You know you’ll have to use the bathroom sooner or later in Sweden. However, foreign toilets can often differ from what you might be accustomed to. Therefore, it is wise to familiarize yourself with some essential bathroom tips before your visit to the toilets in Sweden.
Pros of Toilets in Sweden
The toilets in Sweden are modern and sometimes feature fun Scandinavian designs to keep you entertained. Moreover, public restrooms are conveniently located near popular sights, making them easily accessible for tourists, particularly in the capital city of Stockholm. The public toilets in Sweden are either self-cleaning, with rotating toilet seats, or cleaned regularly, especially those in malls and sit-down restaurants. Consequently, you don’t need to worry about encountering unsanitary conditions when you need to use the facilities. Fortunately, Sweden does not have many squat toilets, which can be a relief for many visitors.
Cons of Toilets in Sweden
One of the notable downsides of public bathrooms in Sweden is the potential cost associated with their use. When you enter, you may be required to pay between two to five Krona (roughly 25 to 50 cents in USD). Additionally, the payment must be made in exact change, which can lead to some inconvenience for travelers. Although these pay-per-use facilities are not overly expensive, it can come as a surprise. Keeping some coins handy will prove beneficial should you find yourself in need of a restroom. Furthermore, fast-food restaurants often charge a small fee for bathroom access, and some places may require a code to unlock the bathroom for non-customers. Thus, if you are dining, politely asking your waiter for the bathroom lock code is advisable. Regardless, it is generally regarded as common courtesy to purchase something small before seeking access to the restroom.
Additionally, train stations are among the few places in Sweden where you might encounter less hygienic bathrooms. Therefore, if the train station is near your hotel, it may be worth waiting to use the restroom until you are in a cleaner environment.
Finding Toilets in Sweden
In Scandinavia, all toilets are clearly marked with symbols for ladies and gents, making them easy to identify. Moreover, even in urgent situations, men should avoid using bushes or trees, as this can lead to significant fines in Scandinavia.
If you’re planning to visit additional Nordic countries, such as Finland and Iceland, it is beneficial to learn about their bathroom etiquette as well, as practices may vary slightly from those in Sweden.
