A glimpse into Swedish life: culture, customs and more

I have been living in Sweden for almost three weeks now, a little way through my year abroad as a Sociology student. Sweden was always going to be at the top of my list when choosing the country I wanted to study in. Among many things, I was drawn to their connection to nature, and high quality of life. I may only be three weeks, but I already know that I couldn’t have chosen a better place to study.

Though often overshadowed by the popularity of Stockholm, the city of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, has truly captured my heart with its unique architectural character. Living here has been quite peaceful, a much more inviting vibe than the hustle and bustle of Stockholm I’ve been told so much about.

I have not been a resident here long, yet the customs and culture of everyday life have slowly started to seep into my daily routine. What I love most is that the Swedish lifestyle has encouraged me to slow down and embrace a sense of balance. So, let’s talk about the key elements that define Swedish living.

1. Fika

This is probably my favourite Swedish tradition I’ve discovered so far. Put simply, ‘fika’ is a coffee break. I don’t drink coffee, which I know sounds like a big problem here, but that doesn’t mean I can’t partake. The coffee can easily be replaced with any drink (though a hot beverage is usually preferred). More often than not, it is accompanied by a sweet treat or snack. I have no shame in admitting that I am a sucker for a sweet treat.

Cinnamon buns are usually the go-to here (especially the ones known as kanelbullar). Their combination of sweet and spice make them hard to resist. If cinnamon spice isn’t really your thing, all sorts of cakes, cookies, and sandwiches are also acceptable additions to your drink. This custom of the Swedish people has taught me to always have a dedicated pause in the day, to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.

Swedish people very much encourage a healthy separation between professional and personal life

2. Nature

The Swedes’ profound respect for nature is truly admirable. Though the weather here is very unpredictable, the Swedish people love spending time outdoors. ‘Allemansrätten’ or ‘The Right to Public Access’ allows anyone to roam freely in nature, as long as you leave things as they were. This was one of the first customs I was taught when arriving in Sweden. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just interacting with the outdoors, everyone is expected to respect the environment. As they should, really.

3. Work-life balance

Another custom I am appreciative of is the value of a strong work-life balance. Swedish people very much encourage a healthy separation between professional and personal life, offering long holiday periods and generous parental leave.

The Swedish approach emphasises the importance of flexible working hours to accommodate personal needs. It’s nice to see when I walk to and from my lectures how full the playgrounds are of children and their parents. Everyone just seems so present here. They recognise the value of providing individuals with control over their schedules which promotes overall satisfaction with and quality of life. The UK definitely needs to take note.

The collective commitment of its citizens is what makes everything work in this country

4. Sustainability and environmentalism