Just like the Netherlands, Norway loves their drinking and celebration. They have stuck to their roots dating back to Vikings who often murder their enemies or rivals by poisoning their drinks. To make sure their drink wasn’t deathly they would cheers one another by smashing their glasses together to make sure they got their wine in the other glass. As they stared into each other’s eyes they’d look for a reaction to see if their drink was safe or not.
Skål – The Norwegian way to cheers is by saying Skål. It common to hear this at most bars as it’s an easy way to stir up a conversation and talk to the locals.
Summary of Norwegian Drinking Toasts
In Norway, drinking toasts are a long-standing tradition. The most common toast is “Skål!”, which means “cheers” in Norwegian. Other traditional toasts include “Prosit!” and “Velbekomme!”. When raising a glass for a toast in Norway, it is customary to look each other in the eye while saying “Skål!” or whatever other toast you choose.
It is also important that everyone clinks their glasses together when making the toast as this signifies good luck and friendship between those involved. Norwegians often make specific types of toasts depending on the occasion or type of gathering they are at.
At weddings and christenings, people usually say “Gratulerer med dagen” (congratulations) or simply “Til lykke!” (good luck).
At birthdays, people may say something like “En skål til deg og dine år!” (a toast to you and your years!).
And at New Year’s Eve celebrations, Norwegians will typically raise their glasses with an enthusiastic cry of “Godt nytt år!” (Happy New Year!).
No matter what type of gathering one finds themselves at, making drinking toasts has been part of Norwegian culture for centuries and continues today as an important way for friends and family members alike to share special moments with each other over a drink or two.
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