While Norway is a welcoming and tolerant country, there are certain customs and practices that visitors should be aware of in order to avoid causing offense or breaking taboos. Some of these include:

• Dress Code: Norwegians tend to dress casually, and it is important to dress appropriately for the weather and the occasion. In more formal settings, such as at a concert or a fancy restaurant, it is expected to dress smartly.
• Alcohol: Drinking in public places is illegal in Norway, and heavy drinking can be frowned upon. Also, it is not common to drink too much on formal occasions or in a work setting.
• Silence: Norwegians tend to value silence and quiet, especially in nature and outdoor areas. It is considered rude to be loud or make a lot of noise in these areas.
• Personal Space: Norwegians tend to value personal space and it is considered rude to get too close to people or invade their personal space.
• Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Norway, and many Norwegians find it unnecessary. However, if you received excellent service, leaving a small tip is appreciated.
• Nature and Outdoor: Norway is known for its beautiful landscapes and nature, and it is important to respect these areas. It's forbidden to pick plants, pick mushrooms, or engage in other activities that damage the environment. It is also important to follow marked hiking trails and not to leave any trash behind.
• It is also important to remember that there may be differences in customs and taboos between different regions of Norway, and it is always a good idea to ask locals if you are unsure about something.

Norway has many local festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year, which reflect the country's rich cultural heritage and traditions. Some examples include:

• The Bergen International Festival: takes place every May and June, in Bergen, it is Norway's largest cultural festival and features international and domestic acts across music, dance, theater, and more.
• The St. Hans Eve bonfires: is a traditional celebration of the summer solstice which usually take place on the 23rd of June. People gather around big bonfires and enjoy food, music, and speeches.
• The Sami Week: This festival takes place in Karasjok, in the far north of Norway, and celebrates the culture and traditions of the indigenous Sami people. It includes music, dance, and traditional Sami games.
• The Hardanger Folk Music Festival: takes place annually in Odda, it features traditional Norwegian folk music, dancing, and culture.
• The Viking Festival: takes place in August in Gudvangen, the festival is a celebration of Viking culture and history, including reenactments of battles, and a Viking market.
• The Martna Festival: takes place every August in Finnmark and is one of the largest festivals of Sami culture in Norway. It features music, dance, and traditional arts and crafts, as well as Sami language classes and lectures.

The history of Norway is rich and varied, dating back to the earliest human settlements in the region during the Stone Age. The country's written history began around the 9th century with the arrival of the Vikings, who established settlements and traded with other cultures throughout Europe and beyond.

• In 872, Norway was unified under the rule of King Harald Fairhair, who became the first king of Norway. However, Norway was often at odds with its neighboring countries, and the country was ruled by Danish and Swedish kings for several centuries.
• In the 14th century, Norway was united with Denmark under the rule of the Danish king, and this union lasted until 1814. During this time, Norway remained a separate country with its own laws and customs, but it was ruled by Denmark.
• During the Napoleonic wars, Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden in 1814. Norway remained a part of Sweden until 1905 when Norway peacefully gained independence, and established a monarchy with a parliament.
• Throughout the 20th century, Norway was neutral during World War I, and was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, Norway joined NATO and developed a modern welfare state, with an economy heavily reliant on its natural resources such as oil, natural gas and fishing.
• Norway has remained a parliamentary constitutional monarchy since then, and it is known for its high standard of living and strong emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development. The country also has a robust welfare system, and it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a high GDP per capita. Norway also has a long-standing tradition of neutrality and peaceful diplomacy, which is reflected in its foreign policy and its role in international organizations such as the United Nations.