“Sweden is the most successful society the world has ever known.”
— George Lakey, American sociologist and professor.
Are you thinking about moving to Sweden? Maybe you want to work, study, or just live somewhere with cozy homes and long coffee breaks. I understand that feeling. I had the same dream once. Before you pack your bags, let me share a little advice. I have lived in Sweden for over 5 years now. Life here is not just about IKEA and ABBA songs. There is so much more waiting for you. I am excited to tell you all about it.
1. Sweden’s Weather: The Reality vs. The Dream
When people think about Sweden, they often imagine a snowy fairy tale. They see pretty houses covered in snow, people drinking hot chocolate by the fire, and the Northern Lights in the sky. I thought the same before I moved here.
But real life is a little different. Winters in Sweden are very cold, dark, and windy. It is not always easy.
I still remember my first winter. I left home at 8 in the morning, and it was still dark outside. I finished work at 4:30 in the afternoon, and it was already dark again. Sometimes, I did not see the sun for many days. Thick clouds covered the sky, and everything felt gray. The buildings looked gray, the streets looked gray, and even my feelings felt gray.
Cold and Dark Winter
At first, it was very hard for me. I felt tired all the time. Some days, I just wanted to stay in bed. It felt like the days would never end. I missed the sun so much.
But after a while, I learned how to deal with it. I started to follow a few simple rules. I made sure to go outside during the little daylight we had, even if it was cold. I bought warm clothes and good boots. I filled my home with cozy lights and candles. I drank hot coffee and met friends, even when I didn’t feel like going out. I also took vitamin D every day because my doctor said it helps when there is not much sunlight.
Slowly, I started to feel better. I realized that winter in Sweden can be beautiful too, if you know how to live with it. Now, I even enjoy the dark evenings. They make me slow down, rest, and enjoy the little things.
If you are planning to live in Sweden, be ready for the winter. It is not always easy, but you can handle it. And once you do, you will find a special kind of beauty in the dark, quiet months.
i) Winter Survival Tips: How to Thrive in the Cold
There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.
At first, I wore the wrong clothes. I thought a simple jacket and sneakers would be enough. But I was always cold and wet. I felt uncomfortable all the time.
Later, I learned what I really needed. I bought warm boots, a thick winter coat, and good layers to wear under my clothes. I also got gloves, a scarf, and a hat. After that, everything changed.
Winter still wasn’t easy, but it got much better. I didn’t feel frozen anymore. I could walk outside without feeling like I would turn into ice. I even started to enjoy winter a little. It was not perfect, but it became bearable. I could go for walks, meet friends, and even smile while it snowed.
Find an outdoor winter activity.
I tried downhill skiing when I was 34 years old. I was very nervous at first. I had never skied before, and I didn’t know what to expect. I fell many times. Sometimes, I wanted to give up. But I kept trying. Slowly, I started to get better.
After a while, I began to enjoy it. Skiing became something special for me. It gave me a reason to go outside during the long, dark winters. It made winter feel more fun and less heavy.
Now, when I think about winter in Sweden, I don’t just think about the cold and the darkness. I also think about the joy of skiing down snowy hills and feeling alive.
ii) Swedish Summer: A Reward for Surviving the Darkness
Then came the Swedish summer. Let me tell you — it makes everything worth it. After the long, dark winter, summer feels like a gift. The days are so long. The sun stays up late into the night. Sometimes it feels like the day will never end.
People go outside as much as they can. They have barbecues in their gardens or parks. They go to music festivals and dance in the open air. They take weekend trips to lakes and beaches.
One of my favorite things is swimming in Sweden’s clean, beautiful lakes. The water feels fresh and cool. After months of cold and darkness, it feels like magic. It is like a reward for making it through the winter. Every time I swim, I feel happy and alive.
2. The Concept of “Lagom”: Just Enough
In Sweden, you will often hear about something called Lagom. It is a special word. It means “just enough” — not too much and not too little. It is all about balance.
People in Sweden try to live with balance in everything. They work hard, but they also take time to rest. They enjoy good food, but they don’t eat too much. They like nice things, but they don’t show off.
Lagom is a big part of Swedish life. It helps people stay calm and steady. Life feels simple and peaceful when you live with Lagom. After living here for many years, I also started to love this way of thinking. It makes life feel less stressful and more happy.
3. The Swedish Lifestyle: Balance and Humility
In some countries, people are always busy, always trying to do more and show more. But in Sweden, it is different. People believe in moderation. They like to live in a calm and simple way.
You don’t see many flashy cars here. People don’t brag about how much money they make or how successful they are. Most people live modestly. They don’t feel the need to show off.
One thing that really surprised me when I moved here was how much people value humility. In Sweden, it is not good to stand out too much. Big egos are not welcome. People like it when everyone feels equal. They believe in fairness and respect. You can see this in the way people talk, work, and live together.
Everything is about keeping life balanced and peaceful. And after living here for many years, I really started to appreciate this way of life.
4. The Coffee Culture: Fika and Snus
Swedes love coffee. They drink it all day. It is strong and black. Sometimes, it feels like a competition — who can drink the most!
They also use something called snus. It is chewing tobacco. Many people use it here. I tried it once, but it was too strong for me. It’s not for everyone!
But let me tell you about something very special — fika. Fika means taking a break. People sit down, drink coffee, and eat something sweet, like a cinnamon bun. They talk, laugh, and relax.
Fika is not just about food or drink. It is about slowing down and enjoying the moment. In Sweden, fika is important. I never skip it, and I think you shouldn’t either.
5. Swedish Work-Life Balance: A Refreshing Approach
In Sweden, people care a lot about balance between work and life. When I first came here, this was new for me. But after some time, I started to like it. Now, I really enjoy this way of living.
There is a word Swedes use — fredagsmys. It means “Friday cozy time.” On Friday evenings, people stay at home. They wear soft clothes, eat something nice like tacos or chips, and watch a movie. They spend time with family or close friends. It feels warm, quiet, and peaceful. I now do this every Friday. It helps me relax after a long week.
People in Sweden don’t live to work. They work to live. They leave the office on time. They don’t answer emails late at night. That is normal here. No one thinks you must work all the time.
If you want to do well at your job, you don’t need to work extra hours. You need to be kind, helpful, and work well with others. Being a good team player is more important than staying late at work.
Family comes first. Rest is important too. People take vacations and enjoy their free time. They go to the forest, the lakes, or their summer cabins. They spend time with loved ones and enjoy quiet moments.
Living in Sweden taught me to slow down. I learned to enjoy small things — a calm evening, a walk in nature, or a quiet coffee break. Life feels better when you have time for both work and rest.
5. Parental Leave: Flexibility for All Parents
In Sweden, parents get a lot of time off when they have a baby. They get 480 days of paid leave. Both parents can share these days. Each parent must take at least 90 days, but after that, they can decide how to split the rest.
I remember how surprised I was when I first learned this. It felt very fair and kind. In many other places, only the mother stays home. But here, it’s normal to see dads pushing strollers or feeding babies in the park.
I often see fathers walking with their children or playing at the playground during the day. No one finds it strange. In fact, people respect it. Spending time with family is important here.
This balance between work and family is a big part of Swedish life. People don’t have to choose between being a good parent and having a job. They can do both. And that’s something I really admire about Sweden.
6. Housing in Sweden: A Competitive Market
If you’re planning to live in cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmo, prepare yourself for the competitive housing market. Finding a place can feel like winning the lottery. With high demand for rental apartments, landlords often prefer tenants with Swedish references, good credit history, and personal letters from previous landlords.
Here’s the key: Start looking for housing early. The sooner, the better. It’s not easy, but with the right preparation, it’s possible to find a place that suits you.
7. Taxes and Trust in Sweden’s System
When I got my first paycheck in Sweden, I was surprised. A big part of my money went to taxes. I thought, “Why is the amount so small?”
But later, I learned why. In Sweden, people pay high taxes. But they also get many good things. Healthcare is free. School and university are free. Parents get money when they stay home with their baby.
Most people in Sweden are okay with the high taxes. They trust the government. They believe the money is used well. People think it is fair.
This trust is very strong in Sweden. It helps everything work in a good way. At first, I was unsure. But now, I also believe in the system. I see that my taxes help everyone — not just me.
8. Personal Space: A Swedish Norm
In Sweden, people like personal space. They enjoy quiet and don’t talk to strangers much. When I first came here, this felt strange to me.
On the bus or train, people don’t sit close to each other if there’s space. They keep some distance. They don’t start small talk with people they don’t know. At first, I thought they were not friendly.
But after some time, I understood. This is just how they are. Swedes are calm and private. They respect others’ space.
Still, if you take time to get to know them, everything changes. Once you break the ice, they open up. I’ve made Swedish friends who are kind, loyal, and very caring. You just need a little patience.
9. Social Norms: Splitting Bills and Equality
Swedes believe in fairness, so when it comes to paying for things, they insist on splitting bills. No one wants to owe anyone, and no one wants to feel like they’re taking advantage of someone else. This is part of the Swedish belief in equality and respect.
10. Learning Swedish: A Key to Fitting In
Many people in Sweden speak English. But if you want to feel at home here, learning Swedish is important.
When I first moved to Sweden, I used only English. It worked for a while. But after some time, I felt left out. People around me spoke Swedish. I didn’t always understand what was going on.
I started to learn the language little by little. It was hard at first. But each new word helped me feel closer to the people. I could talk with neighbors, join small talks, and feel part of the group.
Knowing Swedish also helps at work. Without it, it’s hard to grow in your job or make friends.
If you live here, don’t wait too long — start learning. It really makes life in Sweden easier and warmer.
11. Dating in Sweden: Casual and Equal
Dating in Sweden is different from what I was used to. It’s more casual. Women here often make the first move.
When you go out, the bill is usually split. Everyone pays for themselves. It feels fair and normal.
Many people in Sweden use dating apps. These apps are safe. They help people meet others while respecting their space and feelings.
Alcohol is sometimes part of dating. It helps people relax and feel more comfortable. It can make talking easier.
Moving to Sweden: The Bottom Line
Should you move to Sweden? It’s not for everyone. If you love chaos, noise, and talking to strangers, it might be hard to get used to. People in Sweden like their personal space and quiet time. Small talk is not common here.
But if you enjoy balance, fairness, and long, sunny summer nights, Sweden might be the perfect place for you. The country offers peace, trust, and a different pace of life. I found it to be a beautiful place to live.
There are many good things in Sweden. From cozy Fridays with family to amazing summers by the lake, Sweden has a special charm. It’s a place where life feels calm, balanced, and welcoming.
Frequently Ask Questions
Should I move to Sweden?
Moving to Sweden can be a big change. If you love peace, balance, and long summer days, you might really enjoy life here. But if you like chaos and talking to strangers, it might be different. Sweden is calm and beautiful, with many things to explore.
Do people in Sweden speak English?
Yes, many people in Sweden speak English. But when you’re moving to Sweden, learning Swedish will help you feel more at home. It’s easier to connect with people and enjoy life here.
What’s dating like in Sweden?
Dating in Sweden is simple. Women often make the first move. The bill is usually split. Many people use dating apps. Alcohol is sometimes used to help people feel more relaxed. People respect space and boundaries.
Is it hard to make friends in Sweden?
Making friends when moving to Sweden can take time. Swedes like their personal space and don’t talk to strangers much. But once you get to know them, they are kind and loyal.
