Here are the words of the Musevisa in an English translation, by Ivar Kalleberg and Kenneth Tillson and used with the kind permission of Elin Prøysen, the daughter of Alf Prøysen. There's also a video of some people singing it (in Norwegian) at a Christmas event, so you can try singing along! Musevisa (The Mouse Song) English Translation Brewing is closely associated with the preparations for jul, and most Norwegian breweries release a traditional Christmas beer, which is darker, stronger and more flavorful than the common Norwegian lagers. Breweries also produce a special soda, known as julebrus. Aquavit is also commonly served as a digestif to accompany the heavy, often fatty meals. And if you prefer to get off the beaten path, I’d recommend skipping Lofoten and heading either north to Vesterålen, or south to the Helgeland coast. I’ve written more about visiting Vesterålen here and you can find my Helgeland travel guides 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.If your main aim in Lofoten is to go hiking,try to visit in the summer (June onwards). And if you’re a beginner, I highly recommend going with a guide for your safety – plus that way you’ll get to learn more about the local culture here as well!

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together. The huge influx of tourists hasalso been a bit of a surprise to the locals, who might not have signed up to live on the set of a photo shoot.It’s something to keep in mind when looking for a place to set up your tripod, pitch your tent, or park your car.Norway's extensive coastline, stretching over 25,000 kilometers, has long been intertwined with its maritime history. To ensure safe navigation and protect seafarers from the treacherous waters, Norway boasts a significant number of lighthouses. These iconic structures not only serve as beacons of light but also embody the country's deep-rooted connection to the sea.