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READER INSIGHTS

‘My heart jumps with joy!’ How foreigners feel about the Swedish winter

After a cold snap covered nearly all of Sweden in snow, The Local's readers shared their pictures and thoughts about the weather.

Published: 5 January 2024 16:06 CET
Updated: 8 January 2024 10:08 CET
'My heart jumps with joy!' How foreigners feel about the Swedish winter
A reader based in Uppsala took this picture. Photo: Jennie

“I am in Stockholm and I understand the trouble and traffic chaos, but personally, I love this weather,” says Mansi from India.

“I enjoy every bit of snow, from sipping hot coffee with a book by the window, to a little walk in the vicinity, to listening to old music while cooking in warm yellow light. It’s been little over five years since I moved to Stockholm and every time it snows, my heart jumps with joy, even if it means walking to the office on a Monday morning.”

Photo: Mansi

“I’m in Vänersborg with temperature of -10C, according to SMHI. It feels like -16C. But luckily I can hide out indoors,  enjoying the beautiful snow from the cosy inside,” says one reader from South Africa. “Before coming to Sweden I had never seen snow up close.”

“I live in Falun and we have enjoyed a wonderful winter with beautiful crisp snow since late November,” says Iain.

“It was -15C this morning but dry with little wind so no problem with the correct clothing. My friends and family back in the UK are so jealous. I rent directly from the municipality so enjoy a ‘warm rent’ and it’s lovely to finish my walk home from work past the frozen lake and get back to a 20C flat. I am very lucky. This is the nicest winter since I got here seven years ago.”

Photo: Iain

“I am not used to this kind of cold. I only see this kind of weather in movies and TV. I come from a region in Africa that is very hot. Temperatures reaching 42 during the hot season! We have warm weather almost six months of the year, so coming from a warm climate to this cold in Sweden is on another level,” says Elsie Nkiru Iwuchukwu, who is from Nigeria but moved to Sweden seven years ago.

She lives in a small town in the Småland region. 

“The weather is very cold, -15C with dry air and frigid cold. Bus and train services have been slow, even deliveries also are delayed.”

LIFE IN SWEDEN’S BIG FREEZE:

“It is -23C but feels like -35C with the wind chill: sunny but freezing cold in Umeå. I go to the gym irrespective of weather conditions and am definitely in the mood for a pizza,” says Captain Utpal Das from India.

“I come from a country that has all four seasons and weather that ranges from tropical rain forest with the wettest place on earth, snow in winters, to hot and humid in some parts of the country. We have coastline, mountains, desert and forest back home. After living in Sweden for over three years, I’m used to the cold and am much more comfortable now than I was in the first few months,” he says.

Photo: Captain Utpal Das

“Don’t go outside if you can help it,” warns Ahmed, who has lived in Stockholm for over two years. “I drove around Sollentuna – Åkersberga – Stockholm Sveagatan – Frihamnen and most of the roads are not maintained well so driving isn’t very convenient,” he says on January 4th. 

“I came from a very hot country so I’m really out of my comfort zone here,” he adds.

Photo: Ahmed

“I’m originally from India and moved to Sweden three months ago to live with my husband. This is exactly opposite of the weather I’m used to,” says Akhila Challa, adding that she’s looking for tips about how to dress in the cold weather.

“In the south of India where I’m from, we have extremely hot summers and pleasant winters. I was really excited to experience snow for the first time when I was coming here. When it snowed for the first time this season in November I was so excited, I went out and played in the snow for a while like a little child,” 

“Wrap up!” urges Erica, a reader from the UK. “I’ve brought thermal leggings and socks, warm walking boots, jumpers and a ski jacket, hat, gloves and scarf. Sweden usually copes well in snow and cold, something they are used to. And properties are designed to stand the cold.”

Photo: Erica

“It’s cold in Uppsala, but at least not as cold as up north. We handle the snow better than in the south on roads and pathways, so that’s good. However, I’d be very happy to be living in a warmer climate right now, I hate snow,” says one reader who didn’t give their name.

“Grew up in Buffalo, NY in the USA. It’s well known for bad winters, worse than I’ve experienced here. That’s why I hate winter and snow. Sweden is the last place on Earth I’d thought I’d be living. Probably karma for something rotten I did in the past,” adds the reader, noting that their ten-year anniversary in Sweden is coming up this month.

Pave Volf from the Czech Republic says they had two centimetres of snow when the picture below was taken in Lund, southern Sweden. 

“-3C. Seems like a nice winter day. Bit windy, but not too much,” he says.

Photo: Pave Volf

“Here in Dorotea, Västerbotten County, on January 3rd, we registered between -32C and -33C with a feels-like of about -38C,” says Ryan Evans, who adds that Dorotea reminds him of his old village in Cornwall, UK.

“We walked to the store, it was quite brisk! Today we have decided to light a load of candles and hide under a blanket. The amount of snow we have makes for a beautiful scene. It is really lovely to look at.”

Photo: Ryan Evans

Joseph Mukhama II commented on The Local’s Facebook page that he went for a run in Malmö in temperatures of -3C.

“The morning run was tough on the fingers (when taking some photos) but refreshing for the body.”

Photo: Joseph Mukhama II

“I live in Södertälje and it was snowing all morning,” says Sinchana Kallesara from India. “I had committed to going to the office. So I dragged myself out this morning when the snow was pouring down and had the normal shoes on and luckily did not slip. But the weather seem to have improved in the afternoon and the sun was shining on my office window glaring my monitor screen.”

“I’m in Dalsland in west Sweden,” says Eric Peterson from the US. “We had [approximately] 50 centimetres of snow from a storm earlier this week, but the strange thing is that it never really stopped snowing. Precipitation continues, if lighter, despite none indicated in the forecast.” 

“I work at a distance, so no major changes for my day! Quick walk to the local coworking space where I’ll work as usual.”

Photo: Eric Peterson

“Report says ‘-11C, feels like -17C’, and it sure does! Soft snow all day, but everywhere looks beautiful. We are OK with lots of snow here,” says an Irish reader who didn’t tell us where in Sweden they’re based, but sent us this picture of ice bathing:

Photo: Reader picture

“Always know where your gloves are, don’t let them escape! And don’t be afraid to put the spikes on your shoes even if you’re not that old” says Malcolm, a British reader in Härnösand. “I feel I’ve adapted to the weather pretty well, or at least it doesn’t bother me. Can’t ski though.”

Photo: Malcolm

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READER INSIGHTS

‘We all cheer each other on’: How we made friends in Sweden

Sweden is often rated as a difficult country to make friends in. We asked those who've been there, done that – or in other words, The Local's readers – how they met their closest friends in Sweden.

Published: 26 April 2024 10:43 CEST
'We all cheer each other on': How we made friends in Sweden

“They are so supportive, caring and understanding,” said Erin Swoverland, a reader from the US, about her friends. “We all listen, lift each other up and cheer each other on. I feel so incredibly lucky to have such amazing women in my corner.”

She met most of them at a gym in Stockholm. 

“I attended a Friday training class for women and the rest is history. I will say I think it being a small, independent gym made all the difference as we actually spoke to each other. I haven’t had the same interactions at larger chains,” she said.

Erin was one of dozens of readers who responded to The Local’s question about how they found their friends in Sweden, sparked by a recent survey which showed that 13 percent of foreigners lack a close friend (double the number of Swedes who said the same thing).

A lot of readers alluded to the part-truth, part-stereotype that Swedes tend to compartmentalise their lives and prefer organised fun over spontaneous activities, and one of the classic strategies that always comes up in these discussions is to join some kind of club or society.

The benefit of “organised fun” is that Sweden has a vibrant föreningsliv (literally “association life”), with many people involved in for example their local football club, gaming hub, gardening society, trade union, hiking club, or even just being on the board of their housing association.

“As I always liked cycling, running, badminton, indoor climbing and a few other sports, I found groups on Meetup for such activities. This helped me meet like-minded people. Soon afterwards, some of us started to hang out together for beers or pizzas etc. Thanks to these people we started to invite other people to our gatherings. Finally today, I have a large network of very interesting and close friends (immigrants as well as Swedish friends). When I look back, I realise that it was much easier to get to know people in events having just six to eight people. If you go in a large group setting it is difficult to meet people as splinter groups start getting formed,” said a Pakistani reader.

“I have been in Sweden for over 15 years now. During this time our close friendship network has just increased. Like any friends, we fight and argue at times, but at the same time I know that my friends care about me. I feel at home in Sweden with this circle of friends.”

He wasn’t the only one who suggested joining a society (although one reader cautioned against “survivorship bias” and pointed out that not everyone manages to turn up at event and immediately make friends). Even if you don’t join a traditional club, readers recommended plenty of other networking opportunities, including sites or friendship apps such as Meetup, Bumble BFF, Panion and GoFrendly.

Nathan Lloyd, a Welshman in Malmö, recommends networking meetups, even if they’re not directly relevant to your own field, as well as Facebook groups. He met his best friend, Brian, via Grindr – not the only one we’ve heard of who made platonic friends on dating apps.

“He’s truly my best friend. Been friends for over six years,” he said. “We enjoy loppising together, going out in nature, birdwatching and art, a major thing we bonded over. He’s been there through highs and lows and helped me in emergency situations when I’ve needed someone.”

Nathan Lloyd, centre, with his friend, Brian, and partner, Tom, at the Konstrundan art weekend in southern Sweden. Photo: Private

Not being afraid of putting yourself out there and making the first move was another tip that came up in the survey, with many describing Swedes as warm friends – perhaps even surprisingly warm – once you break through the shell.

“First and foremost, don’t try too hard. Best friends are the organic ones that come in your life at the moments you don’t expect. Be open and give a shot to those who seem to be more open. Swedes who have been abroad frequently are exceptionally more pleasant to keep around,” said Hadi from Iran, who first moved to Sweden in 2010 and now lives in the south of the country.

OPINION:

Peter, a reader who works at Lund University in southern Sweden, befriended his new neighbour after knocking on their door to ask if he could use their wifi until he managed to get his own.

“We have been very good friends ever since, even after I moved to another town. I find Swedes to be very friendly in general, but sometimes I need to make the first effort,” he said.

Robert Blomstrand, a born Swede who lived most of his life abroad, says he and his South African wife, Vanessa, met amazing friends in church and were surprised by their warmth and care.

“Through this we learned Swedish and had many wonderful Swedish experiences (sailing, meals, celebrations). Still very good friends,” he said.

Robert Blomstrand’s friends on a sailing trip to the Gothenburg archipelago. Photo: Private

Ioannis, based in southern Stockholm, said he met most of his friends through university or work and then made sure that the friendships were maintained after studies finished or work changed.

“Important first step was to accept that it is me, the one that has to make an effort. Then show interest in others, learn about who they are and how they are like. Share experiences with them, also offer help and support and ask for help and support. Independence and individualism can be an obstacle in creating social bonds. Make the effort, without expecting same returns. Give it time.”

“I believe that if you want a friend, you have to be a friend first,” said Jeremiah from the US. “My friends are people who were willing to invest in a building a relationship because they didn’t have them locally. We connected over the shared experience of being displaced and learning how to adult again. The connections grew because we had other shared interests, were willing to spend more time together, and were willing to help each other.”

“Focus on finding people who like doing things that you enjoy, like going to museums, movies, etc,” said a Stockholm-based reader, who made friends with his colleague after inviting him to a drag show at the Abba Museum.

“It’s so much easier to make friends during the things you like. Like any relationship, don’t try and rush it,” he added. “Just continue to reach out for times to hang out, and be OK with them not always saying yes the first time. We’re all busy. I also found it easier to make friends with folks, particularly Swedes, who weren’t from Stockholm (or whatever city you’re living in) as they generally have smaller networks/ open to make new friends in Stockholm.

Several readers expressed sadness that they hadn’t made any Swedish friends and that all their friends were fellow foreigners.

“I made friends through work (international company) and from my country of origin. I don’t have any Swedish friends even though I have been living in Stockholm for 15 years,” said a Colombian reader.

Some readers, however, argued that it isn’t necessarily strange, or a negative, that foreigners end up with foreigners, as you share similar experiences. Having a community with people you feel close to and have something in common with matters more than who they are.

“Close friendships are built because you share some experiences in life. I was an immigrant in Sweden, hence like all immigrants in Sweden I faced many issues time after time, for example issues related to visa or bank accounts,” said the Pakistani reader from the start of the article. “It is much easier to connect with people when you share similar issues. Don’t be afraid to talk about your experiences. This helps to bring us closer.”

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