Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
rently, most people celebrate between Christmas Eve and Epiphany, or 12th night, al-
though some continue until the Feast of St Canute (the 20th day of Christmas).
A Christmas tree is a requisite part of the decor in most homes, and gifts are ex-
changed on Christmas Eve. In the countryside, sheaves of oats known as
julenek
are
mounted on a pole and left out for the birds. In gratitude for past blessings, a bowl of
porridge is also left out for the
nisse,
the gnome that historically brought good for-
tune to farmers. This concept has now been merged with the international tradition of
Santa Claus in the personage of Jule-nissen, whom Norwegians believe makes his
home in Drøbak, south of Oslo; there's a Santa Crossing road sign there to prove it!
For a rundown on traditional Christmas foods, turn to
Click here
, while more in-
formation on this special time of the year in Norway is contained in the free
Christ-
mas in Norway
brochure available from some tourist offices.
Safe Travel
Your personal belongings are safer in Norway than in most people's home countries, and
the cities - even east Oslo, which has a relatively poor reputation - are reasonably safe
at all hours of the night. However, don't become blasé about security: be careful near the
nightclubs in the Rosenkrantz gate area of Oslo and beware of pickpockets around the Tor-
get area of Bergen. Normally, the greatest nuisance value will come from drug addicts,
drunks and/or beggars (mainly in Oslo) who can spot a naive tourist a block away. Oslo
and other larger cities suffer from a growing drug problem. Although dope may be readily
available in places, it isn't legal.
If you're planning on hiking out into the Norwegian wilds, remember that Norway's
weather can, even in summer, change rapidly. For more information,
Click here
.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
The following government websites offer travel advisories and information for trav-
ellers:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (
www.smartraveller.gov.au
)
