Live like a Smålander

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.

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!

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.

Spending time connecting with nature in the forest has been shown to have incredible health benefits, like reducing stress and depression. While the term forest bathing was coined in Japan in the 1970s, Smålanders have turned to the fantastic nearby forests for centuries when they’ve needed to rejuvenate. The healing power of Småland’s nature is just a short walk away.

Småland’s lakes are a paradise for nature lovers. Rowing is the perfect way to escape from reality and just take in the sounds of the wildlife and wilderness. Many of those rustic red cottages for rent have a rowboat you can use. And if you’re at a campsite near a lake, you’re probably near a rowboat. So, get on the water and discover our Småland.