Sweden is often associated with summer, with road trips through lush green forests and clear lakes, or with winter, famous for its snowy landscapes, sled dogs and traditional saunas. But what about the Sweden in autumn ? This little-known season reveals a unique and magical facet of this Scandinavian country.
With its shimmering colours, soothing atmosphere and many activities adapted to this period, autumn in Sweden is an experience not to be missed. And to tell you the truth, after winter, it's definitely our favourite season here!
To inspire you and help you plan your trip, we've put together a guide to help you get the most out of your trip. complete guide. Must-do activities, practical tips and culinary discoveries: everything you need to know to make the most of Swedish autumn is below!
Why is autumn one of the best times to visit Sweden?
Breathtaking scenery in the heart of Swedish autumn
It's amusing to observe how the seasons pass by in Sweden, as if each were waiting its turn before taking over. The transition from summer to autumn takes place in a matter of days: some trees shed all their leaves at the first gust of wind, while others are almost instantly dressed in warm, vibrant colours.
The Swedish autumn landscapes The autumn colours are a whole new palette of almost painterly beauty. And frankly, what could be better than observing autumn in this beautiful setting? tree country ?
If you're worried that you've run out of ideas for your autumn break, let us reassure you: Sweden in autumn is well worth a visit for its scenery alone. And to capture the full essence of this natural beauty, we can't recommend visiting some of Sweden's best-kept secrets. swedish national parkslike that of Tiveden or the Haute Côte park.
Finally, autumn in Sweden has another surprise in store: it's also the start of the northern lights ! These fascinating dancing lights illuminate the sky, especially in the north of the country. Having experienced our first sightings this year, we can assure you that they will leave a lasting impression on you! A breathtaking experience, not to be missed.
Sweden in the off-season: calm and authenticity
When we are asked When to visit SwedenWhen it comes to travel, the answer is often off-season. And with good reason: travelling outside the summer offers the privilege of enjoying even greater freedom and tranquillity.
Even if Sweden is never completely overrun by tourists (with the slight exception of certain summer peaks), autumn gives you the chance to get the full flavour of what Sweden has to offer. deep calm that characterises the country. At this time of year, the cities slowly empty and the Swedish national parks become almost deserted. This gives you the feeling of discovering these spaces as if they belonged to you alone.
It's also in the off-season that you'll have the opportunity to enjoy more authentic experiences. There are many local traditions take place during this period, immersing you in Swedish culture in a unique way. If this sparks your curiosity, read on to find out more.
Sweden in October: What to see and what to do
Stockholm in October: the best of the capital in autumn
September, October and November are an ideal time to discover the region. Stockholm. As I mentioned earlier, this is the time of year when the capital calms down, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of summer, and offers you a more serene and enjoyable experience.
But then, What to do in Stockholm in October ? The answer is simple: almost everything you would do in summer! Thanks to its geographical location, Stockholm still benefits from mild temperatures and a beautiful luminositymuch more pleasant than in the north of the country.
October seems to be the perfect compromise: long enough days, a temperate climate and a quiet city. In the morning, stroll through the various districts or explore the city's parks and gardens. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a fika break before visiting one of the many museums.
Don't miss DjurgårdenThis is an island rich in green spaces and must-see sites. Its jewels include the Royal Park and the Rosendals TrädgårdA charming garden with greenhouses and orchards. In autumn, enjoy freshly picked apples: a real treat!
Finally, if the weather is fine, why not take a trip to the Stockholm archipelago? There's nothing like a breath of fresh air to enrich your stay.
Discover Sweden in October: where to go?
Sweden in October has something for everyone! While the north of the country generally begins to be adorned with snow, the south still retains its summery flavour. The choice is yours!
For nature lovers, autumn is the perfect season to take in some beautiful scenery. walks in the woods. Here, the Swedes love to indulge in mushroom pickingand are taking advantage of the drop in temperature to warm up with a campfireYou'll be treated to a delicious wood-fired cheese grill and steaming kanelbullar. And don't forget to bring your own coffee!
Water lovers are not left out: the lakes and sea offer a peaceful setting for a canoe trip, where the autumn calm and the golden reflections on the water create superb backdrops.
Finally, if you prefer the warm atmosphere of the cities, you're in for a treat. As well as Stockholm, which remains a must at this time of year, Gothenburgdespite its rainier climate, and other small villages such as Nora or SigtunaAll of them are well worth a visit for their charm and friendliness.
Length of daylight in autumn in Sweden: Everything you need to know
In autumn, the length of day in Sweden changes rapidly, offering a different experience depending on the month and region you visit. For example, in September, the days remain relatively long, while in November, nightfall becomes much more prevalent.
Take Sundsvall, where we're based, for example: in September, night falls around 5-6pm, in October around 4pm, and in November from 3pm. The further south you go, as in Stockholm or Gothenburg, the more the long daysThe sun can set an hour later than in the north. On the other hand, if you are travelling to the northern regions, such as Kiruna or Abisko, expect early nights and an rarer light in autumn.
But rest assured, life in Sweden doesn't stop when night falls! Towns are well lit, and shops, restaurants and museums remain open in the evening. Even in the countryside, Swedes continue to enjoy their evenings, whether it's convivial moments around a campfire or indoor activities.
Autumn, with its shorter days, also invites you to enjoy some typically Swedish experiences: a fika break in a cosy café, a twilight stroll in a park or an outing under the first stars.
PS: The sunsets at this time are particularly spectacular ! The sky is often adorned in magnificent shades of pink, offering golden opportunities for photography enthusiasts.
Autumn traditions and flavours in Sweden: a cultural immersion
Many Swedish specialities lend themselves perfectly to autumn tasting, thanks to their comforting and warm character.
Of course, the fika break is a must this season: arm yourself with a hot drink - such as the famous glöggYou'll also be able to savour pastries with an autumnal flavour. Cinnamon lovers, welcome to cinnamon heaven! kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) !
Mushrooms, which grow in abundance in Sweden's forests, are also in the spotlight. Visit chanterelle soup (kantarellsoppa) is a delicious example: creamy and often served with bread croutons and a spread, it's perfect for warming up after a walk in the woods.
The Root vegetablesAlthough they are not always the most attractive at first sight, they are also a welcome addition to the table. In autumn, they are the perfect accompaniment to dishes of game (such as elk, reindeer or deer) or used in stews that are a delight to cook in.
Last but not least, we must mention the apple dessertsthe stars of the season. Whether in the form of crumble or the irresistible äppelpaj (Swedish apple pie), these sweets are even better when served with their usual generous dollop of cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Local festivals and traditions not to be missed in autumn
In Sweden, autumn is marked by warm traditions, combining festive celebrations and moments of contemplation. Some of these customs will be familiar to you, but with a Swedish touch that makes them unique.
Some of the most famous autumn festivals include Halloween ! Here too, fancy dress and sweets are the order of the day, while pumpkins invade the supermarkets, ready to be transformed into scary Jack-o'-lanterns. In Stockholm, some streets are decked out with festive decorations, and a large costume parade brings the capital to life: a not-to-be-missed outing for young and old alike.
The Toussaint is also celebrated, but in a very different way. In Sweden, this is a gentle, contemplative festival. The cemeteries are lit up with candles placed on the gravesA soothing, almost magical sight as night falls.
Finally, autumn in Sweden is also punctuated byevents and festivals adapted to the season. To find out about all the must-do autumn activities, you can consult the information on Visit Sweden.
Preparing for your trip to Sweden in autumn: tips and advice
What should you pack for Swedish autumn?
Autumn in Sweden can offer a wide range of weather conditions, and it's important to be well prepared to make the most of your stay. As with day length, temperatures vary considerably depending on the region you visit.
In September and early October, you could still enjoy mild days in the south, perfect for wearing a simple T-shirt with a light jacket. But in the north, temperatures drop rapidly, and hats and coats become essential.
To prepare yourself properly, we recommend that you check the local weather before you leave. Some years are cooler or wetter than others, and it's best to be prepared for every eventuality. A golden rule: always take with you warm clothingThis is because temperature variations can be surprising, even within the same day.
If you're planning an adventure in the north of the country, particularly in Lapland, your equipment will need to be suitable for the first frosts of winter. Don't forget to pack :
- Thermal underlay to keep you warm.
- Coatwindproof and waterproof.
- Essential accessories hat, scarf, gloves and thick socks.
Finally, don't forget that in the south and west of Sweden, autumn is also synonymous with the rain. Take an umbrella or waterproof jacket with you so that an unexpected downpour doesn't spoil your activities.
Top tips for making the most of the countryside and activities
As you can see, autumn in Sweden is a magnificent season, but it does require a bit of organisation, particularly when it comes to managing the weather and light.
We recommend that you check the weather regularlyThis is the ideal time to plan your activities, ideally on a day-by-day basis. Sunny days are perfect for exploring nature and admiring the autumn landscapes. On the other hand, when the sky is overcast - particularly with snow clouds or fog - the light can quickly fade.
In this case, opt for indoor activities like visiting museums or discovering the rich history of the region. Swedish gastronomy. A fika break or a heart-warming meal is always a great option!
Don't forget to equip yourself against the cold and damp. suitable clothingThe right accessories, such as waterproof layers and warm accessories, will make all the difference to your enjoyment of the day.
Finally, autumn is an excellent time to go hunting. northern lights in northern Sweden. To maximise your chances of success, download the application My Aurora Forecast which will help you follow the forecasts in real time and make sure you don't miss this unique show.
To sum up: why visit Sweden in autumn?
- For its magnificent autumn landscapeswith warm, vibrant colours.
- To admire the northern lightsThese were particularly visible in the north of the country from October onwards.
- To take advantage of the calm and serenity in the off-season, away from the summer crowds.
- To discover the Swedish cultural traditions and enjoy comforting culinary specialities such as chanterelle soup or apple crumble.
