The nachspiel, or the after party. Popular with Norwegian college kids but it’s something that all Norwegians embrace and enjoy. Along with such a strong drinking culture in Norway there’s also a saying that goes “getting half drunk is a waste of money”. That’s because alcohol is so expensive in Norway that once you start drinking you might as well go all the way, and then some. That’s when the nachspiel comes into play, because at some point even the bars must close.
At this point of the night it’s getting late, or early the following day, depending on how you look at it. It’s far too late to buy alcohol anywhere, so you head back to someone’s apartment to raid whatever is left there. Much to the neighbors’ dismay these parties can get rowdy and go on late even until sunrise.
This is the point of the night where things are best described as getting “sloppy” or borderline absurd. Everyone has had far too much to drink, and it’s all a bit last man or woman standing. If you’re a foreigner that probably won’t be you, as Norwegians have great stamina in the area of marathon drinking. If you’re lucky enough to make an early exit, try to sneak out quietly. Otherwise, you risk having to take a “penalty shot” for your early departure, one final shot of aquavit for the road.
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