One of my favorite things about Sweden is how connected its people are to nature. It’s an integral part of daily life, as well as a central piece to holidays and leisure time. Swedes go outside as much as possible, especially when it’s sunny, but also when it’s not.
It’s normal to see children and their parents at the playground in full rain and snow apparel, ready to face whatever comes. Almost everyone owns a raincoat with a hood with good coverage, as umbrellas can be useless in strong wind. And that rain/wind combination is really something!
But you don’t necessarily need to go outside when it’s nasty. There are plenty of ways to bring more nature into your life; Swedish style.
Let the fresh air in
Even if you stay inside all day, opening a window or door brings outside air into your life, along with (potentially, depending on where you live) the essence of nature. There’s birdsong in the morning, crickets at night, and the smell of fresh flowers and cut grass. I’m lucky enough to live across the street from a waterfall, so each time I open my balcony door, a soothing rush of water fills the kitchen.
Spend time in the nature that is close to you
No matter where you live, there’s bound to be natural beauty nearby; a park, a trail, a lake, even your own backyard will suffice. So go outside! You can have a picnic or BBQ, play catch with your kid, do some gardening, or go fishing or swimming.
While the Swedish say, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes,” at least if the weather is nice, take advantage! As soon as spring hits, you will find Swedes everywhere laying their blankets down to picnic and lounge in the sun. It’s easy to bask in the nature that is right in front of you.
Create a cozy outdoor space
Being outside doesn’t have to be active. Speaking of your own backyard, you can set up a place to relax outdoors; a lounger for sunbathing, a dining area for warm summer nights or a hammock for afternoon reading. You can plant flowers to brighten the space, put up a birdhouse or feeder to invite pretty birds to come around.
Go outside at work or school
In Sweden, it’s common to eat lunch outdoors right in the sun on nice days. You can even just step outside for a little break, no cigarette necessary. When I was taking Swedish classes, the teacher encouraged us to go walk around the building on our break. It was an invigorating burst of energy after sitting for so long; a chance to soak up a little nature.
Incorporate nature into holidays
Every holiday in Sweden is connected to nature in some way. The entire premise around the biggest, Midsommar, is to be outside eating, dancing around the maypole, and making flower crowns; embracing the year’s longest day. Another summer tradition is the season’s first “bath” which is taking a dip in the sea or a lake. Even in the summer, the water is quite cold, but this seems to be part of what makes it so refreshing.
There is Valborg in April, which honors the coming of spring with outdoor celebrations; student-led parades, choirs and a huge bonfire. Autumn brings forest walks, picking blueberries and chanterelle mushrooms. Even the Christmas season (Jul) has outdoor markets with glögg (the Swedish version of mulled wine), ice skating and igloos that people can gather in.
Starting with habits like opening a window, taking your coffee outside, walking through a park or sitting in the sun for a few minutes can help you feel more connected to the world around you. I really admire how nature is woven into everyday life in Sweden in simple, approachable ways. It makes life feels more intentional, healthier and beautiful because of it.
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Read more about Sweden here in Dispatches’ archives.
Jess Bretin
Jess Bretin is a communications and content specialist, and an American living in Gothenburg, Sweden. While in the states, she spent 2 years on the road living in a van and visited every state. She then married a Frenchman, so she has spent alot of time in France. Jess is also a singer/songwriter in a rock band and loves to cook and stand-up paddle board.
See her posts here:
• Walk like a Swede, talk like a Swede: How to make friends in Sweden
• Chistmas in Sweden: Tradition, light and togetherness
• The cost of living in Sweden 2025: What's actually going on.
