Must-listen songs in Norway

Norwegian classics and cultural staples

1. Fairytale – Alexander Rybakk. Norway´s Eurovision song from 2009, we won with this one! An absolute classic!  

2. Take on me – a-ha. A global hit you might not know is Norwegian. Everyone here knows it.  

3. Hjerteknuser – Kaizers Orchestra. A slower song about heartbreak, but still a common sing-along later in the night.

4. Optimist – Jan Teigen. A feel-good classic you´ll hear often, especially in summer. 

Party and “vors” music

5. Yes Man – Bjørn Johan Muri. A party classic with its own drinking game, ask any Norwegian at the party, and they will show you.

6. Forever Alone – Kakkmaddafakka. Another vors staple (and drinking game). You will hear this.  

7. Ring meg – Gabrielle. A popular artist from our very own Bergen. This is one of her biggest songs.

8. Tore Tang – Mods. A slightly odd but iconic Norwegian sing-along.  

9. Fredag – Kjartan Lauritzen. The title translates to “Friday”. A song about the best day of the week.

Summer and sing-along favorites

10. Idyll and En Solkinnsdag – Postgirobygget. Summer-classics. These will play all summer long!

11. Bare så du vet det – Stavangerkameratene. A catchy pop song that’s become a popular sing-along.

12. Alt for Norge – Drillos. A patriotic anthem. Huge during sports events.  

Russemusikk (graduation music)

13. Honorable mention: Russemusikk. Party music created by graduating high school students (russ). Not always “good”, but a big part of Norwegian party culture.  The most popular names in russemusikk: TIX, Ballinciaga, GOLF, Roc Boyz, Bausa,

Artists you should listen to in general: Karpe, deLillos, DDE, Broiler, Gabrielle, Highasakite 

Must-watch films and shows in Norway: Essential Norwegian films and shows for exchange students

What movies and shows should you watch before your exchange? If you´re coming to Norway as an exchange student, watching a few classic Norwegian movies/shows is a great way to understand the culture. Many of these films are well-known and tied to important traditions or moments in Norwegian history. When a show or film becomes popular in Norway, almost everyone watches them at some point, so knowing about them can be useful in conversation!

1. Flåklypa Grand Prix (1975). A beloved stop-motion classic about inventor Reodor Felgen and his friends building a race car. A family favorite often shown on Christmas Day.  

2. Kon Tiki (2012). There is a joke that Norway has a very small set of actors that play in every Norwegian movie, this film is no exception. The true story of Thor Heyerdahl and his Pacific Ocean expedition on a wooden raft.

3. Verdens Verste Menneske (2021) and Affeksjonsverdi (2025). Two films by Joachim Trier. Verdens verste menneske (The worst person in the world) is an Oscar-nominated Oslo-set drama. While Affeksjonsverdi (Sentimental Value) is an Oscar-winning film that explores family and emotional attachment.

4. Trolljegeren (2010). This is a fantasy mockumentary meant to pay homage to Norway´s fairytales of trolls.

5. Elling (2001). An Oscar-nominated film about a socially awkward man adjusting to life in Oslo.  

6. Den 12. Mann (2017). Norway loves a war movie! A WWII survival based on the escape of resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud.

7. Bølgen (2015) & Skjelvet (2018). Another genre Norwegians love are catastrophe-movies, and especially catastrophe movies with one-worded-titles. These two popular disaster movies follow a geologist through major natural catastrophes.

8. Max Manus (2008). A WWII film about one of Norway´s most famous resistance heroes.

9. Kongens Nei (2016). A historical drama about the Norwegian king´s stand against Nazi Germany in 1940.

Must-watch Norwegians Tv shows

10. Skam (2015-2017). A hugely influential teen drama show set in Oslo, known for its realistic portrayal of Norwegian youth culture, friendships, and everyday challenges. It became an international phenomenon.

11. Vikingane (2016-2020). A comedy series that parodies Viking life with dry, absurd humour.  

12. Exit (2019-2023). A dark, chaotic drama show inspired by real stories from Oslo´s financial elite. It portrays extreme wealth, questionable morals, and shocking behavior.

13. Pørni (2021-2025). A heartwarming show that follows a single mother managing a demanding job, two daughters, an aging father, a nephew, and grief.

Want to learn more about Norwegian culture? We have a collection of articles about traditions and the culture in Norway. Norwegian cultural norms and social etiquette can seem strange, but you get used to it once you move here.