Situated in Northern Europe, the mesmerizing Nordic Region not only boasts spectacular nature and award-winning natural phenomena, it offers otherworldly landmarks, an abundance of culture, ancient historical mythology, ever-lasting memories and a manifest of fun facts.
Monstrous glaciers, erupting geysers, breathtaking fjords, steaming hot springs, lakes, beaches, volcanoes, and rich fauna glaze the Nordics and we are proud to call it our home. Also, with distinct regions situated well within the Auroral Oval, the Northern Lights paint the nighttime skies and the Midnight Sun lightens the summer.
We want to share the love with you and so we have drawn together some fun facts that you may not have known about our glorious region. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
Welcome to the Nordics!
Relax in the great outdoor nature in the Nordics
The Nordics are known for having a long history as a cultural community whilst hosting such beautiful, pristine scenery and diverse ecosystems. Nature is a central feature of everyday life for many of those in the Nordic region and this ideology of embracing the outdoors has played an essential part in forming the Nordics' national identity.
Did you know that the Nordic countries are affiliated with the Nordic Passport Union, the Council of Europe, the EEA, the UN, and the Schengen Treaty? Let's continue; despite Denmark, Iceland, and Norway being members of NATO; Finland and Sweden are not. Likewise, where Iceland and Norway are not European Union members; Sweden, Denmark and Finland are.
Let's keep it sweet and simple shall we? Another interesting achievement the Nordic region can bring home is that it includes five of the world's top ten happiest countries: Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Now that is something to shout about!
The Nordics are an incomparable region with endless possibilities to explore, adventure and learn. We are proud of our Arctic region.
Spend an afternoon on the water
Primarily, all Scandinavian countries are Nordic countries too, however, not all Nordic countries are Scandinavian countries.
Scandinavia is a subregion in northern Europe and consists of the Kingdoms of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Whereas, the Nordic region is commonly associated with Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
Apart from the geographical differences, the other key difference between the Nordics and Scandinavia is their language. There are similarities between the Danish, Norwegians, and Swedes in terms of writing. Whereas, the Icelandic and Faroese belong to a similar language group called North Germanic or Scandinavian. On the other hand, the Sámi and the Finnish languages belong to a different group altogether.
It has been discussed that Finland should be added as a Scandinavian country based on its geographical position. Likewise, Iceland and the Faroe Islands speak in the same language group as the official Scandinavian countries.
There are similarities between the Nordic flags
All the Nordic countries and territories share similarities in flag designs. Based on the principles of the Danish flag - the Dannebrog, they display an off-centre cross with an intersection closer to the staff. Their individual designs generally include formats of a Nordic/Scandinavian cross.
There are exceptions, though. The Greenland and Sápmi flags have slight differences as they are without the Nordic cross but feature an off-centre circle in the crosses' place.
Flags are used to represent various entities in the Nordics, such as the state flags, naval and war flags, royal flags, presidential flags, ethnic flags, sports societies, and more.
Did you know? A variety of Nordic cross flags are also found outside of the Nordic countries, such as a proposed flag for Estonia, the flag of Bayamón in Puerto Rico, the Scottish Isle of Skye's flag, and so on. The UK and Scotland have also used the Nordic cross in some of their flags to reflect the Scandinavian heritage introduced to the British Isles during the Viking Age.
Are you tempted to research them now?
Skiing in Sweden is popular in the mountains
Sweden, officially the Kingdom of Sweden, is rich in diverse ecosystems and wildlife. As a country of rural tranquillity, boundless forests, frozen tundra and miles and miles of endless wilderness, Sweden is an adventurer's dream.
Here are some fun facts that you may not have known.
Along with Iceland, Finland, and Norway, Sweden has a general public right called the 'freedom to roam' or 'everyman's right'. This is the right to access certain public or privately owned land, rivers, and lakes for recreation and exercise use.
Welcome to our Sweden.
Enjoy the tranquillity of Norway's mighty fjords
Officially titled the Kingdom of Norway, including the remote island of Jan Mayen and the archipelago of Svalbard, Norway is a land of mesmerizing beauty. Engulfed by monstrous fjords, overlooking mountains, incredible waterways and vast oceans, Norway's coastline has been compared to offering some of the most visually inspiring sceneries in the world.
Norway’s flag is otherwise known as 'the mother of all flags'. You can see several other national flags marked out within it. These flags are Indonesia, Poland, Malta GC, Finland, France, The Netherlands and Thailand.
Welcome to our Norway.
A dazzling Northern Lights display covers Finland's sky
Titled the 'Happiest Country in the World', the Republic of Finland is home to approximately 5.5 million people. That's a lot of happiness! Known also as the perfect winter wonderland due to the Northern Lights, Santa Claus and its Christmas delights. Finland is a real wintertime utopia.
Finland was the first European country to give all women the right to vote. It may not come as a huge surprise in this day and age, but dating back to 1906, it was a vital step towards equality.
Welcome to our Finland.
Mountains and Icelandic horses are part of Iceland's identity
Iceland is the most sparsely populated European country. Known as 'The Land of Fire and Ice,' it is filled with glaciers, volcanoes, black beaches, roaring waterfalls, hot springs and beautiful mountain ranges. In short, stunningly beautiful nature.
Iceland is home to the very first parliament grounds in Europe. In the year 930 AD, the first Parliament met in Iceland in what is today known as Þingvellir National Park and rightly so, attracts visitors all year round.
Welcome to our Iceland.
Vibrant cobbled streets filled with street art and culture can be found in Denmark
Denmark itself is a relatively small country, however, the Kingdom of Denmark's entire territory is much larger. The country is known for its new Nordic cuisine and exquisite, timeless design. Filled with scenic towns, superb ancient architecture, vibrant local culture and the nature of National Parks, it's a Nordic dream destination.
Denmark ranks as the 130th smallest country in the world – out of 195 countries. However, if you count Greenland also, then Denmark becomes the 12th largest country in the world. Surprising isn't it?
Welcome to our Denmark.
Have you ever seen so much ice than in Greenland?
Greenland, with just under 60,000 inhabitants, is the least densely populated region in the world. Its landscape is characterized by large tundras and vast glaciers, covering 80% of the island in ice, also known as the 'icecap'. Greenland is also a popular place to witness the wonders of the Northern Lights.
Greenland's ice sheets are estimated to be between 400,000 - 800,000 years old. That's phenomenal!
Welcome to our Greenland.
Wildlife is fluent in The Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are located in the North Atlantic, between Norway and Iceland, however, they are in fact a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The islands offer an unparalleled beauty of nature. The volcanic islands offer a picturesque view with iconic shorelines and the famous waterfall Mulafossur that streams over the cliffs of Vagar Island right into the ocean.
During World War II, the Faroe Islands were occupied by the British military. During this time, approximately 170 marriages occurred between British soldiers and Faroese women. Can we say this is love at first sight?
Welcome to our Faroe Islands.
Would you like to live amongst Polar Bears in Svalbard?
Previously known as Spitzbergen, or Spitsbergen, Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago situated in the Arctic Ocean. It contains infinite stretches of pure, untouched Arctic wilderness and with such grand mountains, blue sea ice and enormous glaciers, this picturesque landscape is rich with biodiversity and is a spectacle in all seasons.
The residents are built up of Arctic adventurers, researchers and family living a 'somewhat' normal everyday life. Apparently, it is not uncommon to see mothers with their prams carrying a rife on their back. Don't stress; it's a precaution in case of a polar bear attack.
Welcome to our Svalbard.
Our Nordic region is full of immense beauty and natural uniqueness that should be seen within a lifetime. Take a look at our product portfolio and destination portfolios to see what is on offer and the best ways to visit our exceptional countries.
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Welcome to our Nordics.