Top 5 tips for blending in with the Swedes

All Things Swedish
  2. All Things Swedish
  3. Top 5 tips for blending in with the Swedes
Being new in Sweden can be challenging. It’s not always easy to get a firm grasp on the culture and societal norms. Many people who visit or move to Sweden can experience confusing and sometimes even embarrassing moments as newcomers to the country.
Last updated: September 8, 2022
Table of Contents
Wait your turn

Cut the small talk

Partake in daily “fika”

Dress to impress

Get outdoors

To help you get as prepared as possible, we want to share some insights into Swedish society. If you’re coming to Sweden soon, they might prevent you from experiencing some awkward moments. So, without further ado, here are the top 5 tips for blending in with the Swedes:

01

Wait your turn

Sweden is known for having an organized and orderly society. So it may be no surprise that numerous ticketing systems are in place. These systems can be found anywhere and everywhere, from grocery stores and pharmacies to tax offices and banks.

Besides ticketing systems, there are plenty of other queues you will experience in Sweden – even while waiting for the bus! Learn to exercise your patience, and you’ll fit right in.

Limogroup ad

02

Cut the small talk

As Swedes tend to be fairly reserved – “chit chat” and “small talk” with strangers or even neighbors is virtually nonexistent. Swedes may even go as far as to do a window or peephole check before leaving their home to ensure no one else is around!

Don’t take it personally – Swedes are simply content to keep to themselves. If you’re coming from a more open, perhaps even “overly-friendly” country, you will probably experience a bit of culture shock with this one.

03

Partake in daily “fika”

Fika Sweden
Fika is an essential part of the Swedish culture

If you’ve never heard of “fika,” it won’t take long to learn the term once you arrive in Sweden. Fika is essentially a dedicated time to enjoy coffee and sweets while socializing with friends, family, and coworkers. You can do it everywhere – at home, at work, or at a café.

Swedes may have fika daily, sometimes even twice a day. There are so many delicious Swedish desserts and pastries, and fika is the perfect opportunity to enjoy them.

04

Dress to impress

The Scandinavians are known for having a great fashion sense, and the Swedes are no exception. This is especially apparent in Stockholm – almost everywhere you look, both men and women seem to have a very put-together yet effortless style.

Achieving this sense of style may be a daunting task to some, but we’ll share with you an insider’s tip: black is always in fashion!

05

Get outdoors

Outdoor life in Sweden
The Swedish nature and outdoor life is amazing – Photo: Karlo Boni/Unsplash
This is one of the things newcomers appreciate most about Sweden. Talk to a Swede, and almost every one of them will say they love the great outdoors. They enjoy being in touch with nature, from hiking and camping to scavenging the beloved chanterelle mushrooms in local forests.

Moreover, Sweden prides itself on its right to public access, which means everywhere is essentially open to exploring. And with such a beautiful country, the opportunities are endless.

Featured image: Linus Mimietz/Unsplash
Table of Contents
Wait your turn

Cut the small talk

Partake in daily “fika”

Dress to impress

Get outdoors

Gillar du artikeln? Dela gärna!
Föregående artikel
Nästa artikel
Du kanske också gillar de här artiklarna
The Skinny in Fika and Lagom

The Skinny in Fika and Lagom

Going to Stockholm? Then make sure you know the meaning the Swedish words fika and lagom, two words that are very important in the Swedish culture.

Crazy Facts about Sweden: 10 of the Best

Crazy Facts about Sweden: 10 of the Best

All Things Swedish View Stockholm loves digging up crazy facts about not just Stockholm but Sweden as well. And we think you probably like reading them. So, without further ado let's check out some crazy facts about this wonderful country. We promise every one of...

13 of the funniest Swedish expressions

13 of the funniest Swedish expressions

Like all languages, Swedish has some odd expressions that make those not familiar with the language wonder what in the world those Swedes are on about. We explain.