Swedish culture & lifestyle

What is fika?

Fika is a beloved Swedish tradition, best described as a cosy coffee break with something sweet—often a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun)—and good company. But it’s more than that. It’s a chance to pause, connect, and enjoy the moment, whether you're gossiping with a friend, catching up with a colleague, or simply taking a breather on your own.

Fika can happen anywhere, anytime: at home, in a park, at a cosy café, or even mid-museum visit. For your clients, it’s an easy, delicious way to experience Swedish culture like a local.

Where to experience fika in Sweden

• Alingsås – Sweden’s fika capital
  Just outside Gothenburg on the west coast, the town of Alingsås is famous for its thriving café scene and deep-rooted fika culture. Here, visitors can join a guided fika walk, stopping at top cafés while learning about the history and rituals behind this Swedish pastime.
• Gothenburg – indie coffee heaven
  In Gothenburg city, the local favourite da Matteo has six locations serving up artisan brews and fresh-baked buns. Coffee aficionados can even book a Barista 101 course to learn the craft behind the brew.
• Stockholm – fika for all tastes
  In Stockholm, cafés like Fern & Fika offer an inclusive spread of raw, gluten-free and dairy-free options—including semlor and jam cookies—paired with oat, almond or coconut milk lattes. For something on a grander scale, afternoon tea at the iconic Grand Hôtel is a must (book early—tables fill up fast!).
• Malmö – stylish and sustainable
  Malmö’s Atrium café is known for its healthy, organic menu and relaxed vibe, with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options perfect for a fika that feels good and tastes great.
• Småland – traditional and timeless
  In Oskarshamn, Nilssons Konditori is a local institution. This century-old bakery has perfected the art of traditional Swedish patisserie, and in 2018, it was named “Patisserie of the Year” in the prestigious White Guide.

Curious for more?

Craving a deeper taste of Swedish food culture? Visit our Food and Drink section for guides on seasonal specialities, local ingredients and traditional dishes—plus plenty of inspiration for food-focused travel experiences.

Enjoy the outdoors - the Swedish way

Nature isn’t just part of Swedish culture—it is Swedish culture. Whether you're in the heart of a city or out in the wilderness, you're never far from green spaces, fresh air and the kind of peace that makes your shoulders drop an inch or two.

City escapes with a natural twist

Swedish cities are designed with nature in mind. Parks and green spaces are everywhere, offering locals and visitors a breath of fresh air—literally.

In Gothenburg, Slottsskogen is a beloved urban oasis with everything from open parkland to a small zoo. Over in Stockholm, Djurgården—part of the world’s first National City Park—offers a mix of lush forest and well-kept gardens, just minutes from the city centre.

One of the best ways to explore? Join a local walking tour—in a group or self-guided—led by passionate local guides. You’ll see the sights, stretch your legs and get a feel for the place, all at your own pace.

Explore beyond the city

Feeling adventurous? Nature is never far away. Just outside Stockholm, the Nacka Nature Reserve is perfect for a day hike, with scenic trails through pine forests, around glittering lakes and over rocky outcrops. It’s a great way to clear your head and fill your lungs—whatever the season.

Two wheels, endless freedom

Cycling is a popular and easy way to explore Sweden’s cities, countryside and coastline. Bike hire is widely available and cycle paths are well maintained, making it a breeze for cyclists of all levels.

• Kattegattleden – Sweden’s first national cycle route, running along the stunning west coast from Gothenburg to Helsingborg. Smooth riding, seaside views and plenty of charming pit stops along the way.
• Gotland – Sweden’s favourite cycling island since the 1980s. Historic sites, sea breezes, and small cafés around every corner. It’s a dreamy escape on two wheels.

Outdoor life - Swedish style

Swedes have a deep-rooted love for the outdoors, and it shows—in everything from weekend hiking habits to iconic outdoor brands like Fjällräven (classic backpacks) and Peak Performance (for those mountain-ready moments).

And thanks to Allemansrätten—Sweden’s Right of Public Access—everyone is welcome to roam freely in nature, as long as you follow the golden rule: don’t disturb, don’t destroy.

Want more inspiration?
Head to our Nature section to discover outdoor adventures, from forest foraging to coastal kayaking, and everything in between.

Make time for shopping – they’ll thank you for it

After a day exploring Sweden’s great outdoors (and sampling more than a few rounds of fika), many guests are ready to swap hiking boots for shopping bags. And who can blame them?

Building in some free time for shopping is always a crowd-pleaser. Across the country, visitors will stumble upon a mix of high-street names, iconic Swedish brands, indie boutiques and some serious design eye-candy. Design is, after all, a cornerstone of Swedish culture – and browsing beautiful things is a perfectly legitimate cultural activity. Especially on a city break.

• In Gothenburg, the Haga district blends cobbled streets with hip cafés and vintage gems.
  
• In Stockholm, SoFo (short for ‘South of Folkungagatan’ in Södermalm) is a magnet for quirky shops, local designers and style-savvy finds.
  

Even if guests only plan to window shop between fika stops, they’ll probably walk away with something Scandi-chic tucked under their arm.

A touch of Nordic noir – literary, TV and film tourism

Sweden has a bit of a dark side – and we mean that in the best possible way. The country is the birthplace of Nordic noir, a genre of moody, slow-burn crime fiction that’s gained a cult following worldwide.

Fans of brooding detectives and windswept coastlines can follow in the footsteps of their fictional heroes:

• In Stockholm, the Millennium Tour traces the story of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson’s best-selling trilogy. It’s a deep dive into both the novels and the city’s real-life history and culture. (Fun fact: it was once named Lonely Planet’s top literary walking tour in the world.)
• In Ystad, the atmospheric streets and sleepy harbours are the backdrop to Henning Mankell’s Wallander series.
• And over in Fjällbacka, on the west coast, Camilla Läckberg’s crime stories bring small-town mystery to life – with plenty of dramatic coastal views thrown in.
• For TV buffs, a trip to the Öresund Bridge outside Malmö is a must. It’s the haunting centrepiece of The Bridge, the TV drama that turned border-crossing crime into international binge material.