The Newbie Guide to Sweden

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Aurora Borealis in Sweden and other winter activities

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The northern lights (also known as Aurora Borealis) are the holy grail of skywatching. Magical and mystical. You never really know when, where or if you are going to see them. There are times of the year when the chance of seeing the northern lights is higher, but even so, it is not a guarantee that you will witness this phenomenon. Maybe the sky is cloudy or maybe mother earth will simply not show them.

Travelling a long way up north to see the northern lights and then not being able to see them can be very frustrating. Luckily there are plenty of other activities waiting for you. Below you have the full guide for a successful winter trip, with tips and tricks on the northern lights and other winter activities.

Aurora Borealis, a natural phenomenon

The northern lights are caused by the interaction of solar particles and the Earth’s atmosphere. The sun showers the Earth with its particles, but due to our planet’s magnetic field, these particles are transported to the poles, both North and South, where this remarkable light show occurs. As the particles interact with the atmosphere, they deposit energy and cause fluorescence. It is the chemical composition of the particles that determines the colour of the auroras. The most common colours in the Aurora Borealis are red and green. The first is produced by nitrogen molecules, while the second comes from oxygen molecules.

The earliest record of the northern lights is in a 30,000-year-old cave painting in France, but it took centuries of research to understand this fabulous phenomenon. Still, this natural occurrence is not fully understood. You can also imagine how it must have been for our ancient ancestors. They saw the sky turning vivid green in wonder and awe, and created their own whimsical explanations, leading to many myths. Aware of its origin or not, people have been fascinated by the northern lights for centuries.

Fun fact: The Vikings thought that the aurora was light reflected off of the Valkyries’ battle armor while others thought it was created by the last breath of soldiers dying on the battle fields.

Northern lights and their siblings’ Southern lights

It was the famous astronomer Galileo Galilei who in 1619 gave the northern lights its other name – Aurora Borealis. Aurora is the Roman goddess of dawn and Boreas the Greek god of the north wind.

In the southern hemisphere, the same phenomenon is called Aurora Australis or simply southern lights. Sometimes you can even hear the name Aurora Polaris, as it is a phenomenon occurring near the poles.

Until recently, scientists thought that both auroras were similar and mirrored, but in 2009 the Norwegian researcher Nikolai Østgaard found out that it’s not the case. Although the magnetic field lines on the Earth are symmetric, the sun’s magnetic field also has an influence and contributes to an uneven distribution of the particles on the poles. The show of light is therefore usually different in the northern or southern hemisphere.

Fun fact: The Auroras are equally beautiful, but the light of the Aurora Australis is harder to see since it occurs in less accessible places like Antarctica or some remote areas in Australia.

When and where to go for increased chances of seeing Aurora Borealis?

The winter months, from September to March are the best to spot the northern lights. To increase your chance of seeing them you should travel above the Arctic Circle. The first northern lights of the year are usually seen around Kiruna, but when the winter is at its full power in January, they can be spotted throughout Swedish Lapland. Abisko is among the most popular places to see the northern lights. On clear winter nights, the Aurora Borealis is visible from around 6 pm to 2 am, but the best show often comes between 10 and 11 pm.

K-index is your friend

The planetary K-index (sometimes also seen as Kp index) is an indicator of the aurora’s strength, working a little like a predictor of the northern lights. The K-index goes from 0 to 9. Small numbers, 0-2, mean the lights are most likely only visible near the poles, so up north. Middle numbers, 3-5, mean the aurora moves away from the poles and becomes brighter, more active, and with more formations. An index number higher than 5 is very rare and almost never occurs.

Practically, this means that if you are in Abisko or Kiruna, a K-index of 2 already gives you a good chance of spotting a great show of the Northern Lights. However, if you are on lower latitudes, you need a higher index to see the Aurora Borealis.

See the northern lights without traveling

Two options allow you to see the Northern lights without travelling far. The first is from your area and the other one is from your sofa. What? Is that possible you may ask… Kind of.

In optimal conditions, it’s possible to see the northern lights all over the country. Even in Skåne! Of course, the further south you are, the more difficult or unlikely it is to see them. But it’s not impossible. Optimal conditions mean a high K-index, a clear sky, a dark evening, and no light pollution. If you live in a city you probably have to go away from all the city lights. Still, travelling for half an hour is a lot easier than going all the way up north. If you are lucky enough, perhaps like Newbie Lisa, who lives in the countryside outside of Stockholm, you might even catch this amazing light show from your window. Now THAT is quality of life!

What if you live in the south and not in the countryside? Can you still see the show from your living room? Absolutely, using a little help from Lapland Media and their live cameras. Click on the website and enjoy live images from Abisko’s National Park. I’m watching the lights right now, from my living room in Gothenburg.

Useful technology

If you search online for Aurora Borealis or northern lights you will get wonderful images of skies covered in vivid green and purple. You might also see some videos of dancing lights moving around in the atmosphere. Although these images are real, the auroras do not look like that every night. Sometimes they are seen more like faint colours and not as intense. Another important factor to account for is that our human eye is not the same as your camera. Therefore, if you are planning on taking some pictures (eh… who wouldn’t…) it’s important to look into your camera settings. Here are two tricks that can help improve the quality of your photos. And yes, these will help even if you are photographing with your phone.

  • Hold the camera still – it is dark outside, and you are capturing light kilometers away from you, so your camera needs to be still to collect as much light as possible. You might want to use a tripod or simply place your camera on the ground, stone, or anything else steady.
  • Long exposure time – in broad daylight your camera captures an image in milliseconds, but it needs a lot longer to capture weak light in the dark. Optimal exposure times depend on the intensity of the aurora and on your camera/phone. Try between 10 and 30 seconds, which is usually enough. Modern phones set this setting automatically.

You can also do like Newbie Akanksha, who booked a night Aurora tour when staying in Abisko. Not only did she have a cosy evening with a campfire, but she managed to turn the faint Aurora light into an awesome picture.

Aurora forecast apps are another piece of technology good to have at hand when looking for northern lights. Apps like Aurora forecast 3D, My Aurora forecast and Spaceweather Live, among others, can help predict when the Northern lights are visible in a certain location in Sweden.

Other winter activities

If you have read the article until here, you have probably understood that no matter how much you want to see the amazing Aurora Borealis, it is not only up to you. Sometimes it is simply not possible. Therefore, the very best tip I can give you is to not make your trip up north solely about the northern lights. There are plenty of other fun winter activities that you can enjoy, making your trip worth it, even if you don’t spot the light show. Here are some possible options.

Snowshoe hike

Probably the easiest winter activity. The equipment is simple, easy to put on, and can be rented in tourist stations and even some hotels and guesthouses. With some snowshoes on you can easily walk over snow and explore, for instance, Abisko’s National Park. If you like hiking, this will be similar but probably more special, since you will be doing it in a wintery landscape.

Ice climbing

Why not take advantage of all the winter ice around and climb up a frozen waterfall? You can buy a package that includes a guide and all the necessary equipment. You don’t need previous experience either and can learn what you need on the spot.

Dog sledding adventure

If you are looking to experience the winter landscape without using your legs as much, this is the right activity. You can slide in a sleigh driven by friendly Siberian huskies and enjoy the glittering snow-covered forests in a true wilderness adventure. There are all kinds of tours from a few hours to over a week, in bright daylight or on the hunt for the Northern lights.

Glamping

How about staying in a dome where you can stay warm while looking at the landscape outside? If you are lucky, you might even be able to see the Northern lights from your bed. If they don’t show up that night, this is still a pretty cool and unique experience.

Off pist skiing in Riksgränsen

Looking for a bit more adrenaline? No worries, in Lapland you can go off-pist skiing. Yes, you will need downhill skiing experience for this one, but if you do have it, what an amazing opportunity. Off-pist skiing is basically skiing in untouched snow, sliding down the mountain as if you were the first human to ever do that. An incredible way to explore nature and experience Swedish winter.

Newbie Michaela has visited Riksgränsen, an area in Lapland known for its off-pist resorts. Read about her experience here.

Learn about Sami heritage

The Sámi people are the indigenous people of the Sápmi region which encompasses northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Kola peninsula in Russia. They have been in the region for over 2000 years and their traditions, language, and culture are very well preserved. Their history is remarkable as they have not only survived the harsh Arctic winters but also attempts to force assimilation through political means. Visit the open-air museum in Márkanbáiki and learn about these incredible people

Get warm

Do all activities in Lapland involve being cold in freezing temperatures? No, not really. When you have enough of the white outdoors, you can stay in and drink some hot chocolate or enjoy a good sauna session. You can also visit the famous Ice Hotel in Kiruna, even if you are not staying there. The hotel actually melts in the summer, which makes it an even more unique tourist attraction.

Lapland might be far away for most of us Newbies living in Sweden. Even so, it is a very unique place, well worth a visit with plenty of things to do. The bonus is that if you are lucky, you might even witness the best light show of your life – the Aurora Borealis.

Dress warm and enjoy!

Swedish red houses, the Dala horse and other goodies from Dalarna in Sweden

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If you have lived in Sweden for a while, you have probably noticed the typical Swedish red houses and cabins. They are everywhere, from north to south, by a lake, by the sea, on an island, or in the middle of the forest. They are cozy and inviting, but why are they red? Dalarna is the answer to this question. And it is also the answer and the source of so many other Swedish things.

Dalarna is the heart of Sweden, both geographically and historically, and there’s just so much to see, do and learn about it. Let’s go through some of those things.

Swedish red housesSwedish red houses

Ok, the Swedish red houses then. Why are they red? Was there a king who liked red and decided that everything in his kingdom should be of that colour? Not really, but there’s a king involved in the story, and he did indeed like red.

King Johan III saw how other kings throughout Europe were using copper on the construction of their castles and decided to do something similar. It was 1573 and his castle in Stockholm was being built. To buy enough copper for the whole roof would be too expensive, so he wanted something more local and economic, but that would still look like copper. He asked for a paint in “rust red”. The solution was to produce a copper-based paint containing a unique red pigment from Falu Gruva (a copper mine just outside Falun). The paint is up to these days called Falu red or Falu röd in Swedish. The unique pigment is composed of a mixture of 20 different minerals only found in Dalarna. It is not only impossible to copy, but it is also natural and very resistant to light, which makes it perfect to use in outdoor paint.

An ancient influencer

The king was an influencer in his own time, and his red-roofed castle started a trend. Other buildings with red roofs or red walls started popping up, with the intention of looking ostentatious. The trend spread even more throughout the 1600s when nobles started using Faluröd (falu red) to mark their status in society. The church took notice as well and soon enough started painting churches in the same colour. The military didn’t want to fall behind and so they also started painting their buildings red and soon enough even the soldiers quarters were red.

At the beginning of the 1700s, the red paint was still quite exclusive and luxurious, but by the end of the century, Falu Gruva industrialized the production process increasing the amount of paint produced. The paint became affordable to the lower classes, and the trend spread throughout the whole country. People also understood that the red paint was not only beautiful, but it was also of high quality, as it protected the wood against all kinds of weather. Win-win!

Long story short, the king wanted a rich-looking paint and he not only got that but also a quality paint that everyone could use, leading to one of the most well-preserved trends of all times. A visionary some may say.

Did you know?

That you can visit Falu Gruva? There you can see the giant hole where copper is extracted and even buy your own red souvenirs. Paint? Books? Red tea?

DalhästDalahäst – Dalarna horse

How could we talk about Dalarna without talking about another great Swedish piece of culture – the Dalahäst or Dalarna horse in English.

People started making tree horses already in the 1700s, as a pastime in the winter evenings spent at home. They were simple tree horses, not painted and a bit rough around the edges, good enough to entertain the children who used them as toys. Later, travelers and merchants start taking them around and selling them. To make them more appealing, the craftsmen started to paint them in red (of course!) with an iconic pattern on top.

In 1939 the Dalarna horse had its international breakthrough, as a giant horse was standing at the door of the Swedish pavilion in the world exhibition in New York. It was then the Dalarna horse got its reputation as not only the symbol of Dalarna, but also the symbol of Sweden. Nowadays, it is also in New York that you can find the largest mural of a Dalarna horse, painted by Shai Dahan in 2019.

Do it yourself

If you want to see how a Dalarna horse is made, you can do it in the village of Nusnäs, not too far from Mora. You can, for instance, visit the Dalarna horse factory Nils Olsson Dalahästar which has produced them since 1928, and follow its production one step at a time. Each horse is sculptured by hand, made, and painted individually, just like in the old times. In the factory, you can make or paint your own horse and in the shop, you can buy Dalarna horses in various colours and sizes.

If what you want is to visit the largest collection of Dalarna horses in the world, then you should head to Falun and visit the Dalarnas Museum (free entry). The museum has of course much more to see from Dalarna, both historic and modern.

To complete your Dalarna horse tour, you should visit Avesta and the world’s largest Dalahäst. It has an impressive size, 13 meters tall by 12,8 meters in length, weighing about 66,7 tons. It is made of steel, not wood, but it is painted in red with the traditional pattern on it.

Did you know?

That there are other traditional Dalarna horses, originally made in other parts of the region? The Rättvik horse and the Siljan horse are made in a slightly different shape. The Leksand horse is painted with a local pattern, inspired by a traditional carpet pattern. The Ludvika horse has a traditional shape but painted in white or blue, with a pattern of flowers on top. Among others.

Dalälven

Dalälven is the river that flows across Dalarna. It is made of the junction of the West and the East Dalälven, which meet in Djurås, and then runs into the sea in northern Uppland. Its 520 kilometers of length make it the second longest river in Sweden and an essential part of Dalarna. There are 41 active hydropower stations connected to the river, producing enough energy for a large part of Sweden.

Along the banks of the river, there’s also a high biodiversity, with the river acting as a clear border between the northern and southern flora and fauna of Northern Europe, also called Limes Norrlandicus. A great place to explore and learn more about it is Färnebofjärden national park.

Did you know?

That some believe that the Dalälven flows the wrong way, and the river mouth should be in the lake Mälaren. There’s an unnatural bend in the course near Avesta, that might have been caused during the ice age, changing its course.

Vasaloppet

Vasaloppet is the world’s largest cross-country skiing race and its 90 kilometers have challenged many people. However, this is not just another crazy long race. There’s history behind this course and the whole experience breathes culture and tradition.

The beginning of everything

Sweden was in union with Denmark, but the Danish were not treating the Swedes very well. Gustav Eriksson was not happy about that and was fighting the Danes, but they arrested him. He escaped and fled through Sweden, trying to get more people to fight with him against the Danes. In Mora he talked to the masses trying to get their support without much success. Thus, he continued his journey headed for Norway. In the meantime, news reached Mora on how the Danes had killed Gustav’s brother and father, and now were after him.

The locals understood then that they should have been more supportive. They immediately sent their two best skiers after Gustav, hoping to reach him before he left the country. They caught up to him in Lima, not far from Sälen. There he turned around and skied back to fight and get Sweden back. Slowly he regained the kingdom and became the king of Sweden, under the name of Gustav Vasa. Therefore, Sälen is not only the start of the world’s largest skiing race, but even the start line of a Swedish royal history!

In the modern era

In 1922, this route became a traditional skiing race and has been held almost every year since then. The slogan of the race says it all I Fäders Spår För Framtids Segrar – In [our] fathers’ tracks for future victories. These words are also written on the portal which works as a finish line.

Not able to ski? No worries, besides the most traditional winter week, with different ski races, Vasaloppet has a summer week as well, with a mountain bike race and an ultra-running race. Yes, you read correctly, running from Sälen to Mora, the same 90km.

A personal experience

The race goes from the village of Berga, near Sälen, to Mora, passing 7 iconic stations along the way: Smågan, Mångsbodarna, Risberg, Evertsberg, Oxberg, Hökberg and Eldris.

What for Newbies might sound like a bunch of random names that rhyme, for Swedes these are names they have heard all their lives. Many because they have attempted the race, while others because they have seen it on TV. I’ve spent some Sundays in Sweden watching Vasaloppet on TV but I could not memorize these names at all, let alone in the right order. Until the day I found myself on the start line in Berga. It was 5 am and August and together with almost 1300 other people I made the whole thing on foot. The emotion one feels crossing that iconic portal in Mora is indescribable even for me who did not grow up with it. I can only recommend it!

Choose the sport that suits you best: skiing, cycling, or running – but do it! Do it and join the already 1,8 million people who have crossed that same portal. 1,7 million with tearful eyes, but that’s just my guess.

Did you know?

How many liters of blueberry soup is drunk on average during Vasaloppet? About 34,000 liters!

Idrefjäll

If Dalarna is the heart of Sweden, Idrefjäll must be the heart of Dalarna.

Städjan is a mountain that looks like a volcano, with its top at 1131m above sea level. It is said that this mountain and its surroundings inspired Rickard Dybeck to write one of the verses of the Swedish national song in 1844. The line goes “Du gamla du fria, du fjällhöga nord” (Thou ancient, Thou free, Thou mountainous north). He had just visited Dalarna and the mountains around Idre, when he wrote the song, that later on became the national anthem. Some say no other place in Sweden made them feel more Swedish than Idrefjäll. Especially when standing in front of Städjan. The views are pretty amazing and if you are lucky, you might even see a reindeer chewing his lunch. It is indeed a very inspiring place to visit.

With so much interesting history and so many interesting places to visit, it’s not surprising that Dalarna is the heart of Sweden and one of the most popular areas in the country. It is also a great place to go on a family vacation.

You haven’t really lived in Sweden until you have met a Swede who dreams of living in a cosy little red cabin in the woods in Dalarna. Or that has done Vasaloppet. Or maybe you have become one of those?

And if you have taken part in Vasaloppet – either version, we’d love to hear your story in the comments!

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?

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Can Sweden Win the Women’s World Cup?

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Sweden has gotten off to a great start in their World Cup campaign, winning their first two games against South Africa and Italy. In fact, their game against Italy saw them win 5-0 in an extremely impressive performance, leading many fans to wonder just how far this team can go in the Women’s World Cup. You can enjoy betting on all the games of this tournament at https://betinia.se/sv/ to make it even more exciting to watch.

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In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Sweden’s chances for World Cup glory in New Zealand, including who their toughest opponents will be once they qualify from the groups. Although nothing is ever guaranteed in sports, we believe there’s a good chance of a great run to at least the quarter-finals of the competition. While you wait for the upcoming matches, you can also check out some of the latest online games you can play online and bet in casino to have fun.

Sweden’s Chances

Sweden is currently ranked as the third top team in the world according to FIFA, only behind Germany and the USA. Of course, FIFA rankings don’t tell the whole story, but they do show that this is a very strong team which is more than capable of winning the tournament. However, the team has consistently fallen short at the final hurdle.

After winning the first-ever women’s Euros in 1984, Sweden finished runner-up at the 2003 World Cup and won silver medals at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. More recently, at the Euros in 2022, the Swedish team was well beaten in the semi-finals by an England team that went on to lift the trophy. Much like when you bet in casino, not every attempt can be a winner. However, the quality that this team has should be rewarded by a major trophy.

Sweden has probably one of the most experienced teams in the tournament, with Caroline Seger, Kosovare Asslani, Olivia Schough, Linda Sembrant and Sofia Jakobsson all having over 100 caps. In fact, Seger is the most capped women’s soccer player in Europe. While this experience is a potential benefit, it does also have its drawbacks, with fatigue potentially being an issue later on in the tournament.

Sweden’s Matches So Far

In their opening game against South Africa, Sweden initially struggled to get started, going behind in the 48th minute. The quality of the game wasn’t great, but South Africa showed a lot of energy and tenacity. However, the experience of the Swedes shone through, as they equalized and grabbed a later winner through Rolfo and Illestedt.

Sweden’s next game was a far better performance as they ran riot, with four different goalscorers putting five goals past the hapless Italians. Despite having less possession, the Swedes were the far better side, and fans will no doubt be happy to see their team at the top of Group G. Next up, they face Argentina, with a win cementing their place as the group winners.

Which Teams Could Rival Sweden?

While Sweden is the third-ranked team in the world, the USA and Germany are both above them. However, Germany recently suffered a shock defeat to Colombia and went home from the competition without passing the group stages. Meanwhile, the USA came second in their group and lost to Sweden in the last 16, failing in the penalty shootout after a close game. Penalty shootouts can feature a lot of luck, much like when you bet in casino, but they’re always exciting for the fans. 

Other teams to watch out for include England, Spain, Australia and Japan, all of which could go far in the competition. Colombia could also be a difficult opponent, as they’ve been surpassing expectations in their recent games, with wins over Germany and South Korea. Up next, Sweden face Japan in the quarter-final, where they’re considered to be the underdogs. 

14 things to do after layoffs in Sweden

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There’s a lot of noise about layoffs in the Swedish news right now. Maybe it has already happened to you. If so, try not to worry too much… there’s life after a layoff and in this article, you can find some help.

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

A layoff happens when an employer needs to discharge one or more employees due to economic problems or a shortage of work. This solution can be temporary or permanent. There’s a difference between being laid off and getting fired. The later usually occurs due to the employee’s fault. The last couple of years have been economically challenging for many businesses and many people were laid-off.

In Sweden employers must warn the employees, and the public employment service, that there may be layoffs. That means the employee usually hears about the possibility of a layoff even before the company makes an actual decision. That gives you some time to prepare for it. Here is a list of useful things to consider if you think that you might be laid off.

1. Breathe. It’s not the end of the world

Getting to know that you are being laid off is not easy news to accept. That being said, you can rest assured that there is life after a layoff.

The good news is that if you are in a work permit kind of situation, you won’t be kicked out of Sweden the minute you lose your job. There is a three-month grace period. That means you have 3 months to find a new job and apply for a new work permit (visit Migrationsverket for more information). You might not even need a new work permit if the new job you get happens to be within the same branch.

2. Double check your rights after layoffs in Sweden

Read the contract you signed when you started working at the company that’s laying you off and go through all documents you received then.

If the details of your layoff are not clear, make sure you and your employer are on the same page. Here are a few valuable questions you should ask:

  • Will my layoff be temporary or permanent?
  • If my layoff is temporary, will I be laid off 100% or only part-time?
  • What is the time frame or when will my last day of work be?
  • Am I supposed to use my vacation days until then or will they be paid?
  • Will I be paid a compensation package?

3. Ask for a letter of recommendation

This is a key point! Ask your manager to provide a recommendation letter explaining why they hired you in the first place and why should other employers do the same. The letter should describe your professional character, work ethic, and skills. Including such a letter in your coming job applications will make it clear that you were discharged from work due to the circumstances and not due to a lack of abilities.

4. Check your unemployment insurance

Having unemployment insurance, or so-called A-kassa, is highly recommended. In Sweden about 80% of the working population has A-kassa. Hopefully, you are one of them, as receiving some unemployment money will help you economically until you find a new job.

Apply for unemployment payments as soon as you know your employer is laying you off. Register for the unemployment agency Arbetsförmedlingen as well. You can read more about this and find a full list of providers here.

5. Contact your union

Unions are also an important clog in the Swedish labour system (read more about unions here). Therefore, unions are a great source of information on labour-related matters and a place of support if needed. If you are unsure about your layoff or if you think you are not being handled fairly you can always get in touch with your union to get some advice. Unions can even provide juridical guidance and help in case the employee needs to negotiate with the employers.

6. See over any extra benefits you may lose

Sweden is a great country that provides healthcare for everyone, but some employers do provide extra benefits. If so, be aware that these will most likely cease with the termination of your employment.

7. Update your CV

When your layoff is confirmed, it is time to start working on your next steps and prepare for a job search. The first step is to update your CV and adapt it to the current market (when was the last time that you update CV? Maybe years for some). It is not uncommon that other companies in the same branch to hear about the layoffs and go hunting for new talent among the newly laid-off workers. Make sure then to keep your CV at hand and ready to go.

Get some tips and CV templates here.

8. Re-evaluate your skills after layoffs

Take a moment to reflect on your skills and write them down on a piece of paper or journal. What made you good at your job? What was most appreciated by your managers and colleagues? Make sure you include all kinds of skills, from accomplishments to job-related, communication, adaptive, and basic skills. Don’t be modest here, the list should contain everything you are good at. This will give you a bigger perspective on your skill package and as a bonus, it will also boost your self-confidence.

9. Get new skills

Look at the list you made in point 8. Is there anything you would like to include in the list that you can’t right now? What could you add that would make you even more attractive to new employers? Perhaps there’s something you can work on now that you will have more time available. Improve a language (hello Swedish!), learn new software, get to know the Swedish job market better (check our online courses) or simply work on your inner strengths.

10. Start a job search

If you followed the previous list until now, you should have a recommendation letter, an updated CV, and good knowledge of your own skills – the essential tools for a successful job search.

Searching for a job can be overwhelming but take one step at a time and you will be fine. A good starting point is the Newbie’s chapter on how to find work and where to start.

Don’t be afraid of stating your layoff in your job application. New employers will eventually ask you why you left your previous job anyway, so it is good to make it clear from the start. Honesty is usually appreciated.

11. Get interview ready

A job interview is a nerve-wracking moment. Preparing for it will help you keep your nerves in check and focus on the most important: getting yourself a job.

If you think your interview skills are a bit rusty, ask a friend to do a mock-up interview with you. Or practice in front of a mirror. You should also do some research on the company where you are doing the interview and prepare to explain the cause that made you leave your last job: your layoff.

Read this article to learn more about interviews in Sweden and don’t forget to avoid the 3 most common mistakes done by internationals when interviewing in Sweden.

12. Turn your hobby into a business

Another option if you are hit by layoffs in Sweden is to see that as an opportunity to start something new. Perhaps you have always dreamed of doing your hobby professionally and this might just as well be the right time to pursue that. Do you have a special talent? Or a brilliant business idea? Explore that! You can open your own small business or become a freelancer. Sweden is a country with many international entrepreneurs and even more one-member companies.

Having a regular job and then a side activity for a bit of extra income is very common in Sweden. My bank teller is a coffee importer, the PT in my gym is also a psychologist and one of my colleagues is an economist that sells seedlings.

For instance, if you are a lover of working out, perhaps a business as a personal trainer can be a new thing? Companies like PT-skolan Online* are then potentially an option for you. They are a personal trainer online education that is aimed directly at those who wish to retrain, start a business and work as a trainer with physical clients, online clients or to develop your own training. According to PT Skolan Online they offer the full package -the training you need, a website, access to CoachByApp and systems to coach your clients online or in real life. Worth a look.

If would like to explore this theme go to the Newbie Startup Guide here.

13. Assess your finances

Perhaps the most important point of all. Write down all your expenses, estimate how far you can come with your new income (unemployment benefits and possible side activities), and make the necessary adjustments. Having a sudden income drop is not easy to handle, but it is ok to dig a little in our savings sometimes. You can also find ways to save a few crowns here and there, which altogether might make a difference.

Food is one of the largest expenses in Swedish households, so here and here are a few tips to reduce your expenses in the supermarket.

14. Stay positive!

No matter what, stay positive and keep in mind that your situation is temporary. The situation might feel unique to you, but you are not the first person to suffer a layoff and you won’t be the last. Face this phase as an opportunity to experience something new and grow with it.

Good luck!

How To Learn Swedish Through Games

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Learning a new language is not the easiest, and especially not when it comes to learning Swedish. Today, around 20% of the Swedish population is foreign-born, which means that there has always been a strong need for people to learn the language. Thanks to this, many new different approaches have been developed. Sitting with paper, pen and a book is considered a thing of the past. Of course, it can still play a role in learning, but you don’t need to focus on only one way anymore.

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The best thing is that you get to try out a few ideas and see which one suits you the best. Among all the innovative ways of learning new languages, one which is definitely quite interesting and interactive is through the games. Read below a few tips on how to learn Swedish in a fun way.

Learning Swedish through games

For many years, people have been debating what is the ideal approach to learn. We won’t claim that this is the only possible way, but learning Swedish through games is undoubtedly amusing and efficient. Many people can serve as an example for using various games as a helpful tool for improving their foreign language skills. 

Moreover, there are studies that indicate game contribution to language development. If you want to improve your language skills, the focus cannot entirely be on games. However, combining it with other, proven, forms of learning, you will be able to use it as a supplement. Below, we listed a few game suggestions that may enhance your language learning. 

Language apps

Most obvious on this list are surely language games and language apps. This type of entertainment might not necessarily be perceived as gaming. However, many of them have multiple gaming aspects and in our eyes that is enough to count as a game. Shown as people’s favorite app is most certainly Duolingo. On this app, you can not only learn Swedish, but you have the opportunity to learn any language that you show interest in. Starting at the basic level, you get the chance to improve your language and reach higher levels of the game.

Casino games

Even though slightly unexpected, casino games can play a big role in improving your language. The game experience itself may not contribute to developing new language skills, but other factors should be taken into consideration. While playing card games you get a chance to dive into the whole casino experience by communicating with your opponents, which can be a perfect chance to test your language. 

If you find games like jackpot and slots amusing, you will be happy to hear that you can choose to play them entirely in Swedish. In this way you not only test your luck, but also your knowledge of language. If this sounds interesting, you can take a look at https://svenskacasinon.com/spel/slots/jackpot and try one of their awesome jackpots. In this way, you will learn how the Swedish language can be used in real life.

Multiplayer games

Last, but not least, on the list we present multiplayer games. The previously mentioned casino games can be considered as such, but the important thing is that in multiplayer games you can make contact with other players while playing the game. By chatting with other players, your language is put to the test and you get the chance to develop it in a relaxed environment.

Learn how language works in a real context

The main benefit of games is that they teach you how to utilize words in everyday situations. Whether the game is narrated in Swedish, or you start communication with other Swedish players, it can significantly help you improve your language skills. Relying only on books, you may have some difficulties applying what you have learned in real life. In conclusion, we may say that games can play a significant role in education. Give it a shot.

Advent Calendar Dec 6 – Julmust

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Julmust is most definitely a must try Christmas drink! Swedes are crazy about this dark coloured, rather sweet soda that tastes like a mixture of Coca cola and root beer. In most Swedish supermarkets it starts filling the soft drink aisles as early as November. Research reveals nothing, this recipe is a heavily guarded secret.

Although we see Julmust gracing our supermarket shelves during advent, its close relative påskmust hits supermarket shelves on the run up to Easter. There seems to be no shame at all in re branding this wonderful drink. Let’s face it, a winning recipe is a winning recipe whatever time of year!

Created by Swedish chemist Harry Roberts in the early 20th century as a non-alcoholic alternative to beer, it became extremely popular here when the sale of alcohol was rationed in the 1920’s.

Now it’s estimated that Swedes drink about 40 litres per person per year. Can this really be true? In fact Julmust is drunk so much during Christmas that Coca-Cola’s sales may drop as much as fifty percent as julmust is generally considered the essential and, sometimes only acceptable, non-alcoholic holiday drink. So the big question for newbies is of course – is it worth trying? Well, if these statistics are anything to go by then YES! Of course, it is.

The best locations for a cabin vacation

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For many in Sweden, owning a cabin is part of the culture. A lot of people own summer houses or smaller vacation homes in addition to their traditional houses or flats. If you live in an urban area, that could be one way of getting closer to nature, which is why you can find so many cabins in remote or idyllic places such as the mountains, archipelagos, or woods. 

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Even for those who don’t own their own, renting a cabin for vacations is not uncommon. At websites like Stugknuten, you can find quaint houses to rent for shorter stays. If you are planning a cabin vacation, here are a few places worth your consideration.

Åre or Sälen

If you like skiing, high altitudes, and snow, few things are cosier than renting a cabin close to the mountains. There are several well-known ski resorts in Sweden, and Åre and Sälen are perhaps the most popular. 

Both locations offer downhill and cross-country skiing opportunities suited for beginners and more seasoned skiers. One thing that is good to know, if you are travelling to either of them by car, is that Åre is located much further north than Sälen.

Öland or Gotland

Sweden’s two largest islands, Gotland and Öland, are popular vacation destinations among Swedes and tourists from other countries. Borgholm, located on Öland, is one of the places in the country where most people want to rent a summer house. 

Öland is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque spots in Sweden, but so is neighbouring Gotland. Sweden’s largest island is arguably just as beautiful as Öland but perhaps better suited for tourist activities. Both islands are popular among tourists, but in the summer, they flock to Gotland more extremely than to Öland.

Smögen

Many people fall in love with the Swedish west coast, and it’s not hard to understand why. The archipelago, the cliffs, and the atmosphere are as idyllic as it gets. If you find a cabin with a sea view, it honestly can’t get much better. 

Here you can buy fresh fish and shellfish, more or less off the boat, swim in the ocean, and bathe in the sun. 

Smögen is also just one of many beautiful places you can visit in Bohuslän and along the west coast. Other popular destinations include Marstrand, Malmön och Grebbestad, just to name a few.

Dalarna

If skiing or the archipelago isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry, you can look for a cabin deep in the forests of Dalarna instead. Dalarna is the spot for those who dream of something secluded where all you can hear is the rustling of the leaves in the wind.

A popular spot to rent a cabin in Dalarna is Rättvik or somewhere else near Siljan, the nearby lake.

Österlen

The last place you must consider is Österlen, in the southeastern part of Skåne. The region is known for its beauty, shaped by the sea-front and the inland, where you can find vast, yellow grain fields, poppy fields, and even something as unusual as Swedish vineyards. 

Close to the town of Simirishamn is one of the most popular spots to look for a cabin.

If you haven’t entertained the idea of a cabin vacation, now is the time to do so. There is an abundance of beautiful places in Sweden where you can find cabins to rent.

Top 5 places to visit in Stockholm for newbies

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Are you visiting Stockholm for the first time and wondering what to see? Or have you just moved to the Swedish capital and need tips on fun things to do in your new hometown? No matter what, we’ve got you covered.

A city like Stockholm, built on 14 islands linked together by 57 bridges, obviously gives you so many options on things to see and do, so it might be hard to know where to start. That’s where View Stockholm, one of Sweden’s largest digital Stockholm guides, comes in. They bring you the best of this beautiful  city when it comes to attractions, activities, shopping, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife, events, and more. 

Here they show you the top 5 places to visit in Stockholm if you’re a newbie. A more cynical person might label these places ”tourist traps,” but there is a reason why most people want to see them: they are really worth a visit. This guide will get you started and get you a great first glimpse of “The Venice of the North.” 

Going from one to another of our suggested sights on the list, you will be able to catch many a glimpse of both Lake Mälaren (west of Old Town) and the Baltic Sea (east of Old Town) and many of the city skyline’s iconic buildings. There are so many places and things to do in Stockholm, and the first place you must visit is:

Old Town (Gamla stan)

Old Town is, as the name tells, the oldest part of Stockholm. This island, called Stadsholmen, housed the entire town in the 13th century, and the narrow cobblestone alleys and many buildings from that time remain. A visit to Old Town is like a journey through history, from the medieval interior of the cathedral Storkyrkan, via the Royal Palace’s austere baroque style from 1690 to present-day tourist tat, including plastic Viking helmets, hand-painted Dalecarlian horses, and red-and-white striped candy canes called “Polka pig.”‘ 

Stroll along the crooked streets and picturesque squares, stop for coffee or lunch, visit a church or the palace if you have the time, and pop into the small craft shops or galleries before you head off to the next must-see place:

Stadshuset

Stadshuset is the City Hall, the seat of Stockholm Municipality, and a well-known landmark. The iconic tower is crowned with three golden crowns symbolizing Sweden. You have a splendid view of the city from the top – if you can manage the 365 stone steps, there is no lift. In the building, you will find the Blue Hall, where the Noble Prize banquet is held every year, and the Golden Hall, where 18 million golden mosaic tiles sparkle when the laureates dance after the four-hour dinner. 

Stadshuset is visited by more than half a million people every year and is located on the island of Kungsholmen. From the pier below, you can catch boats into the lake, Mälaren, and visit the Drottningholm Palace, a former summer residence that is now the private home of the Swedish royal family. Boat trips to Birka, the old Viking capital, and Mariefred, with Gripsholm Castle, also depart from here.

From the island of Kungsholmen in the west, we now head east to Djurgården. This island has belonged to the crown since the 15th century. Djurgården offers woods, parks, and waterways and houses many of the most popular museums and cultural attractions in Stockholm. We are about to visit two of them, so hop on a bus, the tram, or take the ferry from Old Town! We start with:

The Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is Scandinavia’s most visited museum and home to the world-famous ship Vasa. On its maiden voyage, this 17th-century warship capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. It was salvaged after 333 years and is now the museum’s crown jewel. Besides the ship, thousands of objects, from everyday items belonging to crew members to ornate sculptures and artifacts, are displayed in the permanent exhibitions. 

Temporary exhibitions focus and the food onboard, the women on the crew, and many other interesting aspects of life during the Swedish Empire. Grab an audio guide (available in many languages) and get to know this, the world’s best-preserved ship from the 16-hundreds. You will surely love it – 1,5 million visitors a year cannot be wrong!

Another museum that attracts 1,5 million visitors a year is located just a little bit further out on Djurgården, and this is our next stop:

Skansen

Skansen is an open-air museum (the oldest in the world), as well as a zoo and a concert venue. During the romantic nationalistic era around the turn of the last century, Arthur Hazels started “collecting” old Swedish farms, cottages, mills, and other dwellings from all over Sweden. The houses were then re-assembled in Skansen, turning the park into a historical mini-Sweden. Traditional furniture, clothes, and tools were also brought to Skansen, and especially during the weekends, many of the houses are filled with staff dressed in folk costumes, baking flatbread, spinning wool, or mowing meadows with a scythe.

In the zoo, you will find Scandinavian wildlife such as moose, bears, lynx, and wolverines, as well as a petting zoo with kittens, rabbits, and baby goats. The Skansen Aquarium offers a more exotic fauna with snakes, crocodiles, and sloths, among many others. During the summer, the big stage Solliden hosts outdoor concerts and the very popular sing-along evenings on Tuesday nights (also broadcasted on TV). Stockholmers and tourists of all ages love Skansen, and people come here all year to participate in the traditional festivities at Christmas, Midsummer, and Walpurgis night.

After all these cultural sights, what more could one need? Well, some Swedish food and some shopping are next on our list, and fortunately, there is one place where you can get both of these cravings satisfied simultaneously:

IKEA

Most people are aware that the world-famous furniture store IKEA is Swedish. After the humble origins in rural Småland, the big step towards success was opening up the flagship store in Kungens Kurva, south of Stockholm city. Inspired by the Guggenheim Museum in New York, the round building greeted its first visitors in 1965. 

Not a tourist attraction, you might say. If so, you would be wrong. This place attracts as many visitors a year as all the already mentioned museums combined. Before there were IKEA stores in Finland (the first one opened in 1996), bus tours crossed the Baltic every week with the sole purpose of visiting the shop in Stockholm. 

Take the metro to Skärholmen or Fruängen and catch a bus from there. Then spend the day walking in and out of the staged rooms, admiring Scandinavian interior design and inventiveness, pretending to live in these parallel universes, and shop corkscrews, napkins, and tea lights like a true Swede.  

And we mentioned food. Many people visit IKEA for the food, especially the Swedish meatballs, served with potatoes, a creamy brown sauce, peas, and lingonberry jam. Price? 49 crowns – a real bargain. At Christmas, shopping for gifts and a fresh-cut tree can be accompanied by the “Julbord,” a smörgåsbord of delicacies – also at a budget price. There is even a “gift shop” after the checkout, which offers Swedish candy, cloudberry jam, and other treats to take home. In other words, IKEA is the perfect tourist trap, sorry – tourist attraction. 

There you have it, a miniature guide for your first visit to the Swedish capital. We wish you a great stay and hope to see you again – there is much more to see and do in Stockholm.

Want more Stockholm tips?

Are you going to Stockholm and want more tips on making the most of your stay? Or have you just moved to the Swedish capital and are looking for a great guide to your new hometown? View Stockholm is one of Sweden’s largest digital Stockholm guides. Their extensive website guides and Instagram account make it easy and fun for visitors and locals to find the best Stockholm has to offer.

Head over to View Stockholm or their Instagram account and get all the Stockholm tips you need. Have a great time, and welcome to Stockholm!

What plants can I grow in Sweden?

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What plants can you grow in Sweden? Plants are a great way to decorate your space and bring some life into your home! But it can be tricky to figure out what plants can grow in Sweden, especially if you are new to the climate. To help you out, here is a short guide on great plants you can grow in your Swedish house or apartment. Happy planting!

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.

Leafy plants

The Wardrobe flower or Garderobsblomma is a beautiful leafy plant that is very easy to look after. It can survive in minimal light and only needs to sit at room temperature – so you don’t need to worry about it dying in the Swedish winter!

If you want a larger leafy friend, the Monstera or ‘Swiss cheese plant’ is a great option. It is low-maintenance and will add some lovely decoration to your home.

The Oxalis triangularis or ‘false shamrock’ plant is very popular in Swedish homes. The leaves grow in a beautiful shade of purple and open up to the sunlight. Place this plant in a sunny window and it will be your new happy companion.

Herbs

Herbs are super nice to grow in your Swedish home. There are lots of herbs that can be grown in Sweden year-round. Dill, oregano, sage, and thyme are perfect for growing in your kitchen. Their growth might slow down in the winter, but you can be sure they will be thriving again in the warmer months.

Starting your own herb garden in Sweden is a great way to be somewhat self-sufficient and save some money at the grocery store. You can pick up lots of different herb seeds at great prices at for instance Gardenstore*.

Fruits and vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can be a little trickier to grow in Sweden and will take some extra planning. You will have a short window of growing time during summer, so it’s best to start planting in late May-early June. Plants such as tomatoes and chilli peppers are great to grow on your balcony or in a window that gets a lot of sunlight. If you don’t have great natural light in your home, you can use artificial lighting. Plant lights like these ones can give your plants all the light they need, even throughout the dark winters.

Tip: You can get a head start with your fruit and veggies by buying a ready-grown plant instead of seeds. This tomato plant* is perfect for popping out on your balcony or terrace.

Where can I buy gardening supplies in Sweden?

Now that you are feeling inspired to get your green thumb to work, you will need some gardening supplies. Here are some of our recommendations:

GardenStore* has a huge range of gardening products. They have a great selection of greenhouses* that can be placed on your balcony or terrace.

Wexthuset* is another great option. You can have a field day browsing* through their seeds for flowers, fruits, berries and vegetables.

Granngården* is great for gardening equipment such as soils, gloves, and shovels. Granngården is a great option if you are looking for a physical store, as they are located all around Sweden.

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!

Do you need sunscreen in Sweden?

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Do you need sunscreen in Sweden? With Sweden’s reputation for being dark and cold, it’s easy to get relaxed about sun protection. But once spring and summer come around you will notice how sunny and warm it actually gets here! So, should you be wearing sunscreen when you are in Sweden? The short answer is: Yes! Always wear sunscreen in Sweden when you are exposed to the sun.

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.

Can I get sunburned in Sweden?

If this is your first summer in Sweden, you may be caught off guard by the blazing sunshine in summer. You can definitely get sunburned in Sweden if you aren’t careful. After the long winters it can be tempting to run out under the sun at any chance you get – totally understandable! But to be safe from sun damage and the risks of skin cancer, you should avoid getting sunburned in Sweden by wearing sunscreen.

When do I need to wear sunscreen in Sweden?

The start of warmer months depends on where you live in Sweden. Generally, you can expect warm and sunny days to begin sometime in May. Things really start to heat up in June, and through to September you can expect to get a lot of sun exposure in Sweden. From June to September it’s very important to wear sunscreen and protect your skin from sun damage.

Remember: Don’t only use sunscreen when you are having a picnic at the park or swimming at the lake. It’s important to get into a good sunscreen habit and put it on every time you are going outside in the sun.

Where can I buy sunscreen in Sweden?

If you are new in Sweden you may not know the best places to pick up sunscreen – so here are our best recommendations:

Apohem* is a popular online pharmacy with a huge range of products, so you are guaranteed to find a suitable sunscreen for your needs.

LloydsApotek* has around 80 stores around Sweden, so you have the option to shop online and collect your order within two hours.

Eleven* is another popular online store in Sweden that carries a wide range of sunscreen products. They also have products to protect your scalp and hair from sun damage.

What is the best sunscreen to use?

You should use sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 when you are out in the sun in Sweden. If you are unsure about which sunscreen to buy, here are some popular options:

The ACO SPF 30* sun lotion is great for using all over the body and is extra water resistant – perfect for days down at the lake or by the swimming pool!

Tips for sun protection in Sweden

Here are a few other tips we have for being safe in the sun this summer:

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face from the sun
  • Try to limit your time outdoors between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is at its strongest
  • When using sunscreen make sure to reapply every few hours – and don’t forget your hands and feet if you are out swimming!
  • Wear clothing that doesn’t expose too much of your skin to the sun

Staying safe in the sun will help you have a memorable Swedish summer without the risk of turning into a bright red lobster!