Guiding in Vestland, Norway

Why Is It Called a "Danish Pastry"?

I spoke about Danish Pastry as on our bus tours we often had a coffee break where a danish pastry was served, most often in Stalheim hotel. So I had to look it up and explain the reasoning behind the mix-up.

The name "Danish pastry" is a bit of a historical mix-up. Despite the name, the pastry we know today was not invented in Denmark.

Austrian Origins 🇦🇹

The pastry was actually introduced to Denmark by Austrian bakers in the 1850s. They brought their traditional method of folding layers of butter and dough, known as laminating, which creates the pastry's flaky texture. This technique comes from Vienna, Austria. As the story goes, danish bakers went on a strike and the austrian bakers had free reign and introduced this pastry.

What It's Called in Scandinavia

Because of its Austrian roots, Danes don't call it a "Danish." Instead, they call it wienerbrød, which literally means "Viennese bread." This name is also used in neighboring Sweden and Norway.

The pastry only became known as a "Danish" when Danish immigrants brought the popular treat to other countries, especially the United States. The name stuck, and today, the whole world knows this Viennese creation as a Danish pastry.

In Sweden and swedish we also call it Wienerbröd.

Why Is the Nobel Peace Prize Awarded in Norway?

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, while all the other Nobel prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden. This unique arrangement was established in the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895.

Alfred Nobel's Final Wish

In his will, Alfred Nobel gave specific instructions for each prize. He stated that the Peace Prize should be awarded by a five-person committee chosen by the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget). He directed Swedish institutions to handle the prizes for science and literature. Nobel never explained his reasons, but his instructions were clear.

A Sign of the Times

When Nobel wrote his will, Sweden and Norway were in a political union. While they shared a king, Norway had its own parliament and was seen as more progressive and peaceful.

Nobel likely believed Norway's strong peace movement and less militaristic foreign policy made it a more suitable, neutral country to award a prize for peace.

The union between Sweden and Norway ended peacefully in 1905, but Nobel's wish was respected. To this day, the Norwegian Nobel Committee continues to award the prestigious Peace Prize in Oslo.

Vinmonopolet: Norway’s State Monopoly on Alcohol

Norway’s relationship with alcohol has long been shaped by social concerns, politics, and international trade. At the heart of this history stands Vinmonopolet, the state-owned company created in 1922 to control the sale of alcoholic beverages. Its establishment reflects two main driving forces: public health at home, and economic diplomacy abroad.

Controlling Consumption and Protecting Society

For centuries, excessive drinking had been a source of deep concern in Norway. Alcohol was linked to poverty, family violence, and neglect, especially in working-class communities. In response, a strong temperance movement emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with women playing a particularly influential role. Having witnessed the destructive effects of alcohol on households, women became leading voices in the push for prohibition. Their political impact grew significantly after Norway introduced women’s suffrage in 1913, and their votes were decisive in the national referendums on alcohol policy.

The temperance movement succeeded in securing restrictions. Temporary prohibition began in 1916 as a wartime measure, banning stronger alcoholic drinks. This was followed in 1917 by a complete ban on spirits and fortified wines. The prohibition was not absolute:

• The ban on fortified wine ended in 1923.

• The ban on spirits lasted until 1927, when a second referendum voted against its continuation.

To balance public health with controlled availability, the government created Vinmonopolet in November 1922. Unlike private retailers, it did not seek profit from sales. Instead, it limited opening hours, avoided promotions, and maintained relatively high prices — all designed to discourage overconsumption while still making alcohol legally accessible.

Protecting Norway’s Fish Exports

Prohibition, however, had an unintended consequence: it threatened one of Norway’s most important industries — fish exports. Countries such as France and Portugal, major buyers of Norwegian stockfish, also happened to be producers of wine. They were displeased when Norway refused to import their products and hinted that they might retaliate by cutting back on fish imports.

Faced with this economic pressure, Norway needed a compromise. Vinmonopolet provided the solution: by importing wines and spirits under state control, Norway could safeguard its fish trade while still upholding strict domestic restrictions on alcohol.

A Lasting Institution

A century later, Vinmonopolet still shapes everyday life in Norway. Its existence reflects a uniquely Norwegian balance — protecting public health while also safeguarding international trade interests. At the same time, it stands as a reminder of the political influence of women in the early 20th century, whose advocacy was central to both prohibition and the creation of a controlled system of alcohol sales.

In this way, Vinmonopolet is more than a shop. It is a legacy of how social reform, global trade, and democratic change came together to shape modern Norway.

State Monopolies on Alcohol in the Nordics: A Shared Model with Local Differences

Across the Nordic countries, alcohol has long been more than a question of personal choice — it has been seen as a matter of public health, social order, and national economy. The solution most of these nations arrived at was similar: state-controlled alcohol monopolies. While each country has its own history and regulations, the underlying principle remains the same: reduce alcohol-related harm by limiting access, keeping prices high, and removing profit-driven incentives from sales.

Norway – Vinmonopolet (founded 1922)

As described earlier, Norway’s Vinmonopolet was established partly to protect society from alcohol abuse and partly to secure fish exports threatened by prohibition policies. It remains the only legal retailer of wine, spirits, and strong beer (above 4.7% alcohol). Sales are carefully regulated through limited opening hours, no advertising, and fixed pricing.

Sweden – Systembolaget (founded 1955, roots in the 19th century)

Sweden’s Systembolaget is perhaps the best known of the Nordic alcohol monopolies. It emerged from earlier regional monopolies created in the 1800s, eventually unified into the national system in 1955. Like Vinmonopolet, it operates with a strong public health mission:

• No discounts, loyalty cards, or promotions.

• Strict age limits (20 for purchasing in-store, 18 in restaurants).

• Extensive product selection, including alcohol-free alternatives.

Systembolaget is often cited internationally as a model for balancing consumer choice with social responsibility. Surveys regularly show that most Swedes support its existence, even if they sometimes complain about the restricted hours.

Finland – Alko (founded 1932)

Finland introduced Alko after its own prohibition period (1919–1932) ended. The monopoly was created directly as a compromise between outright prohibition and free alcohol sales. Like its Nordic counterparts, Alko controls retail sales of beverages stronger than 5.5%. Finland also enforces high excise taxes, making alcohol prices among the highest in Europe.

Alko has recently modernized with digital services, including online ordering and home delivery in some areas. Yet the social mission remains unchanged: reducing harm caused by alcohol.

Iceland – Vínbúðin / ÁTVR (founded 1961)

Iceland’s path was unique: the country had a total ban on strong beer until 1989, long after prohibition ended elsewhere in Europe. The state company ÁTVR (Áfengis- og tóbaksverslun ríkisins) operates under the retail name Vínbúðin. It has exclusive rights to sell all alcoholic beverages stronger than 2.25%.

Vínbúðin shops are few in number, often located outside city centers, reinforcing the idea that alcohol is not an ordinary commodity. Like the others, Iceland’s monopoly emphasizes limiting consumption and ensuring controlled access.

Denmark – The Exception

Denmark is the outlier in the Nordic region. It never introduced a state alcohol monopoly, and its approach has traditionally been more liberal. Beer and wine are widely available in supermarkets, and spirits can be bought in ordinary shops. While Denmark does impose taxes and age restrictions, the culture around alcohol is more permissive. This has also contributed to Denmark having higher levels of youth drinking compared to its Nordic neighbors.

Shared Philosophy, Local Identity

Despite their differences, the Nordic monopolies share a philosophy: alcohol is not just another product. By removing profit incentives, limiting availability, and maintaining high prices, these institutions aim to reduce harm while still respecting consumer demand.

At the same time, each reflects its own history:

• Norway linked alcohol control to protecting fish exports.

• Sweden built a national system from local experiments.

• Finland used Alko as a middle path after prohibition.

• Iceland maintained strict rules well into the late 20th century.

• Denmark chose openness, standing apart from its neighbors.

Taken together, they show how the Nordic welfare model extends beyond health care and education — even into how societies manage the sale of alcohol.