As the long, dark winter months fade away, Sweden is transformed into a land of endless daylight. The sun never sets and the sky remains a deep shade of navy well into the night. Summer in Sweden sees forests, lakesides and coastlines bursting into bloom, with vibrant wildflowers painting meadows in rainbow hues. The air is thick with the sweet fragrance of freshly cut grass, and the gentle hum of buzzing bees can be heard as they flit from flower to flower. As the days stretch out, Swedes take to the outdoors, enjoying picnics in parks, swimming in postcard-perfect lakes and hiking through lush green forests. When it comes to culture, the streets come alive with the sound of laughter and music, as locals gather together for colour-filled celebrations and festivals. The evening skies become a canvas of fiery oranges, pinks and purples, as the sun sinks low on the horizon and the soft glow of candlelight illuminates gardens and patios. With the sun semi-setting on another Swedish summer’s day, Swedes indulge in the traditional pastime of 'fika', taking time to enjoy coffee and sweet treats. As you can see, a Swedish summer is pretty idyllic, so here is our list of things to enjoy summer in Sweden like a local…
- Head for the great outdoors
- See in the summer solstice
- Take a cold-water dip
- Visit a picture-perfect sommarstuga
- Find joy in the midnight sun
Head for the great outdoors
Summer is the time to celebrate what Mother Nature gave Sweden – glorious landscapes scattered with craggy mountain ranges, mirror-like lakes and ancient forests. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Sweden has something for everyone. Take a deep breath and inhale the fresh air as you explore stunning landscapes on meandering hikes along the King’s Trail. Feel the sun on your skin as you cycle along the winding roads that cut through the picturesque countryside on Gotland. Those who crave a little bit of adventure will love rafting down raging rapids in Swedish Lapland, or whizzing through the Småländska highlands’ forest canopy on the longest zipline in Europe. But if the adrenaline-fuelled activities aren’t for you, simply sit back with a good book in a meadow bustling with bees, or beside a glistening lake to take in the beauty that comes with Sweden in summer.
See in the summer solstice
Don your flower crown and get your maypole dance moves ready, as a holiday to Sweden in summer wouldn’t be complete without taking part in the Midsommar festivities. Celebrating the peak of the season, the summer solstice is a big deal in Sweden and a time when the streets are filled with laughter. Swedes go all out to celebrate it, with everything from folk singing and maypole dancing to extensive Swedish picnics and feasts. Tuck into pickled herring, meatballs and new potatoes, or simply sit back with a glass of aquavit (schnaps) and soak up the happy summer vibes.
Take a cold-water dip
Wild swimming is a beloved pastime in Sweden. Imagine diving into the cool, crystal-clear waters of a Swedish lake, surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains. Wild swimming in Sweden tends to be a chilly affair, even in the height of summer (the snowier seasons have something to say about that). There are seemingly endless opportunities for taking a dip, with a total of 365 beaches in Sweden rated ‘excellent’ when it came to cleanliness for swimmers. Stockholm’s waterways are dotted with quaint wooden jetties and winding stone staircases, making it the perfect place for a spot of city swimming. For something a little wilder, head to the island of Vrångö in the Gothenburg archipelago, where the meandering coastline boasts so many nooks and crannies, you’ll be able to choose your very own creek.
Visit a picture-perfect sommarstuga
Most Swedes escape the city when summer rolls in. Summerhouses or sommarstuga hold a special place in most Swedes hearts, as they become tranquil havens for city-dwelling locals heading into the countryside for their summer holidays. They say you never understand the importance of these little red-clad, white trimmed cottages until you actually visit one. Located in wonderfully rural areas, with backdrops that will easily fill your camera roll, these local hotspots are the ultimate summer getaway. Summer in Sweden is all about relaxation, immersion in nature, and health and wellbeing, making these pretty little residences the ultimate holiday getaway.
Find joy in the midnight sun
Picture this: you’ve gone to bed as the sun is heading behind the horizon, only to be woken a few hours later to find bright sunlight glaring through your curtains, ready to begin another long Swedish summer’s day. You may be thinking this sounds lovely, but what we failed to mention is that the sun reappears (if it ever really goes down) at around three am in June and July, so it’s an early start. We recommend simply succumbing to the light and making the most of the cool things to do while the midnight sun is up; from climbing Kebnekaise (Sweden’s highest mountain) and playing a round of golf at Björkliden Arctic Golf Course, to heading out on a horse riding tour and even skiing at Riksgränsen resort. The midnight sun means that there’s so much more time for fun activities during summer in Sweden, just make sure you pack your eye mask if you want to get some shut-eye.
Written by Immy Kelly