрын
It is TRUE that visitors should not expect friendly or welcoming gestures from Norwegians. It is also TRUE that customer service in Norway is NOT great. In fact, my personal experience in Oslo and Norway in general is that the Norwegians are very COLD, arrogant, and even rude. They do not care about your tourist money because they are so rich already. The stuff presented in this video is very TRUE! I love it! Norway is the MOST EXPENSIVE place I've been to. And I've been to 62 countries, including Japan!
@cayesh12345 жыл бұрын
I'm sorry you only met cold, arrogant and rude Norwegians. That sucks! Most of us do like tourists coming to see our little, yet great country. Customer service is different because it's all about not invading your personal space, and not because the service people are arrogant. Hope you've had some good travels since.
@user-bb8lj4wh2j8 жыл бұрын
As someone who live in Norway and have studied and lived in Oslo the best advice is to visit small resturant around town and not in Karl Johan gate. Other places are far cheaper! :) Use Yelp and eat a good dinner! :)
@ukdavepianoman2 ай бұрын
Just returned from Norway. Oslo was expensive but some restaurants and beer weren't too bad - could easily pay as much for 1 pint (just over 0.5l) in some central London pubs. What was really expensive was wine - £10/$12 for just 140cc glass. I thought transportation was quite reasonable - Vy train from Oslo airport to Oslo S about £10/$12 for a 40km trip in 20-25 mins. Walking around Oslo was great - ignore the beggars. When the sun was out it was cosy; as soon as it got cloudy, wow it was cold - in June!
@davidclark68506 жыл бұрын
Whilst Oslo IS expensive, its a question of appreciating the expense and budgeting accordingly. There are many things to see and you can see all of them in a couple of days as they are close together. The City like the rest of Scandanavia is spotlessly clean and many people speak excellent English. definitley get the OSLO CARD. The weather isn't that bad as all that. remember its not near the equator. Oslo is highly recommended
@MichaelRMcDonald8 жыл бұрын
Every time I plan on going somewhere new the first thing I do is go on KZfaq & search for your videos. Hands down the most helpful videos I've ever came across. Thanks Mark for all the work you do to inform fellow travelers.
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
+MichaelRMcDonald thank you Michael. I don't know what to say except thank you for your kind words. It really means a lot and I'm glad we can help you travel better.
@Hvetebolle_8 жыл бұрын
I will recommend Trondheim for you, if you plan on going back to Norway. Nidarosdommen is a must see in Trondheim!
@patrickoleary9227 жыл бұрын
It has been almost twenty years since I was in Oslo, but you hit the nail on the head on the topics you mentioned. Sure brought back memories of those days. Thanks for a ob well done. Great vid. >>
@joannedimauro29057 жыл бұрын
Iceland so far seemed most expensive. Sweden, Denmark and the rest of Europe wasn't but then again I'm from NYC. Booked my hotel in Oslo, I made sure it was a nice hotel, the cost wasn't bad at all. Guess it's always about what you're use to and trust me, NYC is expensive!
@EricTheBroBean7 жыл бұрын
Most of us norwegians hate going to Oslo. The roads are ridiculous, impossible to get a half decent parking spot, and just too many busy people. And oh btw, we dont really put too much into the hotdogs, its just the fastest way to get a quick snack while refueling your car at the same time. Honestly, if you really want a good vacation in Norway, you should travel and see it by train. Its really the only way to see the different cultures and landscapes we have.
@pamelabennett9057Ай бұрын
You missed my favorite place, Vigelandparken/Frogner Park! Free, walk around all the amazing sculptures, just terrific!
@s.ml.90608 жыл бұрын
I recommend the west coast- from Ålesund down to Bergen. Fjords, fresh air, the sea and ragged nature. And lots of charming places. Btw people in general speak good English also outside of Oslo/ bigger cities.
@bianwahsoh99288 жыл бұрын
also try visiting ulsteinvik
@kdawur8 жыл бұрын
You go to Norway for nature, or for small, like tiny places with scenery to enjoy it to the fullest. The experience in summer can be very rewarding if you do a little bit, or a lot of hiking. The fjords/coast in the south, west and north are very different from Oslo. The mountains and valleys differ from each other and some are 2 - 3 hours with car from Oslo. Bring hiking shoes or boots in summer. If you like urban style holiday, or a lot of architecture it's London, Paris, etc. Living in Oslo is good, and Norway is beautiful. Have a nice trip !
@nola66795 жыл бұрын
Nice video dude. Even I, who lives in Norway didnt know about the Oslo pass though. Very cool. Something I also reccomend is visiting ww2 museums like the Norway Resistance Museum. I personally think its interesting to see how the people in Norway lived under ww2. Ive also never heard about Hot dogs in Norway being a must. Also, most beggars are non-norwegian. They come to Norway to beg.
@davidzhuleiva7 жыл бұрын
The reason why people are not overly service minded is because Norwegians usually avoid interacting with strangers in general. As a Norwegian myself, I do appreciate that store clerks do leave me alone until I actually request assistance..
@CarolineeHammer8 жыл бұрын
In terms of the service, the reason why a lot of Americans might consider it bad is that there's a difference in preference. When I go to the states, I find the amount of costumer service annoying because I want to be left alone and I'll let them know. So there's just a different expectation for the service.
@denisdralec199311 ай бұрын
True ! There's nothing more annoying than being bothered with their 'are you ok...can I help you...etc...every few minutes..it's like they are saying 'keep spending money or get lost'.
@hittingtax26707 жыл бұрын
Some other study abroad students invited me to go with them to Oslo to see the northern lights. There was Norway I could refuse.
@Barken827 жыл бұрын
Theres no northern lights in Oslo (It can happen, but it is extremely rare and rather vague) But from Troms to Finnmark it's quite common!
@marierise14707 жыл бұрын
The locals told you to buy hotdogs? They must have been kidding haha... I recommend making most of your meals at the hotel or try renting an apartment or something that has a kitchen, that's way cheaper than eating out. Also, when in Norway - wear proper clothes... don't complain about the cold haha!
@ThePaal18 жыл бұрын
I'm in Nord-Norge (Northern Norway) and I'm sitting in a shorts and a t-shirt at the end of april. Of course it'll vary day-to-day, and depend on where you are (Bergen is infamous for it's rain and strange weather), but it's not as cold as he makes it seem. Today it was like 12°C! And the hot dog "pancake" he's talking about is called a "lefse" and it's made from potatoes :D
@errpee82778 жыл бұрын
again: "bad service" is nothing more than DISCRETION, a word that maybe doesn't even exist in american english.
@knightarnaud8 жыл бұрын
+Reinhard Perner It's basically because they are not living on tips like they do in the US
@gg_rider8 жыл бұрын
+Rijnhardowitsch Leonid Obskurskij so Norway customer service doesn't interrupt you and bother you, you have to ask for attention. That can be nice.
@meinungabundance76968 жыл бұрын
Discretion!!! wow, what a description of arrogance of service.... As a customer you dont need "discretion", discretion you'll find in a Swiss bank!
@SaintAnthonny8 жыл бұрын
i prefer to be left alone when i shop, i dislike having people running after me and asking what i want and if i want try this-and that. i can very well take care of myself, and if i need help or an opinion...i will ask.
@meinungabundance76968 жыл бұрын
Yes, but YOU are not all the customers. Also, there is a difference between customer friendly and "running after you."
@camillevoyage97278 жыл бұрын
I loved that museum!! I also really enjoyed the Astrup Fearnly modern art museum
@vanderlippe8 жыл бұрын
I'm Norwegian and these things are things Norwegians are used to. that's why you don't like some things because you are used to other things in your native country, but for Norwegians this is normal.
@dubious67188 жыл бұрын
Why include beggars in every movie about Norway? There is NO Norwegian beggars in Norway They all from southern Europe
@twelvesmylimit5 жыл бұрын
We recently did interrailing and focussed mostly on Norway. We stayed in Oslo for three nights and didn't do a lot of the touristy stuff, but it was a pretty nice city, apart from that much of it was under construction. My husband is mostly a city-hater and didn't enjoy it so much! We had pretty good customer service but we're British and aren't used to the U.S. level of customer service, which I understand is excellent.
@janjensen7661 Жыл бұрын
Lisen to your husband😂
@twelvesmylimit Жыл бұрын
@@janjensen7661 About cities? 😄
@janjensen7661 Жыл бұрын
@@twelvesmylimit you are a type of person who like every city so yes
@twelvesmylimit Жыл бұрын
@@janjensen7661 I don't like every city at all. 🤷
@janjensen7661 Жыл бұрын
@@twelvesmylimit every european
@bumblebee78388 жыл бұрын
I was shivering watching this. This kind of jacket is sometimes sold as a summer jacket. Next time any of you travel to northern Europe do as the Europeans do and wrap yourself in a big ball of wool and outdoor clothing in rescue colors. It might look a bit odd, but it works.
@sisejaizanaki22378 жыл бұрын
1 - you don't tip in norway. Tipping in norway is not a thing. why do you keep saying you tip in norway you really do not. Like you're allowed to do it if you want to, but we're kinda proud of the no tipping thing. 2 - the fact that you have to ask to get customer service has nothing to do with high pay. It has everything to do with norwegian politeness. in America it is polite to be very forward with customer service, to approach you and make sure your every need is taken care of but in norway that is considered very rude and invasive. We really REALLY value being left to our own business, especially when in public. so customer service is available if you want it, but will otherwise not bother you and to us that is what is considered excellent customer service. 3- The thing about our socialist country is that if any norwegian has financial trouble, the government will help you as long as you are willing to accept that help. But if you aren't in the system, then the government won't know that you're having trouble. So almost all beggars are illegal immigrants, people hiding from the government, or just people pretending. the rest is all pretty accurate
@Celna5258 жыл бұрын
The thing with the customer service. Us Norwegians, we don't like to bother other people. We don't like to go into their personal space. That's why you often see on the subway and the buses alot of empty seats while people are standing, because we dont want to bother the person already sitting by sitting next to them. So that leads to customer service. We don't want to disturb people in the store while they look around, or while they eat etc. If we need help, we will ask for it. Alot of Norwegins also don't like asking for help because we then disturb the people working, so asking for help is the last thing we do. And the weather in May is usually ALOT better. The summer was just really bad last year... Even for us Norwegians
@2Kriss2Kross8 жыл бұрын
Loving all the Nordic vids! Very underrated part of Europe, imo. I hope to do a multi-country trip there next year. Hope you can go back to Finland soon and make more vids there. Other than that you got all the other Nordic countries thoroughly covered!
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
It's worth a visit. I will probably be back in Finland in 2017 only sadly. But never say never :) All the best on your travels!
@O-townplaya Жыл бұрын
Come visit Norway soon! Our currency isnt doing well so tourists get a lot more bang for the buck! Greetings, an ex Fram museum employee👍🙂
@Wehedo8 жыл бұрын
Love the hotdog part! love your vids :)
@nuggetnguyen25418 жыл бұрын
this was actually helpful and you are not annoying or creepy, unusual on the travel advice tubes. THANK YOU YOU ARE MY GOD.
@woltersworld8 жыл бұрын
+Nugget Nguyen glad we could help. All the best and don't mind the trolls.
@JbtSveZauzeto17 жыл бұрын
Cold, wet and snowy...I'm sold.
@Erik-vp5bm8 жыл бұрын
Those beggars depicted are romanian gypsies here on tourist visa, they are not any more part of Norway than any other tourist is.
@canislunaticus6 жыл бұрын
You know what's not expensive? looking at stuff like nature and statues, there's a lot of beautiful things to look at in oslo
@canislunaticus6 жыл бұрын
And it's free :D
@frost61658 жыл бұрын
To be fair, cities in the U.S like San Francisco and New York is just as expensive when it comes to high quality, exquisite hotels and bars.
@notthegoatseguy5 жыл бұрын
Many US cities have at least a history of a more working class/manufacturing time so there are still remnants of that time with low cost diners and cheap dive bars around. They're increasingly become more rare, but in NYC, Boston, and a few other big cities, they still exist.
@stormbytes7 жыл бұрын
Glad I watched this video. Changed my itinerary.
@ece4218 жыл бұрын
I bought a five day Copenhagen pass when I was in Denmark, it was initially expensive but you can go anywhere and see any museum all around Copenhagen and even on the outskirts. It averaged about $24 a day, for transportation and museum fees.
@luddy20098 жыл бұрын
A famous Norwegian saying I was told before visiting Norway: There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
@chrisvinci54178 жыл бұрын
the fram museum is my favorite!
@suzycreamcheesez43716 жыл бұрын
2 things I love about Oslo Tarjie and Henrik
@johansagy2268 жыл бұрын
Most of the beggers are here because they hear about how rich and well Norway is.
@johansagy2268 жыл бұрын
And also most norwegian workers earn around 3-4000 dollars.
@leifcatt8 жыл бұрын
+Ascato . . . . Is that per month? Is that before taxes?
@johansagy2268 жыл бұрын
Per month yes. And yes after taxes
@leifcatt8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the reply and WOW!
@user-rf8ri7cr5l8 жыл бұрын
+Ascato well not necessarily some people working in convenience stores more commonly earn from 2-3000$ a month.
@magdadrague7 жыл бұрын
It's probably oh my God expensive in whole Norway,not only in Oslo :D
@endrelvik88397 жыл бұрын
Hahaha i am from a small place in Norway and when i was in Oslo i was surprised of how friendly people working for restaurants and Stores were
@andreasverby36577 жыл бұрын
One of the cool things with norway is that if u live on a farm or something like that you will probably start driving "jordebil" when ur around 10 yrs old. Jordebil is basically an old car you drive out on a field
@gounter2226 жыл бұрын
You don`t need to tip in Norway it is not expected.
@kennethjakobsen67138 жыл бұрын
10-20 dollars for a beer? While it is true that it costs so much in some of the more high end bars and nightclubs it is possible to find cheaper. We are famed for getting very drunk, that wouldn't be possible if it was that expensive all over. Pro tip, hook up with some natives. Norwegians love to show off their English and would gladly adopt a tourist for a night and show them where to find the cheapest beer.
@faervelvi73417 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate! Family and I are going to be here in a month! Good to know this sort of stuff.
@sheastadium20088 жыл бұрын
Hey! Wolterworlds just want to say what your doing right now is really Awesome and interesting. The Fact that you make these videos and learn about the Culture from other countries is Awesome! You got my Subscription. Also I really hope you go to my county Dominican Republic. and try out Cuba I heard the country looks the same. Keep it up Bro👍
@robertclark16688 жыл бұрын
Just discovered you. Great vids and you are so knowledgeable. I will be following closely. Thanks.
@jonasls7 жыл бұрын
I like that Oslo is really condensed. Everything is close.
@cobra32894 жыл бұрын
I lived in Oslo all my life.. Everything you say is 100% right.
@Atlantianis7 жыл бұрын
An important thing to remember about the costumer service, is that norwegians show respect to others by being quiet and keeping their distance. So in that aspect norwegians are probably more eastern than what you´re used to with other western europeans.
@TheWorldsMoralMiddleFinger3 жыл бұрын
Regarding the ski jump hill, Holmenkollen: You can now actually 'jump' it yourself. There is a zip line from the top, that lets you fulfill your fear. 😂 Hardly anyone dies. Just a little bit of dark humor there. It's safer than meditation. 👌😁
@vasotsir7 жыл бұрын
i have a very different oppinion about customer service in Oslo . Since i got here everyone is polite and helpful and not just in restaurants but people in general. They are qiuet they don't want to bother you, personal space is important here so you wont see people asking you if you need help unless you ask for it, which is reasonable. If you want something, you ask for it. Everyone I've ever met in Norway was willing to help me when I asked it. maybe you where just unlucky.
@bjornhelgerolla2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this very useful piece of info. Now i need to go to Oslo. I can feel it......
@annebritraaen9395 жыл бұрын
As a norwegian, I want to be left alone until I need help, then I'll ask. Still, if I run into someone who seem a bit lost, I will do what I can to help him. Maybe it's epigenetic? Maybe that's what living in isolated communities, do to you?
@onepound52938 жыл бұрын
Great videos. Have you ever considered visiting smaller towns and cities in the UK - like York, Bath, Oxford and Cambridge? You would really get the English vibe from those cities, especially the Shambles in York. And perhaps you could finish with a visit to Edinburgh. There's more to the UK than London, and a lot of foreigners don't understand this.