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Easter - We all know and love it! Even if you are not a Christian, chances are you still have a relationship with this holiday in one way or another. Here is a short introduction to what is specific about Easter celebrations in Norway.
Holiday and Bank Holidays
Usually, pupils and students are on holiday the full Easter week, including the Monday after (second day of Easter). For workers, it is normal to have half the day of on Wednesday, and Thursday, Friday and Monday are full days of.
Be aware of opening hours. During Easter, most of the stores will be closed. This includes Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. On Saturday, the stores close early. You should be getting most of the things you need before Wednesday afternoon, although the smaller corner stores will be open (usually with restricted hours).
Easter Bunnies and Egg Hunting
Ok, this is more of an international Easter tradition. But it is alive and well in Norway too. During the Easter weekend, parents or teachers may organize a proper egg hunt, with maps and riddles for the children to solve. This will often include traces of the mythical creature the Easter bunny. When the puzzle is solved, your award will usually be a painted cardboard egg filled with pick-and-mix candy.
Hytta på Påskefjellet
The probably most Norwegian thing to do during Easter is to go to the cabin, also known as “hytta”. Although not everyone has access to a cabin, the amount of people with a vacation home in Norway is relatively high. The most desirable place to have a cabin during this time of year is in the mountains, in Norwegian “fjellet”. This has led to the expression “påskefjellet”, or Easter mountain. This is the place you go to relax with your friends and family.
Don’t know anyone with a cabin you can invite yourself to? Check if your university or host organization has access to a shared cabin - This is quite common in Norway.
Cross Country Skiing
Again, our national sport Cross Country Skiing. Although it surely is more exhausting than going downhill, it is certainly more rewarding too. Remember to bring chocolate and organges for your trip, and have lots of breaks.
Not into skiing? There are a lot of option when it comes to winter activities. Here is a blog post from last year that might give you som inspiration.
Most cities offer equipment rentals, some of them also for free. Check for example out Bua in Oslo.
Bypåske
An equivalent to påskefjellet is the term “bypåske”, translated to City Easter. This term is used to describe the feeling of having the city center to yourself, as so many people have left for påskefjellet. There is fewer people, and a lot less traffic. Still, most people are off work, and if the weather allows it they will go for a walk around the neigbourhood, or sit in the sun to enjoy their first outdoor coffee of the year.
Enjoy your easter!
Best,
Hannah, OLS Community Manager – Norwegian