A special time is here for the people of Norway. It is a time for getting away with family and friends, for long summer nights stretching into weeks of rest and rejuvenation, for reflection and relaxation. This magical period is called fellesferie.
Pulpit Rock at Lysefjorden in Norway. A well known tourist attraction towering 600 meters over sea level.
Every summer in Norway, much of the workforce goes on vacation all at the same time. It sounds like a crazy idea here in the US and Canada, but it works! “Fellesferie” translates to “joint holiday” in English.
Fellesferie occurs in the month of July and lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. The tradition began in the early 20th century when much of the population was employed in factories. It made more sense in terms of productivity and efficiency for everyone to shut down for a few weeks, rather than having slower production all year while people were out at different times. It is an interesting commentary on the civilized nature of Norwegian culture that even during the tumultuous time between the World Wars, it was widely accepted that people require periods of rest to be at their best.
Many Norwegians travel for at least some of fellesferie. Travel abroad has become a more common way for people in Norway to spend their vacation time. On the other hand, they may only go as far as their family hytte, or cabin. Many others will choose to stay closer to home but still explore the many natural wonders of their country, such as Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) from which you can enjoy a truly impressive view of Lysefjord, or Ringedalsvatnet where you can spend time at the lake surrounded by majestic towering cliffs.
However they spend their fellesferie, Norwegians will definitely enjoy some well-earned time off.
Click here to hear our Operations Manager, native Norwegian Christian Laland, pronounce several Norwegian summertime words!
solskinn – sunshine
svømming – swimming
ei hytte – a cabin
en fottur – a hike
å grille – to grill
en engangsgrill – a disposable grill