A joke, right?
Ole and Sven are two characters who, forever, have been the brunt of jokes . These two seem to be the ‘Best of Buds” while at the same time both appear “ dumb as a couple of posts”. Their everyday life experiences are built on friendship, while each believes his buddy is not too smart.
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| " Have you heard the one about.." |
Ole is a Norwegian, while Sven is from “that other country!” To this day, Scandinavians enjoy the humor and friendly banter when a Swede and a Norskie meet. They seem to ‘get along’, no matter what!
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Looking back through the history of these two countries, it is a wonder that these two should be friends, as, should their countries, after all their fights. Back in ‘The Day’, early Norwegians were known as the Northmen, or Vikings, who, soon as they learned to row a boat, began to ravage the coasts of northwest Europe causing trouble for everyone.
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In the 8th century, conquered territory was ruled by conquering chieftains. Territorial power-struggles created new kingships, tribes combined for strength in battles intermingled across country lines, and countrymen found themselves controlled by foreign rulers.Sweden seemed to be on one side while Norway was on the other.Hardly, friends!
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Nearly 70% of Norway is uninhabitable, covered by
mountains, glaciers, rivers and deep fjords. All of this provides beautiful scenery, however, fewer countrymen, limited mobility and scattered population hampered military defense. Due to this, Norway desired to avoid war, or whenever necessary, made arrangements with neighboring tribes or forces. Adding to Norwegian problems, the spread of the dreaded Black Death weakened the country. Alliances with neighboring countries became a necessity and wars were constant.
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Denmark, due to it’s geographical location to Western Europe became an important ally. Early conflicts found Denmark to be the superior force, naturally gaining political control over Norway. Later, more conflict found the forces of Norway-Denmark being attacked by Swedish forces. Norway frequently was ceded to the winner while the warring contests varied when country alliances changed in the Middle Ages.
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In 1814, Denmark and it’s ally Norway were again on the losing end when involved in the Napoleon War and Norway was ceded to the king of Sweden who was supporting the French. Norwegians finally had enough!
In an attempt to take control of their destiny, the Norwegians convened a constitutional assembly at Eidsvoll and on May 17, 1814, signed the Constitution of Norway, but the old political influence of Denmark had an effect. The viceroy and heir to the thrones of Denmark and Norway, prince Christian Frederik, was elected by the assembly .Norway would have their independence..with a Danish ruler!
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Sweden didn’t agree, and more war resulted until Sweden agreed to allowing Norway to maintain a
“Personal Union” with Norway choosing their own governing body. Norway finally was successful in ending the union and also ending over 500 years of monarchs who resided outside the country! With this history of constant wars and political foreign dominance, one would think Norway would be content to enjoy their independence and freedom from other Scandinavian countries. However, both countries came from the same Teutonic race and shared culture connections ran deeply.
The borders between these two countries changed several times because of war. Currently, both countries virtually have no immigration controls, only customs checks performed by both countries, sometimes by only one person. These checks are sporadic along the Norway–Sweden border and cars are usually not forced to stop. For flights and ferries between the countries, there are no formal passport checks at airport and ferry ports, but identity cards are needed to board. The border is marked only by mountains, water, fjords or open ground. Stone markers, called cairns, mark many parts of the border.
One of these stone markers is The Riksrösen and it divides Norway and Sweden.
Streets may have a line to cross to the other country.
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Due to the extremely high food prices in Norway, about 30 percent of the total Norwegian population, go on one-day trips to Sweden to buy groceries. A Norwegian family can save up to 40 percent due to a strong Norwegian krone when purchasing goods of low Swedish food prices. The small Swedish border town Tocksfors (1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Oslo), is completely dependent upon Norwegian shoppers to survive.
A typical ad reads:.We have shopping buses to Sweden (Storlien) every day (morning routes –
Tuesday to Sunday and afternoon routes – Monday to Friday).
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Reaping the benefits, the Nordby Center on the Swedish side of the border posted record sales results this summer. Located just off the motorway from Oslo, Norwegian shoppers stream over the border in record numbers to avoid hefty domestic prices by stocking up on groceries in Sweden.
Nordby is always packed with Norwegians and is much bigger than any shopping center in Norway,
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Many people living in Trondheim travel east and across the border into Sweden for two reasons: shopping or skiing. Just minutes across the border travelers travel to Storlien, known for its shopping centers and the free bus that runs every day from Trondheim. Meat and alcohol are among the items that is cheaper in Sweden
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| Free buses daily |
Citizens of either country have easy access to cross over to visit or shop.After many years of warfare, border and political changes, and dominance of foreign princes and kings, these two countries have developed bonds of cooperation, friendship and shared commerce.
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Perhaps Ole and Sven are not so dumb after all!
They know how to ‘get along’.
Streets may have a line to cross to the other country.
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