Your age might be relevant as well. We youngins are usually more open-minded and less shy. Generally speaking though, we tend not to speak to strangers and if spoken to, keep it simple. I actually have no idea how friendships happen in Norway, they just do I am sure though, that small talk ain't gonna do shit. We are most definitely avoiding it, but don't take it personal, we do it to each other as well

Try finding likeminded people, having something in common to talk about is a sure bet most of the time. Small talk is just viewed as unnecessary and awkward.