What NOT to Do in Sweden | Avoid These 10 Mistakes!

Swedish people are often polite and friendly, and they don't show their dislike very openly. But there are some things that Swedes HATE above all others! Avoid these pitfalls if you visit Sweden.

This list includes some common and some more unexpected items. They might be especially unexpected if you come from a very different culture compared to the Nordics and Scandinavia.

These are the ten things discussed in this video:

10. Buying a round of drinks for everyone at the table. It might sound like a common thing to do, but you should be wary of that in Sweden.
9. Asking about people's salaries. This is still a very taboo topic in Sweden, so avoid it.
8. Boasting is rude in almost every culture, but it's especially rude in Sweden due to the Law of Jante (Jantelagen).
7. If you mix up Sweden and Denmark, or Sweden and Norway, then you've really gone and annoyed us Swedes...
6. Don't stand on the wrong side of the escalator. Really. This is something only extremely ignorant or rude people do.
5. Many people are atheist or agnostic in Sweden, so discussing your religion is seen as....quite odd.
4. It's common to speak loudly in many cultures. Sweden is NOT one of those cultures.
3. Give people some space! Do not walk too close to people.
2. Here's a silly one that I just had to include: don't talk about the Finnish hockey team. We've been beaten a few too many times by them.
1. And finally, the most important thing not to do: do not EVER cut in line. Seriously. Don't even think about it.

#sweden #swedentravel #visitsweden

[tordjarv]

That two meters apart thing during the pandemic was very awkward in Sweden where the usual distance is five meters

[dvhughesdesign]

Having spent 5 years in Stockholm, I quickly discovered the number one thing not to do in Sweden is saying hello or good morning to neighbors. Such a friendly gesture will make their eyes quickly widen as they run away in a mad panic.

[tinachristine]

So lovely to FINALLY catch a video with an actual SWEDE to tell us about the country. Love this.

[sinisterplank]

Being Swedish, but with a whole cadre of close friends from all around the world, I think I'll just link them this video instead of trying to explain our weird habits over and over 😂

[IndigoRoses]

Very interesting!
I am American with Swedish roots.. I have always been very quiet by nature, I don't appreciate confrontation but I DO appreciate modesty, personal space, and polite distance from strangers.. I do not like to disclose alot of personal information.
I'm also spiritual but not religious, and I also don't like people buying me drinks!
I want to buy my own, thank you anyway!
I also agree, cutting in line is unforgivable lol
I know being American is a strike against me 😆 but I am very proud of being of Swedish ancestry and happy to know I like to inherently carry Swedish etiquette with me 🇸🇪 ❤️

[connortopping]

the more I learn about Sweden the more I like It. Just a place of humble quite people who like to keep to themselves.

[lilaskye]

I’m a generally pretty happy person, but your videos get me into an even happier mood….chuckling and laughing as I go through my day, doing laundry, making the bed, sewing, gardening, etc

[Reckless-mindfulness]

Watching this as a German who is moving to Sweden for a job, I don't see any difference, just a bit longer days in summer and shorter in winter.😅

[cmputer]

The best is giving a compliment to a Swede in front of other Swedes and watching them look around awkwardly and change the subject.

[Jefffranzen]

Visiting from US. Discovered your videos and have watched 7-8 of them. You are terrific and your videos are fun and informative. Keep up the great work.

[cyberhoneybadger]

I just happened to fell in love with Swedish culture after this video

[rubye.]

I can’t wait to go! These all sound like my own preferences anyway (maybe because of Swedish heritage?) 😂 our trip got delayed due to world events, but we still plan on coming to visit soon!

[Deadwoods]

As a Swede. I loved this video, thanks for the laughs 😁😂

[missmorla]

This has helped me understand my beloved late grandfather so much more as his parents came from Malmos.

[karenvonbargen]

I can’t think of a single place where grilling someone about their salary is considered polite.

[YogeshKumar-hmnq]

Thank you so much,
It's my first time in Sweden, it's very helpful for me

[ThomasVanhala]

Love how we think that the law of Jante is Swedish when it was a Danish writer, Aksel Sandemose that created it. The fictional town of Jante was based on his home town of Nyköping Mors in Jutland.

[alexanderlouie]

I always make it a point whenever I visit Stockholm to do exactly the opposite of everything you said, except for standing on the left of the escalators, which is just plain rude. One of my favorite things is striking up a conversation with random people on the Tunnelbana, the look on their faces is priceless!

[TJA]

#11 - Never dip your pannkakor (Swedish pancake) in your Ärtsoppa (Pea Soup). I did this once and my Swedish father in law fell out of his chair!

[pkharper]

So what your saying it to stand on the left side of the escalator, play my music as load as I can through the speaker on my phone, hug everyone I see and boast about what I have while cutting in cue, perfect hope I make it out alive. Thank You for the info I’m sure it will come in handy. ✌️