Today, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about Nordic women and the pros and cons of dating a Scandinavian Women. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started!
Dating is different in every culture around the world. If you’ve met a lover from the north, understanding how to be romantically involved with Nordic women can be difficult – especially if you never have been before.
Scandinavians love to travel, and there’s every chance that you’ll meet the woman of your dreams while abroad. And if you’ve just moved to the Nordic region, there’s every chance that you’ll end up with a Swede, Dane, or Norwegian.
Dating Scandinavian girls is no different from doing so with anyone else, in the sense that you need to have a genuine connection to build something lasting. Nonetheless, norms in your homeland might differ — and knowing about them before you dive in is helpful.
With the above in mind, we’ve created this essential guide to dating Nordic women, especially for you.
What are Scandinavian women like?
If you’ve never been to Scandinavia, you might well have the perception that all Scandinavian ladies — and men, for that matter — are tall and blonde.
If you find blonde women attractive, the Nordic countries certainly aren’t the worst places to be. But while you’ll see plenty of people that fit this description, that doesn’t tell the full story.
Contrary to popular belief, Scandinavia is a pretty diverse region. You’ll find women of all shapes, sizes, and hair and skin colors.
While borders in this part of the world are fluid, and the Nordic countries share a lot in common, you can’t really group Scandinavian women into a single description. Norwegians, Danes, and Swedes — plus Finns and Icelanders — have their unique characteristics.
Having said that, Nordic women share a lot of similar traits — generally speaking, at least. Flirting doesn’t come naturally to many people in this part of the world, and you can expect your conversations to be direct.
Equality is arguably the most essential cornerstone in each Scandinavian society. Most Scandinavian women are independent, and you’ll have to complement their life in ways beyond resources; the same goes the other way around.
Although the Nordic region is progressive, tradition remains important in each country. If you date a Scandinavian woman, it’s pretty much a given that you’ll get invited to lots of events — such as midsummer.
To an outsider, Scandinavian women can seem standoffish at first — especially if you’re from somewhere like Southern Europe or South America. But once you get to know them, your partner will be kind and genuinely care about your needs.
Are Scandinavian women open to dating foreigners?
Each person has their individual preferences. Some Scandinavian women enjoy dating foreigners, and others don’t mind whether they’re with someone from the same country as them or somewhere else. Others prefer to be with someone a little more similar to them.
Most Scandinavian women won’t automatically reject you because you’re a foreigner. If you visit Copenhagen, Oslo, or Stockholm, you’ll almost certainly see mixed couples and children with one Scandinavian and a foreign parent.
And when it comes to sports, you’ll see a lot of Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish athletes with mixed backgrounds.
In some instances, being a foreigner might actually work to your advantage. Some Scandinavian women find it more fun to date people from other backgrounds, and not being from one of the Nordic countries is an easy way to stand out.
Language would be a potential barrier in most parts of the world, but the majority of people in the Nordics — especially younger generations — speak excellent English. Having said that, you can expect lots of language lessons; dating a Scandinavian is a great way to improve your skills away from the classroom.
Is dating in Scandinavia different from other countries?
In many countries, dating is seen as a monumental occasion. Some people like that, but many do not. And if you fall into the latter, you’ll be delighted to learn that dating in Scandinavia is a lot more laid back.
If you’re expecting the extravagant first date ideas you see in American movies, you might want to rethink your ideals. Firstly, you’ll probably meet them by bike if you’re in Copenhagen — not by car.
Besides that, though, a first date at a fancy restaurant is improbable. Eating out in each Nordic country is expensive and usually saved for special occasions. Instead, think about how you can get to know them better; going for a coffee or walk is a much better option. Oh, and you’re better off ditching that suit for your everyday clothing.
On the subject of money, splitting the bill is common when dating Scandinavian women. You can offer to pay if you’d like, but you can expect that your partner will want to even things out next time.
Depending on where you live, you’ll probably have grown up with specific rules surrounding sex. Some cultures frown upon sleeping together before marriage, whereas others have unwritten rules surrounding how long you should wait.
Neither of the above applies in Scandinavia. Having sex before a relationship is essential for many couples to figure out if they have chemistry, and the Nordics are more liberated in this sense than pretty much all of the world.
The right time is whenever you both feel ready — whether that’s on the second date or three months later.
However, one thing worth noting here is that consent is still important. The idea that Scandinavians are “easy” is inaccurate and derogatory; you should respect the other person’s wants.
The laid-back nature of dating and relationships in Scandinavia is a relief if you detest over-the-top gestures. But if you prefer to move forward quickly, it can be a little annoying. Building a genuine relationship takes time; the best approach is relaxing and enjoying the ride.
Another thing worth keeping in mind is that generally speaking, there’s less animosity towards ex-partners in the Nordic regions. If something doesn’t work out, both parties usually acknowledge this and respectfully go separate ways.
It’s not uncommon for Scandinavians to be friends with their exes once enough time has passed, and the pain of the breakup has subsided. Again, this might be confusing if you’ve solemnly sworn to detest each of your former partners — so it’s something to be aware of.
What should I NOT do when dating Scandinavian women?
As you’ll have noticed from the previous section, dating Nordic women can be a bit of a culture shock if you come from somewhere that isn’t Northern Europe. What might be expected of you in your homeland could lead to you pushing away your Nordic love interest if you aren’t careful.
Below, we’ve listed the four absolute no-no’s when dating Scandinavian women.
Beat around the bush
Generally speaking, people in the Nordic countries are direct in their communication style. If someone isn’t happy with you, you can expect them to tell you straight up without thinking twice.
This can be a considerable shock to foreigners when they first move to this part of the world, and it’s easy to take it personally. If you’re dealing with a partner, you might also worry about potentially hurting their feelings by telling them how you feel.
In most cases, your Scandinavian partner won’t be offended if you’re upfront and honest with them. In fact, it’ll be quite the opposite; they’ll appreciate and respect you a lot more than if you kept everything hidden.
Being direct leads to a healthier overall relationship. Of course, though, you should 100% apologize if you unintentionally hurt the other person’s feelings — and don’t use it as an excuse to be nasty to others.
Not do your part
Nordic societies place a significant emphasis on equality. Both men and women are expected to work, and when it comes to a romantic relationship, you’ll need to cooperate if you want things to last.
If you want someone to clean up after you and cook your meals, you’re better off steering clear of Nordic women. You will be expected to do both of these, and you’ll also share duties when it comes to picking the kids up from school and taking out the trash.
You can also expect to play a close role in raising children. Companies grant generous paid leave for couples when they’ve just had a child, and men can take off an equal amount of time as women. It’s not uncommon to see fathers pushing strollers around during the day.
Be selfish
All you need to do is look at the Scandinavian countries’ comprehensive welfare states — plus the Law of Jante — to realize how important cooperation is in this part of the world. It’s a bit of a misconception that you can’t express any kind of individualism, but for the most part, it’s about the greater good.
Being selfish is an excellent way to ruin your chances with a Scandinavian woman. Bragging about your achievements works in many countries, but your Nordic sweetheart will likely think that you’re arrogant.
Having said that, you don’t need to suppress your success. Instead of talking about how much your business makes, speak to her about how it benefits society. Saying that you want to inspire others (as long as it’s genuine) is a lot more attractive than showing off that Gucci belt.
Be overly pushy
If you’re used to playing “hard to get”, it’s good to know that this doesn’t exist on a huge level in Scandinavia. The answer you get is the final one; someone will tell you if they’re interested, and the same is true if they’re not.
When you get rejected, you’re better off moving on and finding someone else that wants to get to know you better. It might feel annoying at first, but you can guarantee that it’s much better than months of wasted effort.
It’s also a good idea to keep your romantic gestures on the subtle side. A poem might be cute if you’ve been married for 10 years, but doing this for someone you’ve just met will probably creep them out. Take things easy and let your relationship develop naturally.
Expectations when dating a Scandinavian girl
So, what should you expect when you’re in a relationship with a Scandinavian gir1?
While your experience will differ from individual to individual, dating in Scandinavia has a lot of shared similarities. The first is that you can expect an equal footing that goes far beyond chores and being expected to go to work.
Scandinavians are encouraged to form their own opinions on the world from an early age. Your partner will happily share their unfiltered view on things, and you shouldn’t shy away from a debate — nor should you change your opinions just to please them.
Tying in with the above, you can expect open and honest conversations. If you feel like something is bothering you, tell them so you can fix those issues. And if you feel like it’s time to part ways, don’t string them along for months because you don’t want to hurt their feelings.
If a Scandinavian girl is interested in you, you can also expect that they’ll put the same amount of effort as you into arranging meet-ups. And this is good news for you because they tend to be adventurous; you can expect to know all the cool spots in the city by the time you meet them, along with how to light candles without burning the house down.
When you move to any of the Nordic countries, you’ll quickly notice that family and friends are an important part of many people’s lives. The locals spend time with their loved ones multiple times per week, and you should take an interest when you’re invited to gatherings.
From the outside looking in, many people think Nordic people are cold and reserved. But when you look a little closer, you’ll quickly realize that they know how to have fun.
Holidays like Christmas and New Year are a big deal here, and you can expect to accompany your partner around the table for several events involving alcohol.
When you’re in a relationship with a Scandinavian girl, you can also expect that your partner will be highly caring. They will ask you about your day and give a lot of cute gestures, like making bread or buying you flowers. You’ll also have a well-grounded and reliable partner.
If you’re with someone for the long run, you should also keep in mind that Scandinavians marry later than many other countries for the most part.
Dating a Swedish woman
When most outsiders talk about Scandinavian girls, they primarily assume that Swedish women are predominantly the blonde, blue-eyed ones. And while many fit that bill, it’s by no means universal.
Swedes are often quite shy, and cold approaching in public probably isn’t going to work (on a night out, the rules differ). You might not need to do much initial legwork, though, as Swedish women often make the first move.
One of the most common first dates in Sweden is Fika, which pretty much means going for a coffee and pastry. It’s very casual, making it the perfect opportunity to get to know your prospective lover better without additional pressure.
If you’re from a culture where marriage is important, you might find living in Sweden and dating a Swedish woman a little shocking in that respect. Many Swedes marry, but a lot instead choose the “sambo” route — which roughly translates to a cohabiting partner. In essence, it’s marriage without the paperwork.
Learn more about dating Swedish women here.
Dating a Danish woman
Danes are often seen as the Southern Europeans of Scandinavia, and they’re generally more outgoing than the other Nordic countries. Talking to strangers isn’t as uncommon as you might think, but it’s still nowhere near as frequent as — say — the US or UK.
When dating a Danish woman, alcohol is often involved on the first date. But if you’re not a big drinker, don’t worry; it’s just as normal to go for a walk (if you live in Copenhagen, The Lakes is an excellent spot). Alternatively, you can hop into one of the numerous hyggelige Danish cafés.
Tradition is huge in Denmark, and you can guarantee that a Danish girlfriend will bring you along to several events — all of which will include the Dannebrog flag. You’ll also learn about countless obscure holidays you’d never previously heard of and be introduced to the many wonderful pastries that go along with them.
Learn more about Danish dating culture here.
Dating Norwegian women
If we look at a barometer of outgoingness, Norwegians lie somewhere between the Danes and Swedes. Alcohol can be a part of first dates in Norway, but it’s costly compared to Denmark.
When you’re dating a Norwegian girl, the best way to get to know them is to do what Norwegians do best — head into the great outdoors. Going for a hike is common, and you can also pick a museum that both of you will be interested in. Oslo has plenty if that’s where you are, and skiing is another possibility.
Dating a Finnish woman
Finns are known for being shy, but the extent of their reserve is probably a little exaggerated. Nonetheless, Finnish women will typically give you direct answers — alcohol is often involved on a first date.
Coffee is a cornerstone of culture in Finland, and asking your love interest if they’d like to go to a café with you is another good first date idea. It might take time for them to open up, so your best bet is to take a genuine interest in their life and ask open-ended questions.
Dating an Icelandic woman
If you ever visit or move to Iceland, you’ll meet some of the most interesting and friendly people that you’ll find anywhere.
Iceland has arguably the world’s most beautiful nature, and going for a hike is a great first date idea. Alternatively, you can check out one of Reykjavík’s many quirky cafés. You can expect an enlightening conversation and someone with a good knowledge of the world.
How do you meet Scandinavian women?
If you’ve read all the way through so far, you’ll have learned about norms when dating in Scandinavia. We’ve also gone through what it’s like to date women from each country and given some first date ideas for you to try.
The next question you’re probably wondering about is: “How do you meet Scandinavian girls?”
Scandinavians tend to travel a lot, so there’s every chance you’ll bump into one while on holiday. And when you’re in the Nordic countries, you’ll find plenty of ways to meet a possible romantic partner.
The most organic way to meet Scandinavian women is through friendship circles. As your network grows, you’ll naturally be introduced to more people ‚ and you’ll likely have a connection with at least one person.
Having said that, making friends in the Nordic countries can be difficult for locals and foreigners alike. Luckily, there are plenty of societies and clubs for a broad range of interests — such as running and kayaking.
You might meet someone by joining something that interests you, though you should primarily go to enjoy yourself.
Dating apps have a questionable reputation in many countries, but they’re pretty normal in Scandinavia. While you will find people looking for a hook-up, many users are genuinely interested in finding a relationship.
Tinder is the most popular app here, and Happn is also frequently used. You might also find some luck dating Scandinavian women with Bumble.
Dating Scandinavian women: Cultural differences
Dating Scandinavian women requires understanding cultural differences and being yourself.
Dating people from other cultures is exciting, but you can stumble into several pitfalls if you aren’t aware of the norms that both of you have grown up with. If you move to the north and are single, you’ll probably end up dating a variety of Scandinavian women.
Generally speaking, dating in Scandinavia is much more casual than in most parts of the world. Your teens and twenties are about exploration, and many people get married much later than in most parts of the world.
Once you’ve met a Scandinavian woman you’re interested in, relax and be yourself. The worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work out, and you find someone who’s a better fit for you.
While you don’t need a fancy tuxedo when dating in Scandinavia, being well-dressed is pivotal. People in the Nordics have an excellent dress sense, and upgrading your style is surprisingly simple. Why not read our guide to Scandinavian fashion to get started?
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
“This article is based on generalizations and there will be exceptions.”
