Simple Living Inspiration: My Travels to Sweden
Have you ever been somewhere that feels more like home than your actual home? For me, that place is Sweden; there’s a sense of alignment I’ve never felt anywhere else. If you enjoy Minima’s ethos, I think you’ll love Sweden!
In this Minima Journal I will share some of my observations from three separate visits to Sweden. I am by no means an expert, but I’m learning more everyday!
Stockholm Central Station
For reference, here is a brief summary of my three visits to Sweden (all with my husband, Jonathan):
Our first visit was a 15-day trip in May/June of 2019 split between Stockholm, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark. This visit was inspired by my love for Scandinavian design. Being in the stores and showrooms felt like being inside the Internet in 3D. I could finally see and touch these beautiful works of art I’d previously admired only in photos—it was one of the most transformative experiences of my life! My appreciation for Scandinavian design deepened, which I wrote about here: “My Treasure Trove of (Mostly) Scandinavian Brands”.
Our second visit was part of a ten-day trip to Oslo, Norway in November of 2022. While we were in Oslo, we decided to take a three-hour bus ride south and stay for one night in Gothenburg, Sweden. From there, we traveled 30 minutes further south to Lindome to visit Fine Little Day, one of my favorite Swedish brands. On the bus ride, I noticed how beautiful the Swedish landscape was: clean, simple, and natural, consisting mostly of white birch trees, soft evergreens, and rock formations.
A view of Stockholm from the bridge to Lusthusportens Park
A delicious cardamom bun at Fabrique in Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town)
Our third visit was just last month! We stayed in an Airbnb in Ostermalm (central Stockholm) for ten days. We split our time between re-exploring Stockholm and visiting areas slightly outside the city like Fjäderholmarna, Vaxholm, Uppsala, and Artipelag. This visit was focused more on nature and soaking in the culture of Stockholm.
After three inspiring visits to Sweden, here’s what I have observed:
Swedes are expert minimalists. They have a word, lagom, which doesn’t directly translate but means “just the right amount” or “not too much, not too little”. Lagom is a societal code of conduct that is present in everything they do: from their understated yet stylish way of dressing, to their quiet and modest nature, to their work culture that balances career and family life, to their political and social policies. They value well-being and work together to ensure everyone experiences equality and a good life.
New and old architecture in Vaxholm
A falu red building in Vaxholm
Swedes have a strong reverence for nature. There’s a Swedish saying, Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder, which translates to “There is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothes”. Swedes find ways to enjoy all the seasons, even the dark and cold months: Magical winter swimming in Sweden’s cold bath houses. Nature is also celebrated in Swedish art and design themes. They have a highly effective recycling program and over 60% of their energy comes from renewable sources (their goal is 100% by 2040).
In Sweden, subtle beauty and design is everywhere. Swedish design seems to merge form and function in perfect harmony: from the stunning old and new architecture, to the thoughtful and simple signage, to the efficient and clean public transportation, to the design of utilitarian items like public benches and train seats. Good design isn’t reserved for the wealthy—it’s for everyone. Stockholm is one of the most beautiful and clean cities I’ve ever been to! We definitely plan to go back, and perhaps even live there in the future.
The Botanical Garden in Uppsala
Souvenirs featuring Swedish makers Fine Little Day, Hanataba, and Emelie Josefin Svensson