Fulehuklighthouse has been closed since 1989 and now functions as an events and accommodation centre. A fully automatic beacon on a nearby island now serves Fulehuk's original purpose. Færder lighthouse seen from the north. Photo: Wikipedia ( CC) Imagine the raucous time as medieval Norwegians celebrated the ebb of darkness. Carnivores were in hog heaven, enjoying an abundance of fresh meat. Jul was the time when animals were slaughtered — which made more sense in that subsistence economy than feeding them through the winter. When the beer was brewed, the animals butchered, and the bread baked, the house was cleaned and the party began. People brought in enough wood to last the entire holiday. They gave the remaining animals a little extra hay and even lashed bundles of grain to posts outside to feed the birds. Perched on a small island in the Herøy archipelago, the Svinøy Lighthouse showcases a traditional design with its white tower and red roof. It provides stunning views of the coastal landscapes and is a picturesque destination for visitors. Skrova Lighthouse (Vågan)

Julebord is a holiday banquet, often in the form of a buffet, at which is served traditional Christmas foods and alcoholic beverages. The period during which julebord is hosted begins in November and overlaps the beginning of Advent. The tradition has its roots in the communal parties held in medieval Norway as part of the Gulaþing. Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family. Bergen combines nature, culture and a cosmopolitan feel to give you an authentic fjord experience. A European city of culture with countless museums and galleries, cafés and restaurants to go to, the city still pulsates with life in winter. It’s the sort of place that can be relied upon to get you in the Christmas spirit. The Gingerbread Town (Pepperkakebyen) In good, understated Norwegian fashion, houses are decorated only with white lights — never colored — in the windows. You'll see some traditional candles, but electric lights posing as candles are more common. A plastic Santa or manger scene on the lawn, or garish colored lights along the eaves would probably put you in the neighborhood doghouse. It makes sense in a land that seems to have organized itself beyond a need for God. In short, kids will dress up as Christmas-themed characters in the days between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. By Christmas-themed characters, I mean angels, shepherds, Mary and Josef (mainly). Some also dress as Santa.The meat is cured and salted over time and has quite a strong and salty taste. Pinnekjøtt is served with potatoes, mashed kohlrabi (I had to Google the English word for that), and sauce. The hotel pitches the room as perfect for couples, describing it as “rustic and modern, an unforgettable experience to share with someone you love.”

I can’t tell you how many people have asked me if Norway is just a destination for old retired people to take fjord cruises.

Today, I love it when kids come to our house as “Julebukk”. It is such a cute tradition, that I hope never dies.

It was a pleasure to spend time with everyone involved with the making of the programme, and of course, Paul and Bob were true gents and precisely as they appeared on camera. From when we woke up to when we went to bed, they bounced off each other and made everyone laugh. Some Christian traditions are also observed, such as Santa Lucia Day on 13th December. While the celebrations are not as notable as in Sweden, young Norwegian children often participate via their school or kindergarten. When do Norwegians celebrate Christmas? Located on the island of Skrova in the Lofoten Islands, this lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the rugged coastline. Its prominent presence and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The government still owns most of the lighthouses, and co-operate with local groups to keep them open for visits, tours, and accommodation. Others are privately owned and commercially operated.

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The only example of octagonal lighthouse architecture in Norway, Kjeungskjærhas been fully automated since 1987. From its establishment in 1880 to 1947, the lighthouse keeper and family lived here. If the ceremony is in a village church, the finale of the service is not "Silent Night" but "Santa Lucia"— the same song popular in Italy but with Norwegian lyrics. As they sing, the children's choir with their leader wearing her crown of candles proceeds down the aisle and into the night, as if to spread light to the needy community. After dinner and dessert (often leftover rice porridge mixed with whipped cream, called riskrem, served with a red berry sauce), the gifts are opened. The boat trip out to the lighthouse takes about 25 minutes from downtown Oslo. However, transport is only offered in conjunction with events. Andenes: The best known Arctic lighthouse