
What are the best places to visit in Scandinavia?
Top 12 Places to Visit in Scandinavia
- Reine, Lofoten Islands, Norway. The little fishing village of Reine sits in the Lofoten archipelago north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, surrounded by stunning bays, towering fjords and dramatic ...
- Flam, Norway. ...
- Oslo, Norway. ...
- Svalbard Islands. ...
- Stockholm, Sweden. ...
- Gothenburg, Sweden. ...
- Gotland, Sweden. ...
- Kosterhavet, Sweden. ...
- Gudhjem, Denmark. ...
- Aarhus, Denmark. ...
Is Scandinavia a country a continent, or something else?
The region of Scandinavia is in the continent of Europe. The name “Scandinavia” is an unofficial title for a part of northern Europe. The narrower use of the term “Scandinavia” collectively refers to the countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, all three of which are nations on the European continent.
What are the three Scandinavian countries?
- Scandinavia is a region in northern Europe. It consists of 3 countries, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
- The term "Nordic Countries" includes the countries of Scandinavia, as well as Finland and Iceland.
- All 3 Scandinavian countries are constitutional monarchies and parliamentary democracies.
What is the culture of Scandinavia?
Scandinavia—comprised of Norway, Sweden, Denmark—has many things to be proud of, including a thriving minimalist chic design scene, happy hygge culture, and a high-end culinary talent. If you're looking to bring something back from your trip or a great gift for a fan of Scandinavia, it won't be hard to find.

What are Scandinavians good at?
Things Scandinavians Do Better Than Everybody ElseDressing stylishly, despite the weather.Recycling.Skiing.Getting drunk on a schedule.Carrying on with their daily lives, even in extreme circumstances.Being honest about taxes.Living in gorgeous apartments while remaining frugal.
Why is Scandinavia popular?
The Scandinavian Peninsula is famous for its scenery and is often ranked in the top ten 'most beautiful countries in the world'. Iceland tends to rank highly with its volcanoes, expansive underground ice caves and glacial lakes, closely followed by Norway for its dramatic mountains, fjords and dense forests.
What is Scandinavia known as now?
The term Scandinavia (sometimes specified in English as Continental Scandinavia or mainland Scandinavia) is ordinarily used locally for Denmark, Norway and Sweden as a subset of the Nordic countries (known in Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish as Norden; Finnish: Pohjoismaat, Icelandic: Norðurlöndin, Faroese: Norðurlond).
What defines Scandinavian?
Scandinavian means belonging or relating to a group of northern European countries that includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, or to the people, languages, or culture of those countries.
Why are Scandinavians so tall?
Experts say natural selection, combined with a good animal protein diet, makes these Nordic locals taller than their counterparts elsewhere in the world. The Norwegians, like some of the other tallest people in the world have some great genetic backgrounds. Average height of Norwegians: 5 feet 7.97 inches.
Why are Scandinavians so strong?
Many Scandinavians are strong because they value exercise, like weight lifting, and eating for the purposes of strength training. Scandinavians are among the tallest people in the world, which enables their bodies to have more muscle than people of lesser size.
What do Scandinavian people look like?
Stereotypical Scandinavian traits and facial features have since the early 20th century included straight, blonde hair; blue eyes; tall figure; a straight nose; thin lips; and non-prominent cheekbones, according to Werner & Björks 2014 book Blond and blue-eyed.
What is Scandinavian culture?
Scandinavian Culture Because the histories of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland are so intertwined, as well as things like holidays and traditions, this group of five countries is often referred to as culturally Scandinavian.
What are Scandinavian guys like?
Warm, passionate and fun – these are probably three adjectives that don't come to mind when one tries to describe Scandinavians. Norwegians, Swedes and Danes are considered aloof, not known to make the first move or be overly flirtatious, unless they're 100% certain that their efforts will be reciprocated.
What is a Scandinavian food?
Popular Scandinavian Ingredients Meat: a large variety, including pork, poultry, veal, beef and also wild birds, elk, deer, bear, horse & even whale. Seafood: both salt & freshwater. Bread: a proliferation of varieties but most common are rye bread forms. Fruits & root vegetables: mostly preserved & pickled.
What is Scandinavian fashion style?
Scandi style has long been associated with chic minimalism – think: tailored separates, oversized shirting and knitwear in neutral tones. But with eclectic dressing being all the rage on the streets during Copenhagen Fashion Week this season, it's clear that this idea of Nordic fashion no longer holds true.
What language do Scandinavians speak?
Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Icelandic and Swedish (including Finland-Swedish) are all official national languages. Along with Faroese, Greenlandic and Sámi, they are the languages that our societies and culture are based on.
Is it worth going to Scandinavia?
Although the northern countries in Scandinavia may not be at the top of your bucket list, they are all definitely worth a visit. Each destination has its own charm and landscapes.
Why is Finland not in Scandinavia?
Geographically, Finland could be considered Scandinavian and at one time was a part of the Swedish Kingdom. Most Finns are Lutherans, as Scandinavians used to be. However, Finnish is not a Scandinavian language and Finns are ethnically distinct from Scandinavians.
What do Scandinavian people look like?
Stereotypical Scandinavian traits and facial features have since the early 20th century included straight, blonde hair; blue eyes; tall figure; a straight nose; thin lips; and non-prominent cheekbones, according to Werner & Björks 2014 book Blond and blue-eyed.
What are the 7 Scandinavian countries?
The Nordic Region consists of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland.
What is the historical name of Scandinavia?
Scandinavia was historically called Scandia.
Where is Scandinavia?
Scandinavia is in the northern part of Europe. It is generally held to consist of the two countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway and Swede...
What is the difference between Scandinavia and Norden countries?
In general, Scandinavia denotes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. The term Norden refers to Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. These form a...
Is Finland part of Scandinavia?
Finland is generally not considered part of Scandinavia. Some authorities, though, argue for the inclusion of Finland on geologic and economic grou...
A closer look at Scandinavian countries
The Scandinavian peninsula is geographically the largest in Europe, extending from the Baltic Sea to the Arctic Circle.
Scandinavian people: Traits and culture
The varied and beautiful countries in Scandinavia make it an incredible place to visit or to live in. However, it’s fair to say that it’s the Scandinavian people that really capture the attention of the media.
Scandinavian climate & weather
Often, when people imagine the Scandinavian peninsula, they get images of touring mountains and icy cold plains in their mind. However, Scandinavia isn’t always as frozen as it may seem.
Scandinavian landscapes and nature: Sights to see
The Scandinavian peninsula won’t give you the sunny beaches and warm weather that you can expect from locations like Morocco or Spain. However, it offers a very different kind of appeal that makes it a must-see for anyone with a passion for beauty.
Scandinavian foods and traditional meals
We couldn’t bring an end to this Scandinavian facts guide without giving you an insight into some of the incredible food you’ll find in the region.
Exploring the incredible Scandinavia region
Scandinavian countries aren’t always at the top of a person’s wish list when it comes to vacations. That’s usually because they don’t have the same sun, sea, and sand to offer. However, when you really get to know the Scandinavian peninsula, you’ll discover that there’s more to the region than you thought.
Top Scandinavia facts
1. Scandinavia consists of three countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Some definitions also include Finland and Iceland, but this wider group is more commonly known as the Nordic region. The Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland also participate in Nordic cooperation initiatives via the Nordic Council.
Facts about Scandinavian history
4. All three countries used to be in a union. The Kalmar Union ran (with a few interruptions) from 1397 until 1523.
Other facts about Scandinavia
8. Football is a summer sport. In Scandinavia, football (soccer) is played in the summer, not through the winter as with the major European leagues. Well, in Sweden and Norway anyway. Denmark use the more standard summer season.
Lifestyle facts from Scandinavia
13. Swedish kids do Halloween at Easter. They don’t dress up as ghosts or ghouls, rather witches!
Classic Danish Design Brands
With designs by the likes of Børge Mogensen, Nanna Ditzel, and Arne Jacobsen, Fredericia Furniture has set itself apart as a producer of some of the most iconic Scandinavian furniture ever made. Their commitment to quality, functionality, and searching out the best new design as well as classic pieces is unrivalled.
Modern Swedish Design Brands
They have a handful of pieces that are already icons, including the beloved Crown Armchair.
Classic Norwegian Design Brands
Since then, the brand has relaunched a number of pieces including the Krobo Bench by Torblørn Afdal. They’ve also partnered with top contemporary designers, such as the Alto table by Andreas Engesvik.
Scandinavia in Focus
Scandinavia refers to the northern European countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark (and its territory Greenland). Depending on the context, some also include close neighbor Finland and Iceland, an island nation just to the North.
Romanticism in Decline
The world was changing rapidly at the end of the 19th century. The Industrial Revolution made daily living conveniences more accessible, which in-turn influenced commerce and politics rapidly on a global scale.
Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and World War I
By the early 20th century, Art Nouveau was certainly a new style for a new century . Like most new artistic movements, Art Nouveau was, in many ways, a rejection of the forms that had preceded it.
World War II and Modernism
If World War I made apparent the cracks in the aging social structures of European nobility and the aristocracy, World War II broke them wide open. More than one empire lay in ruins and European powers struggled to hold on to the ill-gotten gains of colonization in Africa, South America, and Asia.
A New Day For European Design
In light of two world wars in the same half-century, it was a popular view in the mid-20th century that humans were doing something wrong. Consequently, the design world was looking for an antidote for totalitarianism, which had been represented in design by the German-based Bauhaus style .
Design in Scandinavia
This new approach to design was a combination of beauty, simplicity, and functionality. The element of functionality had been influential for some time in Scandinavian architecture, as seen in the Bauhaus Movement.
Scandinavian Design in Interiors
By the time Gordon's exhibition concluded its run, Scandinavian design was an internationally recognized commodity and one that had a particularly strong following in the United States. Though its popularity declined between the 1960s and 1980s, the renewed focus on sustainability during the 1990s and early 2000s breathed new life into the trend.
When you think Scandinavia, do you conjure up images of vigorous rosy-cheeked people, filled with energy and optimism? Who doesn't? That vision is more than just the stuff of Nordic mythology, it's based on facts and the healthy lifestyle habits typical throughout the Land of the Midnight Sun
When you think Scandinavia, do you conjure up images of vigorous rosy-cheeked people, filled with energy and optimism? Who doesn't? That vision is more than just the stuff of Nordic mythology, it's based on facts and the healthy lifestyle habits typical throughout the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Sauna-obsessed
The next time you pass up the sauna in your gym, you just might want to rethink your quick post-workout getaway.
Living the free-air life
Gheorghe Popa/Shutterstock Westman explains it as a heartfelt belief that nature is our true home. Vogue calls it the perfect summer antidote to the Scandi passion for coziness during cold-weather months. Both are talking about friluftsliv —a powerful part of the Scandinavian philosophy for living a natural, healthy life.
On your feet, or on your (bicycle) wheels
Single digit temperatures (or lower) are the norm in much of Scandinavia during winter. Even so, almost all Scandinavian cities are designed for easy biking and walking. “In Copenhagen, 50 percent of the locals commute to work by bike daily and another 25 percent walk or use a combination of public transportation and walking,” says Oerum.
Drinking less, enjoying life more
Bitter-cold temperatures, and long, dark days with little-to-no sunlight, can create a perfect storm for binge drinking, depression, and alcoholism. However, Scandinavia’s healthiest folks apply the lagom philosophy to alcohol intake.
The social scene is built around exercise
fizkes/Shutterstock Go to any health club in America, and you’ll mostly see solitary people working out on their own. This is a stark contrast to the way Scandinavians approach socialization and exercise. Sports clubs geared around specific interests and activities abound throughout Scandinavia. This helps bring like-minded people together.
Exercise is folded into the workplace, too
In Scandinavia, you don’t have to work for a cool startup to get an in-house gym and other health-boosting benefits. “Almost every company in Scandinavia has a health policy, and many invest in healthy food and exercise for their employees. It’s very common for companies to have their own social sports groups, such as biking, running, and soccer.

Top Scandinavia Facts
Facts About Scandinavian History
- 4. All three countries used to be in a union. The Kalmar Unionran (with a few interruptions) from 1397 until 1523. Denmark, Norway & Sweden retained their separate identity in domestic matters, but foreign and economic policy were directed by a single monarch. 5. A French Army officer became a Scandinavian King. The man behind the title Karl XIV Johan, who took the Swedish thr…
Other Facts About Scandinavia
- 8. Football is a summer sport. In Scandinavia, football (soccer) is played in the summer, not through the winter as with the major European leagues. Well, in Sweden and Norway anyway. Denmark use the more standard summer season. Read more: Inside Scandinavia 9. The Scandinavian mountains are more than 1,700km long. The range runs right through the Scandin…
Lifestyle Facts from Scandinavia
- 13. Swedish kids do Halloween at Easter. They don’t dress up as ghosts or ghouls, rather witches! 14. Copenhagen is the region’s busiest airport. More than 30 million passengers used CPH in 2018. It is a hub for SAS and Norwegian, and offers long-haul flights to Asia and the USA. Oslo Airport (OSL) ranks second with 28.5m passengers, with Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) ranked third. …