Spring has sprung, in record warmth

The crocus is in full bloom in many places around southern Norway, like here on the grounds of the Royal Palace in Oslo. Record warm temperatures for the past two weeks have led to early blossoming, and the weather is predicted to stay mild. While it’s raining heavily in some areas, the sun has been [...]

‘Russ’ season bursts into swing

They’re back. Red- and blue-overall-clad graduating high school students known as “russ” have taken to the streets of most Norwegian cities and towns, intent on partying with abandon and causing a certain amount of trouble along the way. New security concerns seem, however, to be taken seriously. As this year’s spring russ season churns into [...]

Warm weather sets spring record

Norway’s record cold winter seems to be giving way to a record warm spring, according to new statistics from the state meteorological institute. Norway hasn’t had such a warm April since 1959, and the late Easter meant that it set warmth records, too. The highest temperature of the year so far was recorded at Åfjord [...]

Spring has sprung

PHOTO FEATURE: After one of the longest and coldest winters in the past 20 years, the skies suddenly cleared and temperatures shot up. Most of the snow has disappeared in the Oslo area, and the crocus has started blooming in the gardens along apartment buildings downtown. The crocus always comes first, followed by the other [...]

‘Russ’ period can build careers

For ambitious young Norwegians, their time as overall-clad, graduating russ can be much more than just a time to party with abandon. Many who take time to help organize all the merry-making have used it to further their careers. Norway’s annual “russ” season, when graduating high school students run around in red or blue overalls [...]

Partying ‘russ’ cause trouble

The surest sign of spring in Norway, partying students known as russ, popped up early this year and they’re already causing trouble. Police had to break up several loud outdoor gatherings this week, along with some fights, while reports of vandalism and littering were rampant. The teenagers are supposed to be celebrating the end of [...]