Hi Nilsen!
There are many amateur radio operators in Norway, their licenses usually start with "LA", like "LA1AAA" or "LA5ZZZ", you might see post boxes or autos with these radio call signs. If you know a neighbor for friend with a license, (or an odd looking large antenna on the roof) simply ask them about amateur radio, and they will happily help.
Just like your naval service, amateur radio operators assist communications in emergencies, disasters, floods, snowstorms, hurricanes, and distressed ships at sea. There is also fun "hobby" type communications where you can speak, use a form of FAX (ASCII & AMTOR), computer digital modes, and yes, even the antique Morse Code. There are even contests and awards.
You can get more information on the Norway Radio Relay League (in Norwegian) here:
http://www.nrrl.no/You can either buy manufactured radios, or build your own cheaper! My best low power "DX" was 700 miles with less than the power of a garage door opener (100mW), and with 150 watts have talked around the world on a simple wire antenna (Kazakstan, Australia, Chile, McMurdo Sound Antarctic Station, a Canadian Expedition to the North Pole, even ancestors of the "Mutiny on The Bounty" in the Pacific).
With a qualifying license and the same headset you use on Aces High...you can access VHF and UHF repeaters around the world using the same computer you are reading this on right now--NO radio required!
King Juan Carlos of Spain is a ham, Former King Hussein of Jordan was a ham, Joe Walsh of The Eagles" is a ham, Ronnie Milsap is a ham, also regular everyday people like you and me....
The friendships you make last a lifetime!
Good Luck!
ROX
(K5TEN)
**PigStompers**