Why is winter the best time to visit Sweden?
Winter in Sweden is officially the ‘cosy season’. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Swedish windows are decorated with illuminated paper stars and electric candlesticks. Throughout the winter, lit candles, woollen blankets and steaming hot drinks like ‘glögg’ and tea reinforce the feeling of ‘mys’ – a Swedish noun and life approach that translates to ‘cosiness’ in English. Lavish window displays and warm light decorations illuminate the streets of the cities. And as it’s low season, a Swedish city break in winter gives you good value for the money.
Swedish winter also means short days. In fact, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon in the northernmost parts of the country for about a month. But the Polar Night, as this natural phenomenon is called, doesn’t mean it’s pitch-dark. The snow wraps the Arctic landscape in a sparkling white blanket. At night, the sky is painted green, red and purple by the Northern Lights – also known as Earth's most incredible light show. This winter, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights in all of Sweden are particularly good.
A few degrees below zero means excellent conditions for snowy outdoor activities. Pick and choose the activities that appeal to you most: Hit the slopes for a day of downhill skiing or glide through the silent snowy landscape on a cross-country skiing excursion. Strap on your skates and go ice skating over a frozen lake or sit back and let a team of huskies guide you through fairy-tale forests on a dog sled. For a more adrenaline-fuelled activity, opt for a snowmobile tour. Get your heart rate up during a snowshoe hike, or find peace of mind during an ice fishing trip. The options are endless!