Northern Europe is a fascinating region full of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s home to countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. This part of the world offers so much to explore and discover. Let’s test your knowledge of Northern Europe with these 31 riddles!
Geography
Riddle 1
I’m an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean that lies just south of the Arctic Circle. With glaciers, hot springs, and northern lights, I offer stunning natural scenery. What country am I?
Answer: Iceland
Riddle 2
I border Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the North Sea. Once home to Prussian knights, I’m now known for picturesque castles and being the birthplace of quantum physics. What country am I?
Answer: Germany
Riddle 3
My northernmost point lies well within the Arctic Circle. I span over 1,500 islands in the Baltic Sea. My landscapes range from fertile farmlands to dense forests and crystal-clear lakes. What Scandinavian country am I?
Answer: Sweden
Riddle 4
I’m the smallest of the Nordic countries and lie sandwiched between Norway and Sweden. My landscape ranges from flat, grassy plains to glaciated hills and mountains. I’m known for design, happy people, and LEGOs. What country am I?
Answer: Denmark
Riddle 5
I border Russia, the Baltic Sea, Sweden, and Norway. Over 1,500 islands lie off my southwest coast. My capital, Helsinki, is known for design and high technology. What Nordic country am I?
Answer: Finland
History
Riddle 6
I’m a famous Viking who lived from 965 to 1020 AD. I’m credited with uniting Norway into one kingdom. I also converted my country to Christianity. Who am I?
Answer: Olaf Tryggvason
Riddle 7
I was a famous 15th century Norse explorer who reached North America before Christopher Columbus. I established a short-lived settlement called Vinland in present-day Newfoundland, Canada. Who am I?
Answer: Leif Erikson
Riddle 8
I am remembered as the patron saint of Finland who likely lived in the 12th century. According to legend, I was an English bishop who converted Finns to Christianity. Many churches are named after me. Who am I?
Answer: Saint Henry
Riddle 9
I was the first Queen to rule Denmark in her own right from 1375 to 1412. My reign represented a transition from an elected monarchy to an hereditary one. I fought against the Hansa towns. Who am I?
Answer: Queen Margrethe I
Riddle 10
I was King of Sweden from 1523 until my death in 1560. I brought an end to the Kalmar Union and made Sweden independent. I converted Sweden to Lutheran Protestantism. Who am I?
Answer: Gustav I
Culture
Riddle 11
I am a protective guardian spirit in Norse mythology. Female versions of me were called dísir. I offered guidance and connected the human world with worlds beyond. What kind of being am I?
Answer: Fylgja
Riddle 12
We are mythical dwarf-like creatures that originated in Scandinavian folklore and were said to live under the ground. Stories say we have magical powers and are skilled craftspeople. What are we?
Answer: Trolls
Riddle 13
I am a majestic sea creature from Norse mythology. I have the head and body of a horse and the tail of a fish. Sailors considered sightings of me to be a sign of good luck. What mythological creature am I?
Answer: Hippocampus
Riddle 14
I am a famous Norse mythological object crafted by dwarves. When thrown, I will always hit my target before returning to the hand that threw me. What am I?
Answer: Mjolnir (Thor’s Hammer)
Riddle 15
I am a famous Viking Age warrior and Norse pirate who raided around Norway, Sweden, and the North Sea. My nickname means “Barelegs” in Old Norse. Who am I?
Answer: Olaf Haraldsson (Olaf the Stout)
Literature
Riddle 16
I am an acclaimed 19th century Danish author and poet. My writings include novels such as The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling and The Little Mermaid. Who am I?
Answer: Hans Christian Andersen
Riddle 17
We are mythological Norse poems and stories written in Old Norse during the Viking Age. We consist of tales about gods, heroes and events. Popular ones are the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda. What collection of writings are we?
Answer: Norse sagas
Riddle 18
I am a Swedish author who lived from 1907 to 2004. I wrote novels, short stories, essays, plays and screenplays. My most famous works include novels The Emigrants and The New Land. Who am I?
Answer: Vilhelm Moberg
Riddle 19
I am a classic 19th century novel by Swedish author August Strindberg. Set in Stockholm, I depict the marriage of a young woman and an older man. I am considered a pioneering work in naturalism and psychoanalysis. What novel am I?
Answer: The Red Room
Riddle 20
I am an acclaimed Finnish author who lived from 1870 to 1921. My novels include Seven Brothers and The Song of the Blood-Red Flower. My works often focused on ordinary people and rural life. Who am I?
Answer: Johannes Linnankoski
Food and Drink
Riddle 21
I am a traditional Norwegian flatbread made from rye flour. I am round, thin, and have a hole in the middle. I am commonly served around Christmas time. What am I?
Answer: Lefse
Riddle 22
We are sweet buns made from yeast dough that are popular across Scandinavia. We are traditionally eaten on Thursdays and our name comes from the Swedish word for “twist.” What are we?
Answer: Cinnamon rolls
Riddle 23
I am a sweet pastry from Finland that resembles a filled doughnut. I am made by piping jam into a sweet yeast dough that is then fried. What am I called?
Answer: Puffin
Riddle 24
I am an alcoholic spirit distilled from potato mash that originated in Iceland. I have a distinctive flavor and am often consumed in celebratory moments. What strong drink am I?
Answer: Brennivín
Riddle 25
We are fish meatballs popular in Scandinavia. We are made from a combination of ground white fish, eggs, flour, and milk. We are often served with mashed potatoes, gravy and lingonberry jam. What are we called?
Answer: Fishballs
Landmarks
Riddle 26
I am a famous 17th century castled located in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am one of the most popular tourist attractions in Scandinavia. What lavish royal residence am I?
Answer: Rosenborg Castle
Riddle 27
I am a granite rocky island located off the southern tip of Norway. I am a famous natural attraction owing to my steep cliff of more than 600 meters high. What natural wonder am I?
Answer: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Riddle 28
I am a medieval Hanseatic League town located on Sweden’s west coast that retains many historic wooden buildings. I am a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What picturesque town am I?
Answer: Visby
Riddle 29
I am Finland’s largest lake, covering over 3,000 square miles. I contain many islands and form part of Finland’s border with Russia. What expansive lake am I?
Answer: Lake Saimaa
Riddle 30
I am a natural waterfall located on the border of Sweden and Norway. With a vertical drop of 755 feet, I rank as one of Sweden’s highest. What powerful falls am I?
Answer: Tännforsen
Conclusion
Riddle 31
I’m a region in Northern Europe containing several countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. My areas offer stunning natural scenery including glaciers, fjords and northern lights. What part of Europe am I?
Answer: Northern Europe
How did you do with these riddles about the geography, history, culture, literature, food, landmarks and more of Northern Europe? This fascinating region has so much to discover. Learning about its various countries and attractions provides a fun mental challenge. Hopefully these riddles have tested your knowledge and make you eager to keep exploring all that Northern Europe has to offer!
