A long time ago, I wrote about a mystery, wondering what these things were that I saw embedded in the ground at Maddie and Ada’s school and around the UiO campus:

I’m pleased to say that thanks to the wonderful people in the New to Oslo Facebook group, I have an answer and a few funny replies. It’s a snow sensor—when snow falls on the two interlaced coils, it completes a circuit and activates the heating elements embedded in the sidewalk.

I must also say that Facebook groups like New to Oslo have been invaluable in helping adapt to life in Norway—from navigating the ins and outs of the Norwegian banking system to giving us ideas for fun things to do around Oslo, and making us feel like part of a smaller community in a foreign land.

So I’ve started to notice little things in Norway that are different from anything I’ve seen anywhere else in my travels. I’ll share a couple here and invite your thoughts on what they might be for (I think I’ve figured them out, but don’t want to spoil it for you).

Above the walkway to our apartment is the 4th floor walkway, and there are these chains hanging off the side of our walkway.

In our hallway is this electric heater, and underneath is this plastic tray.

Both of these things were initially quite puzzling to me, but after some thinking, I am pretty sure I know what they are for. I’d love hear your thoughts in the comments.