You’ve heard of Swedish winters — the darkness, the snow, the “cozy” indoors. But what about Swedish summers? Do they actually exist? Are they warm? Can you get a tan or just mosquito bites? Buckle up, because surviving a Swedish summer is an art form of its own.
1. Understand the Concept of “Warm”
In Sweden, 20°C is considered a heatwave. Locals will be half-naked in parks, while you’re still wearing a light jacket wondering what’s going on.
Tip: Don’t judge the temperature — judge the vibe. If the sun’s out, it’s summer. Period.
2. Master the Art of Layering
Swedish weather can go from “beach picnic” to “Arctic wind” in 15 minutes.
Tip: Always carry an extra layer. Or two. And maybe an umbrella. But hey, it’s sunny now, so enjoy it while it lasts.
3. Avoid the Crowds by Accident
You’ll often find yourself alone in the city on a Tuesday afternoon, even in July. Where is everyone? Likely in the forest, on a boat, or in a summer cabin off-grid.
Bonus: Enjoy the peace. Your bus might be empty, your sauna too. It’s paradise for introverts.
4. Respect the Mosquito
Sweden may not have bears in cities, but mosquitoes? Oh, they’re real. And they will find you.
Tip: Bring repellent if you’re going anywhere green, blue, or with “skog” in the name. Or just accept your fate and start counting bites like medals.
5. Learn to Love the Fika Outside
Even coffee takes a holiday in Sweden. Outdoor seating appears instantly when the sun shines — and disappears just as fast.
Tip: If you see a sunny table at a café, grab it. Cancel your plans. That’s your plan now.
6. Sauna Isn’t Just for Winter
Yes, you’ll sweat outside. Then you’ll sweat more inside — on purpose.
Tip: Summer sauna sessions near lakes or cold pools (like at Jubileumsparken) are a Swedish must. Just don’t expect company. You might have the whole thing to yourself. Bliss.
7. Stay Up Late (the Sun Will Too)
In the north, it never gets dark. Even in Gothenburg, twilight lingers until midnight.
Tip: Forget early bedtimes. Embrace the weirdness of midnight daylight and take a walk. Just bring a sleep mask for later.
8. Celebrate the Midsummer Magic
Flower crowns, dancing around poles, singing weird songs to snaps — Midsummer is Sweden’s real national day.
Tip: If you’re invited to a Midsummer party, say yes. Even if you don’t understand what’s happening, you’ll never forget it.
9. Take a Cold Dip
It might be 19°C, but the locals are swimming. And so should you.
Tip: Find a bathing spot (they’re everywhere), take a breath, and go for it. It’s oddly refreshing. Possibly life-changing.
10. Don’t Expect Air Conditioning
Swedes don’t believe in AC. Your hotel, Airbnb, or friend’s apartment will probably be exactly as hot as outside.
Tip: Open the windows, use a fan, and repeat after me: “It’s not hot, it’s just… very warm for Sweden.”
Final Word
Swedish summer is a beautiful contradiction: chilly yet golden, slow yet full of light, quiet yet bursting with life. Survive it with humor, flexibility, and maybe a mosquito net — and you’ll start to see why locals wait all year for this short but glorious season.
☀️ Bonus: Top 5 Things To Actually Do During a Swedish Summer
Let’s say you’ve mastered the weather, embraced the layering, and accepted the mosquitoes. Now what?
1. Swim Everywhere
Sweden has over 100,000 lakes — plus sea access. Most cities have public swimming spots. Bonus: it’s free, clean, and not crowded.
Tip: Look for signs like “badplats” or “brygga” — you’re close to magic.
2. Bike Around the Archipelago
If you’re near the coast (like in Gothenburg or Stockholm), hop on a ferry or bridge and explore the islands by bike. You’ll see red cabins, sheep, and humans grilling sausages.
3. Hike Through Silence
Yes, Swedish forests are open to everyone. Under “Allemansrätten” (the right to roam), you can walk, pick berries, even camp — as long as you’re respectful.
Warning: time stops in the woods. You might become a forest person.
4. Attend a Local Festival or Open-Air Concert
From tiny town fairs to open-air electronic raves in parks, Swedish summer means music — often free, always outdoors.
Pro tip: Bring your own picnic and blanket. Everyone does.
5. Just… Sit in the Sun
No really, just sit. Swedes are professional sun-baskers. Bench? Park? Tiny square of grass? If it’s sunny, it’s occupied.
Try it. You’ll start calling 17°C “perfect beach weather” too.
🇸🇪 Mini-Glosar Suedez de Supraviețuire Estivală
Just a few words to impress the locals (or at least avoid confusing the cashier):
- Badplats = swimming area
- Fika = coffee + something sweet + slowing down life
- Allemansrätten = right to access nature
- Midsommarstång = midsummer pole (you’ll see it… and dance around it)
- Mygg = mosquito (know thy enemy)
- Sol = sun (rare and worshipped)
- Lagom = not too much, not too little — just right
☀️ Final-final word:
If you treat Swedish summer like a limited-edition experience — because that’s exactly what it is — you’ll not only survive it, you’ll start counting the days until next June.
