Norway's history is one of the most important topics on the knowledge of society test (Samfunnskunnskapsprøven). The questions cover periods from the Viking Age to modern Norway. You do not need to remember every date, but you must understand the broad lines. This guide gives you an overview of the Norwegian history topics for the exam in the order they typically appear on the test. We cover five main periods: the Viking Age, the Danish period and the Constitution, independence in 1905, the Second World War, and the oil era. Read through it once and you will have a solid foundation for passing. Each period has a few key facts that recur in exam questions. We take them one by one, focusing on what you actually need to know. At the end, we summarise the most important dates and names you should be able to recall from memory.
The Viking Age and early Norwegian history on the test
The Viking Age lasted from around 800 to 1050. Norwegians sailed to Iceland, Greenland, and all the way to North America. They were not only warriors — they were farmers, merchants, and skilled craftsmen. The Vikings built longships that represented superior technology for their time. They also had their own legal system based on the ting — local assemblies where free men settled disputes and passed laws. The ting was an early form of democracy.
Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre) united Norway into one kingdom around the year 872. This is regarded as the beginning of Norway as a state. Questions about Harald Fairhair appear regularly on the knowledge of society test. Christianity came to Norway in the 11th century. Olav the Holy (Olav den hellige) played a central role in Christianising the country. The transition from Norse religion to Christianity fundamentally changed society. The Church became a powerful institution that influenced legislation and everyday life.
After the Viking Age, Norway gradually lost its independence. Royal power weakened, and in 1380 Norway entered into a union with Denmark. This union lasted for over 400 years. For the Norwegian history section of the exam, you should know three things from this period: who Harald Fairhair was, that Christianity replaced the Norse faith, and that Norway lost its independence after the Viking Age.
Read more about how the test is structured to understand which topics carry the most weight. Focus on the main themes, not the details of individual battles or dates.
The Danish period and the road to the Constitution in 1814
Norway was under Danish rule from 1380 to 1814. The period is often called the "Danish period" or the "400-year night" (400-årsnatten). Copenhagen was the seat of power for both countries. Norwegian language, culture, and politics were heavily influenced by Danish rule. Nevertheless, Norwegian farmers retained more freedom than farmers in many other European countries. They often owned their own land, which was unusual in Europe. This farming culture created a tradition of equality that shapes Norway to this day.
In 1814, the most decisive event in Norwegian history took place. Denmark was forced to give up Norway following the Napoleonic Wars. Norwegian leaders gathered at Eidsvoll and wrote the Constitution (Grunnloven). It was adopted on 17 May 1814. The Constitution gave Norway its own parliament — Stortinget (Parliament) — and declared that power belongs to the people. It was inspired by the American and French revolutions. 112 men met at Eidsvoll manor outside Oslo and spent just six weeks writing it.
However, full independence did not come at once. The great powers decided that Norway would enter into a union with Sweden. The union was looser than the Danish one, and Norway kept its Constitution and its Stortinget (Parliament). The Constitution remains Norway's supreme law to this day. That is why 17 May is celebrated as the national day.
17 May 1814 is the most important date you must remember for the test. The Constitution from Eidsvoll is the foundation of the entire Norwegian democracy. Questions about this date appear in almost every sitting of the exam.
For the Norwegian history section of the exam, 1814 is the most central year. Learn Eidsvoll, the Constitution, and Stortinget (Parliament) first.
Independence in 1905 and the struggle for voting rights
In 1905, the union with Sweden was dissolved. It happened peacefully, without war. Stortinget (Parliament) declared the union dissolved, and the people confirmed it in a referendum. Over 99 per cent voted in favour of dissolution. Prince Carl of Denmark was elected as the Norwegian king and took the name Haakon VII. Norway was, for the first time in over 500 years, a fully independent nation. The date 7 June 1905 marks the formal dissolution and is an important date to remember.
The period after 1905 was about nation-building. Norway developed industry based on hydropower from waterfalls. Factories provided jobs and economic growth. The school system was expanded and more people gained access to education. The labour movement grew, trade unions became stronger, and political parties developed. The Labour Party became the largest party and shaped Norwegian politics for much of the 20th century.
A particularly important topic on the test is voting rights. Men received universal suffrage in 1898. Women received full voting rights in 1913 — among the first in the world. Voting rights for all is a cornerstone of Norwegian democracy. Questions about when women received the right to vote are among the most common on the knowledge of society test.
Norwegian history for the exam is largely about the development of democracy. The period 1905–1940 shows how Norway built the institutions that still exist today: Stortinget, a free press, voting rights, and independent courts. Remember the years 1905 and 1913 — they come up often on the test.
The Second World War and Norway's reconstruction
Germany attacked Norway on 9 April 1940. The occupation lasted until 8 May 1945. King Haakon and the government refused to surrender and fled to London. From there they led the resistance effort and maintained contact with the Allies. Many Norwegians took part in the resistance movement inside Norway. Some carried out sabotage; others distributed illegal newspapers. At the same time, some Norwegians collaborated with the occupiers. Vidkun Quisling led a Norwegian collaborationist government. His name became an international word for treason. After liberation, Quisling was sentenced to death and executed. The legal reckoning after the war was the largest in Norwegian history.
After the war, Norway was rebuilt quickly. The country joined the UN from its founding in 1945. In 1949, Norway became a member of NATO, the Western defence alliance. The reconstruction laid the groundwork for the modern welfare state. The state took broad responsibility for its citizens: healthcare, education, pensions, and social benefits became public obligations.
The post-war period is important for the knowledge of society test. You should know that Norway was occupied for five years, that the king was in exile in London, and that NATO membership came after the war. Questions about the UN and Norway's international role are also common. Read our article about NAV and the welfare system to understand how the post-war welfare state works today.
According to the Integration Act, knowledge of Norwegian history is required for permanent residence. This period explains Norway's place in the world today.
The oil adventure and the modern Norway you live in
In 1969, Norway discovered oil in the North Sea. The Ekofisk field marked the start of an oil adventure that completely transformed the country. Within a few decades, Norway went from being one of Western Europe's poorer countries to one of the world's wealthiest. Oil revenues flowed in, and politicians had to decide what to do with the money. Norway chose to invest for the long term rather than spend everything at once.
In 1990, Stortinget (Parliament) established the Oil Fund. It is now called the Government Pension Fund Global (Statens pensjonsfond utland) and is the world's largest sovereign wealth fund. The fund holds shares and properties across the world. The idea is that oil revenues should benefit future generations, not just be used up now. According to SSB, the petroleum sector still accounts for a large share of Norway's export revenues.
The oil money has financed the welfare state. Free healthcare, free schooling, and generous social security benefits are possible in part because of these revenues. Norway has also used oil money to build infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, and hospitals throughout the country. At the same time, Norway is now debating how the country will manage the transition to green energy and a sustainable economy.
In the Norwegian history section of the exam, you may be asked when the oil was discovered, what the Oil Fund is, and why Norway is a wealthy country. These questions link history to economics and society. Remember 1969 as the year of the oil discovery and 1990 for the Oil Fund — both are common exam questions.