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Here at AAV Travel, we would like to give your mind a break and the opportunity to enjoy and learn more about the world from the comfort of your home.

TASTE • LISTEN • EXPERIENCE • READ • HAPPY HOUR

Although well known and popular with Europeans, Norway still feels like an off-radar destination for many Americans. Nearly 70 % of Norway is uninhabited, making it an incredible nature playground. Gorgeous views wherever you look! Although winter in Norway might seem dreary, it becomes a true snow-clad paradise. Along the coast, the temperatures usually stay around 32 F. Of course, making it perfect for winter activities. #tourismstrong

Norway is also known as the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Norway is famous for its fresh, farm to table food approach. Seafood, which is often smoked, is part of many dishes. Dairy products, as well as cheese usually made from goat or sheep milk, are an everyday staple as well.

You can expect a very creative and innovative food culture wherever you go. One particular gem, though, is the historic town of Røros, which sits inland not far from the border to Sweden, about five hours north of Oslo. Founded in 1644, it is home to some of the oldest buildings in Europe and has a fairy tale feel. It is also well known as one of Norway’s leading food regions as everything grows very slowly in Røros, and hence develops a distinctive taste.

Learn how to make a “Beef Tartar with Truffle Cream” with Tareq Taylor, a chef from Sweden who hosts a Nordic Cookery series. In this episode, he prepares the beef tartar in the streets of Røros.

Click here for the full recipe.

Believe it or not, Norway is also home to the world’s largest underwater restaurant! Serving a sustainable menu based on local seafood and forest plants, this is a real bucket list experience in Lindesnes, located on the Southern tip of Norway.

Without a doubt, A-HA are Norway’s most famous export. No one else has come close to their fame and status. However, there are plenty of bands, especially of the electronic and pop genre to check out and listen to. Many of the artists sing in English, which makes their music more approachable from an international standpoint.

You’ll find quite a good selection of movie genres are coming from Norway. Some are quirky, others historical, some are dark, and others heroic.

• Elling: When his mother, who has sheltered him his entire 40 years, dies, Elling, a sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and female-obsessed virgin in his 40s.
• Max Manus Man of War: Max Manus tells a parallel story of Norway’s greatest Second World War hero, a ruthless anti-Nazi whose military skills were learned to fight with the Finns against the Soviet invaders.
• In Order of Disappearance: Introverted and hard-working snowplow driver Nils has just been named Citizen of The Year, when he receives news that his son has died of a heroin overdose. Disbelieving the official report, he searches to find out the truth.

For those of you who have access to Netflix, there are some Norwegian series you can watch:

Nobel, a series of incidents in Afghanistan, set complicated political and personal events in motion for a returning Norwegian Special Forces officer.

The world is changing, and some might claim headed towards a new Ragnarok, the cataclysmic destruction of the cosmos and everything in it in Norse Mythology. It’s a modern-day interpretation of the story repeating itself, set in a small Norwegian town.

Lilyhammer is the story of a New York mobster going into hiding in the Norwegian town of Lilyhammer.

If you think you might want to visit someday soon, let these clips inspire you!

If you love reading and are ready to go deeper and learn more about the country as well as its history, culture, and behind the scenes, there are some excellent books for you!

The Snow Man (Harry Hole Series) by Jo Nesbo

One night, after the first snowfall of the year, a boy named Jonas wakes up and discovers that his mother has disappeared. Only one trace of her remains: a pink scarf, his Christmas gift to her, now worn by the snowman that inexplicably appeared in their yard earlier that day.  Inspector Harry Hole suspects a link between the missing woman and a suspicious letter he’s received. The case deepens when a pattern emerges: over the past decade, eleven women have vanished—all on the day of the first snow. But this is a killer who makes his own rules . . . and he’ll break his pattern just to keep the game interesting, as he draws Harry ever closer into his twisted web. With brilliantly realized characters and hair-raising suspense, international bestselling author Jo Nesbø presents his most chilling case yet—one that will test Harry Hole to the very limits of his sanity. For more…

Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson

Trond’s friend Jon often appeared at his doorstep with an adventure in mind for the two of them. But this morning was different. What began as a joy ride on “borrowed” horses ends with Jon falling into a strange trance of grief. Trond soon learns what befell Jon earlier that day―an incident that marks the beginning of a series of vital losses for both boys.

Set in the easternmost region of Norway, Out Stealing Horses begins with an ending. Sixty-seven-year-old Trond has settled into a rustic cabin in an isolated area to live the rest of his life with a quiet deliberation. A meeting with his only neighbor, however, forces him to reflect on that fateful summer. For more…

The Social Guidebook to Norway – An Illustrated Introduction by Julien S Bourelle

This is your Social Guidebook to Norway. It takes you through an illustrated Norwegian journey. This guidebook is not about typical Norwegian behaviors. It is about behaviors that are peculiar to Norwegians. For more...

A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen

Ibsen’s seminal play, which changed modern drama, is a searing view of a male-dominated and authoritarian society, presented with a realism that elevates theater to a level above mere entertainment. The reverberations of Nora’s slamming the door as she leaves Torvald continue to this present day. Nicholas Rudall, justly celebrated for his translations of Ibsen, again provides a play of power and speakability. For more…

Have you heard of Aquavit? Aquavit is distilled from grain or potato and flavored with caraway as the dominant spice. The spirit is truly a Scandinavian favorite, but Norway’s version has a unique twist. While others make an all-clear version, Norway ages theirs in sherry oak casks, that give the liquid a golden color. It also adds a hint of vanilla.

One of Norway’s most famous Aquavits is Linie Aquavit. Linie means “line” and refers to the unique aging process used for this particular brand. The oak barrels are loaded onto ships that cross the equator twice. Rumor has it that this tradition enhances the spirit’s flavor and makes the Aquavit extra smooth due to the barrels continually rolling on the ocean and temperature fluctuations.

Please stay safe and healthy, wash your hands, and practice social distancing as long as it is necessary.

Being able to travel is an incredible gift. The experience can open our eyes to the unique cultures and spellbinding beauty of the natural world. But with this gift comes a responsibility – to protect the world as we know it. Please behave responsibly and show respect!

STEFANIE PICHONNAT
Stefanie Pichonnat is the owner of Cumar Gold Travel, a boutique travel firm specialized in creating customized travel itineraries. Originally from Switzerland, she started exploring the world at a young age and continues to expand her knowledge every year.

To plan a trip contact her at stefanie@aav-travel.com