NORWAY - TRONDHEIM

A cultural practice I came to admire in Norway is community volunteer day, for which Norwegians even have a name - a ‘dugnad.’ When I first heard the phrase “we will have a dugnad,” my initial interpretation was that it was some form of social gathering. However, I soon learned that - in addition to the social aspect - it is typically when a community is called together to upgrade or take care of some form of a place, like a cabin or a school facility. This initiative naturally creates opportunities to meet other people and fosters a strong sense of community. Towards the end of the shift, the organizers may even set up a small celebration to thank the volunteers by providing food and beverages.

In Trondheim, I became a volunteer early during my exchange at an organization called ReStore, which sometimes used to organize these dugnads, as do many other student organizations at the university. Participating in these events gave me a firsthand experience of Norwegian communal values and allowed me to build friendships with other student volunteers, some of whom were to be found in the same situation as I was; new in town and eager to meet others.

Another cultural practice I would like to mention is cabin trips. Before coming to Norway, when I thought of going out to nature for a hike, it usually implied that I would return home at the end of the day, or, as is typical in my homecountry, stay at a “mountaineers’ lodge” - a larger hostel equipped with various amenities including running water and shower, for overnight stays. However, in Norway, it is quite common to organize a hike and combine it with a stay at an off-the-grid cabin. These cabin trips are deeply ingrained in Norwegian culture. The university itself has their own organization called NTNU Koiene - “the cabins” - that owns a network of cabins to rent for students. I remember meeting a pair of hikers who were on a mission to visit all 23 three of them, and had actually been to most already by the time our group had met them.

A typical cabin trip involves hiking to a remote cabin, having dinner, maybe sharing some ghost stories with your friends, playing board games, or singing a couple of songs before you call it a day. The cabins, often located in picturesque and serene locations - sometimes by a lake - provide a perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Some are even equipped with saunas. Many Norwegian families have their private cabins, but numerous public and rental cabins are available for one or several nights.

These two experiences have deepened my understanding of Norwegian cultural values. First, the importance of communal activities that unite the community, providing opportunities to give back to it for the greater good. Additionally, taking breaks from one’s regular weekly routine by reconnecting with nature - both are crucial aspect of Norwegian life. These cultural practices have profoundly influenced my perspective; Participating in “dugnad” and going on cabin trips has certainly enriched my experience in Norway, not only enhancing my understanding of Norwegian values but also inspiring me to incorporate similar practices into my own life.