Well, they would probably be Swedish (if they are friendly). Service isn’t in the genes of Norwegians, and young Norwegians tend to go for other opportunities. Lucky then, that many young Swedes, having trouble finding work back home, come to Oslo to work in restaurants, bars and shops.

I wouldn’t dare to give an explanation, but the fact is that Swedish waiters tend to be more friendly and clever, working with a smile on their face, and that they have become so popular among Norwegian employers that they are by far outnumbering Norwegians working in restaurants in Oslo these days.

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.
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