How do Norwegians feel about personal space and physical contact?

Norway is a fantastic place where people really value personal space. This applies to all aspects of life, including physical boundaries, emotions, time and attention. When interacting with locals, it is important to understand how much they value personal boundaries and how this affects their behaviour. This knowledge will help you avoid awkward situations and make your stay in Norway more comfortable and respectful. In this article, we're going to explore the fascinating world of personal space in Norway, the perfect greetings and gestures that are considered the norm, and the do's and don'ts for navigating social situations.

The importance of personal space in Norway

Norwegians care a lot about having their own personal space, and this is true in all areas of life. In public places, such as on public transport, on the streets or in queues, Norwegians try to keep their distance from other people. This is because we respect each person's personal boundaries.

If you are standing next to a Norwegian, especially when there is no conversation going on, do not stand too close to avoid making them feel uncomfortable. In Norway, people tend to keep a bit more of a distance than in countries with warmer weather, where it's more common to be friendly and physically close.

Hello: handshakes and hugs

When you meet Norwegians, it is common to shake hands. A handshake is a formal way of greeting someone, and is used in business and social situations. It is not usually a very emotional experience. It is important to remember that Norwegians are not used to strong, long handshakes, so a light but firm one is enough.

If you meet someone for the first time, it is not common to give each other hugs or kisses, unless you are close friends. Norwegians usually only offer a hug to people close to them or their friends, and even then it is important to respect the other person's personal space. When you go to public places, it is best to stay calm and not get too close to other people.

How close can you get to someone without making them feel uneasy?

In Norway, people like to have their own space, and people often stand further apart than in, for example, Mediterranean countries or South America. When talking to Norwegians, try to keep a distance of about 1-1.5 metres. If someone gets too close for comfort, it might be seen as crossing a personal boundary.

This rule also applies in business situations. During meetings or negotiations, it is best to keep your distance and avoid physical contact until it becomes appropriate in the context of a closer relationship.

Try not to show your feelings.

Norwegians are known for being calm and this also shows in how they act with other people. People often think that being too emotional in public is not OK. This could be someone laughing too loudly or making a big show of themselves. This also applies to physical contact. For example, it is rare to see couples kissing or holding hands in public places in Norway, although this depends on the situation.

If you want to be friendly or sincere, do it in a calm way. For example, instead of hugging someone, say something nice or offer a friendly handshake.

Why is this important for tourists?

It's important to know the rules about personal space and physical contact in Norway, so you don't get into any awkward situations. If you don't respect other people's personal boundaries, you might cause them to feel misunderstood or even offended. If you want to touch someone or be intimate, you must always ask their permission first. It is also important to pay attention to how they are responding.

If you are unsure how close to approach someone or how to behave, it is best to be reserved and to respect other people's personal space. This will help you to get along with Norwegians without invading their personal space.

Personal space and respect for it play a huge role in Norwegian culture, which is something to be celebrated! Learning about how Norwegians perceive physical contact and personal boundaries is an exciting way to build harmonious relationships with locals and avoid awkward situations. When you visit Norway, you'll find it's easy and comfortable to fit in. All you have to do is be reserved in expressing your emotions and follow the norms of greeting, and you're sure to have an amazing time!

We would absolutely love to hear your thoughts in the comments! If you have any interesting photos, personal experiences or questions about the topic of the article, we would love to hear from you – please leave a comment! We can't wait to hear from you, as we're on a mission to create the most popular and useful blog about Norway!