Darker days, warmer moments
November marks the start of the winter season. The clocks have been turned back, temperatures are dropping, and Oslo is beginning to light up for the season ahead.
A good way to approach November is simply to embrace the change. With the right clothes, a little kos and a willingness to get outside, you can turn it into one of the coziest times of the year.
Are you ready?
Whether or not it’s your first winter in Norway, preparation is key. The popular Norwegian saying «Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær» – “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing” – is a good philosophy to keep in mind. Don’t let the weather stop you. Just be prepared!
Layers!
Don’t rely on one heavy layer. Instead, think several layers making it easier to adjust between the cold outdoors and warm offices, shops and public transport. Layers are also useful outdoors when the weather suddenly changes.
Refleks
With fewer hours of daylight, visibility becomes more important – not only for kids, but for everyone. So don’t forget your refleks! Attach one to your coat, bag or backpack and make yourself more visible in the dark.
November Challenge: Get outside
The temptation to stay indoors increases once the darker days arrive, but getting outside is an important part of embracing life in Norway.
You don’t need to plan an intensive hike or day trip. Keep it easy and fun. Choose a weekend, dress appropriately, bring something warm to drink, maybe pack a few snacks and explore somewhere close to home.
Some good starting points I Oslo:
- Sognsvann
- Bygdøy
- Ekeberg
- Frognerseteren
- Akerselva
Regardless of the weather we challenge you to take one outdoor walk this month – and don’t forget the thermos!
Have you relocated to Oslo for work? Our Expat Mobility experts Tamme and Alma offer a range of services to help you settle in.
The holidays are coming!
The first signs of Christmas start popping up around Oslo in November.
The Christmas market Jul i Vinterland in Spikersuppa is scheduled to open in early November and continue into the New Year. You can also visit the beautiful Grand Hotel on 14 and 15 November, where the Grand Christmas Market will feature exhibitors offering gifts, crafts and delicacies.
With the dark days come bright lights, and November is a lovely time to watch Oslo gradually transform for the festive season.
Norwegian word of the month: Koselig
Some Norwegian words capture a feeling that can be difficult to translate directly, and koselig is one of them.
It is often translated as cozy, pleasant, nice or warm – but it can mean all of those things and more. Koselig is as much about a feeling or atmosphere as it is a description.
A cup of coffee with a friend can be koselig. Dinner at home can be koselig. Candles burning on a dark November evening can definitely be koselig.
And perhaps that is the secret to November in Norway: rather than fighting the darkness, find ways to make it koselig.
