Part of many people's amusement is the Norwegian drinking, which seem outrageous for some. If you want to learn more, read
on.
Why Norwegians love to drink
Norwegians do love to drink as part of their history and tradition. Olav Tryggvason, a Viking hero, would get people drunk.
This allows him to burn their houses if they refuse to convert to Christianity. Early on, Vikings wouldn't mind going to
far-off places just to get their precious wine or intoxicating drink. They made plundering trips to the Mediterranean.
Alcohol distilling had been done in Norway as early as 1530 through Archbishop Olav Engelbrektsson who taught people about
its methods. From then one, distilling apparatus are everywhere. They are said to be a staple in every household, like
another cookware or kitchen utensil.
Drinking laws in Norway
Because of the locals' penchant for drinking and getting drunk, laws came in the way to limit their drinking. Sometime in
the mid-16th century, serving spirits or hard liquor was prohibited on holidays and Sundays. However, this didn't stop the
Norwegians from making their own spirits using grain and potatoes. There was a time when distilling was declared illegal.
But when the governed lifted the ban in 1816, there was a recorded increase in consumption of alcoholic drinks, which called
for a temperance movement. In 1848, home distilling was prohibited but not industrial distilling. The number of
distilleries eventually dropped, which paved the way for the decreased consumption of spirits in the country.
Some drinking laws in Norway do seem quite humorous to some people. While you can buy a crate of beer, buying a bottle at a
local store is impossible. A local may be refused a drink while staying in a hotel or lounging in its terrace, but somewhere
in the neighboring town are people who get to order and drink as much as they can.
Tips when drinking during your Norwegian travel and tour
Before you order a drink or bring out a bottle of wine, as a tourist, you should be aware of the drinking laws in Norway. If
you're refused a drink, it doesn't mean that your rights are being violated or you're picked upon. It could very well be
part of their drinking laws.
