Summer in Småland

All the bays, lakes and waterways in Småland invite you to dive into a freshwater lake or the Baltic Sea. Here you’ll find child-friendly sandy beaches, jetties and diving towers, as well as sun-warmed smooth cliffs.

Do you dream of rocky skerries, thousands of small islands and gently rocking waves? Småland offers a fantastic archipelago environment in the form of the Tjust and Misterhult archipelagos. Here you can hop between islands, enjoy peace and idyllic surroundings, and experience a perfect southern Swedish archipelago adventure.

If you’re looking for things to do during the summer in Småland and on Öland, here are more suggestions. Why not start the season with Midsummer celebrations at the end of June, and then continue with flea-market trips and boat tours?

Is there anything more summery than celebrating Midsummer? Experience Midsummer in Småland and on Öland, where traditions and nature come together in a festival of dancing, flowers, and good food. Midsummer is celebrated at the end of June.

Flea markets are a treasure trove for those who love finding bargains and unique items with history. In Småland and on Öland, you’ll find plenty of flea markets, both large and small, where you can browse everything from antiques and vintage clothing to furniture, books and other personal items.

With 5,000 lakes, several rivers and 270 kilometres of coastline, Småland offers endless opportunities for excursions on the water. Sometimes the journey itself is the destination. Let us guide you along the waterways of Småland.

Crayfishing is a popular summer activity in Sweden, especially in Småland where the lakes are close together and the tradition is strong. As the August evening settles over the water, people row out with a net or trap, shine a flashlight, and lower the bait in the hope of a catch. It is a peaceful experience where nature, stillness, and anticipation blend into something truly special. Many lakes require a fishing permit and sometimes a special license for crayfishing, but where it is allowed, it quickly becomes a summer highlight—not least when the catch later ends up on the table at a festive crayfish party.

A crayfish party (kräftskiva) is one of Sweden’s most beloved summer traditions—a celebration where the taste of fresh crayfish is mixed with cheerful laughter, paper hats, song booklets, and lanterns lighting up the late summer evening. The crayfish, often boiled with dill crowns and served with Västerbotten cheese pie, crispbread, and a shot of aquavit, take center stage at this lively and traditional feast. It is a tradition that brings friends and family together around long tables—outdoors under the open sky or indoors if the weather requires—where the sense of togetherness, the songs, and the piles of shells on the plates grow along with the atmosphere.