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CULTURE
What They Don’t Tell You Before Moving To Scandinavia
Reporting from Stockholm, truly shocked.
So, you’ve watched as Scandinavian countries have continuously ranked highest in the World Happiness Report for nearly a decade, and you want to try it for yourself?
It was only a few months ago, before coming to Sweden, that I too, in my excited state, was scrambling to find videos and articles that will reveal more about my future Scandi life.
I was aware of the obvious: the long and dark winter days, the Swede's obsession with nature, the fact that the majority of the population takes the entire month of July off, and that nobody does a cinnamon roll better than a Kanelbullar.
But a few less shouted-about bombshells stopped me in my tracks…
What in the world is a Systembolaget?
Now, to start with the point that’ll make me sound somewhat like an alcoholic.
For such a liberal area of the world, a communist-like approach to alcohol can come as quite a surprise.
I’m currently living in Sweden, so for me, the enemy is Systembolaget but if you’re thinking of moving to Norway, then it’ll be Vinmonopolet and in Finland; Alko. Interestingly, Denmark remains the most liberal, with no restrictions on the purchase of alcohol.
These are all government-owned alcohol retailers who have a monopoly over all the booze in the country. Yep — no other shop can sell anything with an alcohol content over 5% (this number varies slightly between the three restricted countries).
This is to limit the consumption of alcohol, due to high cost (caused primarily by high taxes), as well as limit access (they’re only open until 7pm on weekdays, 3pm on Saturdays, and closed on Sundays). This, motivating many Scandi’s to have a home bar, reserved for exactly those spontaneous tequila nights or wine-filled guest visits.
So, my fellow Scandinavian wannabees, stock up!
There’s no rat race.
Having moved to Stockholm with my remote job from the UK, I am still subject to the hardships of the British dog-eat-dog work world.
