Scandinavia is located as North as Alaska. It’s cold, dark, damp, and dreary for nearly 9 months out of the year. And when summer does come, it is often plagued by overcast skies and drizzle.
Yet somehow, year after year, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, rank highest in GNH or gross national happiness.
Since it can’t be the weather, why are Scandinavians so much more content than the rest of us?
After countless trips to Norway, weekends in Denmark, and spending the last 3 months in Sweden, here’s what I’ve come up with.
1) Scandinavians Travel… A lot!
Like their Viking ancestors, hordes of Scandinavian backpackers and holidaymakers can be found around the world.
In fact, the Norwegian government will actually send you on a two week paid vacation if you’re feeling depressed.
Not only does traveling in the tropics help replenish much needed vitamin D but it also renews an appreciation for home, where education and health care is free, and the meatballs are always rolling.
Finnish Backpackers, El Salvador
2) They Keep In Touch With Family and Friends
There’s a strong sense of connection, trust, and responsibility among family, friends and even society that helps everyone through the good and the bad. According to the Prosperity Index of 2010, 74% of Norwegians believe others can be trusted, a good indicator of a relaxed and happy society.
3) And Nature
They spend as much time as they can outdoors. Whether they’re water skiing under cold rains, dog sledding through blizzards, or hiking through blue berry fields, they appreciate nature and stay fit doing it.
Picking blue berries in Sweden
4) They Cook Some Delicious Food
There’s nothing like a warm fjord filled fish soup, fresh moose meat balls, or Grandiosa frozen pizza. A lean fish and meat diet helps them stay healthy, and the frozen pizza adds just enough fat to weather the winter months. Try the Nacho extra-everything pizza!
Grandiosa Lørdags Pizza!
5) Everyone’s Really Attractive
It’s hard to feel bad when you look good. Not only are they blessed with good looks but they make an effort to look good as well. The best part is, none of them realize how beautiful they really are, making Scandinavia a great place to find a beautiful/handsome date.
As an old Norwegian once explained, “You know why Scandinavians are so good looking? Because we eat fish!”
Damn! Who is that sexy half Norwegian? He must eat a lot of fish!
6) They Go To School For Free
Get this, all Scandinavians can get a BA, MA, and PHD for free within all of Scandinavia. And if you’re lucky enough to be Norwegian, the government will even cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for you to study anywhere in the world.
That would sure make me prepared for a happy future.
Norwegian students abroad with Scandinavian College Of New York.
8) They Get Three Months Of Sun
Summer is often pretty rainy but when the clouds do part, the sun can shine all day and all night depending on how far north you are. Scandinavians take advantage of this by sleeping less, partying more, and picking wild berries till the break of dawn.
It’s 11:30 at night
8) They Take advantage of the Cold
Unlike Americans, who perfect the art covering themselves with blankets of home grown fat, Scandinavians are just as active in the winter as they are in the summer. Down hill and cross country skiing are favorites as well as dog sledding, riding bikes through blizzards, and passing out drunk in the snow. Because, as a Norwegian once said to me, “There is never bad weather, only bad dressing!”
9) They Drink A Lot
Like much of Northern Europe, Scandinavians drink a lot. It helps numb them through all those family dinners and against the cold. But although they often drink until they perspire alcohol from every pore , they usually only do so on the weekends, leaving them to be healthy and productive through the work week. Now that’s a society of productive alcoholics.
Drinking on the docks in Tønsberg, Norway
10) And have Sex…A Lot!
According to Aftenposten, a Norwegian newspaper, Norway has one of the highest rates of one night stands, followed closely by Denmark and Sweden. Why haven’t I ever had a one night stand in Scandinavia yet!?
;
Conclusion
Based on Norway, Sweden and Denmark, the equation for happiness is this,
Perspective inspiring travel + much needed sun + strong social network + lots of booze + more sex/ harsh winters full of skiing =Nacho Pizza bliss
That didn’t make much sense, but I know frozen pizza has something to do with it.
You blinked in almost ALL the photos XD
I don’t get it?
This whole post was a beaut A+ conclusion as to why they are so happy ahah! sounds like a winning combination. I only found your blog today, and I have been on it for about 5 hours now all good stuff! Safe travels and best wishes, you’ll be hearing from me again
Hey Clint, thanks a lot! I’m glad you like it. Let me know if you ever want help planning a trip. Cheers! -Leif
They also have the highest suicide rates in the world, on the top 10. Why do you think so?
Hey Tony,
I looked it up and Scandinavia really doesn’t rank too high.
I also thought they would because of the cold and drinking but it turns out, they rank around the same as the US and other European countries.
Hey, great post! Not to mention an amazing blog!
I’ve travelled to many countries, but I never had the chance to make it up to Scandinavia yet; always wanted to though! Have the chance to see the Northern Lights while you were up there?
Also, I heard that it’s very expensive in Norway, compared to North American currencies. How did you manage?
Talk soon and take care!
– Jordan
Hey Jordan,
Thanks! Your blog is looking great as well. Keep on it!
You should totally get up there. It’s expensive but worth it. If you go in the summer, you can camp wherever you want, which helps on accommodation costs.
I’ve never seen the Northern lights unfortunately. I tend to go in the summer when the suns shining.
Cheers,
Leif