Close up on a waffle that bakes over open fire.

Making waffles at The Edible Country in Nyköping

The Edible Country is a do-it-yourself gourmet restaurant where the visitors forage and cook their own food in Swedish nature.

Photo credit: Tomas Kihlman

Waffle Day – Våffeldagen

This tradition is pretty self-explanatory. It involves waffles; wonderful jam, or 'sylt' in Swedish, and some whipped cream. And if you really want to do it like a Swede, you should enjoy them in a cosy 'våffelstuga' after a day of outdoor adventures.

Last updated 30 January 2025

Waffles are eaten all year round in Sweden, but they are particularly popular on 25 March when we celebrate Waffle Day ('Våffeldagen'). Swedish waffles are flatter than the more well-known Belgian waffles and are usually made in a special waffle iron that creates the classic heart shape.

But enjoying waffles in Sweden is about more than just a specific day. Across the country, especially in ski resorts and close to cross-country ski tracks or popular sights, you'll find charming 'våffelstugor' (waffle cottages). Often housed in traditional timber cabins, these cosy spots serve up golden, crispy waffles for hungry adventurers. Some are only open in winter, making them the perfect stop after a day of snowy outdoor activities. Others operate in summer, offering a sweet break for hikers and nature lovers.

Whichever season you visit, stepping into a 'våffelstuga' feels like stepping back in time – a nostalgic, delicious experience that every foodie visiting Sweden should try.

Here are some top spots to enjoy Swedish waffles:

Try our Swedish waffle recipe to make your waffles extra crispy and delicious! Serve with jam and some lightly whipped cream.

1.25 cups cold water (you can use sparkling water instead to make the waffles extra crispy)
1.5 cups flour
0.8 cups of whipped cream
75 grams of butter for the waffle iron
Whipping cream (to serve)
Jam (to serve)

Method:

Mix water, flour and salt until smooth. Whip cream until stiff and fold together with batter. Bake with butter in a waffle iron at full power and put them on a grid to cool.
If you don’t have a waffle iron or sandwich press, cook them as you would pancakes. Beat the cream and place on waffles with raspberry, strawberry or cloudberry jam.
A trick for making the waffles extra crispy is to use carbonated water (non-flavoured of course). The waffles are easy to make vegan by switching out the dairy products to vegan alternatives.

Waffles

Swedish waffles with cloudberry jam and whipped cream. While waffles have a day of their own in the Swedish calendar, on 25 March, they are also a favourite treat in the days leading up to Christmas. Waffles have been enjoyed in Sweden as far back as the 15th century.

Photo: Moa Karlberg/imagebank.sweden.se

When is Waffle Day ('våffeldagen')?

Våffeldagen is always on 25 March.

Where do you celebrate 'våffeldagen'?

In cafés, restaurants, at home – or best of all, in a traditional 'våffelstuga'.

How to do it like a local:

There is no trick. You just eat it. With a coffee. Nothing in Sweden is done without coffee. And especially not waffles.

How do you say 'våffla' and 'våffeldag'?

This is how you pronounce våffla [ˈvɔ́ fla] and this is how to pronounce våffeldag [ˈvɔ́ fɛlˈdɑː́ g].

Why do Swedes celebrate 'våffeldagen'?

You may wonder "what is the origin of Waffle Day"? According to the Christian gospels, 25 March is the day when the archangel Gabriel came down to earth and told Mary that she would give birth to God's son in nine months' time. Originally, the day was celebrated as Our Lady Day ('Vårfrudagen'), but in Swedish, it kind of sounds like 'våffeldagen'. Over time, the tradition became more about waffles than about the virgin birth.

And honestly – who can say no to a day dedicated to crispy, golden waffles with all the toppings?

Waffles

25 March is Waffle Day in Sweden. This date used to be all about the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, but today it's mostly about waffles.

Photo: Mikaela Vázquez Rico/imagebank.sweden.se