Norwegian expat delivers cold reality check: ‘Australian winters are the worst’
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As autumn's golden hues give way to winter's cooler shades, Australians are reaching for their jumpers and turning up the heat.
However, for those who hail from lands known for their frosty climates, the Australian winter has come as a surprise, and not a pleasant one at that.
Ellinor Stenhammer, a 24-year-old Norwegian expat living in Melbourne, has delivered an icy blast of reality.
Having braved over two years of Australian seasons, Stenhammer found herself bundling up in oversized jumpers and ‘wool socks’—a sight that might bemuse her friends back in Norway, where the winters are synonymous with snowfall, Christmas cheer, and a 'nice and cozy' atmosphere.
In stark contrast, she described the Australian winter as 'grey' and 'rainy', a period to be endured rather than enjoyed, with temperatures in April already numbing her fingers.
‘Everyone is like, “Oh, you're from Norway, you should be fine with Australian winters.” No! Australian winters are the worst,’ Stenhammer asserted.
The sentiment that Australian winters are mild compared to the rest of the world is a common misconception that Stenhammer and others were quick to dispel.
While some parts of Australia, like North Queensland, boast 'glorious' winters with 32-degree days, many Australians are nodding in agreement with Stenhammer's assessment.
They highlighted potential explanations for the consistently cold winters, with one reason repeatedly mentioned.
‘Aussie homes aren't built for the cold,’ one commented.
A study by the University of Adelaide revealed a startling truth: Aussie homes can get colder in winter than those in Greenland and Finland.
With minimum temperatures averaging well below the World Health Organisation's recommended minimum of 18 degrees, Victorian and Tasmanian homes sit at a chilly 15 degrees on average.
In comparison, Finnish homes bask in a comparatively balmy 20 to 24 degrees.
This discrepancy is attributed to poor housing insulation and a general attitude that Australian winters, being more temperate, don't require the same level of preparation and heating as those in traditionally colder countries.
The result is a population ill-equipped to deal with the cold snaps when they arrive, leading to discomfort and a longing for the return of sunnier days.
Stenhammer’s perspective had many Australians reflecting on their own experiences of the chilly season.
As opinions vary on the severity of winter in Australia, there's a growing interest in finding effective ways to combat the cold.
Amidst these discussions, an unlikely household item has emerged as a potential solution to beat the winter chill and save money in the process.
Have you found Australian winters to be colder than expected? How do you keep warm during the chillier months? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
However, for those who hail from lands known for their frosty climates, the Australian winter has come as a surprise, and not a pleasant one at that.
Ellinor Stenhammer, a 24-year-old Norwegian expat living in Melbourne, has delivered an icy blast of reality.
Having braved over two years of Australian seasons, Stenhammer found herself bundling up in oversized jumpers and ‘wool socks’—a sight that might bemuse her friends back in Norway, where the winters are synonymous with snowfall, Christmas cheer, and a 'nice and cozy' atmosphere.
In stark contrast, she described the Australian winter as 'grey' and 'rainy', a period to be endured rather than enjoyed, with temperatures in April already numbing her fingers.
‘Everyone is like, “Oh, you're from Norway, you should be fine with Australian winters.” No! Australian winters are the worst,’ Stenhammer asserted.
Ellinor Stenhammer, a Norwegian expat said she was ‘humbled’ and described Australian winters as ‘the worst’. Credits: Tiktok / Ellinor | Norwegian in Aus
The sentiment that Australian winters are mild compared to the rest of the world is a common misconception that Stenhammer and others were quick to dispel.
While some parts of Australia, like North Queensland, boast 'glorious' winters with 32-degree days, many Australians are nodding in agreement with Stenhammer's assessment.
They highlighted potential explanations for the consistently cold winters, with one reason repeatedly mentioned.
‘Aussie homes aren't built for the cold,’ one commented.
A study by the University of Adelaide revealed a startling truth: Aussie homes can get colder in winter than those in Greenland and Finland.
With minimum temperatures averaging well below the World Health Organisation's recommended minimum of 18 degrees, Victorian and Tasmanian homes sit at a chilly 15 degrees on average.
In comparison, Finnish homes bask in a comparatively balmy 20 to 24 degrees.
This discrepancy is attributed to poor housing insulation and a general attitude that Australian winters, being more temperate, don't require the same level of preparation and heating as those in traditionally colder countries.
The result is a population ill-equipped to deal with the cold snaps when they arrive, leading to discomfort and a longing for the return of sunnier days.
Stenhammer’s perspective had many Australians reflecting on their own experiences of the chilly season.
As opinions vary on the severity of winter in Australia, there's a growing interest in finding effective ways to combat the cold.
Amidst these discussions, an unlikely household item has emerged as a potential solution to beat the winter chill and save money in the process.
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