Sunday, September 28 | 2025
Quiet queues, personal space, lagom, take-a-number habits… there’s logic behind social norms in Sweden. This section unpacks Swedish etiquette, unwritten rules and everyday behaviour so you can read the room, make friends and stop feeling like an outsider.
Unsocial, cold and candy lovers is often how people describe the Swedes. However, I had noticed many more things in Sweden, but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. I decided to really pay attention to the Swedes around me and wrote down everything I noticed. Here are 5 things to know on how act like a typical Swede.
Public toilets in Sweden – taboo topic or not? Well, today I want to chat with you about this particular topic. Having lived in three countries and traveled somewhat extensively, I find public toilets to be fascinating.
Asking the locals why they do things the way they do, is not always helpful, as most oddities are so deeply rooted in the culture, that no one knows why they are done anymore. Some, however, have clear reasons behind them.
There’s something about the Swedes and queuing. It’s not uncommon to see a line of people waiting outside a popular bakery or eatery, for more than an hour.
You have probably heard about Jantelagen – translated as the Jante law, governing Swedish society and social relationships. But what exactly is Jante law in Sweden, and what is there to do when you experience the effects of it?
Books have the ability to open up unknown worlds and adventures for the readers. Newbie blogger Sam introduces two books that deepen his understanding of Sweden, the Swedes and their cultural codex.
Understanding Sweden and Swedes can sometimes feel like an overwhelming challenge. So instead of banging your head against the wall of confusing Swedishness, why not use the wisdom of those who came before you?
For many years, Sweden has been frequently represented in popular media, especially in the US. Ranging from typical references such us Swedish blonde girls in American Horror Story: Hotel to the Swedish chef with a thick accent on The Muppets Movie, Sweden is often narrowly depicted as anything that other countries are not.
Learning Swedish through Jazz? Yes why not:-) A year has passed since I came to this northern hemisphere, and I have to admit it took nearly one year for me to begin to appreciate and learn the Swedish language. But recently I found a new way to make learning Swedish more engaging!
Have you read Tove Jansson’s Moomin books? If you haven’t, you must, and if you have – re-read them. Not only are they beautifully written, subtly philosophical and thoroughly entertaining – I believe they reveal the Northern soul. In this article, I explore the connection between the Moomins and the Swedish/Nordic mentality – if there is such a thing.
Meeting new people can be challenging when coming to Sweden. However, when you finally have found friends, you want to keep a good relationship with them. Knowing the Swedish etiquette of visiting can be very useful!
Although you might see Swedish cities full of cafés and bars that are frequented all day and night, many Swedes would argue that the best place to meet and hang out with friends is still at home. But what can you expect from a Swedish visitor?
Can you study Swedish at university level even if you are not a university student? Actually yes. Find out how!
SIFA are intensive Swedish courses for foreign born academics and professionals.
Learning Swedish by yourself – is it possible? We say … to a certain extent.
Growing up in the 1990s in a small ex-industrial town in the North of England, devoid of iPads, Netflix and other now commonplace forms of entertainment, we had to make our own fun. And to me, the highlight of my weekend for more years than I care to admit was my Saturday morning pilgrimage to my local public library.
I am a book lover and undeniably a library lover as well. There is something cosy about the rows of shelves full of stories, the air filled with imagination and the smell of books that co-exist in libraries. I have visited many libraries and I have always wished to live in a place with fantastic libraries. My dream came true. Sweden is my library paradise.
There are lots of different ways to look at culture, and with all of them we have to tread very carefully. It is very easy to misuse these approaches and fall into the quagmire of stereotyping.
If you are looking for ways to make your home feel more Swedish, we have the details on the Scandinavian design aesthetic, plus lots of tips on furniture stores.
Duktig – do you know the meaning in Swedish? In 1977, the twenty-one-year-old writer Inger Edelfeldt published her debut novel: Duktig pojke. Back then it made a sensation, but what does “duktig” mean today and how does it apply to you?
Sweden is a country built on trust. They continuously top the charts as one of the most trusting countries in the world. And it was probably one of the biggest culture shocks for me when moving here.
When asked about a national character, almost any newbie – or oldie, is likely to describe the typical Swede as shy, reserved and almost uninterested in human contact. Although everyone is a unique individual, and generalising is always a risky pursuit, I believe this topic might be worth investigating, bearing in mind the limits of such approach.
Sure, one of the stereotypes of Sweden is that nobody here is religious. Of course, like any stereotype – this is flawed – Sweden is a secular country but there are of course religious people here, and historically the church played an important role in people’s lives.
With the winter solstice around the corner and the streets waiting for snow glistening like Christmas cards, the Swedes are turning inwards, in space and time. Knowing there is no way we can overcome the darkness, we embrace it.
The ‘American Dream’ has come to an end but the ‘Swedish Dream’ just started. As the story ‘from rags to riches’ stepped back, Sweden’s countryside (and also its cities) burst with immigrants.
After working really hard to be able to relax and be more spontaneous, I now find myself living in Sweden where planning ahead is part of life.
Free time is very important in the Swedish way of living.. but it can also be a bit boring from time to time. What productive things can you do in your free time? Well, many!
Expectations vs reality in Sweden can be a bit of a shock an eye opener when you arrive. What you thought was a universal truth may not at all be the case, while other expectations hold totally true.
Did you know that Sweden is the world’s biggest exporter of pop music? I agree that this statement is very bold, but keep reading and I will tell you why!
Have you had your “This is Sweden” moment yet? I honestly feel that when you move to a new country as an adult, you can never fully belong to the new place. Wherever it is. Here is why.
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