Scandinavian girls are as close to perfection as humanly possible. I have yet to see somebody claim they are unhappy with their experience dating a woman from this region.
Let’s look at what sets different Scandinavian women apart and compare them by country!
What are Scandinavian Girls?
By definition:
Scandinavia is a region in Northern Europe, characterized by common ethnocultural North Germanic heritage and mutually intelligible North Germanic languages.
according to Wikipedia
Locally, it means Denmark, Norway and Sweden. We will also be including women from Finland and Iceland in this article to complete the whole Nordic states region.
Not only are they similar to their *100% for sure Scandinavian* counterparts – but most people associate them with Scandinavia anyway.
Common Traits of Scandinavian Women
There are a couple of Scandinavian stereotypes generally valid throughout the region. The most important we can think of right now are that girls from Scandinavia are:
- Wealthy or at least doing well
- Not backing away from a drink
- Liberal & independent
- Hygge for the win (see below to learn what hygge means)
- Minimalist
- Somewhat-Arrogant
Obviously, not all are true for all Scandinavian girls. For the most part, though, yes, they are well-off, enlightened (about social justice, feminism, and ecology), and they do love their drinks.
So much so that alcohol is the leading cause of death for Finnish men – pretty scary too!
Women are not such epic binge drinkers, but you’d still find most can hold their liquor very well. Don’t try to outdrink them, it’s a rookie mistake!
The Swede, The Dane and The Norwegian
Scandinavian girls may seem similar from the outside but there are tons of national stereotypes within the region. Every kid can tell you at least one “Swede, Dane and Norwegian” joke. In them:
- Swedes are rich and self-righteous.
- Danes are happy drunks (and all-out hedonists).
- Norwegians are dumb and crude.
If you ask Norwegians, though, they are nice and fun, while Swedes are uptight and way too materialistic. To illustrate with a (corny) joke:
Q: What is the difference between Swedes and Norwegians?
A: The Swedes have nice neighbours!
As for Finns and Icelanders… Well, the Icelanders are left out of the whole stereotyping game.
They are just over 350K and they live on an island in the middle of the ocean. They’re off the radar. They shouldn’t be – Iceland is truly beautiful, but it is what it iss.
Finns are socially awkward people, they say, although my experience traveling and exploring the country did not leave me with the same impression.
Let’s get back to the ladies, though – this is why we’re here!
Swedish Girls
Swedish girls are the epitome of Scandinavian girls. They are blonde, pale, and financially secure (although many perceive them as rich). They are all about liberty and economic equality, and they dress casually, like hipsters.
Though there are many supermodels who come from Sweden, the normal girl next door types are just as stunning.
Scandinavian shyness is at an all-time high for Swedish girls. With social media and such, nightlife (as well as everyday life) is getting more and more stare-at-your-screen-y.
On the upside, online dating is booming, which makes it a lot easier for you to approach them.
Swedish women are also very independent, rational, and no-BS. This is the Swedish culture, after all!
I actually met guys who are less decisive than these gals. Swedes have no problems whatsoever with casual flings, remaining unmarried, or having children as just friends/partners in an open relationship.
People settle down later than ever and tend to always focus on career first. This can be a Pro or a Con depending on your personal points of view.
It all boils down, in the end, to their concept of Lagom. It translates roughly to “not too much and not too little,” and it explains their dating style perfectly. No overly grand gestures are required. Just balanced, straightforward interaction.
Nothing Is Rotten in the State Of Denmark
Denmark is home to hygge culture, biking in the freezing cold, and some of the most gorgeous women in the world. Danish women are even more liberal and open-minded than their Swedish counterparts.
For an example, consider supermodel and Victoria’s Secret angel Josephine Skriver.
Josephine was born to two gay parents that came together to have a child. Josephine is an IVF baby and she even has a younger brother, born in the same way. Both her mother and father have same-gender partners that she refers to “extra mom and dad”.
They are very close, coming together to celebrate important holidays, and always keeping in touch.
This may not be your typical family for sure, but Danes are very accepting of such unorthodox family models.
Local Danish guys don’t really do the “exchange glances in the club, go dance with her, take her home” thing. Most couples (and short-term flings) start through mutual friends. As a foreigner, you’d be smart to befriend the guys first and ask to be introduced.
As for looks, Danish girls are notorious for their all-black fashion and love of all things practical. Though they may not dress super feminine, you better bet they have that nice, toned body.
Danes are famous for their strength and resilience. You will seriously see people biking on wet cobblestones in temperatures well below zero.
What About That Infamous Hygge?
Hygge is the Danish word for wellbeing. It refers to all things comfortable and cosy – from a nice warm mulled wine to candles and throw pillows all around your house. In Denmark, hygge is a way of life.
They burn more candles than any other European nation, they love sweets, and they live happier lives than other Scandinavians.
Women here are especially fond of hygge and it makes sense because it is raw survival through comfort. Think twinkle lights, plenty of furry materials on blankets, and the smell of roasted nuts keeping the winter depression at bay.
Norwegians: The Most No-Nonsense Of All Scandinavian Girls
Norwegians are fit, active, and highly focused on their physical condition, but they are not overly traditional in their femininity. Norway is currently doing the best financially out of all Scandinavian countries, and it shows in every aspect of life.
The country is extremely expensive and nearly everyone is wealthy. That is exactly why no girl will be impressed by how successful you are or how much money you earn.
Norwegian girls are also not too impressed with foreigners, so you have to bring some real personality to the table.
On the plus side, Norwegian girls are the most likely to actually date and have a relationship with you. They may be as enlightened and forward as other Scandinavian girls, but they do value true connection.
To connect with a Norwegian girl, you need to understand Friluftsliv, which translates to “free air life.” You will never impress her with a flashy watch or a VIP table, but you might turn her head by out-hiking her on a Saturday morning in the freezing fjords. That is if you can, of course.
Finally, yes, most are tall blondes. That’s how the guys are, too (men from Norway have a long history of being rated the best looking on Earth).
If you want a competitive edge, show initiative. Scandinavian girls are tired of their cold, shy guys.
Finnish Girls
They love saunas and live in extremely cold temperatures. It’s a cliché but it is also true.
For people like you and me, who are not as impressed by cold temperatures and jumping from a steamy, boiling room into a freezing lake, Finland is only fun in summer.
There are amazing festivals and locals love everything that the season has to offer. Expect amazing food, lots of picnics (a.k.a. casual drinking in the forest), and all sorts of outdoorsy activities.
Finnish girls are also incredibly friendly. It’s enough to even look slightly confused on the street for people to stop and offer help.
As a foreigner, you get even more of a special treatment. The easiest, least threatening way to ask a Finnish girl out is to have her show you around.
Girls In Iceland
The population of Icelandic women is pretty small. It is a tiny country on a beautiful, isolated island. Locals champion equality in a very natural, unforced way. Iceland was the first country to make the gender pay gap illegal, and it is definitely a place where girls will comfortably buy guys drinks.
Yes, really.
Think of Icelandic parties as big drunken get togethers with plenty of alcohol and very relaxed social rules. Everyone is super casual, very accepting, and the only important thing is to have a good time until the sun comes up.
Icelandic girls don’t exactly dress to impress, though. They are naturally beautiful, with slightly darker hair than other Nordic women, and with a great complexion. Out of all Scandinavian girls, Icelandic ones are the least shy, but also the most likely to friendzone you.
Your foreigner status is not likely to impress them either.
So many tourists have been flocking to Iceland in recent years that you’re hardly a novelty. Focus on having fun, buying a round of BrennivÃn shots, and creating some real tension instead of trying to brag about your travels or your career.
Scandinavian Girls In Conclusion…
Not all Scandinavian girls are exactly alike, but they share a powerful regional DNA. Generalizations are a rough way to characterize a country, but sometimes you need a solid baseline to be prepared for the reality on the ground. Knowing the difference between Swedish Lagom and Finnish Sisu will save you a lot of awkward silences.
Which of these regional realities have you experienced yourself? Tell us in the comments below.
Scandinavia (Denmark + Norway + Sweden) + Finland + Iceland = Nordic
Just retitle this post “Comparing Nordic Girls by Country” and you’ll be accurate.
First off, there are more brunettes than blondes in Scandinavia. Only in Estonia and Finland are there more blondes and more blue-eyed people.
Secondly, it’s not all good news about their culture. They are not the most welcoming, friendliest and generous people. Quite arrogant, insecure, selfish, jealous and vain are words that come to mind.
Scandinavian women? Let me tell you about my wife, partner, or whatever… She’s blonde haired, blue eyed, Danish farm girl and a daughter of the Aristocracy. Who happens too be Hard Headed and Strong Willed. As for entertainment, she prefers to stay at home and Hygge with family and close friends than go out dance and party the night away.
This article is way off. Scandinavian women love foreigners, especially Norwegians. That’s because Norwegian guys are too uptight and shy, and act like pigs when they get wasted. The women like to feel wanted by forward men, and foreign men are often very forward.
There are two ways to get to know people: – Stereotypically
– Through personal connection
This article (though, not 100% accurate) elaborated both of the above-mentioned ideas and tried to portray it to some extent.
In short, stereotypes are a holistic views and personal experiences are subjective in nature. Thanks for the post, anyways!
You will always meet people who perfectly fit stereotypes, as well as others who completely defy them. While every individual is unique, articles like this require at least some generalization to make sense – it can’t be avoided. I do believe these descriptions mostly hold true for most girls, but there’s always an exception to the rule!