Where: All of Sweden
When: December to March
What: Winter season
As a newbie in Sweden, I viewed everything around me with fresh eyes, including the seasons. Being Dutch, I'm used to experiencing different seasons, but there are certainly distinctions here. Especially the winters are a whole different ball game.
SWEDISH CLIMATES
Sweden is a vast country with four distinct climates depending on your location. So, southern Sweden has a moderate maritime climate, quite similar to the weather in the Netherlands. The central area, where we're located, features a moderate continental climate, while the north has a cool continental climate. Then there are the mountains where a high mountain climate reigns.
Compared to the other Scandinavian countries, Sweden experiences relatively mild winters and quite warm summers. This is due to Sweden's position on the leeward side of the Norwegian mountains, which block a significant amount of rainfall and create a downslope wind in the summer.
'BLACK FRIDAY' IN SWEDEN: EVERY FRIDAY FROM OCTOBER TO MARCH
That's a common Swedish joke, of course. However, because Sweden is close to, and partially within, the Arctic Circle, winter days are longer and darker, while summer days linger in extended daylight. In the North, the contrast is extreme, with polar nights in winter and midnight sun in summer.
I thought the darkness would be the most challenging aspect, but honestly, it doesn't feel like a huge difference from the Netherlands. As you've probably noticed, I like to spend a lot of time outdoors. Swedish winter provides the opportunity for plenty of cool outdoor activities, which I will write more about in other blog posts. As long as I continue taking vitamin D and create a cozy atmosphere at home, like Swedes do in winter, everything's fine. Plus, the darkness offers a stunning starry sky and the Northern Lights. Swedes celebrate Lucia on the darkest day of winter, symbolizing the return of light. From this celebration onward, the days gradually become brighter again.
A LONG SWEDISH WINTER
What I do notice is that autumn and spring seem shorter. This is because winter tends to take away some time from these transitional seasons. Winter here is colder than in the Netherlands, but the drier air often reduces the chill. Additionally, there's more snow here, which I find fantastic and magical. Especially in November and December when the snow brightens up the dark days. However, when March or April arrives, with the sun breaking through a bit more, accompanied by the swelling bird orchestra and fresh buds emerging everywhere, it can feel like a cold shower when you wake up to snow the next morning.
After experiencing my first full winter in Sweden, I got messages from family and friends in the Netherlands saying they were enjoying the first rays of sunshine on a terrace in March and April. And each time I thought spring had arrived here too, another blanket of snow fell... Swedes call that 'April väder' (April weather).
EMBRACING A POSITIVE MINDSET
So, I've learned from this initial experience. I now simply assume that spring in Sweden truly begins in May. Every beautiful sunny spring day that arrives earlier is a bonus, and I enjoy it intensely. It's all about mindset, isn't it? I also recognize that thereafter, spring will burst forth with flowers everywhere, and summer is just around the corner. The wonderful summer here in Sweden is enthusiastically celebrated by everyone. But that's a tale for another time...
HELPFUL LINKS:
More details about the climate in Sweden:
More information about the Lucia celebration:
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