Explore the best Scandinavian folk tales for children, including Hans Christian Andersen and timeless stories from Sweden, Norway, and beyond.
If fairy tales had a season, I think they’d belong to winter. There’s something about cold nights, candlelight, and the hush of snow outside that feels tailor-made for stories. And no place does winter tales quite like Scandinavia.
When I think of Scandinavian folklore, I think of the kinds of stories that feel both grounded and magical, full of shimmering lakes, clever foxes, troll-haunted mountains, and brave-hearted children who stumble into hidden worlds. These are stories that feel ancient and timeless all at once. They don’t just entertain. They leave something with you.
And of course, at the heart of this tradition is one name almost every child knows: Hans Christian Andersen. The Little Mermaid. The Ugly Duckling. The Snow Queen. His stories are filled with longing and love and strange, beautiful sadness and they’ve shaped children’s literature in every corner of the world. But beyond Andersen lies a deep well of lesser-known folk tales passed down from Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland – a patchwork of old voices echoing across generations.
Why Scandinavian Folk Tales Belong on Your Bookshelf
There’s a quiet strength in these stories. Scandinavian tales tend to celebrate the small and the humble – a girl with a lantern, a boy with a loaf of bread, a creature of the woods just trying to be understood. There’s bravery, yes, and sometimes danger but often it’s the quiet kind. The bravery of helping, of noticing, of walking into the unknown.
And if you’re raising children in a world that sometimes feels too loud or too fast, these tales are a gentle invitation to slow down. To listen. To imagine. To remember that sometimes the best stories are the ones whispered, not shouted.
Below, I’ve gathered a list of some of the best Scandinavian folk tale collections in English. Some are timeless Andersen classics, others are retellings from Nordic traditions that stretch beyond Denmark. All are enchanting.
The Illustrated Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen
A sweetly illustrated, child-friendly edition of Andersen’s most beloved stories. Includes favorites like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Princess and the Pea,” perfect for cozy read-alouds.
Scandinavian Tales: A Collection of Classic Folk Stories
A gorgeous compilation of traditional tales from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark , full of trolls, talking animals, and old magic. Beautifully designed and great for children ready for longer stories.
Hans Christian Andersen’s Complete Fairy Tales (Leather-bound Classics Edition)
A keepsake collection with every Andersen tale in one elegant volume. Ideal for parents to pick and choose age-appropriate stories or enjoy for their own nostalgic pleasure.
Hidden Realms: Scandinavian Folk Tales by G. K. Lund
A newer collection featuring lesser-known stories from across the region, with an emphasis on nature, folklore, and otherworldly beauty. A lovely modern companion to the old classics.
Nordic Tales: Folktales from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark
Stunningly illustrated and richly told, this book captures the spirit of the far north. Includes a variety of tales – some eerie, some sweet, all steeped in nature and myth.
The Illustrated Treasury of Swedish Fairy Tales
A beautifully curated collection of classic Swedish tales, filled with forest creatures, clever children, and timeless Scandinavian magic. The illustrations have that perfect old-world charm that brings each story to life.
What I Hope My Son Learns from These Stories
That magic doesn’t always look the way it does in cartoons. That sometimes the most powerful thing you can be is kind. That the world is big and strange and beautiful, and that every culture has its own way of trying to understand it.
And that when you curl up together with a book , especially one filled with ancient forests and snow queens and mysterious travelers, you’re not just passing the time. You’re passing down a little piece of wonder.
Want more folklore from around the world?
Be sure to read our earlier posts on German Folk Tales, French Folk Tales, and Indian Folk Tales.
Disclaimer: At Wonderly Made, we are committed to providing honest and unbiased recommendations. We do not receive compensation or affiliate commissions for any products mentioned. Links provided are for your convenience and shopping ease.
