Be a Harry, too!
Oslo says: My apologies to readers named Harry: In Norway the name has for some reason been associated with being a bit off comme-il-faut, caracterizing a way of living that is not up to the standards of the higher middle class. Which means, of course, that it is the upper middle class which is completely out-of-touch with everday life.
So when a loudspeaking minister of trade dared to call it ”harry” to go shopping for cheaper beer, cigarettes and food stuff at the other side of the Norwegian/Swedish border, it came out all too wrong. Instead of being ashamed, people took pride in their ”harry trips”, bringing the border business to new heights – much to the grievance of Norwegian shop owners.
A favourite destination for people living in Oslo is the picturesque little town of Strømstad, 130 kilometers south of the Norwegian capital. Thanks to thousands of Norwegian guests, of whom quite a few got their own vacation houses in the area, Strømstad is as Norwegian as Sweden can be. Actually, it was a Norwegian area until a Danish king had to let it go to Sweden in 1668 (yes, this is a bit complicated. I will explain later in another post…).
In Strømstad you will find whatever you are looking for in the shops, generally to a significantly lower price than in Norway. But you should go there first and foremost for a pleasant trip. You will find reminences of the typical wooden villages of Sweden, and you can eat well – for example at Røkeriet. And if you have time – you should take the boat to the Koster Islands, a small hour outside Strømstad – a place where time is moving very slowly. I will tell you more later – I promise.
Your car will take you comfortably to Strømstad in 90 minutes, with the bus it will take you an hour more.
Click for map