The Land of  The Stave Church, The Preikestolen,

Fjords & Vikings

Information on Relocating to Norway

• The capital city of Norway is Oslo with about 795 thousand people. The political centre is in Oslo where the King resides. Norway is a constitutional monarchy.

• Language: The official language spoken is Norwegian. There is a small group of Sami and Finnish - speaking minorities in the country. The TV programs are in Norwegian. There are about 4 different channels in Norway, however satellite and cable TV are available.

• Population: The population is about 4.6 million people of which there are 30,000 Sami.

• Expat areas: The most popular area for the Expat community is Oslo, however there are also Trondheim, Bergen and Stavanger.

• Housing: For all types of housing water and charges for municipal taxes are included in the rental price. Sewage charges are also usually included in the rent. Garage space (for houses, not apartments) is usually also included in the rental price. An upper-limit estimate for the heat and electricity bill of a well-insulated 3 bedroom house is anywhere between 15.000 and 25.000 Norwegian crowns (1900 Euro-3200 Euro) per year. Installation of a telephone can take a few weeks. In both furnished and unfurnished accommodation, kitchens are usually fitted with cooker/range, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Washing machines and dryers normally are part of the inventory too. Partially furnished accommodation will depend on what the owner wishes to leave and there are no hard and fast rules as to what will be included. However, this will usually be large items of furniture such as beds, sofas, tables and chairs. A fully furnished accommodation will include everything except linens and towels.

• Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the apartment you'll pay anything from Euro 1250 - Euro 3800 and higher. When you rent a house the cost could vary from Euro 2000 - Euro 5100 and higher. The local currency is Norwegian Crown (NOK).

• Schools: There are the International schools, the French and German schools, and of course all the local schools available. The formal education system in Norway is similar to that of other European countries and is divided into three levels: 1. Primary and lower secondary schools, compulsory for 6 - 16 year olds, 2. Upper secondary schools and apprenticeship training programs, elective for 16 - 19 year olds and 3. College and universities, elective and selective, for young adults. Depending on the age we can tell you about waiting lists etc.

• Transportation: There is a great public transportation system: Planes, trains, trams, busses, subway, taxi's, ferries and boats. They are well-adjusted for the handicapped.

• Banking: Banking hours are generally between 9.00 am until 4.00 pm from Monday-Thursday. Friday 9.00 am – 5.00 pm and Saturday 9.00 am – 12.00 noon.

• Shopping: Monday-Wednesday and Friday 9.00 am -5.00/6.00 pm, Thurs 9.00 am -8.00 pm and Saturday 9.00-1.00/300 pm. Supermarkets are normally open 9.00am – 8.00 pm on weekdays, and 10.00 am -6.00 pm Saturdays.

• Climate: The climate in Norway varies a great deal from one region to another but the four seasons are distinct throughout the whole country. In the northernmost region, Finnmark, the temperature can vary from - 52°C (-62°F) in the winter to more than 30°C (86°F) in the summer. The coastal climate is one of mild winters and cool summers, while inland winters are cold and summers are hot. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream bring a mild climate to coastal areas and ensure ice-free harbors even in winter.

• Culture: Today cultural life in Norway finds expression in a variety of different fields such as the theatre, films, music, painting, arts and crafts, folk dancing, and literature. Cultural life in Norway is very varied and many Norwegian artists have achieved international fame.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; April-May Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Monday-(dates vary); May 1st-Labor day; May 17th-Constitution Day; Ascension day, Whit Monday-(dates vary); December 25th & 26th-Christmas Days.