Sweden

Visited: April 2006

Duration of visit: 3 days

Capital city: Stockholm

Population: 9.2 million (2006)

Sweden travel blog reading time: 5 minutes

• Stockholm – Venice of the North, where islands and peninsulas are connected with numerous bridges.
• Gamla Stan (Old Town) – narrow streets, bars and restaurants, combined with small designer shops.
• Staying with local friends in a residential community in Stockholm.
• Enthusiasm for emerging technologies and innovative products in grocery stores.
• Vasa museum, dedicated to a majestic 64-gun vessel, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.
• Skansen open-air museum with over 150 houses from around the country.

Sweden is a land of forests, wild moose, famous musicians and creative engineers. It’s also full of lakes and islands, known for its high quality of life, and often listed among the world’s happiest countries. About 10% of the people there run their own businesses.

I visited only the capital, Stockholm, during a trip to the Scandinavian capitals in 2006.

It was late April, still quite chilly, but it was obvious that locals are eager to spend as much time as possible outdoors: relaxing in parks, socializing in bars, and wrapping themselves in warm blankets to enjoy the fresh air.

I traveled with my girlfriend and stayed in a private apartment with her friends in a residential area outside Stockholm. It was a great chance to experience everyday Swedish life.

Our home, where light furniture with bright walls and enormous windows created a comfortable and enjoyable environment, was cozy. Keeping shoes at the entrance and walking around in socks or slippers is a custom that is not unique only in Sweden, yet it contributes to fostering a sense of comfort and homeliness.

The most important detail that I noticed is, that there is no exaggeration with luxury in Swedish lifestyle. On the contrary, it is practical, minimalistic and typical Scandinavian solutions orientated. People seem to care as little as possible for extravagant, outstanding or opulent goods.

Cars are means of transport, clothes are used to cover your body, furniture is light and pragmatic, while residences are down-to-earth.

I believe this is the main reason for happiness. Being happy with basic needs instead of chasing luxury and prestige to show off in front of your neighbors or society in general.

There is actually an expression called Lagom lifestyle – in the Swedish language literally means not too much, not too little, just the right amount.

Lagom lifestyle is a philosophy that aims to balance, in every area and juncture of everyday life, focusing on all those moments full of familiarity, warmth, harmony and conviviality.

The concept of Lagom is based on a proud opposition to excess and on a rejection of originality at all costs, balance as a true goal and grasping something positive in every situation. Sustainability and energy saving form another strong pillar, which reflects in finding a way to reuse and give new life to used objects. No wonder, why Sweden is a world champion in recycling, where 99% of waste is transformed, converted into something different and reused.

The well-known Swedish brand Ikea, characterized by simple and clean lines, is probably the best example, how to implement Lagom doctrine in furniture and daily habitat.

Nature consistently played a significant role in shaping the lifestyle and culture of Sweden. The extreme climate with lack of sunlight in the winter time, to pleasant summers with long daylights, can strongly impact on activities. Cycling, walking and any kind of outdoor activities are part of life, independent on climate conditions.

Swedish seem to find a perfect balance between work and pleasure despite the 40 hours working week, thanks to family laws.

One of the best-preserved medieval city centers Gamla Stan (The Old Town) is Stockholm’s original city center – souvenir shops, narrow streets, bars, restaurants, main public square, combined with small designer shops, the Royal Palace and guards in front of the palace. The Old Town is from the 13^th century, but it was later extended by German merchants, who built many of the patrician houses up to 17^th century, converting the capital to an important trade center.

The Royal Palace, one of Stockholm’s most famous landmarks, is the official residence of His Majesty, the King of Sweden. The Palace houses over 600 rooms in seven floors with a state apartment and it is the setting for most of the monarchy’s official receptions.

The highlight for me was the changing of the royal guards. The ceremony is different each day. Sometimes there’s a horse parade, a military band playing while riding, or just the guards marching in different formations with music. The Royal Guards have been protecting Stockholm Palace and Drottningholm Palace since 1523.

Vasa museum is the most visited museum of the whole Scandinavia, dedicated to a majestic 64-gun vessel, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The 400-year-old warship in a near perfect condition, decorated with hundreds of original carved sculptures, is the only star on the exhibition.

Vasa ship sank in front of a huge crowd in the Stockholm harbor in 1628 and was lifted to the surface again in 1961. For nearly 50 years the ship had been thoroughly restored to a state approaching its original glory. Finally, King Carl XVI Gustaf inaugurated the museum on 15^th June 1990.

Skansen open-air museum is promoted as the first open-air museum, with over 150 houses from around the country: church, pottery, bakery and many other activities are demonstrated by people dressed in traditional clothes from the old times.

One of the most memorable moments of my visit to Stockholm was grocery shopping in a local supermarket.

It wasn’t very big, but it was my first time seeing Scandinavian products. There were so many brands and items I had never seen before. The variety of unique sweets and vegetarian foods was much larger than what I was used to.

Some practical solutions made my shopping extremely enjoyable. From basket on a wheel to self-service for pretty much any products that was weighted and packed on the spot.

It was not fun to pay the bill though. High taxes, strict labor laws, high living standards and especially high-quality products are the main causes for prohibitive prices. There is no place for cheap, low quality imported goods from Asia.

Spending three days in Stockholm gave me a glimpse into Swedish life, local habits, and the main attractions of the capital. But there are still many more places to visit and things to do to truly understand this fascinating country.

Nonetheless, I learned that Sweden is a country, where the quality of life is more important than luxury or competing with neighbors to see who owns a bigger house, more powerful car or luxurious goods.

A pleasant business environment, opportunities for development in the personal field and help of the state enable a calm and nature-oriented way of life, which impressed me.

Lagom lifestyle rocks!