Live like a Smålander

1. Take an evening dip

Picture this: the sky is painted in gentle pastel hues and the lake is still and inviting. The crisp evening air makes the water feel warm to the touch, so it’s easy to dive right in. Whether you w…

Picture this: the sky is painted in gentle pastel hues and the lake is still and inviting. The crisp evening air makes the water feel warm to the touch, so it’s easy to dive right in. Whether you want to take a few energising strokes or flop onto your back and lose yourself in the evening sky, Småland’s pristine lakes are the perfect way to finish your day. This is what bliss feels like. This is what it feels like to live like a Smålander.

Go for a swim

2. Pick berries and mushrooms

In Småland, we love foraging for our own food in the great outdoors. There are berries and mushrooms in abundance just a short walk away – we promise. Grab a basket (or two) and head to a nearby fo…

In Småland, we love foraging for our own food in the great outdoors. There are berries and mushrooms in abundance just a short walk away – we promise. Grab a basket (or two) and head to a nearby forest and see what edible treats you can find. There’s no better feeling than eating food you’ve picked yourself. To be absolutely safe, stick to mushrooms and berries you know, consult a hand book – or a Smålander!

3. Eat outdoors

Speaking of eating – come summertime, Swedes find any excuse they can to eat outdoors. You won’t be walk past a park without smelling the delicious dinners of countless locals. So, pack a pic…

Speaking of eating – come summertime, Swedes find any excuse they can to eat outdoors. You won’t be walk past a park without smelling the delicious dinners of countless locals. So, pack a picnic and take it to the seaside, grab some meat for a BBQ or take some coffee and cake on your hike, but make sure you eat outdoors.

Read about flavours of Småland

4. Shop at Flea Markets

Småland residents are known for being thrifty – that’s why Småland has plenty of flea markets, both large and small, where you can browse through everything from antiques and vintage clothing to fu…

Småland residents are known for being thrifty – that’s why Småland has plenty of flea markets, both large and small, where you can browse through everything from antiques and vintage clothing to furniture, books and other personal items. Click the link below to get our tips; already here? Ask a Smålander.

Explore Flea Markets here

5. Read Astrid Lindgren

Småland is the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, whose stories about Pippi Longstocking and many others are loved worldwide. Smålanders like to read about how life used …

Småland is the birthplace of Astrid Lindgren, whose stories about Pippi Longstocking and many others are loved worldwide. Smålanders like to read about how life used to be in Småland – a few tips are to read Emil of Lönneberga and The Children of Noisy Village – you can also visit these filming locations in Småland.

6. Strolling around at IKEA

Småland is home to IKEA, the global brand that has brought Swedish design to homes all around the world. To feel extra proud about being the home of IKEA, Smålanders…

Småland is home to IKEA, the global brand that has brought Swedish design to homes all around the world. To feel extra proud about being the home of IKEA, Smålanders of course enjoy strolling around at IKEA and happily pointing out what the product names mean. In Älmhult, you can also visit the IKEA Museum and even stay at the IKEA Hotel.

7. Eat Ostkaka (the Smålandish style)

Ostkaka is Småland’s pride! The classic Småland-style ostkaka is often served with jam and cream – a taste experience you won’t want to miss when visiting Småland.

8. Tell a story about a moose

In Småland there are plenty of moose, and every Smålander has their own stories about encounters with them! Want to know more? Ask any Smålander if they’ve ever met a moose. Then you can listen to the story for about 30 minutes.

Moose parks in Småland

9. Be proud of the glass

Smålanders are proud of their local glassmaking history. So don’t be surprised if a Smålander turns and twists drinking glasses, vases, or other glass items — they just want to see if they come from Kosta, Orrefors, and so on.

10. Get some fresh air

Smålanders like to “get some air.” This can mean taking a short walk, sitting outside for a while, and enjoying the fresh air. Try it yourself when you’re in Småland. It will feel good for your body — we promise. Aaaah!