Made in Norway: 12 Inventions That Changed the World

Norway’s legacy isn’t just carved into fjords—it’s etched into global innovation. From kitchen tools and programming languages to recycling tech and culinary revolutions, Norwegian inventors have quietly reshaped the way we live. Here are 12 of the most famous inventions born in Norway.

1. The Cheese Slicer (Ostehøvel)

Invented by Thor Bjørklund in 1925, this simple tool revolutionized cheese cutting. Inspired by a carpenter’s plane, it’s now a staple in kitchens across Europe and beyond.

2. The Aerosol Spray Can

Erik Rotheim patented the world’s first aerosol can in 1926. Originally used for insecticides, it paved the way for spray paint, deodorants, and countless consumer products.

3. Salmon Sushi

In the 1980s, Norwegian seafood exporters introduced raw salmon to Japan—where it wasn’t traditionally used in sushi. Today, salmon sushi is a global staple, thanks to Norway’s culinary diplomacy.

4. The Tripp-Trapp Chair

Designed by Peter Opsvik in 1972 for Stokke, this adjustable wooden high chair grows with the child. It’s a design icon found in homes worldwide.

5. Object-Oriented Programming (Simula)

Ole-Johan Dahl and Kristen Nygaard developed Simula in the 1960s—the world’s first object-oriented programming language. It laid the foundation for C++, Java, Python, and more.

6. Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

Håkon Wium Lie invented the first version of CSS in 1994. Today, it’s used on virtually every website to control layout and design.

7. Reverse Vending Machine

Brothers Tore and Petter Planke created the first reverse vending machine in the 1970s. Their company, Tomra, is now a global leader in recycling tech.

8. The Birkeland–Eyde Process

In 1903, Kristian Birkeland and Sam Eyde developed a method to synthesize nitrogen fertilizer. It revolutionized agriculture and led to the founding of Yara, one of Norway’s largest companies.

9. Microbeads (Ugelstad Particles)

John Ugelstad invented uniform polymer beads in the 1970s. They’re now used in blood purification, cancer diagnostics, and medical research.

10. The Gas Turbine

Ægidius Elling developed the gas turbine in the early 1900s—a precursor to jet engines and modern power systems.

11. The Harpoon Cannon

Invented to modernize whaling, this explosive harpoon was controversial but historically significant. It’s still used in Norway’s regulated whaling industry.

12. The Kneeling Chair

Designed by Hans Christian Mengshoel in 1979, this ergonomic chair promotes better posture and is still popular in offices and homes worldwide.

Final Word

Norway’s inventions may not always grab headlines, but they’ve quietly shaped the way we sit, code, eat, recycle, and live. From fjord to firmware, the spirit of innovation runs deep.