The quest for romance in Norway just got a lot less complicated. My journey through the country allowed me to put together this handpicked guide to the top Norwegian dating sites and apps.
⭐ Best Norwegian dating apps
MATCH
Match, a pioneer in online dating since its founding in 1995, is another platform I explored while in Norway. Available in 15 languages and operating in over 20 countries, it casts a wide net for those seeking various types of relationships. However, it’s worth noting that the platform is generally better suited for those looking for something more serious. Given its international user base, you’re not only limited to connections within Norway but can also broaden your search to include singles from around the world.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Match.no:
| Match Advantages: | Match Disadvantages: |
| Good matching algorithms | Can be time-consuming |
| Live chat customer care Monday to Friday | Limited customer support |
| Good success rate | |
| A lot of live events for users |
- EMMA’S RATING: 10/10
BE2
In the realm of international matchmaking, Be2 sets itself apart with a sizable member base of over 20 million. What I found particularly compelling during my own experience was the platform’s unique approach to finding a partner. Rather than leaving users to search on their own, Be2 employs a science-based personality test. Once completed, this test is used to generate tailored partner suggestions, streamlining the search for a compatible match.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Be2:
| Be2 Advantages: | Be2 Disadvantages: |
| Protection of personal data | Expensive premium membership |
| Well-rated by users | No 1-month package |
| ‘Blur your picture’ option | |
| Easy browsing |
- EMMA’S RATING: 7/10
C-DATE
C-Date, based in Luxembourg and operating since 2008, offers an alternative for those not necessarily looking for long-term commitments. Whether it’s a casual date or a one-night stand you’re after, this platform has a diverse member base to choose from. With around two million profiles spanning 35 countries, the search scope isn’t just limited to your local area. From my observations, C-Date is quite reasonably priced, and notably, women have the privilege of using the service for free.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of C-Date:
| C-Date Advantages: | C-Date Disadvantages: |
| Anonymous and safe | Complicated unsubscribing procedure |
| Manual photo verification | Customer support only via e-mail |
| Question of the day feature | |
| Contact proposals |
- EMMA’S RATING: 7/10
LIVING AND DATING IN NORWAY
In his book The Social Guidebook to Norway, Julian Bourrelle, author of many books on cultural differences, explains that dating in Norway is diametrically opposite to dating in other Western cultures.
In most Western countries, he argues, people first go on a couple of dates, followed by walks in the park and movies at the movie theater. They like to get to know one another better before progressing to physical intimacy. Bourrelle goes on to humorously explain that the Norwegians prefer the opposite approach: they have sex first and then do the rest.
Norwegians believe that by getting sex out of the way as soon as possible, the woman (traditionally the wooed party) is not under pressure to ‘give in’ and ‘reward’ the partner’s patience with sex. Also, she cannot use sex as a bartering tool in a relationship. In this way, the two people involved become equal partners in a relationship.
Of course, not all relationships in Norway happen this way. Still, you should not be surprised if your Norwegian date initializes sex early on in the relationship.
For the Norwegians, however, real, emotional intimacy does not start with sex – quite the contrary. Once sex is out of the way, they will want to hang out and do different things together to get to know you better. And since they are very reserved people, it could take more time for them to truly commit to a relationship than you might have expected.
ARE DATING SITES POPULAR IN NORWAY?
Yes, they are.
Many people use free dating apps or free versions of sites that also have paid versions. But the number of people willing to purchase a membership on one of the dating websites is on the rise, especially among those looking for a serious relationship.
Dating websites/apps are most useful in big cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, where population density is the biggest, and so is the number of single people.
Norwegians also use many specialized dating websites, such as sites for people of a certain age, hobbies, education, long-distance relationships, etc.
FINDING A PARTNER ONLINE
Finding a partner online has a lot of advantages and disadvantages.
One of the advantages of online dating is the possibility of socializing only with like-minded people. On traditional dates, we do not usually ask our date whether they want a serious relationship or just a fling, if they want to have children or whether they believe in marriage as an institution. Apps, however, can match people based on their values so that you do not have to ask many awkward questions.
Another pro of online dating is the ability to meet relatively many people quickly, which increases your chances of finding your match. Also, your first online dates (before you actually decide to go on a live one) can take place anywhere: while sitting on a bus, taking a bath, or standing in line at the supermarket.
Naturally, meeting people online also has some disadvantages. For example, despite being able to choose what type of person and relationship you want, you might still get unwanted messages from people who are unsuitable matches.
In addition, many people on dating websites misrepresent themselves. They are not always (completely) truthful about what they do, look like, or want in life. Finally, if you really want to find a partner on one of the online websites or apps, you should definitely get a paid account, so that you have access to everything the site offers. The problem is that a paid account can be pretty expensive.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DATING SERVICE
Finding an online dating service can be difficult if you consider the fact that there are so many to choose from. The Internet provides a lot of information on all of them, but sometimes the best thing to do is to sign up with a free account before you see whether you like a particular service or not.
Your starting point should always be the type of relationship you want. Some websites encourage all kinds of relationships, from friendships to long-term relationships. In contrast, others are more focused on only one type of relationship (e.g., serious relationships, casual dating, flings, affairs, etc.).
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF YOUR ONLINE DATING EXPERIENCE
Once you have entered the world of online dating, you will soon realize that there are some things you cannot control or change. Nevertheless, you have power over how you present yourself to your potential partners. Here are some tips that will certainly help you make the most out of your online dating experience.
- Know what you want
It is important to know your own expectations when you embark on this journey. Even though compromise is frequently a good thing, you should not agree to things (and dates) that do not live up to your expectations.
- Be honest
Nobody says you should be blunt to the point of rudeness, but letting others know about your intentions is always the right way to go.
- Be cautious
Keep your expectations in check. This does not mean that you should be pessimistic about the possibility of finding a partner, but rather that you need to exercise some caution. Chances are, you will not find your match straight off the bat
- Be objective
Present yourself realistically even if you think other people may not like you. Just because you do not like some of your own quirks does not mean that others may not find them charming.
- Choose a good profile picture
Let us be honest: looks are important. But not necessarily good looks. You do not have to be beautiful, handsome, or sexy to appeal to somebody, so do not worry if you do not fit modern beauty standards. Still, make sure to choose a photo that highlights the best of you: perhaps your eyes or your smile.
Conclusion
Match.no is the top dating app in Norway, offering effective matching algorithms and live customer support for a high success rate in finding serious relationships.
FAQ
Although it is hard to give a universal answer to this question, the answer is more no than yes. Although it takes them longer than expected to start calling something a relationship, the Norwegians are usually exclusive.
The biggest one is probably equality. Men do not want to pressure women into something they are not comfortable with, so they frequently let women make the first move.
Asking a person out to dinner on a first date is definitely not something you should do. Norwegians prefer to eat at home.
