Norway's most raucous celebration of New Year's Eve takes place way up in Arctic Troms. After New Year's, one does sense a hunkering down across the land - a period of introspection and snow shoveling. Easter signals the reawakening. En masse, Norwegians pack their cars and drive into the mountains for a last fling on skis. By the 17th of May, Norwegian blood is in full flow.
Summer is magical and intense under the dazzling sun.
For business, the month of July hardly exists. Norwegians travel far and wide and those who stay home catch every ray of sun. Afternoon grill parties turn into late-night affairs without anyone noticing. Norwegians say they need less sleep in the summer, which is fortunate. Going to bed early requires self discipline, dark window shades and possibly ear plugs to block the sound of frolicking children.