Autumn and Winter in Sweden
From the beautiful fall foliage and cosy fika breaks to the glittering winter landscapes and the mesmerising Northern Lights, autumn and winter in Sweden bring a touch of magic to the cosiest of seasons. So, how do the Swedes like to spend this darker time of year?
Nature and the outdoors
With around 70% of the country covered by forests that gradually change from green to yellow, orange and red in autumn, it is the perfect season for outdoor activities, from relaxing hikes through the countryside to exciting kayaking trips. The landscape is more beautiful than ever, the temperatures are mild, and the mosquitoes have disappeared with summer.
Once the temperatures drop below zero, it's the perfect time for snowy activities such as ice skating and skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. Further north, you may also have the opportunity to traverse the snowy landscape by dog sled and, on a clear night, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
After a long day spent in nature, there's nothing better than a 'fika' at a café or at home to cosy up and unwind.
Culinary Experiences
Speaking of “fika”, it's not just nature lovers who are in for a treat when it comes to the Swedish autumn and winter.
Autumn is seafood season in Sweden, particularly on the west coast, where the lobster harvesting season begins right at the end of September. Those who prefer to stay on land will find that Sweden's forests are a paradise for berry lovers. Blueberries, lingonberries and raspberries can be found in abundance with little effort. Another traditional Swedish culinary experience that continues well into September is the “surströmming” season, when fermented herring is eaten.
Transitioning from Autumn to Winter, the Swedish culinary world starts preparing for Christmas. In this season you will find different sweet treats such as gingerbreads, cinnamon buns and saffron buns called lussekatter. This is also the time for Swedish “glögg” a spiced sweet wine, traditionally served warm. Both alcoholic and alcohol-free versions of this beloved winter drink can be found all over and supermarkets even stock special spice mixes, should you want to make your own.
