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The Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, are known as some of the happiest in the world. According to the World Happiness Report, they have been in the top three places in the happiness category for three consecutive years: 2017, 2018, and 2019. There's probably a reason why expats choose moving to one of them. Let's look at the specifics. What are the reasons associated with living in the Nordic countries that would surprise you?

Understanding the Scandinavian Habits

In times of fast-paced lifestyles, dynamic work routines and increasing stress, residents of the Nordic countries are proof that there is always an exception to the rule. And in this case, it has been more than successful. In fact, the locals prioritise finding balance through a daily life characterised by simplicity, a conviction in the role of social equality, a strong connection with nature, and satisfaction with the small and seemingly underestimated aspects of life. Here are the main philosophies that contribute to the happiness and prosperity of those living in the Nordic countries.

Hygge: It's a philosophy attributed to Norwegian and Danish culture and is associated with slowing down, achieving comfort, warmth and a sense of connectedness. Among the meanings of the word is "sheltered from the outside world". Hygge describes time spent with those closest to you, usually at home or some other quiet place. There is no precise definition for the activities associated with it—they may include having a conversation, dinner, a picnic with loved ones, or meeting for a glass of wine. Attendance by little ones usually involves sharing treats accompanied by a cup of hot chocolate. In case you want to dive deeper into the essence of the philosophy, there is a wide variety of books on the market dedicated to the Hygge. Achieving the Hygge at home includes steps such as:

  • Clear the home: Stick to simplicity and minimalism in terms of home furnishings.
  • Rely on dim lights: Through candles or lighting in warm colours.
  • Choose specific fabrics: Such as blankets, cushions and wooden furnishings.
  • Spend time with friends at home: Invite your loved ones and enjoy dinner and simple pleasures like a cup of hot chocolate or reading a book.

Lagom: Life in the Nordic countries is also associated with the Lagom philosophy, which focuses on moderation and achieving harmony. Among the ways you can practice Lagom are by being responsible in your consumption (including choosing sustainable products), prioritizing self-care for achieving work-life balance, thinking ecologically and recycling, and last but not least, focusing on the present moment and techniques to achieve personal development.

Friluftsliv: A Norwegian philosophy that conceptualizes nature as a place of relaxation for both mind and body. According to Friluftsliv, spending time outdoors allows people to recharge and achieve balance. When living in the Nordics, you can practice Friluftsliv by hiking in the mountains, camping in nature, indulging in so-called "forest bathing", practicing sports such as cycling, kayaking, skiing, or snowshoeing.

Living in the Nordics: Creating a Comfortable Home and Exploring the Traditional Cuisine

There is no denying the key role of the home in Scandinavian culture. In fact, due to the specifics of the climate, locals spend a lot of their time at home. Furnishings in Nordic homes are minimalist, modern and functional, and colours are neutral (mostly grey and white). When it comes to home decoration, the most common elements are wood and stone and materials such as wool. Plants are also an important part of home furnishings.

When it comes to food, northerners rely on dishes made with home-grown produce. Don't be surprised if they treat you to recently caught fish, mushrooms, or blueberries picked from the forest, or if they bet on fresh vegetables picked from the garden minutes before dinner. Traditional Nordic dishes include:

Smoked Cod Caviar: Sold in a tube, most often eaten by locals on a slice of bread, combined with an egg.

Cranberry sauce: Cranberries are traditional in Norway, Finland, and Sweden. The locals preserve and use them all year round, most often to make a sauce to garnish meat and meatballs.

Woman doing yoga on snowy background

Cost of living & Typical Payment in the Nordics

"Work to live, don't live to work" is the mantra that sums up the local understanding of the role of careers. The principle of equality, key to Scandinavian culture, is also applied in the workplace: employees (regardless of their position) are encouraged to express their opinions freely, contributing to democratic decision-making. Interestingly, the law in Norway, for example, requires that at least 40% of employees in local companies are women. There is also a strong emphasis on achieving work-life balance and minimising the mental and physical stresses that lead to burnout.

KISI's work-life balance index for 2022 ranks Oslo, Helsinki, and Copenhagen at the top. The ranking views factors such as the percentage of the working population, unemployment, inflation, amount of annual leave, length of maternity leave, access to healthcare (including mental health), affordability, leisure opportunities, etc. The Nordic countries are also among the countries with the highest wages in Europe. Statista data shows that average annual net wages by 2023 amount to:

  • Iceland: EUR 53 855
  • Norway: EUR 45 797
  • Denmark: EUR 41 930
  • Finland: EUR 36 475
  • Sweden: EUR 33 926

Offices in the Nordic countries are designed to encourage socialization among employees. They are usually spacious and provide access to natural light. There are also break-out areas.

Education in the Nordics

Life in the Nordic countries is also about the opportunity to learn. The education system in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland is among the most liberal in the world. In fact, the law forbids grouping students based on their abilities. They spend considerably less time writing homework, their personal interests and talents are encouraged. Among the curious facts about education in northern countries is that building a strong and less formal relationship between teachers and their students is prioritized. This is why there are no more than 15 students in each class.

Values such as tolerance, equality and confidence are cultivated in students. Another interesting fact is that education in the Nordic countries (including some universities) is free. In their secondary school education, students can study a variety of subjects, including classical subjects such as mathematics, English, and science, or vocational subjects such as mechanics and engineering.

Free time habits that might surprise you when living in the Nordics

Life in the north involves plenty of outdoor activities to do in your spare time. Locals usually try to spend at least a few minutes a day under the open sky. From a young age, children learn to appreciate nature and its positive role on mental health. Most often you will notice residents of the northern countries to:

Practice winter sports: Among the most popular winter sports in the Nordic countries are cross-country skiing (skiing on flat terrain and over longer distances), downhill skiing, ice skating, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, curling, winter hiking, snowboarding and ice climbing.

Spend time in the sauna: Spending a few hours in the sauna is among the traditional leisure activities typical of Sweden. It is an excellent opportunity for relaxation and health care as well as for socialising. Locals usually go to the sauna with family and friends. A curious fact is that there are over 300 000 saunas in Sweden.

Reading: In 2023, a quarter of Norway's population read books every day. By comparison, in the same year, the percentage of people reading every week in Sweden was 24.8%.

Attend cultural and community events: Music festivals are preferred among Nordic residents. Among the most popular are:

  • Rosendal Garden Party (Sweden)
  • Roskilde (Denmark)
  • Palmesus (Norway)
  • Ruisrock Festival (Finland)
  • Uppsala Reggae Festival (Sweden)
  • Øyafestivalen (Norway)

Living in the Nordics and making friends as an expat

Although at first glance the inhabitants of northern countries may seem more closed and valuing of their personal space, making new friendships with them is not impossible. Some of the tips you can apply on the road to successful socialization related to life in the Nordic countries include:

Explore the local culture: Learn about traditional customs and try to apply them to your daily life. Although reserved, the locals will appreciate your efforts, allowing you closer to them.

Learn the language: This is what will help you break the ice by showing an interest in the local culture.

Join local clubs: Become a member of a sports club or join gatherings dedicated to fika (a Swedish tradition of drinking coffee accompanied by treats). You can also invite locals to a sauna—an ideal opportunity for socialising.

Become a member of a volunteer organisation: Not only will you feel fulfilled by serving the community, but you'll also have the chance to get to know the locals, their mentality, lifestyle and values better. They in turn will appreciate your willingness to get involved in a noble activity.

Life in the Nordic countries can be a real challenge. And like an iceberg, it holds unexpected surprises. From their daily habits to their attitudes toward work and leisure, residents of the Nordic countries have a lot to teach expats who choose to move there. And when it comes to the actual relocation, you can get first-hand experience from the team at Movega Removals, a reputable company offering transport services across Europe. We rely on a personal approach to every individual, so don't hesitate to direct your questions to us online via our contact form or the chatbot feature available on our website.

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