Things that SURPRISED me in Norway | Part 1 

I'm Norwegian and I was surprised to hear about microwaves, don't think I've ever been to a house that don't have it. But if you rent, you usually have to have your own.

Jesus, the norwegians in the comments won't let that microwave thing go xD

Most people in Norway have microwaves, but if you rent an apartment you bring your own, as they are not provided by the renter in the same way as an oven or fridge is.

Can we talk about how beautiful she is? Both on the outside and inside.

Hi there! The 2 duvet bed covers are standard in Switzerland. It saves you a lot of trouble when it comes to the nightly subconscious bed cover pull away fight :-)

99% of the comments: eVerYBodY iN NorWAy hAvE a micRoWAvE

I’m norwegian and everyone I know got a microwave tho

Agree about pretty much everything except the microwave thing. I feel like everyone has microwaves?

I think the two duvee for a couple part is because if one partner hugs the whole duvee it can quickly be cold.

literally everybody got a microwave here. it doesn't come with the house, but so doesn't you're computer or towels

I always bring 3 different sizes of pants, dresses etc, which is how most Norwegians solve that problem. 💃

"Rents one place - No microwave?" OMG NOBODY IN NORWAY HAS MICROWAVES! Just fyi, literally everyone has a microwave..

Hello. I'm a Norwegian and I can explain why not everybody has a microwave. It's because most of the norwegians are making their own food,from scratch. It's making the food so much healthier. Because you know all the ingredients. With love from Tone😊

In Denmark I learned English from fifth grade. That's almost 40 years ago. Today they even start at first grade in some schools. Guess it's much similar in Norway.

Beds seem to be very different across Europe. In Germany, you nearly always have two duvets - and also two mattresses with a gap between them. Some people have a mattress-long triangular pillow to fill the gap. I think two mattresses and duvets are actually quite practical because you might need different mattresses (some like them harder, some softer) or thicker/lighter duvets.

The microwave is like a waterboiler. Not included in the rent lmao

I'm Norwegian-American. In the States, we use both types of mops. The t-shaped mop that I use has water or cleaning solution (depends on preference) that squirts out from the end of the pole, which makes cleaning very easy.

I've never though of the microwave thing before, my family have used microwave ovens since I was a kid. I think most people below an age of 65 have one in their home, but this is only an assumption by me. Last summer I had to buy my second microwave oven as an adult because my first one died on me. I don't think student homes and rental apartments have microwave ovens as a standard and you must buy your own. That's what I did. The "Norwegian mop" is the best if you use it right. It's supposed to be used lightly moist with no cleaning agent. When It's moist the dirt will stick to the mop. If it's wet it will soak the floor but will also remove less dirt. The remaining dirt will then remain when the floor dries. A cleaning agent should only be used when you encounter some stubborn dirt. Use a spray bottle and spray the dirty area. (my mum is a pro cleaner :))

In Norway, when you rent an apartment, it usually comes in 3 different catergories: Unfurnished, partly furnished, and fully furnished. In the first case, you usually have to bring your own appliances, like washing machine, dryer, fridge, stove, and furniture. If the apartment is partly furnished, usually it come with some or all appliances, and sometimes some furniture, like a sofa(something like the old sofa of the landlord),and you bring the rest. In fully furnished apartments it comes with all appliances, and furniture, but a microwave is often not seem as necessary, and its a "small" and easy to move appliance, so the landlord will often not provide it. I have lived in many rentet apartments, and usually I have to bring the microwave.

I’m Norwegian and I grew up with microwaves and I was surprised about the microwaves.🤔 I know that microwaves is a common thing in a house hold in Norway. If you rent an appartment the microwaves are not always included. You need to purchase it by your self.😃

So Norway and Brazil have one more thing in common besides the love for coffee - the type of mop used for cleaning the floor.

Topless sunbathing was more of a thing in the 70's, 80's and 90', in Norway, but not so much today.

The reason we in Norway speaks English so good, is because its a subject in school. so the kids starts to learn it in ground school

I live in Norway and we literally have a microwave at school

You are wrong about the microwaves. Absolutely everyone has a microwave. I have never meet a person that don't have one.

It's unfortunate that you said that thing about microwaves so that's what everyone is commenting about. Cool video :)

The microwave not being part of the apartment you rented is simple: it's not part of the apartment. When you move to a new place, you take your micro with you, and thus you have a micro in the kitchen. This applies to many appliances in the house, but not normally to the heavy kitchen appliances like the cooker, fridge and freezer. These three are usually included in the apartment and rent. And if you buy instead of renting, the same principle applies: the kitchen cooker, fridge and freezer are part of the sale and can affect the price. Sometimes a washing machine and tumble dryer can be part of the deal, but when renting it would have to be pointed out that they are part of the deal.

Comment section :- MICROWAVES

I think the reason they use the flat mops is because most floors are wood, and a flat mop doesn’t leave streaks as much. In Portugal, the other kind of mop would be better with stone or tile floors. I live in Texas, and I have both kinds of floors and both kind of mops for each type of floor. I’m a little OCD though. The flat mop doesn’t clean my tile floors as well, but does great on my wood floors.

Loving your observations, I would say they're mostly spot on! For instance on the street where I live 3/10 households have a tesla (plus another car most likely), and a lot more have other electric cars. I had no idea that it's so common to share a duvet in other countries, I thought that was something they only did in hotels! My husband and I always ask for an extra when we're traveling and this happens haha. Also, the only time I've ever experienced a shop assistant the way you are used to was when I was trying on wedding dresses. Otherwise, you're on your own. Most Norwegians, including myself, like it that way. We're very fond of our own personal space! :P

Separate duvets and mattresses in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. When I first got here from the United States I was deeply puzzled why I couldn't buy a king or queen-sized mattress. Different system. Now I'm used to it.

Hi. I'm norwegian, and the reason I've learned is why we normally don't have a microwave is because we're taught by the elder generations from quite early, to use the stove and cook meals and everything from scratch, and therefore we don't "need" it. Of course it is faster and such and so, but its not something we're acustomed to.

people usually own their own microwave since they are small and portable and cheap. if you rent a place its expected that you bring your own there.

Norwegians have a more old school and minimalist take on the kitchen inventory, and if you already have a stove you dont really need a microwave. However it may be more common within student accomodations :)

Microwaves are actually very common. The thing is, they don't come with the house or apartment unless it's integrated into the kitchen.

It's not that we dont have microwaves, we do, we just dont use it for EVERYTHING 😂

I'm Norwegian, and have never owned a microwave, and have had my own apartment since '97 . I hate them. Induction is so much better.

what? almost everyone has a microwave here in Norway

Thanks for sharing your experience with us

I'm norwegian. I have never seen anyone not having a micro. But also i have never seen a norwegian use it for anything else than popcorn. The swedish use the micro for everything though, except maybe icecreams.

I'm from Finland and here couples usually have separate duvets too. It is much more convenient, I would say.

We also have thus mop in Austria. Called swiffer. And we also have different bed blankets here

Microwaving food somehow feels like admitting defeat, and cheating on proper food. I also don't have one, mostly because i know if i did it would affect my diet in a negative way, as in i would more likely chose quick and easy. Also the process of cooking is kinda a reward in itself.

I'm Portuguese and my dream is one day live in Norway I already love your content 😊❤️

I’m in the US and have separate bed covers with my partner but it’s not the norm here at all. You sleep soooo much better that way

Recieving help in clothing stores are different from store to store. H&M have never had that as a focus, smaller stores like Bikbok, Lindex etc are more focused on customers. Try going to a Lindex

There is little use for microwave in a kitchen, its a giant box that take up space that could have been used for more useful things. Cheers from Norway!

The microwave part was a bit wierd. I've lived here all my life, and ALL households I've been to have them

Hi, I´m Portuguese and I also live in Norway from 5 years ago and my Norwegian friends, girls, they don´t use high heels not because they dont´t like it, but due the only reason that walk in the streets of Oslo is the same as walk in a farm!!! A lot of muddy snow mixed with gravel is a nightmare for them and also the fact of almost all the streets are dirty with permanent road works! A lot of holes and grave machines, soil and mud!!! That´s why is "trendy" for them use sneakers. When they travel to others cities they use it a lot like all proudly girls do.

I live in Norway, and me too, I have never seen a microwave in someone’s house, or mine.

to the bed topic: in germany we also have seperate blankets and its just the best :D like why should there only be one and people start fighting over it at night :D

The duvets are easily explained. In Scandinavia where the winters are cold if you were to have a single duvet between two people, it creates a space between them and the duvet which allows the chill air to seep down. Not fun! Each person with their own duvet means they can snuggle it around themselves completely, thus blocking out the cold air.

The people who don't have microwaves are because we don't eat as much junk food or just food you can heat up, or that we have electric cooktops, and ovens. (This is only my meaning)

The main reason me and my friends does not have a microwave oven is because we think it is unhealthy, and also it seldom make food any good to eat. I had it once, and tried it on many things, but in the end i felt that the only thing it was good at, was to warm up coffee that had been cold fast. (yes and it was also ok to make popcorn from) But since i dont eat popcorn that often and mostly have warm coffee, i just gave it away. A microwave does not belong in a healthy kitchen. ;)

I'm Norwegian, and here is where I do things differently: I have a king sized duvet, and share it with my partner. I have always had a microwave. I don't use the "cinderella mop", because flat mops are more gentle to laminat floors, since they don't leave so much water.

Inn Norway we learn english early on in school and most english programs on tv are in english👍

On a lot of stores The have å dorbell lokking thing You can press and then someone that work there comes to help you or get other sizes. But most people just grabs two sizes so they won’t go out and get other sizes.

I'm Norwegian and we do not have microwave , we don't think we need it we have pots and pans 😊

Hi, We do not have a microwave. We don't need one either. A microwave oven is a superfluous product that, strictly speaking, is only for popping popcorn. All of the food that has been through a microwave oven is ruined.

It's pretty common for microwaves to be something you get for yourself, unless the kitchen has been renovated to include a combination oven (oven + microwave). But you can go to any electronics store and get a microwave.

in terms of the shopping thing, I've worked as a store helper and i can tell you that it stems from a feeling of entitlement. It is generally seen as a snobby/entitled thing to ask someone to get your clothes or pick up different sizes. Therefore its generally seen as common courtesy to do it yourself. However, some stores are indeed more accommodating than others.

I feel like in Norway, a microwave is considered a a temp/mobile utility. In between a stove and a toaster/water boiler, i.e not something you'd expect to come built in with the kitchen. As a Norwegian living abroad I was very surprised to find a microwave came with the apartments I've ranted and bought.

Hi :) Microwave ovens are common in Norway too, but I and many others choose not to use them because rumors say it is unhealthy for our food to be processed in a micro. Otherwise they are not very nice either and they take up a lot of space in the kitchen :) Still think 2 out of 3 homes in Norway have micro :)

Norwegian here, don't think I've ever been in an apartment or house that didn't have a microwave. But rentals might expect you to bring your own.

i have lived in norways almost all my life, and we have always had a microwave... to heat up water we have a electric kettle:)

Sharing a duvet is terrible, hate it when I go abroad and there is just one big duvet in the hotel room. I don`t agree on the nudity part. Maybe not so many topless on the beach in the city, but outside yes. I don`t have a microwave, but I`m rather the exception. All my friends have it. You can find microwaves on Finn.no for like 100 NOK if you need one. About the English. We learn British English in school, but most of us tend to have an American accent due to TV-influence etc. Nice to hear your impressions :) I would watch part 2 if you make it

Im norwegian and i can relate to the story about the store assistant, because when i was in Tokyo last year shopping some clothes the assistent was literally taking with him every piece of clothing i was looking at and then escorted me to the booth, then he stayed by my side the whole time i was in the store making sure i tryed everything i looked at! 11/10 when it comes to helping out i must say! it was wierd at first but damn what a helpfull and dedicated man! i really enjoyed it!!

I'm Norwegian, and we have two microwaves in our house. Have not been without one since 1987, when we got our first one.

I'm Norwegian, and I've never been in a house that doesn't have a microwave. It's a microwave! Go buy one

High heels are really practical and comfortable.

microwaves are just for defrosting or heat up cold coffe. We have moved on to airfryers

I think the smaller the clothing store is and the less customers there are, the better service you're gonna get (unless they're under-staffed). Big chains like h&m, cubus etc sell so much anyway, that helping people in that way isn't a priority I think. But like someone else mentioned, we usually bring a bunch of different sizes no matter what clothing store we're in. 😊

Your house is so cute. You could do a house tour and talk about like Norwegian houses VS Portuguese houses?

Yes, I can talk about how gorgeous she is. Breathtaking,stunningly beautiful. A face carved by angels 😊

In Sweden, too, we have separate duvets. I don't want to fight about it, and I move a lot in my sleep.

About microwave they are there, about cleaning ,Mobs are there in Portugal but we use them dry ,I now because i have been cleaning there for many years

I think it’s 50/50 about the mocrowaves. Personally we don’t have microwave, but I know many people who own one. We normally use a pan to warm the food, the water or whatever. But I completly agree about the rest.

At year end, Tesla was only beaten by VW by 200 cars to be the most sold car make, all cars considered. The most sold model was their Model3. But Holland took delivery of even more M3s this year. ..

i am norwegian and everybody I know have a microwave... But if you rent you have to get it yourself sometimes. You don`t always get a fully equipt kitchen when you rent..

Ive never had a microwave nor do I see the point in it. Microwaved food doesn't taste good and if you have a decent stove all the things you mentioned just takes a couple of minutes to do anyway.

I think a lot of people have microwaves - but most people don’t use it for all the things you listed. Is it even healthy to eat butter melted in a microwave? Basically the only thing people seem to use them for is heating up food, making popcorn and maybe toast.

Microwaves are super common. But... Do you heat up butter in your microwave? That's what casseroles are for.

A microwave oven in Norway costs around two hours salary. It is extremely cheap.

Most people I know do have a microwave oven, but few use it because it tastes better in a pan or in the oven. Besides, most people have induction stoves, where heating/boiling is quicker anyway. The Swedes uses the same mop as you, but it mostly just moves the dirt around. Elderly would just use a rag (trapo?) Single duvet is becoming more common. My grandparents even slept in separate beds...

Hi! Nice video. On the microwave issue: a lot of people were comenting: "but I have a microwave" or "everyone does". I think that misses the point. The majority of my norwegian friends in Bergen do have microwaves (it is still amazing that some don't!). But I think that the point is the way the norwegian culture in general sees the microwave. As a lazy, american, bad quality way to do anything. I often had arguments with my norwegian wife where I would say "just microwave it" and she'd been in shock. Now she learned the convenience of it. (for the reasons you mentioned in the video). Adoro seus videos!

In Sweden it´s also normal to have your own duvet. Like one person in a couple could be a cold person, and need a thick down duvet, and the other person could be warm, and need a lighter duvet. It would be weird if one of them would be too cold, or to hot instead of them just having one each that is the best for them. Same think with pillows, some wants a flatter soft pillow and some likes a higher and firmer one.

I heard Norway plans to quit on diesel and gasoline cars. That is impressive , even in other first world countries they can not even think about going full electric.

I think all houses in Norway has microwaves hehe

I'm renting in Northern Norway and the appartment comes with a fully furnished kitchen (microwave, fridge, cooker)

I love Norway. it's my dream country.🥰🥰🥰🥰

I live in the US and we have the mops you describe from Portugal. We also have sponge mops, which is like having a big sponge on the bottom of the stick. The flat kind you describe in Norway also exists, but I've never had one.

I think Portugal is specific with their mops because everywhere they use the rectangular mops xD Even in Croatia lol

The duvet idea is lowkey genius. Don’t have to worry about your partner stealing your duvet in the middle of the night😂 Shopping in Portugal sounds really luxurious😂😂lol in my country it’s lucky if you don’t have to wait 10 minutes at the till for someone to show up so you can pay

I'm norwegian, and my mom actually bought the type of mop you are used to at home while on vacation in Spain, and brought it home with her in the car. Then she found out they carry it here at the store Biltema 😂

Basically everyone in Norway do have a microwave, but you have to buy it yourself:)

I've rented a lot in the UK and have never had a microwave as part of the package. Ive always provided my own.

It’s very common for Norwegians to own a microwave oven. However, I’ve noticed that a lot of hotels and student housing here don’t come equipped with one, for whatever reason. Whenever I travel abroad, I pretty much always have one in my hotel room.

I used to have a microwave, but used it less and less. Now I don't have any, and neither have my friends. It's just as fast to heat food on the induction cooker, so why have an extra appliance?

In Norway it is even really common to have microwaves at working places, cantinas and most homes. Microwave food is eaten a lot, as well 😊, the most famous food company for microwave food is Fjordland.

Im Norwegian and I don't think i know a single person without a microwave... must be a special thing in your city.