This is home for me, so it feels like the perfect place to begin. What better place to start a journey than right on your own doorstep? A chance for me to share some of my old favorites and maybe find some hidden gems.
Technically, I believe that the definition of Scandinavia includes Denmark, Sweden and Norway, but I’m adding Finland here too. These four Nordic countries are often grouped together for their shared history and culture, but each country has its own unique geography, traditions, and way of telling stories.
Starting from home
I have read enough Scandinavian literature to know that the authors here often tackle big themes like isolation, nature, and the human experience — and that they do so in a way that is often surprisingly witty.
But before I open the first book, let’s go on a little tour of Scandinavia, shall we?
So, where exactly are we going?
We are heading north of the European mainland. Here’s a quick look at the countries I’ll be visiting this next month.
Denmark: Flat Lands, Fairy Tales, and Familiar Favorites
Denmark, my homeland, sits atop Germany with the Jutland peninsula and a sprinkle of islands. It’s a land of rolling farmland, wind turbines, and a deep connection to the sea. Did you know that Danish flag, the Dannebrog, is the oldest continuously used national flag in the world?
Living close to Odense, where Hans Christian Andersen was born, I am surrounded by fairy tales. I’ve read plenty of Danish stories, and I feel like I know the literature of my country pretty well, but there’s always room for new discoveries.
See my suggestions for books from Denmark!
Sweden: Forests, Flatpacks, and Childhood Magic
Neighboring Sweden is famous for its vast forests and as the home of IKEA. Did you know that Sweden’s “moose crossing” warning signs are so popular they’re often stolen?
Swedish literature has a special place in my heart. Many of my childhood stories came from here, and they still feel magical to me. But I also have some contemporary Swedish novels among my absolute favorites. And while I personally haven’t read much of the immensely popular Nordic Noir genre of Scandinavian crime fiction, what I did read was from Sweden.
See my suggestions for books from Sweden!
Norway: Fjords, Mountains, and Rugged Tales
Norway is a land of breathtaking natural beauty. Maybe you already know that Norway boasts more than 1000 dramatic fjords and towering mountains that stretch all the way to the Arctic. But did you know that the iconic cheese slicer (ostehøvel) was invented in Norway in 1925?
Norwegian literature feels like it might reflect this rugged beauty. I imagine I will find stories where nature plays a powerful role and where the long winters bring introspection and resilience. I already have a few Norwegian favorites, but I’m sure there are more big, dramatic tales waiting to be discovered.
See my suggestions for books from Norway!
Finland: Lakes, Saunas, and Literary Mystery
Finland stands out from the rest of the Nordics. It is the only Nordic country that doesn’t speak a Scandinavian language, and it was part of the Russian Empire in the early 19th century. I considered grouping it with the Baltics for this reason, but its Nordic connection still feels stronger to me.
The country is known for it’s saunas, and called the “Land of a Thousand Lakes” (though it’s actually closer to 188,000). But have you ever heard of Finland’s “Wife Carrying Championship,” where winners receive the wife’s weight in beer. I’m not kidding, look it up!
Going in, I know that Tove Jansson, the creator of the Moomins, is Finnish. But other than that I know literally nothing about Finnish literature, so I’m very excited to explore.
See my suggestions for books from Finland!
Lands of the Vikings: A very brief history of Scandinavia
The Nordic countries share a Viking past that has shaped culture and storytelling. Between 800–1050 AD, Vikings explored, traded, and raided across Europe, leaving a lasting legacy.
Later the Nordic countries developed into separate kingdoms. Denmark ruled Norway and parts of Sweden for centuries, and Sweden ruled Finland for a time. Today, the four countries are independent but remain culturally close, united by a deep love for nature, sleek design, strong welfare systems and the pursuit of balance in life.
Concepts like “hygge” (Danish coziness) and “lagom” (Swedish moderation) capture the Scandinavian way of life.
Winters here are long and dark, but the Northern Lights light up the skies in the far north. And the dark months make the endless summer days feel all the more magical, with Midsummer festivals being very important, especially in Sweden and Finland
Join me as I start my adventure!
Here we are then, ready to start the journey! Over the next four weeks I I’ll be reading my way through these four countries, and I’d love for you to join me! Whether you’re reading along, curious about Scandinavian literature, or just stopping by to check my progress, you are welcome.
I will read one book from each country, starting with Denmark. I will also share curated book lists from each country featuring what’s available in English translation and what feels interesting to me. And of course I’m hoping to find some new favorites to add to my bookshelf.
Stay tuned for my first book selection from Denmark. And if you have any Scandinavian favorites, let me know in the comments or send me a message.
Let us see where the books will take me!
One of the first books I had as a child was a very old edition of Hans Christian Andersen Fairy Tales that had belonged to my mother and her sister. How I used to love leafing through those slightly musty-smelling pages with mildew edges, looking at the rather frightening black and white illustrations even before I could understand the words! The rough texture of a cloth-bound book against my fingers and the anticipation of a journey of discovery within the covers brought a sense of excitement I still feel whenever I pick up a physical book today. And yes, I still have that original book I loved so much as a youngster!