The Scandinavian countries are famous for their unique cultural concepts that encapsulate the essence of their way of life. For example, Denmark has hygge, Sweden has lagom, and Norway has lykke. However, one concept is not as well-known as these others, yet it is just as important to the Norwegian people – våryrhet.
Våryrhet refers to the feeling of rejuvenation and excitement that comes with the arrival of spring after a long, cold winter. It is a feeling of renewal and hopes deeply ingrained in the Norwegian psyche. The word itself combines “vår,” meaning spring, and “yrhet,” which implies restlessness or excitement.
While våryrhet may not be as well-known as hygge or lagom, it is no less important to the Norwegian people. In fact, the concept of våryrhet is deeply intertwined with Norway’s natural environment. Spring is a time when the snow-covered mountains give way to blooming valleys, and the countryside comes alive with the sound of birds and the scent of fresh flowers.
Norwegians celebrate våryrhet in many ways, from outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and jogging to relaxing in saunas and even taking a dip in the arctic waters. It is also a time when cider production from the Hardanger region begins, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. The acclaimed Hardanger International Cider Fest, which returns from May 11-14, is the perfect opportunity to taste some of the best ciders from the region.
Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing glass of “utepils” or outdoor lager, and travelers can experience this custom at every street corner in Norway. And it marks the sun’s return after a long winter, and Norwegians take full advantage of it by indulging in saunas and even swimming in the arctic waters.
One luxury tour operator, Up Norway, was so eager to shed light on the concept of våryrhet that they curated journeys that combine the beauty of Norwegian nature with the award-winning cider of Hardanger through a cider safari by boat in the Hardangerfjord. This safari features everything from farm visits to cider tastings, all while viewing waterfalls, glaciers, and orchards. This unique experience embodies what våryrhet is about.
Beyond våryrhet, Up Norway also has an itinerary that embraces another uniquely Norwegian intangible concept: kos. While våryrhet encapsulates the excitement and restlessness of the Norwegian spring, kos is a more abstract concept that represents the art of consciously appreciating the present moment.
In Norway, kos is a state of mind that can be experienced alone or with others. The itinerary embraces the concept by offering slow travel experiences,, allowing clients to immerse themselves in the local culture fully. Instead of rushing from place to place, clients can take the time to make meaningful connections, have conversations, and gain a deeper understanding of the Norwegian way of life.
By embracing slow travel principles, Up Norway allows clients to find kos and tap into their own personal awareness. This means taking the time to tune into one’s own feelings, redefine goals, and establish what truly matters in life.
In a world where we are constantly rushing from one place to another, the Norwegian concepts of våryrhet and kos offer a reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and embrace the present moment. By immersing ourselves in these cultural concepts, we can better understand ourselves and the world around us.