Denmark and Norway are so very similar, but perhaps that's why the differences stand out so much! A Dane living in Norway explains.
People often mix up Norway and Denmark. I understand why. Danes would say that Norwegians are the people we are the most alike.
We share a long history, Norway was a part of Denmark for more than two hundred years, we (mostly) understand each other's languages, the cross flags look alike and our Scandinavian society structures and welfare systems are also quite similar.
But some of the differences between the two countries are big. I have lived in both countries and I’m currently living in Norway. Here are some of the differences I have experienced as a Dane living in Norway.
Alcohol culture
Denmark has a much more relaxed relationship to alcohol, whereas the approach to alcohol in Norway is way more strict. You can buy hard liquor, beer and wine in any kiosk or grocery shop in Denmark. The freedom to drink is a big part of Danish culture.
During the summer the Danes sit in parks and harbours and enjoy alcohol. Danes are also really fond of beer and they are willing to share this appreciation with others.
At festivals and bigger football matches it is common to experience how Danes suddenly throw beer up in the air as a special form of cheering. And it’s not unusual that Danes serve beer and liquor at baptism parties while this would be socially unacceptable in Norway.
Read more: Fun Facts About Denmark
In Norway the state has a monopoly on selling alcohol and selling is limited to shops called Vinmonopolet.
In Norway, drinking alcohol is not allowed in public places and you may end up getting a fine. Also a tap beer costs around $5 in Denmark while you have to pay an overwhelming $14 in Norway, and it's super Danish to point out how expensive it is to purchase a drink in Norway.
Use of nature
Compared to Norway, Denmark is as flat as a pancake. Norway has mountains and big national parks and so many opportunities for hiking and skiing. Norwegians are way better than Danes to use nature all year around. They are more outdoorsy and used to unpredictable weather and wild nature.
It makes me happy to see how Norwegians of all ages and shapes get outside and enjoy great nature experiences. On hikes where I’m out of breath, I’m overtaken by Norwegians with small kids and small dogs heading smoothly up the rocky, steep path to the mountain.
Read more: Friluftsliv: The Norwegian Love of the Outdoors
It is common to see Norwegians hiking with a baby in a backpack. For a Dane that’s mostly familiar with sandy beaches, this is a very rare sight.
Be careful on your bicycle
Danes love bicycling as a means of transportation, whether it is to work, school or getting around in the city. In Denmark we have bicycle lanes everywhere and of course this is easier when you are in a flat country. It’s both safe and easy to get around by bicycle in Denmark.
I thought it would be manageable in Oslo as it is quite flat in the city center, so I tried to bicycle in Oslo and I was terrified. Suddenly the bicycle lanes just stopped and I was zig-zagging to avoid hitting pedestrians, people on scooters or myself being hit by a car.
In Norway you most likely have to share the road with other types of traffic, and those are not always familiar with bicycles in traffic.
Danish and Norwegian traditions
Norwegians do take traditions seriously compared to Denmark! A good example would be the celebration of the Norwegian Constitution Day, the 17th of May. It’s a public holiday where Norwegians dress up in national costumes that cost a fortune.
In Denmark, national costumes are not for anything other than folk dancing. Danes will consider you as silly if you suddenly approach a party in this outfit.
On the special day in Norway, people are celebrating with parades and music and they wave with the Norwegian flag pretty much everywhere – even on mountain peaks. For Norwegians the 17th of May is bigger than Christmas and New Years.
Some years I didn't even notice the constitution day in Denmark. It is not a public holiday, you are not dressing up nor is it a big celebration.You can hear some political speeches here and there and that’s pretty much it.
Quality of food in Denmark and Norway
The quality of food is not that great in Norway – sorry Norway. In Denmark the selection of food is wider and you have a bigger and more affordable selection.
Norwegians like a quick meal and sometimes it seems as if Norwegians are only eating because they have to. I was surprised the first time I went grocery shopping in Norway, the wide selection of pizzas, fast meals and taco seemed enormous.
A good thing in Norway is the selection of fish, however. Even though Denmark is surrounded by the sea, Danes don’t eat that much fish, and the variety of fish they eat tends to be on the sad side.
Norwegians enjoy their fish and eat it multiple days a week. In Norway fish is considered more affordable and you can buy fresh fish in many grocery stores.
Avoid chit-chat
Danish people are known for their open, direct style of communication. Danes tend not to lie or make excuses for why they say things. This can cause some problems as some Norwegians are more cautious in what they say and do.
Read more: The Best of Copenhagen, Denmark
Norwegians are more reserved and seem to be happy if they can avoid chit-chatting. For example it’s not always you get a “hi” back if you say hello to a Norwegian in an elevator. Oh, this feels so awkward when you share the elevators for five floors.
I try my best not to be regarded as a rude Dane so sometimes I have to hold my tongue so I don't say anything that leads to misunderstandings or creating some uncomfortable situation.
But when you get that Norweiagen friend – it can take a while – the Danish humor and approach will not be something to consider.
Even though we sometimes misunderstand each other, Norwegian and Denmark are like siblings. We love to compare and measure things up against each other and we like to tease each other with the differences in our languages and culture.
This article is opinion based and I expect that people have other opinions. Because I have only lived in Norway for a short duration, I believe more differences and similarities will show up later on. Without a doubt I can say that both countries are absolutely great to live in!
Jeg elsker deg Norge. I’m an Englishman living in Germany with a German wife.
Before when still living in England I dated a Norwegian woman living in Oslo. I liked being there and actually miss it.
After her I dated a Danish woman living outside of Copenhagen. Different cultures with different attitudes. Norway to much pizza and tacos, Denmark too much beer and sex. 😳🤣
Thanks for sharing, Michelle.
As you probably can guess by my last name I am partly Danish and have for several years strongly considered moving back (Did an exchange semester at DTU, Lyngby). It’s a matter of taste I guess, but I feel much more at home with the direct and more open culture as well as the relaxed attitudes. It’s just easy to continue living in the country one is born and raised, but considering that the life is actually a lifetime we should definately evaluate thoroughly where we want to live based on criteria that are actually important to us. At least those of us that have a choice. It’s about identity and being happy in a society that understands us.
Personally though as a Dutch first of all many things of what you describe as being typisch Danish is also typical Dutch. Direct, not beating around the bush. The beertjhing, biking of course. Our countries being flat.
I would say Dutch do not use too many words also. Not all.
I know a few Danes and Dutch living here and in DK. They all say that the differences small but on the “hej” in the elevator….The Danish in my town said they found it a pleasant surprise that when they go out in the morning with their dog, people they do not know just say “goede morgen” to them. They said that even in small villages in DK people tend not to do that.
And that is the biggest difference I can come up with. After the language, which I have to say I can read (Danish) without any lessons (and Norwegian too but it seems almsot identical to Danish). Spoken i can figure out quite a bit of what Norwegians say on the tele, but Danish are really hard to understand. I realised that when they talk slowly, thing clear up a lot. But for sure Danish and Norwegian are closer of course.
Nevertheless Danish people (unlike Norwegians) become indistinguishable from Dutch in a few weeks or months, they really speak Dutch fluently and often without a single accent. Norwegians always keep on having that Norwegian rythm that means the go up at every end of a sentence.
From a Dutch point of view, also when we look at society, humour etcetc Danmark is easily the most similar to us. even if we would split up belgium and focus on Flanders they are really way different and to us more like the French.
I absolutely loved reading this comparison between Denmark and Norway! As someone who has always been intrigued by the Scandinavian lifestyle, this article provided valuable insights into the similarities and differences between these two amazing countries. The detailed analysis of their history, culture, and even the subtle distinctions in their landscapes truly fascinated me. The author did a fantastic job at presenting both sides impartially, allowing readers like me to make informed decisions about which destination might suit our preferences better. Kudos to the author for the well-researched and engaging content! Looking forward to exploring more articles on Life in Norway. Cheers! – Florence Fields