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!

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.

Cycling rules in Sweden

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What are the important rules for cycling in Sweden? There is no doubt that Sweden is an amazing place for riding a bicycle. The urban areas have plenty of extensive bike paths and it’s a very common way to get around here. Of course, each country has their own rules around cycling. Read about the cycling rules in Sweden before you hop on your bicycle and get on your way.

Are helmets mandatory in Sweden?

Wearing a helmet in Sweden is only mandatory up to the age of 15. However, it is always the safest choice to wear a helmet even if it’s not mandatory.

What equipment does my bicycle need?

Your bike needs to be equipped properly to be safe on the Swedish roads and bike paths. By law, your bicycle needs to have working brakes and a bell. There are also other important parts your bike needs to be visible to traffic in the dark.

Your bicycle will need:

  • A red light reflector at the rear. The light must be clearly seen at a distance of 300 metres. You can use a flashing taillight if it flashes at least 200 times per minute.
  • Headlights that shine bright with white or yellow light or a light reflector that can be seen at a distance of 300 metres.
  • A white light reflector at the front and a white or orange-yellow reflector on the side.

Where am I allowed to ride my bike?

In the urban areas there are a lot of bicycle paths you can use. If there is no bike path, then you should cycle on the right side of the road. You should always avoid riding on pedestrian pathways. You must pay attention to signage when you are riding your bike to make sure you are following the rules and not riding in any areas where bikes are not allowed.

When you are riding on the road with traffic you must obey by the road rules – stop at red lights and signal your turns. If you do not follow the road rules on your bike you could face a hefty fine plus you can put yourself and others in danger.

What type of bike should I ride in Sweden?

For riding around in the city, the ‘damcykel’ is a great option. It comfortable to get on and off and includes a basket at the front. The ‘damcykel’ is ideal for cycling around town at a leisurely pace.

If you want to travel along roads and at faster speeds, a hybrid bicycle is perfect. The hybrid bicycle is a mix of a road bike and mountain bike, so you can ride across many different terrains with ease.

Electric bikes are becoming more and more popular in Sweden. The great thing about an electric bike is that you can easily travel to and from work without becoming sweaty or exhausted.

Where can I buy second hand bikes in Sweden?

If you want to save money, buying a second hand bike is a great alternative. To find bikes, google ‘second hand cyklar’ plus the name of your city. The results will show places nearby that sell second hand bikes. You can also browse for bicycles on sites like Tradera and Blocket.

Now that you know all the cycling rules in Sweden, get inspired by these blog posts to explore Sweden by bike!

6 apps you cannot live without in Sweden

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Written by Fabiola Isidro Alemán

A typical routine in my new Swedish life cannot be described without mentioning digital solutions that I use in my everyday life – The StorStockholms lokaltrafik app to get my mobile travelcard and check real-time departures, mobile BankID to securely log into my bank account, and many other digital public services, the Swish app to instantly send or receive money and many other things that I can do through my phone – Here I share some essentials apps to download if you are new in Sweden and wish to start conducting a digital lifestyle. 

In Sweden, even the most basic errands can be done through an electronic device, from buying groceries to paying taxes, no matter how remote. This country has long led innovation and ranked high in terms of digital development. It comes as no surprise that digital services are well integrated into Swedish life. The good news is that navigating a digital lifestyle has never been easier than before. A highlight of my experience living here has been becoming digital-savvy in such a natural and smooth way, it all started through the comfort of my phone. So, let me walk you through those must-have apps if you are new in Sweden, you will also discover a bonus recommendation at the end:

Mobile BankID

Of course, this app deserves the first mention. Perhaps you just arrived in Sweden or have plans to relocate here soon, then you need to know what this app is and why this is a part of the digital essentials.

 Mobile BankID is an electronic identification system for smartphones owned by many Swedish and Scandinavian banks. You can use it to verify your identity and log into public digital services such as The Swedish tax agency (Skatteverket) or The Swedish Board of Student Finance (CSN) e-services. A six-digit code connected to your Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) is all that you need. It does ease the pain of having to think of all the user names and passwords you need to log into e-services.

It is definitely an easier and smoother alternative to conventional forms of identification. However, you need to know that in order to obtain your mobile bankID, you must have a Swedish personal identity number (personnummer) and be a customer of one of the banks that issue bankID. You can order Mobile BankID directly from your bank once you open an account. 

Swish

Have you heard the term cashless society? Well, Sweden is the pioneer. Many shops and restaurants in Sweden don’t accept cash, and that is not even a problem because there are digital services that simplify payments. Who wants to pay cash when you can swisha, yes…it is even a verb! It means to instantly pay through your phone.

Swish is the app that will most likely save you from many difficult situations like forgetting your wallet, splitting a bill with friends at a restaurant, or simply buying things online. I get my e-tickets for the bus and metro paying with Swish. 

All you need to do is download the app and connect your phone number to your bank account (A bank participating in the system). You also need to verify your identity every time you wish to transfer, guess how? Correctly, through BankID. 

At this point, it is important to emphasize that you want to plan and prioritize obtaining a Swedish identification number so you don’t have any struggle, including using Swedish digital services. Here is a relevant article from The Newbie Guide to Sweden with helpful advice on how to register for an identity number.

Swish app

Kivra

This is perhaps not as known as the previous ones but it is a must-to-download app in Sweden. It’s a digital mailbox for important documents such as income declarations or vaccination certificates from authorities, bills from connected companies that you can pay straight from the app, and grocery or shopping receipts that you can collect in the app instead of printing them.  No more unnecessary paper in your life and no more risk to lose important documents as everything is in one place!

Have a look at Kivra website to know more.

1177 app

The Swedish healthcare guide in your phone. This app is your go-to if you want to find well-sourced information about many diseases and symptoms. It also has log-in functions to access your medical journal, prescriptions, and to find out your nearest healthcare center. Something good to know is that in Sweden if you get sick and are unsure about visiting a healthcare center or hospital, you can call 1177 and receive advice from a nurse, they will determine whether you need to visit a healthcare center or hospital or not. This is a way to make medical services more efficient.

Visit the 1177 website to learn more.

SL app (Public transport apps)

Opting for public transport could be a clever mobility choice. Sustainable and smart mobility is a priority in Sweden, making it easier and smoother to move around. SL app applies only to Stockholm although many cities in Sweden have their own systems working under the same principle of digitalization —SL app for Stockholm, västtraffik app for Göteborg, Skånetrafiken app for Malmö — It took a while for me to digitalize my experience commuting on public transport. Not only can you plan ahead your journey through the app but you can also check real-time departures and get your mobile tickets and mobile travel card. I used to have a physical travel card that I charged monthly. However, physical cards have disadvantages, sometimes I found myself in uncomfortable situations where I forgot my card and realized it just when I was at the bus door (Ouch!). Those days were completely gone when I embraced my mobile travel card and bye-bye plastic card. SL allows you to pay by Swish but you also have bank card payment options.

Smart grocery shopping apps

The Swedish biggest food retailers are also following along with innovation. Self-scan and checkout systems are often what you see in a supermarket in Sweden. Smart grocery shopping may sound a bit intimidating but do not fear! It is designed to meet your needs. I use the ICA app to write my shopping list, find recipes by ingredient, catch up with special offers, activate my self-scan and, self-checkout at the store. I also get all my receipts electronically through Kivra (Oh yes! less paper in my life). These functions have really helped me save time and money! The reason why it is one of my top 3 favorites and part of my home screen. The coop app has similar functions that you can explore as well. If you are hesitating, I highly recommend trying smart shopping, whatever your app choice is… your life will get easier!

Bonus: SV lexikon, SAOL

As a bonus, I would like to share some digital tools that helped me in my Swedish learning process (No, it’s not Duolingo!). What if you could have access to thousands of new Swedish words through your phone? Try these apps:

  • SV lexikon: It is a digital dictionary that translates to up to two languages at the same time. For e.g. If you would like to translate to your mother tongue and English. Unlike a regular translator, this app provides syntax and semantics, and examples of use.
  • SAOL: If you plan to become an advanced learner, you want to use the word list of the Swedish Academy (Svenska Akademiens ordlista). Here you find a more developed form of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. This app is your go-to if your translation app isn’t enough. 

Embracing a digital life

Part of thriving in this new country was opening my perspective and embracing new ways of living. It makes sense for me as digital development is a way to support sustainability and socio-economic growth. These digital solutions aim to make certain processes more sustainable and hassle-free. It is also important to highlight that navigating a more digital lifestyle does not mean giving up on physical experiences. On a personal note, I decide to stay with apps that give more than it takes. 

I’m curious to know if you find these apps to download in Sweden helpful. Which apps are your favorite ones? Which ones are you planning to download?  Let more newbies know about them in the comments below.

 

About the Author

Hej! I’m Fabiola and I come from Mexico. I left tropical palm trees for cold snow but I’ve gained a lot of insights and perspective after living and studying abroad. I’ve been fortunate to learn from different cultures and lifestyles such as those from England, France, Spain, and now Sweden. In my every day I do business and creative stuff. I love chocolate & cheese treats and I get lost in time with film score music and singing. Hope you find my life experiences helpful!

6 essential suggestions when you are new in Sweden

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Written by Chia May

Hej Hej! So you’re new in Sweden and probably already have a checklist on what you’ll have to do.  These are my top 6 essential suggestions that I wished I knew when I first move to Stockholm.

This list does not mention housing, but there are super helpful articles here to help you navigate housing in Sweden!

Essential Suggestions 1: Personal number

To be honest, I initially thought having a personal number and Swedish ID are the same thing!  They are in fact 2 entirely different things. The flow is as such: Register yourself at the nearest Skatterverket to receive your personal number first.  It took me about 2-3 weeks to receive my personal number.  The time estimation that it takes to get your personal number (personnummer) varies, hence the tip here is to register yourself as soon as you arrived in Sweden.  

Have a look at our section “Register for a personal identity number” to have more infomration. Please note that the requirements differ based on where you are from ( EEA / non EEA, and more).  Click here to check what you’ll have to bring based on where you’re from, under the “ Moving to Sweden” category.     

Essential Suggestions 2: Swedish ID

Soon you’ll receive a letter from Skatterverket with your personal number! The format is basically as such: YYYYMMDD-XXXX ( your birth date and year plus a 4 unique digit code at the end).  You’re now part of the Swedish population yay! 

As soon as you receive that letter, click here to book a time for your Swedish ID card.

There is a payment of SEK 400 and bring along the proof of payment, together with your residence permit card and passport. How soon you can get your Swedish ID seems to be a tricky question.  My Swedish ID was ready for collection in 2 weeks.  However, I also have friends who waited for more than 2 months just to get their Swedish ID.  Thus the urgency to register yourself as soon as you arrive! 

Here is the link from Skatterverket on the conditions to apply for your Swedish ID.  

3. Validate your University education 

This is the easiest essential suggestion on my list.  It is a fairly simple process that you can start before arriving in Sweden.  You can upload your transcript and higher education certificate to their website here. You’re can apply for recognition without any Swedish personal number or ID.  However, they have a long processing time.  Mine took almost 3 months,  hence the suggestion to submit your documents before you arrive in Sweden.  While they are looking into your certificates you’ll have a case number, which will allow you to register for SIFA classes.

4. Start learning Swedish

I can’t stress this enough! Despite Swedes being able to speak in English, it is still best to learn Swedish.  Learning Swedish is definitely an essential suggestion if you intend to stay here for the long term.  There are 2 available Swedish language courses, SFI or SIFA. I am currently enrolled in the SIFA program – in SFINX specifically for engineers and architects.  SIFA is an intensive Swedish program for people with academic backgrounds.  Each course is 9 weeks long and you’ll have a national test at the end of each course.  The classes are structured and intense, and I enjoy being able to learn Swedish at this pace. It is fun to see my progress in Swedish now that I’m 18 weeks into the program! 

You can find the schedule for SIFA classes (in Stockholm) and their required documents for enrollment from this link. 

5. Bank ID

I’ve found registering for a bank here in Sweden the most perplexing, especially because I was unemployed and not a student.  Most major banks will not allow you to register for a bank account, citing that you have no use for a bank account if you’re not working or studying! Ah the frustration because if you have no bank account, you’ll have no bank ID.  If you live here in Sweden, you’ll soon find out that you’ll need a Bank ID for everyday things! 

I manage to open a bank account with Handelsbanken, and I highly recommend them based on my experience when I opened my bank account.  Remember to make an appointment via email to the Handelsbanken branch near you, and bring along your Swedish ID.  

6. Register yourself for healthcare

The last, and certainly not the least essential suggestion that I have for you is to register yourself on 1177.se!  It took me almost 5 months after moving to Stockholm to realize that I needed to register myself on the website.  The healthcare system in Sweden is very different compared to where I’m from.  I was used to going to the nearest clinic directly when I am sick ! 

You’ll need a Bank ID to register yourself on 1177.se.  You can pick your health provider which can be a clinic or a hospital, depending on where you stay.  If you are feeling unwell, you’ll have to make an appointment on the website before you see the doctor.  You’ll then receive a call from the clinic / or you will receive an SMS notification from the clinic at the website to confirm your visit.  

The list in the essential suggestions is not exhaustive, but I hope it is a helpful one for you! Welcome to Sweden and I hope you’re having a great time navigating through Swedish life and culture 🙂

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

Hi! I’m Chia May. Born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I moved to Sweden at the end of 2020. My background is in Architecture, and my passions are exploring new cities and literally looking at it’s building, people watching, trying out new restaurants, listening to a good story shared by a stranger and petting all the cats and dogs that I can while taking a walk. Since I’m new in this city I can’t wait to share my perspective as a Newbie! I hope you’ll enjoy my post.

11 Mobile Apps International Students in Sweden Must Have

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Written by Hamzah Dzikri Fadliansyah

In this digitalized era, everything is handy. You just need to click and scroll everything through your mobile phone to operate everything. Some essential things can be done remotely by using your smartphone. Speaking of which, Sweden is one of many countries where everything is all digitalized. As international students living in Sweden, this fact may surprise you. Fear not! I will tell you 11 mobile apps international students in Sweden must have, which can let you immerse with the lifestyle of this digital society.

Canvas

First of all, as you are studying here, the mobile app that should be downloaded first is Canvas. Although some universities have their own online platform, Canvas is widely used by most universities in Sweden. At least, at my university, we use Canvas to access all the school materials and course resources. With this app, you can check our schedule, the venues, lecture notes, video tutorials, and many other things. In Canvas, you can also submit assignments and receive your grades. Sometimes, in addition to email, the faculty also send us announcement and messages through Canvas.

Zoom

Since the pandemic started, everything has been conducted remotely, including teaching-learning activities. Therefore, the universities provide students with a free premium Zoom account to accommodate this. We mainly use the Zoom platform at my campus for attending lectures, presentations, webinars, and many academic activities. Just log in with your university account, and voila! You can use it as much as you want. You can also use Zoom for other purposes, such as group work with your peers. However, you should also note that maybe some universities have different platforms similar to Zoom for teaching-learning activities.

Studenkortet & Mecenat

When you join a university nation, you will receive both digital and physical cards from the student organization. These cards will enable you to get student discounts and access student events. In the app called Studentkortet, you just need to register to one of the student nations at your university. You will then be asked to login into the Studenkortet app. Once the digital card is ready in the app, you can check all of the student discounts there, including clothes, sports equipment, flight ticket, and of course, food!

Another mobile app international students in Sweden must have similar to Studentkortet is Mecenat. If Studenkortet asks you to register to a student nation at your university, Mecenat does not need that. You just need to register yourself and put your personal details there. It is free, and you can also access some student discounts!

Facebook

Facebook is starting to lose its users in my country, especially for young people. However, in Sweden, Facebook is one of the important mobile apps international students in Sweden must have. Most of the students in Sweden use Facebook to communicate with each other. They also hold some events through Facebook. For example, my classmates coordinate a Facebook group for our program. They share a lot of information there. So, if you do not want to be left out, you should install the Facebook app and its Messenger on your phone.

Moreover, you can also check out the other Facebook groups or marketplace in your city. Some people post good kinds of stuff there and sell them at a very good price. It is a very great deal for students of course.

Tiendeo

Next, you should also install Tiendeo. With this app, you can browse different catalogues for ongoing discounts at varied shops in Sweden. The catalogues are updated frequently. You can check a wide range of products from all types of stores, such as clothing shops, book stores, and grocery stores. As international students or students in general, who does not love discounts? We tend to save money as much as possible, and this is our chance to get things we want at a low price.

Karma & Too Good To Go

Speaking of food, the next mobile apps international students in Sweden must have are Karma and Too Good To Go. Those two apps are mobile platforms that help grocery stores, restaurants, and cafés sell food at discounted rates. This is done to reduce food waste! So, instead of throwing away the surplus food, the restaurants sell it through the apps. You can buy the food directly via mobile apps as a takeaway. By doing this, you also contribute to a sustainable way of living. It also enables us to eat good food at an affordable price eventually.

Swish

As I mentioned before, everything in Sweden is digitalized, including its payment method. Many stores use Swish as a payment method. Swish is a useful mobile app for making online payments. This app is fast, secure, and widely used in many stores in Sweden as a local alternative to card payments. To use Swish, you should have a Swedish BankID first. How to open a Swedish BankID? Check this article to find out the way!

Transport Apps

Transportation is an important part of living in Sweden. Swedish people tend to use public transportation for mobility. Thus, there are a lot of mobile apps to accommodate your travel around the country. Different provinces in Sweden have their own public transportation mobile apps. For example, Skånetrafiken in Skåne, SL in Stockholm area, Västtrafik in Västra Götaland, and so on and so forth. Many of those apps offer daily to monthly tickets. You can access train, bus, ferry, or other modes of vehicles using the apps within the same ticket. Just check the regulation of the ticket to make sure! Other than those apps, you can also use the SJ application. SJ allows you to purchase tickets to travel for long-distance trips.

Duolingo

The last mobile app I would like to recommend to international students in Sweden is Duolingo. Living in a country where you do not speak their language is challenging. So, you need to adapt by learning their language as well. Duolingo is a suitable app for learning Swedish. In fact, Swedish is the language most learned in Sweden on the Duolingo app. It is because foreigners, immigrants, expatriates, and international students mainly use the app to learn Swedish.

 

Those are 11 mobile apps international students in Sweden must have. For your information, some of the apps I mentioned before do not have the English version. So, you need to know some Swedish terms. In that case, if you want to take a Swedish course, The Newbie Guide to Sweden offers different Swedish Learning Options to understand how to accelerate your Swedish skills. So, what are the mobile apps international students in Sweden must have that you already installed on your smartphone? Let’s share them with others in the comment section below!

About the Author

Hejsan! My name is Hamzah, an Indonesian student studying in a Master of Science program in Media and Communication Studies at Lund University. While I enjoy binge-watching movies and TV series, talking with friends, and everything involving food, now I have found traveling as a new hobby. Before going back to my home country in the middle of 2022, I want to share my stories about my life as an international student in Sweden with you.

 

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.

A one way ticket to Sverige!! Daring to live a life I’d only dreamed of…

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Written by Suzy Greaves

 

“The world is too big to stay in one place. Life is too short to do just one thing.”

I love to hear about people’s journeys, their life choices, the paths they take and the stories they make. Well; I’m Suzy, welcome to my story and my Swedish life. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to write for The Newbie Guide to Sweden. An opportunity to share with you all my experiences, observations and adventures. An honest and hopefully inspiring insight into life as a Brit living in Sweden.

And so it began……

Globally our population is Circa 8 billion. What are the chances of two people, from different worlds meeting and connecting in the same place at the same time?  You guessed it, in the words of Sweden’s Per Gessle (Roxette) “It must have been love”. It all began in a music bar in Liverpool back in 2016. The rest as they say is history!

I’ve always lived quite intuitively. I firmly believe our ever changing dreams, aspirations and ambitions allow us to attract what we need from life. So, what followed my chance meeting was a year or so of travelling. Meeting up with my new partner for weekends in various European destinations. Then, decision day arrived. My path, it seemed was inevitably heading North and leading to an unknown Nordic world, A Scandi life, in Sweden.

person standing on a rock in the water
Here it’s me in Sweden!

This is me……

I was 46 years old when I decided to rent out my UK home. Finally, I was moving to Sweden! I applied for a pet passport and moved myself and my cocker spaniel to Västra Götaland 4 years ago. My two fabulous and fiercly independant adult children had themselves moved and embarked upon their own life journeys. Instead of waiting for the so called ’empty nest’ syndrome to kick in, I was the one that fled the nest!

Back then, I was founder & director of a business creating and delivering food education workshops to primary schools UK wide. I wrote and styled fun interactive lessons linking to and supporting the countries National Curriculumn. I forged collaborations with National supermarket chains, celebrity chefs, local fire service and housing partnerships. A large part of my time was running and organising teams visits into schools daily. Although rewarding, infact awarding me recognition as a finalist of Cheshire Woman of the year 2008, the work became 24/7!  After a hugely sucessful 14 years, the hours, demands and the lifestyle I’d built for myself were actually unsustainable. My mind, body and soul on reflection were crying out for a new way of living.

That was then and this is now…..

In my 20’s and 30’s it was always a little dream of mine to own a house abroad.  Perhaps, a little apartment in a quaint Spanish village or a beachside villa in Portugal but no, it wasn’t to be.

This is where I advise you to be careful what you wish for….. Today I write to you from our newly renovated Swedish home! Contrary to popular belief and in comparison to the UK, house prices here in the Swedish countryside are jaw droppingly cheap. The house we chose to become our home lacked a lot of kerb appeal and at best could of been described as ‘charming’ or ‘traditional’.

The reality meant that my sambo (Swedish name for a couple that live together) and I had to join forces, roll our sleeves up and with the help of some professionals become amateur carpenters almost overnight. A full refurbishment inside and out. Our efforts became such a joint mission that I would suggest it firmly cemented our new found relationship. What a project we had undertaken! As a result, what remains now is a real sense of pride in the place we live and a plethora of newly discovered practical skills.

Back to school…..

Since moving to Sweden, I have secured work here as a supply teacher (Vikarie) in three local schools. One day I can be the English teacher, another a pre school assistant and occasionally I work in the after school club. In other words, `flexibility’ has become my middle name.

The school systems, values and curriculum couldn’t be more different to the UK. The pro’s and cons I know are widely debated amongst expat parents striving for the perfect balanced education for their little ones. I feel the children that I work with here are as eager, enthusiastic and hungry to learn as world over, which makes for rewarding work. These young Swedes also hold a really impressive grasp of the English language from a suprisingly early age. My own language learning however, has not actually been so sucessful yet. It’s one of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now, just so you know though, I’m not a quitter!!

The good life……

So, Is life here all meatballs and lingonberry jam? Not only moving to Sweden but relocating to any new country can be peppered with complications that try and test our resolve. I’m looking forward to sharing, in future blogs what I have learnt along the way.  Living with a Swede and within a Swedish family network has immersed me in the culture, cuisine, traditions and values of the Swedish people. Both similarities and differences to my own British culture I’ve found both facinating and suprising in equal measures.

I mentioned earlier that I believe in creating a life you need and love. Above all, I feel like moving to Sweden has brought out the best in me, renewing old passions such as a focus on health, creative cookery and exercise. Lifestyle choices which are facilitated by the environment here. Sweden’s nature is the perfect therapy and has restored the creative energy that was begining to dwindle with having the wrong work/life balance back in the UK.

I’ve discovered running, cross country skiing, sailing, fishing, foraging and hiking. Now tell me that’s not a healthy bag of interests! Additionally, during the past couple of years, whilst the world has had its travel plans curtailed, we have also been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to  travel and explore this beautiful country. Some people say the key to learning about the culture is through the language; couple this with travel and you will unveil the real Sweden.

person with skis on the snow
One of the activities I’ve discovered in Sweden

Sweden through my lens……

Sweden is a country of stark contrasts. A country with light and shade, four distinct seasons and stunning yet varied landscapes. Ask any Swede where is their ‘smultronställe’ ( A Swedes favourite place) and no answer will be the same. I’ve travelled from North to South and revel in planning our next road trip. From the fjällen in Vemdalen to both Stockholm and the West coast’s archipelago’s. I’ve explored Skåne and even been as far south as it gets in Smygehuk and Ven.

It’s hardly suprising that my biggest passion right now was born in this beautiful country. Photography. I share my pictures on instagram Feel free to follow and see for yourself how this wonderful country has won my heart.

Finally; If you are considering moving to Sweden then you came to the right place – The Newbie Guide to Sweden – is your one stop shop to actualising your new life. We are all here to help with your transition.

Remember, this inspiring quote from Naeem Callaway ” Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step in your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.”

I’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for my future blogs in the comments below. You can also check out our other newbie bloggers experiences in our blog page.

Thanks for reading and as we say in Sweden “Ha en jättebra dag!!”

About the Author

Hej!! Jag heter Suzy! I’m a Brit who moved to Sweden in 2017 for love!
Travelled, cultured and passionate about health, food, photography and lifestyle. I’m living the Scandi dream!
I’m a freelance writer with a zest for life and new adventures. Follow my Swedish journey on Instagram @suzygreaves1

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!