Knowledge about Scandinavia
Here you will find an exciting insight into the history of Scandinavia, from the Vikings to the present day. Find out more about what characterises and has shaped the Nordic identity - from traditions to modern design.
Flags
Iceland Flag
Iceland flag: appearance, meaning and history of the Icelandic flagEven though Iceland was settled in the Middle Ages, the Icelandic flag has a much more recent history. However, this does not detract from its exciting symbolism! Find out everything you need to know about the history and meaning of the Icelandic flag here.
Norway Flag
Flag of Norway: appearance, meaning and history
Sweden Flag
Sweden’s flag: appearance, meaning and history- More articles:
- Denmark Flag
History
Denmark History
History of Denmark: A timeline from the Vikings to the present dayWhen it comes to Denmark’s history, most people will think of the Vikings first – and quite rightly so. But there is much more to Denmark’s history – here you can read about how the northern European country has developed over the centuries!
Iceland History
Iceland’s history: a timeline from the Vikings to the present day
Norway History
Norway’s history: a timeline from the Vikings to the present day
Finland History
Finland’s history: A timeline of an eventful past- More articles:
- Sweden History
- Sami: People
- Scandinavian Design
Mythology
Nordic Mythology
Norse mythology: the great overview of gods and worldsLove, war and mythical creatures? There’s a reason why Norse mythology serves as a model for many fantasy authors. If you have always wanted to get an overview of what the Vikings and peasants in medieval Scandinavia really believed and what sprang from the vivid imagination of the skalds, you will find an overview article about the mythology of the North here.
Royal houses
Danish Royal Family
The Danish Royal FamilyThanks to their closeness to the people, modernity and down-to-earth attitude, the Danish royal family enjoys great popularity. Here you will find the most important information about Queen Margrethe II and her family!
Norwegian Royal Family
The Norwegian Royal Family: Scandinavian royals
Swedish Royal Family
The Swedish Royal Family: Scandinavian royalsInteresting facts about Scandinavia
Here you can find out more interesting background knowledge about the history, geography and traditions of the Nordic countries. What has shaped the Scandinavians and made them what they are today? What customs do the Sami people follow? What is “Flag Day”? Immerse yourself in the facts and fascinations of the North.
History & past
The history of the Scandinavian nations is characterised by religion, conflict and constant development. You can read here how the Swedes, Danes, Norwegians and Finns developed their national identity.
Norse mythology
Norse mythology comes from written traditions and archaeological artefacts. It has always been part of the history of the Scandinavian countries and is so fascinating that it has repeatedly served as a model for authors. The various peoples in the north believed in mythical worlds with gods and creatures and practised corresponding rituals.
The history of the north
The past of the Scandinavian countries stretches back many thousands of years and is full of traditions, fascinating twists and interesting entanglements. Did you know that the Bluetooth function was named after the Dane Harald Bluetooth? But the history of Denmark has much more to offer! Find out why the Althing plays such an important role in Iceland then and now, how the Norwegians turned away from their belief in Norse gods, why Finland’s history was characterised by conflict and how Sweden established its concept of a welfare state. And much more!
Identity & tradition
What characterises the Scandinavians? What concepts of life, traditions and mentalities can be discovered in Nordic life? Find out more about the royal houses, the indigenous Sami people, the Nordic flags and the Scandinavian design concepts that are popular all over the world.
The royal families
The Scandinavian royal families follow a long tradition. Although they fulfil a more representative function today, it is definitely worth taking a look at the exciting backgrounds of the royal families. The popularity of the Danish aristocratic family, the unusual patchwork structure of the Norwegian royal family and the traditional Swedish royals are a source of fascination worldwide.
The indigenous Sami people
Descendants of the indigenous peoples still live in some regions of Scandinavia today. They settled there long before Christ and often kept reindeer as livestock. However, due to the conflict-ridden past, Sami culture is unfortunately barely present today. Nevertheless, there are Sami museums in Finland, Norway and Sweden, as well as a few traditional festivals, which are also well worth seeing for travellers.
The flags and their meanings
For all history buffs and Scandinavia fans: we have traced the origins of Scandinavian flags. How come they all have a cross? Where do the respective national colours come from? Whether it’s the Swedish flag, the Danish flag, the Norwegian flag, the Finnish flag or the Icelandic flag – each one is a piece of the respective country’s national culture . It is not for nothing that the Swedish bank holidays is also known as “Flag Day”.
Design & Scandi style
What is the first thing you associate with Scandinavian design? Perhaps subtle and cosy furniture, warm colours and timeless shapes? There are fascinating concepts and pioneering personalities behind these popular designs. Find out everything about the origins and background of the typical Scandinavian style here!
