The Swiss in Norway
The official Swiss community in Norway consists of three clubs, which are affiliated with the OSA and are represented by a delegate in the CSA. In addition, there are several loose groupings of Swiss nationals in western, central, and northern Norway.
Schweizerklub Telemark
The Schweizerklub Telemark was founded in 1996 and includes the southwestern fylke (“cantons”) of Norway: Vestfold, Buskerud and Telemark. The majority of members are women who have followed their Norwegian partners back to their homeland. Initially there were 20 members, today there are almost 30. A household counts as a member. We usually celebrate the national holiday on 1 August, “Samichlaus Day” before Christmas and the general assembly in March with a hearty fondue.
Schweizerklub Südnorwegen
The Swiss have been in Norway for a long time, including in the south of the country. There, on the southeast coast, the Schweizerklub Südnorwegen was founded 40 years ago in Arendal. The founding group consisted of young and old and celebrated the first Swiss German “Samichlaus” day together, which has been celebrated every year since then. Many of the members are married to Norwegians and they work in a variety of professions.
Over the years, membership of the club has remained at around 20. It's great that there are always new members, including from Switzerland. In addition to its spectacular coastline and wide open spaces, southern Norway has a lot to offer: charming little towns, and a wide range of job opportunities – both short-term and permanent.
The club has always been and continues to be very lively. Set events are 1 August, the “Samichlaus” party and the AGM. There are also ad-hoc meetings. These events take place despite the – in comparison to Switzerland – large distances that separate members (who live uo to 120km apart). Meetings take place in people’s homes, in pubs, on islands and in forest areas – there are plenty of options!
All organisational requirements are met: statutes, annual reports, information – and a website. Until recently, there was also an honorary consul here in the south of the country who was always ready to provide consular services and assistance.
Schweizer Klub Norwegen Oslo
At the Schweizer Klub Norwegen Oslo, you can meet with other Swiss nationals in Norway, exchange experiences and take part in (traditional) activities. Every year, the club organises joint activities such as the AGM, the 1 August celebration in the usual Swiss style with grilled sausages, the autumn festival with a raffle and Swiss music, and the “Samichlaus”, a festival for young and old.
Besides the larger events, there is also the opportunity to take part in other activities, such as a casual get-together at the regulars' table or movie nights with Swiss films or films with Swiss participation.
