This is a chronicle by W.K. When September arrive, it gets darker and colder, culminating on December 21st with the winter solstice. That's when the sun hours are at their lowest. Summer is basically only in June, July, and August. Spring and autumn are hardly worth mentioning, as it can be cold until April and get cold again in October. Spring and autumn have been blurred, maybe due to climate change or maybe it's always been like that without me reflecting on it.
Sentiment shifts
There's a huge difference in how Swedes behave during the summer and the dark, cold time. During the winter half-year, or 9 months, Swedes are quite shy and withdrawn in public. Everyone dresses mostly in black and gray and hides under their coat or jacket. Everyone is in a hurry, no one looks up, and it feels like everyone just wants to avoid the weather and darkness.
In the summer, it's almost the opposite. As soon as the first spring/summer sunbeams fall, the most enthusiastic Swedes have already brought out their shorts and t-shirts to venture out onto the streets. It's a bit funny to see how summer-dressed people in short sleeves and shorts mix with others wearing winter jackets and coats. Then you know summer is on its way.
Swedes love the summer
Swedes love the Swedish summer. It's easy to understand why. From being dark and cold, suddenly there are many sun hours and warmth. In northern Sweden, when the summer solstice arrives (the summer solstice varies between June 20-22), the sun doesn't set, and the nighttime darkness disappears. During the summer, there's a sense of urgency to do as much as possible, as it can't be done during other parts of the year.
Outdoor cafes open and restaurants start serving outdoor seating that quickly get fill up with beer-thirsty Swedes. On the streets, you suddenly see smiles on Swedes' faces, they feel free and light, maybe because they don't have to wear heavy jackets and coats. In summer, Sweden is mixed with tourists who think Swedes are always this happy and open, but they haven't visited Sweden in the winter. In the summer, the best comes out of Swedes, we're no longer shy and withdrawn, and spontaneous conversations can even occur on the street and at outdoor cafes.
Photo: Sweden Herald
Swedes favorite activities during summer
Many Swedes take refuge in coastal areas during the summer, the archipelago and cottages beckon. About 600,000 Swedes have vacation homes, and it's popular to head out to the countryside and spend long periods there. There, you're close to Swedish nature, and it's peaceful and rejuvenating. Camping is also popular, with accommodations in tents or caravans, and more recently, glamping has arrived in Sweden, a more luxurious version of camping where everything is taken care of, and you just need to show up like you're staying at a hotel.
Many Swedes also travel abroad during the summer, with popular destinations including Denmark, Germany, Greece, Spain, and Italy (55% were abroad during april-september of 2023) [1]. It turns out that more people plan to travel than actually do. But it's understandable, as many wait to see how the summer weather will be in Sweden first; if the weather is good, you might not even need to leave.
When the summer is at its best in Sweden, it's hard to beat. Then you don't need to travel abroad to get sun, swimming, and beautiful nature. Plus, you get the company of happy Swedes who are at their best mood. If you live in Sweden, enjoy the summer, and if you live abroad, take the opportunity to visit Sweden during the summer! Happy summer, W.K.
