It’s no secret that the Nordic countries are famed for their innovative designs and remarkable contributions to technology and, well, everything else. This includes some unlikely products you may not have guessed stemmed from those chilly Scandi countries. Learn more about these 5 cool inventions you didn’t know are Scandinavian.
In this article, we explore several of the incredible inventions that we all use on a day-to-day basis – and all of which hail from the Northern Hemisphere.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and uncover the top 5 Scandinavian inventions that we (probably) can’t live without.
1. Ikea Home Furnishing
Our first stop on the map is none other than the beautiful country of Sweden, the birthplace of the world-renowned furniture giant Ikea, among other wonderful things.
Founded in 1943 by Ingvar Kamprad, Ikea revolutionized home furnishing and interior design as we know it. And as of 2023, it’s also known as one of the best workplaces for women.
Known for being easy to assemble and super maneuverable, IKEA products have found their way into many of our homes in the form of furniture, kitchenware, and everything in between. But that’s not all. Ikea’s famous meatballs and hotdogs alone draw us in droves to the nearest store!
So, next time you find yourself assembling a sleek bookshelf, arranging your living room to match your style and comfort needs, or drooling at the thought of some meatballs, you can thank the Swedes for paving the way for a simple and chic approach to furnishing our homes.
2. Spotify – A Melodious Marvel
Sticking with Sweden for a second, our next innovative invention has changed the way we listen to and store music forever. Back in 2008, the music-streaming giant, otherwise known as Spotify, was born.
Spotify makes being a music lover (especially a busy, on-the-go one) simple, cost-effective, and good for the environment (after all, it requires zero materials) by offering a never-ending library of songs at our fingertips. Fast-forward 15 years, and the company now controls 33.8% of the music streaming industry.
But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to unlimited tunes, Spotify has also been a game-changer for musicians and artists – especially newbies – by providing independent artists with a virtual stage, enabling them to build a fanbase and get their music out there to new audiences.
The streaming service’s algorithm-driven playlists and tailored recommendations have empowered lesser-known artists to find their fanbase and connect with music enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.
3. LEGO – The Building Blocks of Creativity
The next Nordic pitstop on our list is delectable Denmark.
As well as being the birthplace of Hygge, Denmark brings us the timeless classic otherwise known as LEGO, a brand loved by both children and adults alike.
Ole Kirk Christiansen founded LEGO in 1932, and since then, these colorful interlocking bricks have sparked imagination and creativity in millions of minds worldwide – as well as being a big economy booster. So much so it rakes in a whopping 8.7 billion euros in profits every year.
LEGO is loved by the masses because it allows for endless building possibilities, as well as promoting problem-solving skills, and encouraging teamwork among young minds. Oh, and it’s great fun too (even for adults).
LEGO offers a hands-on learning experience that encourages both critical and creative thinking, as well as collaborative abilities. At the same time, LEGO provides learning tools for most scholarly subjects, making the learning process an exciting and interactive adventure. And the best part? It doesn’t involve staring at a screen.
4. Bluetooth – Wirelessly Connecting the World
Next, we venture back to Sweden once again, where Bluetooth was created by engineer Jaap Haartsen in 1994.
Wireless tech has become a permanent fixture in our daily lives by enabling seamless communication between all our devices. From wireless headphones and speakers to hands-free car systems (and everything in between), Bluetooth is in a league of its own when it comes to sharing information.
While you’re enjoying the many benefits of Bluetooth and other wireless wonders, why not consider taking an extra step to protect your online privacy with a Virtual Private Network (VPN)? A VPN makes sure data is transferred from location to location safely, meaning it’s not vulnerable to cybercrime. In short, if you’re a web user, investing in a VPN for Chrome is a cybersecurity game-changer.
5. Saunas – A Relaxing Finnish Tradition
Finally, we make our way to fabulous Finland to discover the ancient Scandinavian invention otherwise known as the sauna.
For centuries, Finns have used saunas for relaxation, socializing, and physical wellbeing. And while they’re certainly no new thing, saunas have been taking the rest of the world by storm by becoming an integral part of wellness regimes and post-exercise wind-downs.
Saunas are known and loved for offering a calming escape from the stresses of our daily lives, as well as boasting a whole host of health benefits, including improved circulation and detoxification.
5 Cool Inventions You Didn’t Know Are Scandinavian – Conclusion
So, that concludes our exploration of our top 5 favorite Scandinavian inventions that many of us rely on every single day.
In a nutshell, these creations from the land of the Northern Lights have truly illuminated the world, and we eagerly await the next offering.
5 Cool Inventions You Didn’t Know Are Scandinavian, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Leo Corado. Leo has a BSc in computer science with a focus on cryptography and worked in a range of London tech startups in data security for five years before turning his hand to writing. His goal is to educate and inform people about the often- opaque world of cybersecurity and help everyone be a little bit safer online. When not saving the world from hackers and fraudsters, he’s a gamer, esports fan, and avid TV binger.
Feature image (on top): © Chastity Corijo/Unsplash.
Editor’s notes: Finland is not a part of Scandinavia. This misconception is widespread, also among Scandinavians. Scandinavia consists of three countries, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.