Sweden in winter is unlike any other. The wind picks up and with it, snow is scattered in the sky falling to the ground in a distant area. A peaceful silence hovers in the air as the snow covers the ground. Listen to the crunch of snow under your winter boots as you take steps to the icy lake. The brisk air whips in your face and gives you a chill right to your bones. However, once you see the lake, the feeling of amazement engulfs you. It looks as though the water has been covered in glass. Stones can be seen through and the underlife scurries away when you get close.
As a passionate traveler who has fallen in love with this season in Sweden, I’m excited to guide you through a snowy wonderland that’s nothing short of magical. So, bundle up in your coziest attire and take on this incredible winter journey with me.
1. A Snowy Symphony Across the Land
As the seasons change, Sweden undergoes a magnificent transformation. From north to south, this country becomes a realm of soft, white snowflakes and frozen lakes. These lakes beckon for people to ice skate or even take out a sled! Sweden in winter gives a breathtaking beauty to nature and even in the cities. For example, Stockholm and Gothenburg become adorned with a frosty charm. A snow-covered Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town) is a sight to behold with its old buildings and cobblestone streets.
2. Winter Activities for Every Soul
What makes Sweden in winter truly special is the plethora of activities that you can partake in. Such as, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. These are just a few of the exhilarating options. Jämtland’s Åre, Sweden’s premier ski destination, offers pristine slopes for all levels. The pure joy of swooshing down the snowy hills is a feeling you won’t soon forget. There’s even the sound of excited dogs preparing for an adventure! Try out dog sledding and feel your heartbeat from the adrenaline pumping. Besides those activities, there’s snowmobiling, hiking in the snow, and northern light watching. All of these activities mentioned are kid friendly and will show you how fun Sweden in winter can be.
The Adrenaline of Dog Sledding
The tip of my nose felt icy from all the snow and from falling on my face. The snow that hit my face left a chilly bite. But no matter, I was ready for more! Even with snow melting off of me and a snowball between my glasses and my eye, I jumped back on the sled and waited for the dogs. The adrenaline pumped loudly in my ears and my heart raced in overdrive. Finally, I noticed the snowball, removed it, and began mushing again! So, my dog sledding adventure went smoothly after that accidental fall.
3. Frozen Marvels: Sweden’s Ice Hotels
Imagine spending a night in a hotel constructed entirely from ice and snow. The famous Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi is a place of awe and wonder. The rooms, adorned with ice sculptures, create a surreal atmosphere. Cosy sleeping bags ensure you stay warm as you drift off in your icy abode. Every year it’s created and differently. So, you could come back time and time again for a new experience! Besides having this wonderful ice creation, they offer activities and tours for the people staying with them. You can check out their website here.
4. Cultural Wonders Amidst the Cold
Sweden’s winter is more than just a snow covered picturesque place; it’s a cultural extravaganza. The Sami people in northern Sweden have a unique experience that you can venture to. Visit Jokkmokk’s annual winter market, where you can jump into Sami traditions, their delicious cuisine, and learn about their unique culture.
5. Kid-Friendly Winter Bliss
Traveling with kids? Sweden has a variety of family-friendly winter activities. Building snowmen when the weather is at the peak of almost above freezing is a must. Or, get your adrenaline going in friendly snowball fights. Besides that, you can glide effortlessly on ice skates across frozen lakes, which is an activity that will delight kids and adults alike. Some regions even allow you to introduce your little ones to the world of reindeer sledding – an experience that captures the imagination.
First Winter for Our Little One
Our first winter was filled with outdoor adventures with our little one. Since he was around 1 1/2 year old, there wasn’t much he could do. He didn’t have a care for sledding or getting pushed around on the ice. But this year, since he’s over 2 years old, my boy is full of energy and excitement for new experiences! We’ll be having a lot of fun this winter and already have!
6. Take on the Moose Park
Another experience that’s for all to enjoy is meeting Moose! Wintertime gives a whole other understanding of how these kings of the forests are in life. Check out Värmland Moose Park for more information. When my family visited the first time since having my boy, his eyes were so wide when he saw the moose.
Experience a Moose Up Close
Giddy with excitement, I held him and gave him some food to give to the big nosed furry animal. Since he was only 1 year old, he didn’t fully understand how to feed them, and kept throwing the food instead of keeping your hand open. However, it filled me with such joy that I could give him this chance to meet a moose on safe grounds while we got to be fully informed about these majestic animals.
7. Northern Lights: A Celestial Spectacle
In Sweden’s northernmost regions, the Northern Lights perform their dazzling dance. Sometimes, they can even be seen further south than normal. But that solely depends on the sky and where the aurora borealis is at the moment. The dark polar nights are the best time to witness this celestial show. The vivid colors of green, pink, and purple swirling across the Arctic sky are sure to leave you breathless. They sure left me breathless. I’ve seen them scatter across the sky, as though they were telling a story in secret. They danced to their own melody and left me amazed.
8. Delectable Swedish Delights
Swedish cuisine takes on a special charm in winter. Sip on steaming cups of traditional Swedish “glögg” (mulled wine) while enjoying homemade gingerbread cookies. The hearty “Julbord,” a Christmas smorgasbord, gives you a feast of delicacies like meatballs, herring, and ham. On top of that, there are Swedish pastries, like saffron buns, which are a winter treat.
Vegetarians Can Enjoy it Too!
For the other vegetarians out there! The “julbord” even has options for you, although this depends on where you go for it. When it comes to holidays, eating meats is a common thing in Sweden. However, they’ve been bringing in more and more vegetarian options. Especially in the bigger towns and cities!
9. The Royal Capital: Stockholm’s Winter Splendor
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is a winter wonder. Wander through the snowy streets of Gamla Stan and absorb the historic charm. Skansen, an open-air museum, turns into a Christmas market, allowing you to experience Swedish holiday traditions. Check out Visit Stockholm to learn more about all the activities that you can try during the winter.
The Weather During Winter in Sweden
Sweden winter is a time where this enchanting country turns into a sparkling wonderland. As the days grow shorter, Sweden puts on its white coat. The temperatures drop, usually hovering around -5° to -15° Celsius (23°- 5° Fahrenheit), but they can plunge even lower. With that being said, be sure to bring the right clothes if you plan on venturing around Sweden during the winter season.
Wear the Right Gear for Winter
If you plan on hiking or taking on any winter activity, be sure to be dressed appropiately. It doesn’t feel good to have a frozen hand, so make sure to have waterproof golves or mittens. On top of that, I suggest having snow pants, waterproof jacket and a headlamp. If you need more help deciding on what to bring for winter hiking, check out The Best Essential Winter Hiking Gear for Sweden.
Warm Your Soul in Sweden’s Winter
Snow covers the landscape, bringing a peaceful silence even to bustling cities. The brisk, fresh air carries a sense of excitement, and a sense of adventure as locals and visitors alike prepare to take on the frosty magic. From the crunch of snow underfoot to the warm glow of candlelit windows, Sweden in winter is a delight to the whole body. It’s time for cozying up in front of fires, sipping piping hot cups of mulled wine, and heading out into the glittering landscapes for snow-filled adventures.
Adventures in Sweden
Embrace the magic of Sweden’s winter wonderland with a plethora of exciting activities that await you during the chilly months. Dive into the captivating world of Adventures in Sweden, where you’ll uncover a trove of thrilling possibilities, ensuring your winter getaway is nothing short of extraordinary. As you dream of sunnier days, begin planning your Swedish adventure for the warmer months ahead, discovering an array of incredible experiences that await your arrival.
Dani (Misfit Wanders)
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