What is the Norwegian "Dugnad"? A great way to meet people!
Braving the rain—dedicated volunteer power washes outdoor bins during the community cleanup. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
I had never met a Norwegian before I first came here in 2016, but I had heard about them. You’ve probably heard the clichés: cold, distant, difficult to get to know.
I have a habit of checking out bookstores when I visit new places so during the first week I got here, I traipsed into an ARK in Oslo and found The Social Guidebook to Norway. In it, Bourrelle describes the average Norwegian needing what he calls ‘a frame’ in order to become social. A frame could mean almost any activity, but it is important that this frame have clear boundaries and guidelines. This one piece of information became essential to my stay in Norway.
High-altitude trimming—volunteers use a lift to prune trees and keep the area neat and safe. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
One ‘frame’ that has a rich cultural history within Norway, and can be a method for socializing with Norwegians, is the practice of dugnad. Dugnad (pronounced DOOG-nahd) is a Norwegian word that loosely translates to "voluntary communal work." It refers to a cooperative effort where individuals come together to complete a task or project that benefits a community. This could involve activities like repairing a local playground, shoveling snow from shared paths, painting a communal building, or organizing a neighborhood event. But it could really be anything, no task nor community is too small.
One advantage of dugnad for foreigners is that it can be a great way to begin integrating into Norwegian culture. You can meet people and learn something about the culture via the very tasks you are doing with others. You may find friends, but you will definitely begin building a network, which is essential to flourishing in Norway. Networks may be harder to find or build here, but the connections you make will be sturdy. You can choose dugnad based on your own interests, whatever is closest to you, or what you find through various channels.
Team effort—residents load up garden waste and old materials into a communal dumpster. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
The idea of dugnad isn’t about individual recognition or financial gain; it’s about contributing to something greater than oneself. It’s deeply rooted in the values of equality, mutual aid, and shared responsibility, which have been part of Norwegian society for centuries. Dugnad is often seen as a reflection of Norway’s egalitarian principles where everyone’s effort matters. As you explore this country, keep an eye out for the quiet yet powerful impact of this tradition. Dugnad is a reminder that we can achieve so much together!
Joining forces—digging and landscaping to improve the shared green space. Photo: Tormod Igelø Ellingsen
I found it difficult to conceptualize what exactly dugnad was, so I have compiled a list here of dugnad you might find:
- Neighborhood clean-up: residents can organize a dugnad to clean common areas, plant flowers, or make repairs. Everyone—young and old— can join in, and the event ends with a shared meal or coffee.
- Sports clubs: Parents and/or volunteers help maintain fields, paint clubhouses, or run kiosks during games. This way local teams thrive!
- Schools: Parents can take part in dugnad to build playgrounds, organize school events, or prepare for special celebrations in order to support the school and their kids.
- Community locales: Dugnad events are organized to clean, renovate, or decorate spaces used by the entire neighborhood. This increases the feeling of local belonging and support.
- Nature conservation: Groups come together to clean hiking trails, remove litter from beaches, or plant trees in public spaces. Such efforts remind us to be aware of and take care of our spaces.
- Festivals or other events: Volunteers help set up stages, manage ticket booths, and clean up after major cultural or music festivals. There is often some advantage to volunteering with events, whether it is reduced ticket prices, or free access to show areas.
- Winter prep: Neighbors can organize a dugnad to shovel snow from shared driveways or spread gravel on icy sidewalks. This may be necessary in some areas if the local government does not have easy access to do it themselves.
- Cultural heritage projects: Communities sometimes host dugnad events to restore historic buildings or preserve local landmarks.
- Community gardens: Participants help plant, weed, and harvest crops in shared garden spaces, fostering sustainability and camaraderie. And you get to eat your efforts!
- Refugee integration: In some areas, dugnad has been used to support refugee communities, helping them settle by furnishing apartments, offering language lessons, or organizing social events. This is a great way to meet people from all over the world!
- Local markets: Volunteers help set up farmers' markets or flea markets, fostering a sense of community and supporting local businesses.
- Library events: Dugnad can involve organizing book fairs, cataloging new arrivals, or hosting reading events for children. Library volunteers can also assist in holding events.
- Elderly care: Volunteers can assist with yard work, snow shoveling, or grocery shopping for elderly neighbors.
Gwen Elliot
Gwen has lived in Trondheim, Norway for seven years. She is studying for her Master's in Gender & Equality Studies and volunteers for Amnesty International in her free time.
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