The Newbie Guide to Sweden

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Scandinavian Furniture and Design Aesthetic – Mysteries Unraveled

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Decorating your space can truly make it feel lived in and like a home. But when you’re new to a country it can be challenging to know where to buy new items such as furniture and decor. If you are looking for ways to make your home feel more Swedish, we have the details on the Scandinavian design aesthetic, plus lots of tips on furniture stores.

Disclaimer: To keep The Newbie Guide free, we use affiliate links (marked with *) and may get a commission if you click and buy using these links. This does not affect our opinions and our writers always recommend their best for your Swedish experience.

Scandinavian/Swedish Design Aesthetic

When you think of the Scandinavian design aesthetic, often images of neutral colors such as light brown/wood/taupe and lots of white come to mind. There are often elements of nature as a clear spotlight in this aesthetic, such as items made of real wood, highlighted leaves or plants, geometric shapes, and you will definitely see an animal or two, or at least their fur. This aesthetic is largely minimalistic, with a focus on a few centerpiece items rather than many. It is also aimed at functionality. Often furniture is used as more than one item – such as an ottoman and a storage space. Yes, your mind may jump to, of course, Ikea, a classic Swedish take on function and affordability, especially for smaller spaces. But there are many other designers/stores to choose from for a classic Scandinavian design.

Scandinavian Design and furnitureIf you seek even more detail from an interior designer’s perspective, read our fellow blogger’s piece on how to really bring the Swedish design into your home. He also has great tips for several price ranges, e.g. for lower price ranges, check out Clas Ohlson and Lagerhaus, and for middle to high ranges – check out Design Torget*, Design House, and Svenskt Tenn.

Scandinavian Furniture for your home

Furniture in the Scandinavian design aesthetic usually marries function with minimalism. These pieces are made from wood, or other natural textiles. The design is clean, with a focus on simplistic lines or shapes and contrasting colors such as white and wood. Often, furniture of this style can be your centerpiece item in the room, or start as a base for decorative items that complement it. Scandinavian design is all about warm, mysig (cozy in English), feels – such as candles, furs, and soft lighting, paired with simple furniture pieces.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect new piece of furniture (or new to you: check out these secondhand shops as well). Mjuk* is also a great furniture option if you are eager to keep it sustainable, as their furniture is entirely second hand.

Check out stores like, BoboHome*, Granit*, Furniw, Balkongshoppen, Mio, Jysk, Royal Design and Illums Bolighus for prime Scandinavian furniture shopping. They all guarantee that your home will be designed the Scandinavian way and bring form and function to their furniture. But, don’t be surprised if your furniture looks a lot like your neighbor’s. Many people shop at these stores, therefore homes tend to look similar once designed/furnished. You will definitely find natural textures like classic wooden stools and simple shapes and designs like geometric or plant-inspired on textiles. Furniture tends to be more minimally designe but decorative items can liven up the simplicity.

Tips before buying

Take a look at these sites before buying, as they range in price and shipping options. If you are picking up furniture yourself, you can often get a discount on shipping, but delivery (and putting together) the items can be expensive.

If you’re looking for outdoor furniture to liven up your space, take a look at Folkhemmet or Rusta for your best options. They have a wide range of prices and options, and often have discounted days or campaigns.

Still not sold? Check out this post for more detail on what many of these incredible sites/stores offer, especially if you are searching for affordable furniture and home decor stores. There are a ton of options to choose from in just this article alone. If you’re still unsure and live near Stockholm, check out this list as well for more detail on the best furniture stores in Stockholm.

Decorate the Scandinavian way

Decorative items are where the Scandinavian design aesthetic really comes into play. If you buy a simple piece of furniture that is functioning well but you want something to cozy it up – this is when you check out the Scandinavian decor stores. Decorative items range from textiles such as pillow cases with geometric or nature-inspired designs, sheep’s wool/fur, candle holders in the shape of food and animals, metal fixtures or figurines, to warm, enticing lamps.

If you’re looking for that one (or two or three) specialty piece to show off the Scandinavian aesthetic, you have a wide range of options to choose from for decor in Sweden. Some are based in Denmark, but you shouldn’t have any issues shipping to Sweden.

Sheep’s Wool and Furs

Who wouldn’t want a Danish sheep’s wool item to decorate their home? Look no farther than at these får-tastic (that’s Swedish for sheep) furs. Danish Fårskinn* and Natures Collection* both offer a wide range of wooly items, as does Nordic Sheep*. They often offer other decorative items as well, so take a look at their sites to get the full picture. 

Decorative Items

If you seek an accent item to brighten up your home, you can find a range of options. Swedes are known for their love of candles, especially during the dark months. These can be found at places such as Ennelle*, H&M Home, Åhlens*, and many others depending on your price points. If you’re looking for Scandinavian brands to bring interesting items to your home, check out the metal figures at Älska plåt*, geometric wallpaper at Retro tapeter*, or candles, lights, and decorative pillows from Trendy4you*. 

scandinavian decor

Lighting

Another way to bring in the Scandinavian design aesthetic into your home is to introduce warm lighting. In Sweden, not only will you find candles and plants in every window, but inside the home are various light fixtures that give off that warm, cozy glow. Often the designs of lights can be nature inspired (think artichokes and pine cones or animals). Or they can just be a simple design that brightens the room. If you are looking for the perfect lamp, check out stores like Markslöjd*, Ikea, Nordic Nest*, Lights of Scandinavia, and Stockholm Lighting.

All in one

Many of the stores in this article have more than just lighting or furniture. Remember the functionality concept of Scandinavian design? That extends to the stores themselves. Many of them carry furniture, lighting, decorative art, candles, glassware, textiles, etc. all in one. Be sure to check out these stores for your one stop shop to all things Scandinavian design: Svenssons*, H&M Home, Åhlens*, Clas Ohlson, Hemtext*, Designtorget*, Confident Living*, and Nordiska galleriet*.

Kitchenware and Sustainable Choices

There are many uniquely Scandinavian options to create comfort. Sustainable choices are also available for furniture, kitchenware, and cleaning products. 

For the Kitchen

The kitchen can be a great place to bring some Scandinavian design into your home. Many of the stores have functional and well designed kitchen items that make sense. For example, a biodegradable cloth that can be used to wipe up all manner of spills. Often you will find these with Scandinavian designs. Check out stores like Designtorget*, Cervera*, Kitch’n*, and Kitchen Time* for some great options. Nordic Nest* offers many textiles including tableware and other needed kitchen items as does Hemtext*.

Sustainable Options

Scandinavian design also comes in more sustainable options. Mjuk* has furniture and decor that are thoroughly cleaned and inspected but secondhand and cheaper than buying something new. They extend furniture’s life span and take care of the entire process for you. Live Home* is another great option for sustainable items. They offer cleaning and decorative items that are environmentally friendly and cheap. If you are trying to get away from using plastic, BeeLife* offers sustainable food covers that can be used many times, as well as gift cards and other presents made from beeswax. 

Scandinavian design and furniture

Decorating and furnishing your home in a foreign place can be a challenge for many people. Especially if you are trying to find a specific design style – such as Scandinavian. This list is not exhaustive. You can easily find even more Scandinavian options online or just walking through a centrum or gallerian. These are located in both small cities/towns but on a smaller scale and in larger cities/areas with many more options. Start with gallerians as they often house many different stores in one place (think a mall or shopping area).

You have lots of options for choosing Scandinavian design, whether it be furniture or decorative items for your home. Also ask the locals as they can give you great tips on the best place to buy items. 

What item are you purchasing next for your Scandinavian inspired home?

All You Need to Know About Halloween and All Saints’ Day in Sweden

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Halloween and All Saints’ Day are both celebrated in Sweden, let’s look at the differences. Halloween – a spooky tradition that now haunts Sweden alongside the rest of the world, and All Saints Day – a day of remembrance of those who have passed on. Both are full of ghosts, but one sports costumes and candy and the other light and reminiscence.

Although many of us may enjoy the cozy (mysig in Swedish) feels of autumn, the crisp air, the beautiful foliage, the candles starting to crop up in everyone’s windows, there are two events that occur at the end October and beginning of November that can really add to the coziness: Halloween and All Saints’ Day.

How is Halloween celebrated in Sweden?

Although Halloween has only more recently been widely celebrated in Sweden and throughout Europe, Swedes and non-Swedes alike have been more readily embracing the spookiness and candy-ness of Halloween since the ‘90s and (mainly) kids participate in the celebrations today. Kids dress up in costumes (mainly simple witches and other ghostly characters) and walk around their neighborhoods saying “bus eller godis” (trick or treat) and ask for candy. Teenagers are now also taking up the mantle and elevate their dress-up to more intricate costumes and go to parties or events. Adults in Sweden have the option to attend parties, events, parades, etc. as well, as some restaurants and establishments will decorate for Halloween and host events.

Halloween and all saints day in Sweden
A local COOP decorating for Halloween.

You will also find the theme of Halloween in the plockgodis (picking candy) aisles – behold many strange creatures and characters!

Local grocery stores often put up displays of pumpkins and other Halloween items such as masks, skeletons, and other fun items prior to Halloween.

Coinciding with Autumn break for many schools, Halloween (October 31st) and All Saints Day (November 1st) are often celebrated while children are at home.

Nowadays, it is a bit more common for pumpkin patches (självplock – choose yourself) to crop up at farms that typically sell other fruits and vegetables throughout the year, although this trend is still quite small and not every farm sells pumpkins that you can pick yourself.

 Halloween and all saints day in Sweden

Pumpkin Patches in Sweden

Choosing and carving your own pumpkin is a time honored tradition in many cultures that Sweden has caught on to. Not only do many grocery stores sell pumpkins these days, (to decorate or eat, you decide) but now many farms are setting up activities for the entire family and growing pumpkins in their fields (patches) in the autumn.

Stockholm

The nearest patch to Stockholm is Thorslunda, about 45 minutes outside of the city by car. You can also get there by bus. They have information on how to get to them on their website (information in Swedish). They also have a café that serves lunch and “fika”.

Southern Sweden

  • In Southern Sweden, you can pick pumpkins at Söderköpingsbonden. They also have tractor rides for the kids, pigs, and a strawberry field.
  • In Malmö, pick your pumpkins and corn at Slattvikgård.
  • In Södertälje, you can find a pumpkin patch and many other items to choose yourself at Trädgårn Södertälje.

Halloween Events in 2023

There are plenty of halloween events around Sweden to keep you spookily entertained. Here are a few from some of the major cities in Sweden. But just google Halloween + evenemang + the name of your city or Allhelgona + evenemang + the name of your city and you will find something more local.

Stockholm

If you fancy an extensive parade to enjoy with the family, Stockholm hosts the Shockholm Halloween Parade, this year taking place on November 4, 2023.

Gamla Stan hosts ghost tours all year, but around Halloween they pull out all the stops to bring an even ghostlier walk. Tours are in English and Swedish, so take a look for on their website before booking.

You can also journey through Gröna Lund amusement park to celebrate Halloween where they host special Halloween themed evenings.

Skansen, the open air museum located near Gröna Lund, hosts some fun fall activities and has a lot to do for the entire family during autumn break.

Drottningholm Slottsteater hosts a haunted theater show during the autumn holidays this year in their usually closed theatre. You book tickets on their website.

Gothenburg

In Gothenburg, there are various activities throughout the city during autumn break. Liseberg, the amusement park, decorates for Halloween and has activities for the entire family. The Culture Center puts on shows, and many more events for young, old, and in between.

What is All Saints’ Day and how is it celebrated?

All saints day

All Saints’ Day is the day to remember passed loved ones and has religious basis dating back to the 7th century. In Sweden on November 1st, many will make their way to Skogskyrkogården, an extensive cemetery and UNESCO World Heritage site. Families gather around graves of those they wish to remember and light candles. Others attend church service in one of the five chapels on the cemetery grounds. Although it is no longer seen as a religious affair, it was once considered a hallowed day, which is why All Saints’ Day is a red day (röd dag) in Sweden.

All saints day in Sweden
Candles light up the cemetery near Stockholm on All Saints’ Day.

By November 1st, Sweden can already be quite dark. But the numerous candles surrounding the gravesites up and down the entire cemetery at Skogskyrkogården is a serene sight. Skogskyrkogården is open to the public and the cemetery, aglow with candlelight, is a peaceful place to visit. If you choose to walk the paths of the cemetery, you are sure to see many families taking part in the traditions of reminiscence.

Other traditions outside of lighting candles at the cemetery include wreath making. They are made from evergreen branches that can be laid on gravesites. The wreaths are usually made to fit around candles and can also be decorated by items that have specific importance. The circular wreath is said to symbolize eternity and lighting candles are meant for remembrance.

Where do these celebrations for Halloween and All Saints’ Day in Sweden come from?

Modern day Halloween comes from Celtic traditions, where evil spirits were warded off by lighting bonfires and wearing costumes on Samhain (October 31st). It is said that the veil between the living and the dead is the thinnest on this night. This adds a layer of spook to Halloween celebrations and explains the traditions on November 1st, when All Saint’s Day (Alla helgons dag) is celebrated in Sweden. All Saints Day, also called All Hallow’s Day or All Souls Day, celebrates those that have passed on. They were said to visit family members during the Samhain celebrations the evening before (or All Hallow’s Eve).

Influence from other cultures on Halloween and All Saints’ Day in Sweden

Cultures and traditions often go beyond their physical borders – the same is true of Halloween and All Saints’ Day celebrations. Let’s delve into the influential cultures that have likely shaped Sweden’s celebrations today.

Halloween in the US

The US is a long way away from the simplicity of Samhain. Ghosts are now warded off by lighting a “bonfire” no bigger than the average jack-o-lantern with a tea light candle. But Halloween is often celebrated by child and adult alike. In the US, Halloween is treated as an important event every year. Children go trick-or-treating (or dress up in various costumes and ask the neighbors for candy) as soon as it’s dark out as well as during school hours. Adults partake in similar cosplay but go searching for alcohol instead of (or alongside) candy. Houses are decorated with pumpkins, spider webs, spooky characters, and fake grave stones. Neighbors often camp out on their front lawn dressed as their favorite characters to hand out giant candy bars. Pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides are a common occurrence and you can find them wherever there is a field (or a farm!).

Day of the Dead in Mexico

Mexico celebrates the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) on November 1st. They make offerings (ofrendas) to their family members who have passed on. These can include favorite foods, drinks, pictures, and cut marigolds. This tradition celebrates their loved one’s memory and often includes lighting candles by their gravestones.

American culture brings an over-the-top-ness to Halloween including political statements and giant skeletons. Swedish festivities are usually more simple but still influenced by the US Halloween culture. There is also a similarity to Mexican traditions in Sweden. Many Swedes journey to the cemetery (kyrkogården) to light a candle and remember their loved ones on All Saints’ Day.

Autumn in Sweden comes on quickly and moves just as quickly into winter. But in its midst are fun celebrations for Halloween and remembrance of those who came before during All Saints’ Day.

How do you plan to celebrate Halloween and All Saints’ Day? Do you have similar traditions where you are from? Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear from you!

5 facts about the crayfish party

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Before you innocently suck on your first kräftor… take the time to read these 5 facts about the do’s and don’t of Kräftskivor. At the bottom of this article, we’ve added a series of coupons for money off your big pre-crayfish party food shop. Don’t miss out!

 

1. Good bye blue sky (like we saw much of it anyways this year 😒)

Kräftskiva (the Crayfish Party) is a typical Swedish festivity that marks the end of the summer.

End of summer

Sorry for the reality call, but let’s face the truth: soon the sun will be gone, so make sure to enjoy it!

Why is it celebrated in August? The origins date back to the early 20th century when there was a risk of over-fishing. They introduced restrictions on river crayfishing and the season was limited to a couple of months from August.

2. Eat, eat, eat

In this great feast, the crayfish are cooked in a brine, with a lot of dill. They are eaten cold, with your own hands. Sucking noisily to extract the juices is a must.

Aside from crayfish, you usually eat bread and a strong cheese i.e mature Västerbotten.

Eating crayfish

3. But manners, please!

It is good to have some elegance to the table. People usually wear fancy bibs and hats during the crayfish party.

4. Drinking and singing

Snappsvisor are traditional drinking songs that are supposed to be sung when taking shots. If you can’t speak Swedish, don’t be ashamed to give it a try. Nobody will be sober to sing them right anyway…

Singing

5. Hangover

The day after a Kräftskiva you will probably feel a bit bad, but instead of blaming all the drinking you can do like the Swedes and just say “jag tål inte kräftor” (something like “it was the crayfish”).

party hangover

Learn more about the history of this celebration in this article.

Let us know what’s your favourite Swedish holiday and how do you celebrate it?

Money off coupons to use in food shops

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Midsommar songs in English

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How would you like to be able to understand Swedish midsommar songs this year? There are dozens of midsommar songs to choose from but we’ve chosen the 3 most commonly sung midsommar songs around the midsommarstång (midsommar pole).

Midsommar songs in English

The popularity of these midsommar songs also lie in the dances that go along with the songs. Understanding the lyrics makes it much easier to understand the dance moves! In this article you will find english translations of three Swedish midsommar songs, links to listen to them and some fantastic youtube tutorials on how to do the dances.

Song 1 – Björnen sover (the bear sleeps)

Swedish version

Björnen sover, björnen sover
I sitt lugna bo
Han är inte farlig
Bara man är varlig

Men man kan dock, men man kan dock
Honom aldrig tro

Björnen sover, björnen sover
I sitt lugna bo
Han är inte farlig
Bara man är varlig

Men man kan dock, men man kan dock
Honom aldrig tro (vrål)

English version

The bear sleeps, the bear sleeps
In his quiet nest;
He is not dangerous
Just be careful

But you can, but you can
Never believe him

The bear sleeps, the bear sleeps
In his quiet nest
He is not dangerous
Just be careful

But you can, but you can
Never believe him (shout)

Song 2 – Små grodarna (the small frogs)

Swedish versions

Små grodorna,
små grodorna
är lustiga att se.
Små grodorna,
små grodorna
är lustiga att se.

Ej öron, ej öron,
ej svansar hava de.
Ej öron, ej öron,
ej svansar hava de.

Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack, ack, aa.
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack, ack, aa.

English version

Little frogs,
little frogs
are fun to watch.

little frogs,
little frogs
are fun to watch.

No ears, no ears,
they don’t have tails.
No ears, no ears,
they don’t have tails.

Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit

Song 3 – Prästens lilla kråka (the priests little crow)

Swedish version

Prästens lilla kråka
skulle ut och åka,
ingen hade hon som körde.
Prästens lilla kråka
skulle ut och åka,
ingen hade hon som körde.

Än slank hon hit och
än slank hon dit,
och än slank hon ner i diket.
Än slank hon hit och
än slank hon dit,
och än slank hon ner i diket.

English version

The priest’s little crow
would go out,
She had no driver.
The priest’s little crow
would go out,
she had no driver.

Then she slid here and
then she slid there,
and then she slipped into the ditch.
Then she slid here and
then she slid there,
and then she slipped into the ditch.

Weird Swedish foods

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Weird Swedish foods is something you will come across when you are in Sweden for a longer period of time. Every country has its own food peculiarities, foods that you often miss when you are away from your home country. Foods that often also have a cultural significance. And Sweden is of course no exception when it comes to weird foods.

Here we have collected a little list of some of the weird Swedish foods and please let us know in the comments if we have missed any that should be added. Also as a bit of fun, let us know if there is any particularly weird foods from your home country!

Saltlakris – salty licorice

In 2012, a proposal was handed to the EU petitioning to limit the permitted amount of salmiak (ammonium chloride) in food. In salty licorice, the amount of salt ammonia is about 70 grams/kg. The maximum levels discussed were as low as 3 grams/kg which would have meant a ban on on salted licorice.

The reason they wished to limit the use of salmiak were studies that show a connection between excessive consumption of the substance and high blood pressure (just like with regular salt).

It is safe to say that this proposal became a BIG deal in Sweden where Swedes eat about 2 kilos of licorice per year, making Swedes supposedly the largest consumers of licorice. In the end salty licorice was considered an essential part of Swedish culture and was exempt from the new salmiac restrictions. Serious business indeed!

Kalles Kaviar – fish paste in a tube

This is really a somewhat required taste sold mainly in Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although if you do get hooked on this rather weird fish in a tube paste, you can always visit IKEA stores in other countries for a hit. Kalles Kaviar was launched in 1954 and is quite far from the fancy caviar you may have tasted before. Kalles is made of mildly smoked fish eggs, mushed together and put in a tube and is by many considered the perfect topping on the breakfast sandwich, the snack or with boiled eggs! What is your take on it?

Messmör – Soft whey butter

Messmör is a soft reduced whey butter with a sweet/salthy like flavor that is popular in Sweden and is packed full of protein, calcium and iron. Many Swedish kids remember having it for breakfast all the way back to its introduction in 1939. You can buy it in any regular shop but if you want to try making your own messmör – check out this recipe.

Mesost – soft whey cheese

This is the sibling of messmör and is usually reported to taste something like sweet goat cheese. The texture is soft and sticky, a bit crumbly and reluctant to be spread, so still very much a cheese. But the sweet-and-sour mixture together with the zesty taste is generally loved by Swedes and a good number of newbies too.

Mesost is also called brunost (brown cheese) and I believe this is when it comes from Norway. It seems that mesost has been largely absent from Swedish shelves in the last few years but that you can still find brunost if you are lucky. For my part, it brings back some fond childhood memories:-)

Ost på tub – cheese in a tube

While planning a trip to the US I was asked by a friend to bring Swedish tube food! It surprised me, tube food has always been a natural part of my life growing up in Sweden. It was something you had on the breakfast table and most definitely on picnics or hikes.

Food in tubes is such a common Swedish occurrence, that Swedes generally don’t realize that this is in fact rather unusual. So unusual and to many fascinating that Karla Marie Batingan Paredes wrote a dissertation on the topic in 2013 – Food in tubes – a retro cool Swedish innovation.

Packaging food in tubes dates to the early 20th century, when the Swedish military used tubes to package foods for soldiers. This type of packaging was practical and efficient, easy to carry and could be stored for long periods. And if you ask me, it’s not only practical but also quite tasty. But I have had it since childhood, so I am likely indoctrinated:-)

Surströmming – Fermented herring

This dish is a particularly startlingly weird specialty where the smell has caused more than one person to throw up. Many years ago I called the police because I thought my neighbor laid dead in his house. Turned out he was only eating Surströmming.

The herring is caught just prior to spawning and packed into a tin of brine to ferment. The fermentation starts from an enzyme in the spine of the fish which causes hydrogen sulphide to produce in the tin. Yummy right?! The fermenting process causes the can to bulge over time, so stand well back when opening. Surströmming is often eaten as a sandwich with waxy potatoes, red onion and dill. And two last pieces of advice. If you are invited to a Swedes party in August double check what is on the menu as surströmming is traditionally eaten in late August. And secondly – open the dang tin under water! Trust me.

Lutfisk – Sodium hydroxide fish

Let’s continue on the fishy end of this food scale. Lutfisk is a gelatinous white fish that is dried and treated with lye. It is soaked in cold water for days, prepared by steaming or baking and is eaten with a white sauce. It looks and sounds rather “interesting” but actually doesn’t have a lot of taste and is only served around Christmas. So give it a go why don’t you:-)

Kebab pizza

The kebab pizza is one of Sweden’s most popular pizzas and was created by Middle Eastern immigrants in the 1980s. It even has cultural status in Sweden. During the pandemic, kebab pizzas was one of the most ordered fast foods in Sweden.

So regardless of what you think of this unorthodox combination, you should make time to experience this unusual pizza. After all it is a cultural phenomenon and it is easy to find and kind on your wallet.

So, I have come to the end of this particular list. There are many more weird food candidates out there, so let us know your weird favorites in the comments.

Take care!

Further reading

What is it really like to work in Sweden?

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Written by our Content Manager and Writer, Nidhi Dhingra

We went on to ask, ‘What, for you, makes the work culture in Sweden so different?’, and heard back from both newbies and oldbies in Sweden, originally from or having worked in countries across Europe, Middle east, Asia and the Americas, in varying professions.

Putting together the many conversations and our own experience together, here’s the bitter-sweet (though, mostly sweet) of working in Sweden:

Work life balance
Work life balance is woven into the very fabric of the Swedish society

Ask anyone what they would most miss about working in Sweden, and it’ll be the quality time it allows one with self and family.

‘In Singapore, if you leave at 6 pm, it’s like a crime. There is an unsaid mandate of staying till 7.30 pm, whether you have work or not’, Suresh, a Senior Solutions Engineer tells us. ‘Dubai is kinda similar; you don’t leave for home before your boss does’, says Hysen, a Director-Sales & Marketing.

In Sweden, working extra very often to impress your boss will only tell him or her that you can’t manage your workload very well. It also increases the risk for the company that you could burn out, have more days of sick leave, and feel overall less satisfied with your current workplace. Most Swedish workplaces want you to feel good and not squeeze that last drop of working power out of you. ‘Holidays in Sweden are to be respected and enjoyed’, notes Shanalie, an Internal Audit Specialist, from France.

That said, ‘it is also important to remember that while the system allows for work-life balance, it’s left up to the individual to ensure that he or she does not overwork. Your manager may not be to help you with it on a regular basis’, clarifies Naresh, a Digital Data-Analytics Lead.

fika break sweden office
For Swedes, the fika or coffee break is a key part of the daily schedule at work.

Punctuality is the norm in Sweden, and it is very important to play by this rule if you’re to make a good impression on your teammates. A 2-pm meeting means that your colleagues will be ready for you five minutes prior. Hustling into the meeting room at 2:05 pm will only be seen as unprofessional.

This rule, in fact, extends to Swedish social circles as well. ‘When you set an informal appointment in Sweden, let’s say a 12.30-pm lunch, ten days from now, no one feels that it needs to be confirmed closer to the day. Whereas in Brazil, it is smart to check again if your lunch mate is still up for it’, shares Ivy, a Compliance Counsel.

It is not for nothing that Swedes are notorious for pulling out their calendars to schedule even informal engagements with family or friends.


Open and relaxed work environment

‘A big difference to Bulgaria is that Swedes don’t promise their clients things that are impossible to achieve, be it a deadline or completing a task. They are more realistic. In Bulgaria they would say “yes yes no problem, we fix it”, but most often they are unable to deliver’, remarks Tatyana.

‘There isn’t much out-of-the-box thinking in Sweden. Also, both organisations and individuals take forever to open up and hence collaborations can be challenging’, shares Vidhya, a Data and Information Architect.

Many a times, even for one born in Sweden doesn’t necessarily mean that they know the ins-and-outs of business behaviour. Fret not though – if you’re working in Sweden, irrespective of where you are in your experience of the country, we have just the course for you: Business behaviour: Accepted and expected behaviour in the Swedish job market.

It is designed and taught by Annmarie Palm, an expert in the development of work relationships and communication, and author of the book, Business behavior: Uppför dig ­­– eller tappa affären, which translates to “Business behavior – behave or lose your business”.

‘This fast-paced course takes you through all the questions you might have about the work environment in Sweden. Simple tips that will take you far in your career.’ – Anna Hochdorfer

Go ahead, and sign up for the course here.

About the Author

 

Hej hej! I’m a writer and illustrator originally from India; and now call both India and Sweden home. I have had a 2-year stint in Gothenburg — easily the best two years of my adult life. An explorer at heart, I travel often; armed with a curious mind, a sketchpad, notebook to scribble in and my taste buds – exploring by-lanes, discovering treasures, gaining new friends and experiences.

What’s ‘Christmas in Sweden’ without a julbord!

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Julbord – one thing you can not miss out on if you’re looking to soak in Christmas celebrations in Sweden. Literally translated to ‘Christmas table’, the julbord is a buffet of traditional Swedish eats, and a window into the land’s culture, habit, craving and identity.

Written by our content writer, Nidhi Dhingra

The Swedish julbord is a thing of beauty: a long table brimming with robustly flavoured local meats, fish, cheeses, and breads, embodying the Nordic palate. The julbord on Christmas day itself (December 24) is reserved as an intimate family meal to be enjoyed in a private setting. Families travel distances to be with each other, with sometimes 3-4 generations getting together under one roof. Prior to that, from mid-November until just before Christmas, julbords are offered in eateries across Sweden, and are gaily enjoyed with friends and colleagues.

Statistically, 70% of the employed in Sweden are invited to a julbord by their companies — that’s over three million guests at restaurant tables! If you’re new in Sweden, it is a perfect table around which to build or strengthen bonds, for the mood is jolly and hearts joyous with the anticipation of year-end holidays just round the corner.

The history of julbord

The julbord tradition is believed to date back to the early 1100s, with ties to the Catholic advent fast that ended on the 24th December. With tables set up in community spaces, it was a meal inviting all; putting out all the food before it went bad, and ensuring that no one went hungry, be it the rich, poor, or homeless.

In the 1500s, upper-class gatherings known as the ‘aquavit buffet’ became common. A separate table would be set up in a side room to entertain travellers and guests, with savoury bites that could be enjoyed while standing, along with glasses of aquavit (made from potato or grains and cured with herbs like caraway, dill, fennel, coriander and anise). Johanna Kindvall, writer and illustrator of the book ‘Smörgåsbord’, says it’s possible that this tradition was borrowed from the Russians who liked to mingle around eating caviar, herring and vodka.

From the mid-1800s the julbord began its transformation into its present avatar — that of a big smörgåsbord meal. The reason most likely was the invention of the iron stove, that changed the art of cooking dramatically. Previously, the food was always cooked, but now the stove gave the option to roast and bake in a whole new way. This gave way to common households making a variety of foods and snacks, often to accompany their aquavit.

Not long after, as many Swedes recall, mothers and grandmothers would be spending the entire December cooking. In a ritualistic manner, they would pick their own herring, bake their own cakes, cookies, and ham from scratch.

By the late 1800s high-end restaurants began serving smörgåsbords. In 1912, at the Olympic Games in Stockholm, the world was introduced to this Swedish specialty. Though it was in 1919 that the Swedish Academy mentioned the word “julbord” for the first time. In 1939, the Swedish Pavilion at the World’s Fair in New York presented it outside of Sweden; and the julbord was here to stay.

“Christmas Eve”, a watercolor impression from 1904 by the Swedish painter, Carl Larsson of a Christmas table

What you find at a traditional julbord

An extensive spread, the julbord begins with glögg (mulled wine with blanched almonds and raisins), and typically has five courses of food — pickled herring, fish course, cold meats, warm course, and desserts.
The conservative julborders have their meal in this very order as a strict rule. You may mix them up; however, just keep in mind that not all dishes go well together.

Pickled herring

Swedish food culture has been immensely impacted by the abundance of fish. The pickled herring is served in varieties; the senapsill (herring in a creamy mustard sauce) now being the most common. It comes from the age-old tradition of preserving raw fish with salt to endure the long winters. Once seen as poor man’s food, it now has a place of pride on the Christmas table. In fact, ask any Swede and they’ll tell you that a julbord without at least 2-3 varieties of herring is unthinkable!

Fish course

The fish course consists of salmon, cod, crayfish and prawns. A distinct preparation is ​​the lutfisk (dried cod), said to have been around since the days of the Vikings. Though it is now more held onto as a concept, than food.

Cold meats

The cold spread of cured meats includes ham, pork, elk, reindeer, moose; often paired with cheese and knäckebröd (crispbread). The obligatory julskinka, or Christmas ham, is the show stopper — boiled with aromatics and baked with glaze and breadcrumbs.

Historically, pigs were the most common domesticated animals as they populated fast and could be fed relatively inexpensively. In the 1800s, when all else was preserved meat, farmers began to hold back a few pigs for slaughter to serve them fresh at the Christmas feast. What a treat! To this day, Christmas is a very significant time of the year for the pork business in Sweden.

Warm course

Swedish meatballs, sausages, pork ribs, janssons frestelse (creamy potato casserole) and dopp i grytan or dip in the pot (a broth made from liquid in which the ham was cooked) are some of the warm dishes that follow. These are served with cabbage (red, brown and green), potatoes and beets.

Desserts

The desserts are no less varied (where’s the room for more food though?!) — from cakes, cookies (almond, cinnamon, chocolate, caramel), and chocolates to semla buns, ris a la malta (rice pudding with whipped cream) and risgrynsgröt (rice porridge dusted with cinnamon and sugar, served with a hidden almond. According to folklore, whomever gets the almond in their risgrynsgröt will be married in the coming year.

While the dishes remain classic, ingredients vary locally with significant dishes special for different parts of the country.

This king-size meal is most often accompanied by wine, julöl (a dark beer brewed for Christmas), or julmust (a non-alcoholic Christmas beverage) for kids. Several million litres of julmust are consumed in Sweden during December; more than any soft-drink competitor can beat.

I was frankly baffled by the dizzying variety I saw on my first julbord — in Liseberg, Gothenburg. The trick is to go easy, keep to the order of the courses, and not overload your plate, so you can make it to the desserts. Luckily, I was with friends who could guide me on the must-try; for there was no way I could’ve even tasted every single dish.

Booking a julbord

Quintessential to a Swedish Christmas, the julbord starts to get booked way in advance, sometimes as early as October. So make sure to get yourself a place before it’s too late.
Find one here, or here.

When you begin your search on the julbords to try around you, remember not to be overwhelmed by the choices; the average Swede will feast on a julbord more than once during the season, and so can you!

Changing trends in the classic julbord

Even though Christmas, like all other festivals, is about tradition for most Swedes, new trends are slowly finding their way into Sweden’s classic julbord. For instance, one of the biggest changes in the last decade has been the emphasis on using organic, fair trade and locally produced food. In response to this demand, organic glögg, sill and mustard are now easily available, while smoked eel is rarely included in the buffet, as it is an endangered species.

Apart from this shift, time and tastes have made way for a wide variety in julbords today, apart from the traditional.

Types of julbord and where to find them

Vegetarian and vegan julbord

Over the years, with more and more people choosing to cut out on meat consumption, the demand for vegetarian-friendly julbords has increased, leading to organisers including vegetarian alternatives in the traditional Christmas buffet. In some cases, the entire table may be created as a vegetarian meal.

Some vegetarian dishes in the julbord include vegetarian meatballs, marinated tofu or grilled turnip pâté as an alternative to the ham, mustard eggplant in place of the mustard herring, and pickled squash to replace the pickled salmon.

Here’s an updated guide we found on vegetarian-friendly julbords:
Vegetarian julbord in Stockholm
Vegetarian julbord in Gothenburg

Fish julbord

With a coastline extending over 3,000 kms, seafood preparations in Sweden are varied and delicious. If that’s your food of choice, look up restaurants known for their fish; chances are that they’d be offering julbords with a focus on seafood.
Fish julbord in Stockholm

Julbord on a cruise

Imagine enjoying your julbord while afloat on a cruise in the Swedish archipelago — enjoying the winterscape outside while the golden-hue lights and candles inside hold you warm in a feeling of ‘mysigt’.
Here’s where to find a julbord on a cruise.

Julbord with a show

If it’s music and laughter you like with your food, go for a julbord with a show. There’s numerous options to choose from, and something for everyone. You may dig into the feast while cracking up over a stand-up comedy, wafting to some jazz, enjoying a play, getting nostalgic over 90s music, or maybe nodding to some rock and roll.
Find one here:
Julbord with a show – in Stockholm
Julbord with a show – in Gothenburg

Hosting a julbord at home

Julbord in a home setting is the most intimate form of Christmas in Sweden

If you’re feeling brave enough, you could host your own julbord and invite friends over.

Daunting as the idea may be, there’s but one thumb rule to keep in mind cooking: Focus on quality, and not quantity. For, a smaller number of tasty, well-prepared dishes will go down better than a large spread of average food, and it’ll be less stressful too.

Here’s a handy link with some staple Swedish julbord recipes. Just pick your favourites from each category and get started!

Remember to serve some glögg to start with, and stock up on some wine and beer to go with the food. You may also look up mumma, an old-fashioned Swedish Christmas cocktail made of four types of alcohol; available at Systembolaget. A low-alcohol alternative to it would be svagdricka, a malt drink that’s dark, sweet, and still made by a few breweries.

Whether you enjoy a julbord in a restaurant or at home, either way, try it you must, for ‘you have to taste a culture to understand it’.

E-learning book: ‘Beyond Fika’: The A–Z of Swedish Habits Demystified

In an easy to navigate A-Z format, ‘Beyond Fika’ is an encyclopedia of common Swedish terminology, history and contemporary life and habits. A handy guide to making you feel at home in Sweden.
Written by Mattias Axelsson, an acknowledged expert on Swedish holidays and traditions, it is the perfect companion for anyone curious about life in this Nordic country.

Buy the book here.

 

About the Author

Hej hej! I’m a writer and illustrator originally from India; and now call both India and Sweden home. I have had a 2-year stint in Gothenburg — easily the best two years of my adult life. An explorer at heart, I travel often; armed with a curious mind, a sketchpad, notebook to scribble in and my taste buds – exploring by-lanes, discovering treasures, gaining new friends and experiences.

Advent in Sweden

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When it comes to Christmas, Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia are the kings! The period of Advent in Sweden is a joyous time to celebrate with friends and family. Festive lights, markets and paper stars brighten up the dark, cold nights and set the mood for the festive season ahead.

Written by William Mansell

Photo by William Mansell

Julkalendern

The lighting of a candle on the fourth Sunday before Christmas marks the start of Advent. From 1st December a new door on an advent calendar is opened revealing a picture or chocolate.

The Swedes, ever the forerunners of life have taken this concept to a new level. Julkalendern (The Christmas Calendar) is a TV special produced every year. Split into 24 parts, lasting 10-15mins per episode, the story is slowly unravelled day by day like a traditional calendar. Since 1960, a whole library of tales have been told from pirates & superheroes to time travel & Santa.
The 2021 edition: En hederlig jul med Knyckertz (A normal Christmas with Knyckertz) follows the story of 11yr old Tove who wants to celebrate a normal Christmas despite his family being petty criminals. Watch Here

Sankta Lucia

On the 13th December, the festival of Saint Lucia is celebrated .The day is observed with public processions of school boys and girls dressed in white robes. Boys are called ‘Starboys’ and typically wear a conical hat adorned with stars while girls wear a wreath crown. One chosen girl gets the special honour of portraying Lucia. She leads the procession and singing whilst wearing a candle lit wreath, lighting the way.

Photo by William Mansell

Gävlebocken

Made of straw, Gävlebocken is a giant version of a Swedish Yule goat. Erected every year at the beginning of Advent in the city of Gävle, north of Stockholm. This delightful display first created in 1966, while quiet in nature has become the talk of the town due to its unfortunate survival track record. Out of a possible 54, the goat has only managed to survive arson attacks 18 times. The past 4 years has been it’s best survival period in history! Can 2021 see Gävlebocken stick out the Christmas season for another consecutive year?

Mat & Dryck

Advent in Sweden would not be complete without food & drink! Glögg parties are popular excuses for seeing friends and family. Filled with Pepparkakor (gingerbread) Lussebullar (saffron buns) & mulled wine, their spiced aromas synonymous with Christmas set the mood perfectly.

Enjoyed throughout Advent and especially on Saint Lucia day, Lussebullar or Lucia buns are go to treats. If you are in Stockholm, why not visit the wonderful annual gingerbread exhibition at ArkDes?!

Photo by William Mansell

Julmust, a soft drink similar to root beer & cola is a favoured beverage the Swedes love to consume during Advent. Only sold at this time of year, the drink is so popular, it outsells Coca-Cola by 50%

The Julbord or Christmas table is a smörgåsbord of Swedish foods. Several courses of small plates make up the buffet style meal. Foods include: different fishes, pickled herring, cold meats, Christmas ham, sausages, potatoes & of course meatballs! Traditionally served on Julafton (Christmas Eve), many restaurants also offer the julbord throughout December.

Find out more about how Sweden Celebrates Christmas here.

Useful Vocabulary:

  • Jul – Christmas
  • God Jul – Happy Christmas
  • Julafton – Christmas Eve
  • Tomten – Santa
  • Snö – Snow
  • Stjärna – Star
  • Ljus – Light/candle
  • Julgran – Christmas tree
  • Julklapp – Christmas present

What is your favourite part of Christmas? Will you be spending Advent in Sweden? Let us know in the comments!

About the Author

I’m a wannabie Swede, currently living in the UK, hoping to soon call Sweden home! A designer, creator and all-round Swedish fan, I am highly interested in the culture, music, design, nature & of course Fika! When I’m not travelling, I also love to watch Scandi noirs, listen to Swedish music & I watch Melodifestivalen every year! These have all helped me to develop my Swedish language skills!

Birthdays in Sweden

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Written by William Mansell

Celebrations are a big deal in Sweden, be it for Christmas, Easter or Midsommar and birthdays are no exception! The Swedes even celebrate their fabulous Fika treats on various days throughout the year!

First things first;

  • Grattis på födelsedagen – Happy Birthday or Grattis – Congratulations for short.
  • Jag är (Tjugosju) år gammal – I am (Twenty Seven) years old.

Special Birthdays

Every birthday is celebrated in Sweden and decade birthdays in particular are by and large always extra special. Celebrated with friends and family, children often have birthday parties.

One tradition the Swedes have taken to is waking up the birthday boy/girl, no matter how old they are! Family members sing ‘Ja må du leva’ and bring presents to open in bed. Birthday cards are notably less common than in the UK so consequently best wishes are generally sent by sms and/or in person.

Mexicans have Quinciñeras (15th), Americans have Sweet 16 and most places celebrate 18th or 21st as special milestones. On the other hand Sweden views 20 as a bigger birthday than 18. Although legally Swedes can drink at 18 it should be noted that they have to be 20 to buy alcohol at systembolaget (government run liquor store) hence why 20 is more meaningful than 18.

Birthday Song – Födelsedagssång

Swedes love their songs. From Melodifestivalen to the many drinking songs sung at every celebration. And  you’ve guessed it there’s also a birthday song, however it’s not the classic ‘Happy Birthday to you’ we’ve all come to know. The swedes have their own song! ‘Ja, må han/hon leva’ (Yes, may he/she live) And at the end everyone shouts Hurra Hurra Hurra Hurra!

Listen here

Lyrics:

Ja, må han leva! // Ja, må han leva! // Ja, må han leva uti hundrade år!

Javisst ska han leva! // Javisst ska han leva! // Javisst ska han leva uti hundrade år!

 

Birthday Cake – Födelsedagstårta

Photo by William Mansell

What birthday would be complete without a cake? The Princesstårta is by far the most popular to enjoy on birthdays. It was Named in honour of three princess who were said to have a strong affection for the cake. The cake is a layer cake with pastry cream, raspberry jam and whipped cream. With a green layer of marzipan covering the cake, pink roses and a dusting of icing sugar finish the decoration. A delicious addition to any birthday! Bonus points for taking fika to share at work.

How do you celebrate birthdays? Do you have any fun and interesting traditions? Let us know in the comments.

E-learning course: Your Swedish learning options

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about The Swedish stuff? Where can you learn? How does it work? Can you join the different options if you don’t have a Swedish personal number? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just confusing this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to make a good decision. Here you will learn about:

 

  • The different study options to learn Swedish in Sweden.
  • The differences between study alternatives.
  • How much Swedish (and other things) you need for other educational paths in Sweden as well as to work in Swedish.

After finishing this course, you will be able to make an educated study choice and you will learn the most important key words and phrases for studying Swedish in Sweden. Hopefully, Swedish will start making sense!

 

Sign up to your course here

About the Author

I’m a wannabie Swede, currently living in the UK, hoping to soon call Sweden home! A designer, creator and all-round Swedish fan, I am highly interested in the culture, music, design, nature & of course Fika! When I’m not travelling, I also love to watch Scandi noirs, listen to Swedish music & I watch Melodifestivalen every year! These have all helped me to develop my Swedish language skills!

Swedish transport

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Written by Malena Rasetto

As I said in many articles, I lived in Sweden for 5 months as a volunteer. I moved from south to north, north to west and west to the south again. How did I travel around? How was the public transport? Is Swedish transport good enough to move around?

Train station, Östersund
Östersund, Sweden. Photo by Malena

Swedish transport is very good! As I expected it’s punctual and very comfortable. I travelled the country by bus and train and it wasn’t cheap but it wasn’t expensive neither, it was all about how and what to buy. 

I arrived at Ystad by ferry from Bornholm, and from Ystad, I took a train and a bus to Lönsboda. Both, the train and the bus were very punctual, I got my tickets in advance and I didn’t have problems at all with the schedule.

Travelling 15 hours from Stockholm to Kiruna by train

I spent 4 days in the capital, Stockholm, and then I took the longest train ever to the Arctic Circle. The train cost me around 50EUR. It was second class, which means normal seats. So sleeping wasn’t comfortable

Artic Circle, December 2020
Jokkmokk, Sweden. Photo by Malena

at all, there was not enough space.

However, it was my choice. I want to make clear that in Sweden, as in many countries around Europe, you can buy your own train cavin. That is to say, a little cavin with few beds to travel comfortably during the night.

Regarding food, you can take your own supplies or buy in the bar inside the train that is located in one of the middle carriages. 

Swedish transport in the Arctic Circle

In my experience, the bus connection is not that good, plus, there are no many options to move from town to town.

As you may know, if you go to the Arctic Circle, it’s because you want to catch some northern lights. So, I recommend you rent a car or drive your own car, you’ll have more freedom to move around.

Travelling 14 hours by bus 

Östersund centre, Sweden
Östersund, Sweden. Photo by Malena

It sounds silly because I took a bus instead of a train because of the price, I’m a low-cost solo traveller. 

I got one of my lasts volunteer jobs in Sweden, in Östersund. Taking a train was expensive and the connection wasn’t good enough. All trains go to Stockholm central station. It was pointless. So I decided to take a bus that left me a block away from my new home. 

The price was a bit cheaper than the train, and I had to change at Gällivare station, where I waited 5 minutes for the last bus to come and travelled for another 13 hours to Östersund. 

My experience with Swedish transport

Train from Ystad to Lönsboda
Ystad train station. Photo by Malena

As I said before, the Swedish transport was better than I expected. If it had been delayed, it was because of the snow. We should keep in mind I spent winter in Sweden. Here’s an article I wrote about how to survive the Swedish winter. 

After those long-distances trains and buses, I took regional buses to travelled from Klagstorp to Malmö and vice-versa many times in 2 months. It was within the region of Skåne. 

Thanks to mobile phones and apps, you can buy tickets through apps, you’ll get the QR-code that you can use straight away from your phone. No need to print tickets. The national train company is called SJ. However, if every region has it own app and public services. I used Skå (Skåne) and SJ. 

Torning torso, Malmö.
Malmö, Sweden. Photo by Malena

Finally, my experience with Swedish transport was amazing. It took a lot to have a look and find good connections avoiding Stockholm but it was not impossible. I never flow within or out of Sweden given I decided to travel by land around Europe.

Hope this information was useful and answer most of your questions. Travelling around Sweden is not complicated at all, it’s all bout patience, time and a good budget. 

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen.

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner.

 

Sign up to your course here

About the Author

Hej! I’m Malena. I’m an Argentinian travelling Sweden. After living in Ireland for 2 years and a half I decided to start backpacking Europe. I’ve been living with different families since then. I love to be around different cultures, I love outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. I love blogging, reading and writing. You can find me on Instagram as @malenarasetto. I really hope you enjoy my articles! Vi ses!

Around Sweden in 8 buildings

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Written by William Mansell

Sweden has come a long way architecturally from the classic ‘Falu Röd färg’ red houses. From tree & Ice hotels to a twisted skyscraper. Sweden boasts an eclectic variety of architecture to rival any country.
Come take a journey around Sweden in 8 buildings.

Public Library, Stockholm

One of Stockholm’s lesser known gems Located on the corner of Odengaten & Sveavägen is the public library. The unassuming terracotta orange exterior blends in with its surrounding buildings. Undoubtedly the real magic is seen from inside where the round library exudes insta-worthy beauty.

Photo by Karl Hörnfeldt/Unsplash.com

Turning Torso, Malmö

Southern Sweden is home to Sweden’s only & Scandinavia’s tallest skyscraper. The Turning Torso is a neo-futurist building designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. Anchored firmly to Malmö soil, the iconic landmark can be seen for miles, especially on approach over the Öresund bridge from Copenhagen.

Kiruna Church, Kiruna

The northern most city in Sweden, Kiruna is famous for its mine and more recently for moving its city centre 3km. It is also home to some interesting architecture. Kiruna church is one of Sweden’s biggest wooden buildings. Inspired by the Sami culture in a gothic revival style, the church is set to also be deconstructed, moved and reconstructed.

Avicii Arena, Stockholm

Formerly the Ericsson Globe, Globen for short, is the worlds largest hemispherical building. Whilst also functioning as an indoor arena it also represents the sun in the worlds largest scale model of the solar system. The unmissable point on Stockholm’s skyline offers great views over the capital.

City Hall, Stockholm

Photo by Omar Sotillo Franco/Unsplash.com

A large percentage of Sweden’s architecture can be found in its capital, Stockholm. Situated on the edge of Kungsholmen is Stadshuset or city hall in all its romantic style glory. Home to the Nobel prize banquet, the 3 golden crown topped, 106m bell tower also provides gorgeous views over Stockholm and lake Malären.

Emporia Mall, Malmö

One of the biggest shopping malls in Sweden home to some 200 shops, Malmö’s Emporia proudly shows off its contemporary curved glass façade. Swedish architects Wingårdgs designed the building to break shopping centre conventions.

Kuggen, Gothenburg

Also designed by Wingårdhs, Kuggen is one of Gothenburg’s newest members on  the block. Part of the Chalmers University of Technology, this green designed building is contemporarily clad in red, terracotta and green cladding. Finished with triangular glazed windows and a movable sunscreen track, Kuggen is truly unique.

Photo by Alexandre Van Thuan/Unsplash.com

Stortorget, Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Arguably the most photographed buildings in Stockholm, #18, 20 & 22 have not only become icons of the city but also the country. These medieval, higgledy-piggledy, colourful buildings set the tone for the rest of the old town, Gamla Stan which oozes history.

For more info click here.

The future of Swedish architecture looks bright & shows no signs of stopping. The redevelopment of Slussen and the instalment of the new ‘Guldbron’ bridge in Stockholm is proof enough!

Have you spotted any of these buildings on your travels around Sweden? Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.

E-learning course: Preparing your move to Sweden

Are you already feeling a bit overwhelmed about all the stuff you need to figure out how to move to Sweden? We’ve got you covered. Over the years we’ve been repeatedly told just stressful this process can be so we created a digital course with all the information you need to move. Here you will learn about:

 

  • Short (and long facts) about Sweden.
  • The history and background of Sweden in regards to democracy, religious freedom, gender equality, social security, child welfare and LGBTQIA+.
  • The types of visas and residence permits that are available plus the requirements.
  • Important Swedish agencies, and trust us, you DO need to know about these ones.
  • How to find a place to stay and how to avoid rental fraud.
  • How to pack for your move depending on the season.
  • And there will be some quizzes to make sure you are paying attention and not falling asleep at your screen.

After finishing this course, you will have a greater understanding of what has made Sweden what it is today, how you best prepare for a move here and to get your stay here started in the best manner.

 

Sign up to your course here

About the Author

I’m a wannabie Swede, currently living in the UK, hoping to soon call Sweden home! A designer, creator and all-round Swedish fan, I am highly interested in the culture, music, design, nature & of course Fika! When I’m not travelling, I also love to watch Scandi noirs, listen to Swedish music & I watch Melodifestivalen every year! These have all helped me to develop my Swedish language skills!

Travelling Sweden as a volunteer

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Written by Malena Rasetto

I lived in Sweden for 5 months, and the unique thing is that I didn’t live in one place but around. 

I decided to travel to Sweden as a volunteer, which means to work in exchange for food and accommodation. In some places, I stayed 1 week, in others two months… 

Travelling Sweden as a volunteer

Skåne, Sweden
Skåne, Sweden. Photo by Malena

The question is how I found volunteer jobs. There are many platforms you can use, in my case I used Workaway. Workaway is an online website that you use to travel the world in exchange for accommodation and food. 

I was staying in my first workaway in Denmark when I found a volunteer job in Sweden. It was mid-December when I moved to Lönsboda to help to rebuild a house and do some gardening. Lönsboda is a small town in the south of Sweden, there’s literally nothing to see or do, but it’s amazing to explore the culture. After my stay in Lönsboda, I went to Stockholm to spend few days before travelling to the arctic circle to spend a month catching Auroras Borealis. 

Once I arrived in Kiruna, I stayed in a hostel, spent Christmas and never seen the Northern Lights. However, I never gave up, and after 4 wonderful days in Kiruna, I went to my second workaway in Sweden, in Jokkmokk, still in the arctic circle. It was there where I caught two northern lights. 

It was time to leave the north and keep travelling Sweden as a volunteer, so in mid-January, I moved to Östersund, a city near Åre. I had the time of my life learning how to ski and going back to ice skating. 

After those two wonderful months in the middle of Sweden, I went to Gothenburg for few days and finally to Klagstorp to my last workaway in a yoga retreat. 

Why do I recommend travelling Sweden as a volunteer?

Jokkmokk, Sweden. Photo by Malena

It’s an experience you will never forget! It gave me a glance at the culture and Swedish people. Here’s my article about Swedish people through an Argentinian´s eyes.

In my experience, Sweden is beautiful from north to south, from west to east. I had the opportunity to spent winter and the beginning of spring in such a country. It was wonderful to see the snow melting and the green trees appearing.

Sweden in winter is a white country. Snow and darkness are the protagonists from December to February. The sunrise is at 11 am and the sunset is at 14 pm. During the night, however, given it’s completely white it looks like it’s daylight. You’ll feel you are in a movie. 

My personal experience

Skåne, Sweden. Photo by Malena

I have never imagined living up north and in the southest point of the same country. Sweden is a huge country to travel to and enjoy. There are plenty of outdoor activities to do in every season. So, if you are thinking about moving or travelling to Sweden, stop asking yourself when and just go! And remember you can enjoy Sweden travelling as a volunteer 🙂 

About the Author

Hej! I’m Malena. I’m an Argentinian travelling Sweden. After living in Ireland for 2 years and a half I decided to start backpacking Europe. I’ve been living with different families since then. I love to be around different cultures, I love outdoor activities like hiking and swimming. I love blogging, reading and writing. You can find me on Instagram as @malenarasetto. I really hope you enjoy my articles! Vi ses!