Aside from skiing, snowboarding or sit in front of the fireplace with a book are great ways to survive your Swedish winter.
I’ve been in Sweden for six months now, and this country still surprises me. For starters, it’s snowing in late April! During the winter, the icy landscape is beautiful but it’s one week until my birthday and I can’t party comfortably in five layers of thermals. Out here in northern Europe, the never-ending Swedish winter can easily send someone into hibernation. During January, I binged the first four seasons of Homeland. I know I should be more embarrassed but if you’ve ever lived in this weather, you’d understand.
To be honest, the winter puts a huge damper on my moving abroad experience. My town, Örebro, is small as it is. Once winter rolls around, this town literally resembles a ghost town. Sunlight is only visible for four hours a day. If you’re ambitious enough to reside in further northern regions of this country, brace yourself for months of darkness.
It’s hard to embrace the cold weather, especially when it’s lasted over six months, but there are upsides to living in such conditions. Aside from the fact that you can easily get away with putting on some extra points, you can also spend this season skiing, snowboarding or sit in front of the fireplace with a book. Here are a few things to keep you busy during the Swedish winter:
1. Never leave the house unprepared.
Sweden’s weather is not to be trusted. Regardless of what it looks like outside of your window, be prepared for rain, snow and even hail. Take it from me, bring hailed on without an umbrella is no joke.
2. Get Netflix.
Cold weather is the perfect excuse to spend the night in. Cuddle up with some wine and Netflix. As I said, watch Homeland. You won’t regret it.
3. Swedes love their Fika.
It’s the term you use when you meet up with a friend over a cup of coffee and a pastry. Pastries are not always included, but because it’s winter and your body is fully covered 24/7, there is no reason not to indulge.
4. Aka Christmas Markets.
Julmarknad is a fun and free way to sample amazing Swedish food while throwing back Glögg. Glögg is spiced wine, It’s not the best but it gets the job done, if you know what I’m saying.
5. Get Physical.
Seriously, get your body moving. Do yoga, join a gym, or go on a run. Staying active will help you feel much more energized and healthy. Plus, you’ll get a major head start on your summer bod.
