Coolcation – The Fascination of Scandinavia

You love extremes and are crazy about Scandinavia? Then you’ve come to the right place.

When people think of a winter vacation, most imagine sunshine: a cocktail in hand, toes in the sand, and a sun lounger reserved for the entire day.
And then there are people like us – who picture snowstorms, cozy campfires, and untouched nature in the far north of Scandinavia. And where could you experience all of this better than in Northern Sweden? While others bask in tropical heat, we trek through knee-deep snow, smell like a smokehouse by evening, and never say no to Fika. Welcome to our world of Coolcation.

Scandinavia Enthusiasts – Who Are We?

Hej, great to have you here! We are Thorsten & Tamara, and together with our rescue dog Teddy, we experience the cold winter months in Northern Sweden.

For a long time, we only knew Scandinavia from stories. We would sit glued to the TV during documentaries, wondering: How amazing must it be to experience the North firsthand? Polar nights with arctic temperatures in winter and the never-setting midnight sun in summer. Evenings filled with northern lights and endless roads where you won’t pass another car for hundreds of kilometers. The fascination was real.

A few years ago, we swapped our TV screen for a windshield and set off northward in our camper – with no fixed destination. The experiences were intense, special, and inspiring. To this day, the North and the feeling we associate with it have never let us go.

Since then, we have been immersing ourselves in the Scandinavian lifestyle, exploring topics like mindfulness and sustainable living. The Nordic sense of calm and tranquility is something that truly captivates us. Especially as Germans – with our strong what-if and safety-first mindset – these relaxed moments are both enlightening and sometimes a challenge.

The North slows you down and gives you a special sense of coziness. Once you’ve felt it, you carry it with you forever.

But we didn’t just want to carry this feeling in our hearts – we wanted to wear it on our skin. That’s one of the reasons why we founded our small, sustainable label, NORRGANIC.

We are crazy about the North and give you a glimpse into our winters in Northern Sweden. We answer the question of why Lapland is so much more than just a postcard motif. We write about real, unpredictable winter weather with erratic temperatures – the kind of weather no one shows you on social media.

Northern Sweden or Swedish Lapland?

The far north of Scandinavia has fascinated us for years – but the more time we spend here, the more often we come across a question: Is Northern Sweden the same as Swedish Lapland? Or is there a difference?

"Sweden begins in Lapland."
We've heard this phrase many times. Anyone traveling through the north immediately senses the contrast to the south: up here, everything becomes calmer, more relaxed, and less stressful.

But where exactly is the border? To this day, there is no clear answer. A look at both old and current maps quickly reveals that there are different representations – and just as many opinions. From a tourism perspective, all of Northern Sweden is considered Lapland – at least, according to some travel guides. However, not everyone is comfortable with this geographical classification.

Northern Sweden (Norrland), in Norrbottens Län (Norrbotten), is the most sparsely populated region in all of Europe. In terms of land area, Norrland accounts for nearly 60% of Sweden’s total 528,447 km². The population density here averages just 2 inhabitants per km².
For comparison: In our hometown of Karlsruhe, more than 300,000 people live within just 170 km² – that’s over 1,700 people per km².

Lapland – The Origin of the Name

The word Lapland originally comes from Finnish. It was used in language early on, but its exact origin remains unclear. It is likely derived from the Old Finnish word lappe(e)a, which means "edge."

But does this mean that the indigenous Sámi people can be referred to as Lapps?
No. The term is derogatory and is still considered an insult today. In the Sámi language, it carries a meaning similar to "outcasts."

Lapland – A Feeling Rather Than a Place?

Since we’ve asked many people for their opinions and they vary greatly, I’m going to make a bold statement here. Maybe Lapland isn’t a place with clear boundaries at all, but rather a feeling that everyone has to discover for themselves.

But no matter how you look at it – the North sweeps you away and strikes right at the heart if you fully embrace it.

Midnight Sun or Polar Winter? Discovering Scandinavia

Scandinavia hasn’t just captured our hearts—it draws countless people to the far north of Europe every year. In summer, it becomes a place of longing: feeling the never-setting midnight sun on your skin—priceless. The endless summer nights invite adventure in Sweden’s wild forests. It’s all about moments of pure enjoyment with Fika, cinnamon buns, and cozy hours by remote lakes.

But it’s not just the magic of summer that draws visitors from all over the world each year. While many chase the warmth of the season, more and more people are consciously choosing a Coolcation—a journey to regions with cool and temperate climates. The Arctic winter in Northern Sweden, Finland, or Norway holds a unique allure for many. The trend is clear: it doesn’t always have to be tropical.

Climate in Scandinavia: Summer, Winter, and Extreme Temperatures

Scandinavia is known for its mild temperatures during the summer months. If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, this is the perfect place to be. Only on rare occasions does the thermometer climb above the 25-degree mark during the short summer.

In winter, however, the weather can be unpredictable—sometimes even extreme. Freezing temperatures of -30 or even -40 degrees are not uncommon. But it’s not always a classic Arctic winter. Especially in coastal regions, the weather can be fickle: fluctuating temperatures between double-digit minus degrees at night and single-digit plus degrees during the day are often the norm. Wind, storms, and icy roads can put one's resilience to the test. The sun sometimes stays hidden for days or even weeks. During this time, all you want is to get cozy.

Mys – Swedish Coziness

A single Swedish word perfectly describes winter in Northern Sweden: mys. It means coziness—and in the North, it’s a way of life.

While an icy wind howls outside and snow gently falls onto the windowsill, people retreat indoors to enjoy the warmth—surrounded by candlelight and wrapped in thick wool socks. A good book, the crackling of a fireplace, and the peacefulness of long winter nights make this time of year truly special. And then, there’s a gift that surpasses everything:

When Aurora begins her dance in vibrant, glowing colors across the sky, the world around you fades away for a moment.

Watching the northern lights makes a stay in the North an unforgettable experience. The dark season is filled with quiet moments of mindfulness and pure enjoyment—and that’s exactly what makes winter so special.

Winter Vacation in Sweden: A True Winter Wonderland

Northern Sweden – or Lapland – is known for its white winter wonderland. The first snow often falls as early as October. It is said that the first snowfall announces the approaching winter, but only the second snowfall stays, covering the land in a white blanket.

Will the upcoming winter be mild or harsh? That’s something you can never predict with certainty. However, according to an old farmers’ saying, the red rowan berries on the trees can give a clue. It is said: if the berries are still hanging on the branches during the second snowfall, a mild winter is ahead. But if the birds have completely devoured the berry supply, you’d better bundle up—because a harsh winter is coming.

An Extreme Winter South of the Arctic Circle

The winter of 2023 followed its own rules. With the first snowfall in October, winter arrived overnight—and stayed for a full eight months. Lakes and rivers froze in no time, and there was no trace of berries left on the trees.

In January, an extreme cold wave swept across the country. The thermometer dropped to -40 degrees. While this might sound like an adventure for winter enthusiasts, in reality, it means living under extreme conditions.

During this time, we were managing a campsite in Northern Sweden—an experience that brought us many lessons, stories, and challenges. The weather pushed us to our personal limits on many days.

Ice-Cold Facts from Kalix Municipality, Norrbotten

Train Service Suspended: On lonely tracks in the far north of Sweden, train services are suspended for several days when temperatures drop to critical levels. The risk of freezing is too great – in the event of a breakdown, help would come too late for passengers.

Bus Service Stopped: Imagine sitting on a bus when suddenly the driver says, "This is where the journey ends." In Germany, this might be unimaginable – but in Northern Sweden, it can happen that a bus simply breaks down during the ride because it’s too cold.

Fueling Up? No Chance! Even diesel pumps give up at -40°C. If you need diesel, you're out of luck – because at these temperatures, it simply freezes.

Supplies at Risk: Burst water pipes or a power outage at -40°C? That’s something you’d rather not think about.

The freezing temperatures lasted for an entire week. What sounds like just a few days is actually a real challenge for the body – and feels like an eternity.

Hands, feet, and face freeze far too quickly despite several layers of clothing. You can't stay outside for long in these temperatures.

In Wind and Weather: Life in Northern Sweden's Icy Winter

But even the coziest indoor tiger has to go outside. For our four-legged friend, that means not just a sweater, jacket, and shoes, but also a shower and a textile wash afterward. How does that happen? We’re wondering too.

Our Teddy has a special talent for completely soaking himself in deep cold temperatures. For those who don’t want the details, feel free to skip ahead: The first drop freezes to the tip – and everything that comes afterward shoots out suddenly, spraying in all directions. The yellow relief flows into the jacket, lands on the shoes. And if I had to describe our four-legged friend’s face? A mix of horror, disgust, and madness.

A real winter highlight – and a phenomenon we’d gladly do without.

But it's not just our dogs who struggle with the cold. For us humans, the temperatures are also a challenge. Just a few minutes in the freezing cold can be enough to make your fingers and toes go numb – despite several layers of socks.

And just when you think you've survived the cold, the North surprises you again.
Overnight, the thermometer suddenly climbs above freezing – from icy cold to +5 degrees in just a few hours. The snow on the roofs doesn’t last long and rushes down as a spontaneous snow avalanche.

For us, that means an unexpected workout with heavy, soaked snow masses. Or as we call it: Couple shoveling – the most romantic form of muscle soreness.

Swedish Winter 2024: Between Cold Waves and Snowmelt

A year later, the first snowflakes fall from the sky in November. The nights are long, and the days are short – with only about four hours of daylight.

It’s an intense time with a unique atmosphere. At twilight, the sky transforms into a canvas of pastels. During the long nights, the stars often compete with the dancing northern lights, shining together in a breathtaking display.

It’s biting cold – and for a moment, you’ve forgotten how much you missed the snow.

Plenty of Sun? Why Winter in Sweden is Unpredictable

The year begins with many sunny days. But after just two weeks, the weather takes a turn. Consistently warm temperatures during the day cause the freshly fallen snow to melt, turning roads and paths into slippery surfaces at night. Winter is a constant up and down.

The fact is: The weather is far too warm for this time of year, and it’s bad news for winter tourism.

Events like the Vasaloppet, the largest cross-country ski race in the world, especially rely on stable snow conditions.

The Vasaloppet – The Largest Cross-Country Ski Race in the World

No Snow, No Vasaloppet. At the Vasaloppet, Sweden's largest sporting event, around 16,000 participants prove their endurance every year on a 90-kilometer course. It is considered the toughest and longest cross-country ski race in the world.

According to records, the event had to be canceled early due to lack of snow in 1932 and 1934. In 1990, the Vasaloppet was even completely canceled – there simply wasn’t enough snow. In the past, the competition has been canceled several times due to insufficient snow.

Climate Change or Natural Phenomenon?

The wildlife also suffers from the fluctuating weather conditions.

Due to the drastic temperature swings, the ground and snow freeze into hard ice. This makes it especially difficult for reindeer to find enough food.

But what’s the cause of this? There is room for debate. Conversations with locals reveal different opinions. While some say that climate change is to blame, others argue that such fluctuating winter weather has occurred throughout history.

But despite all the challenges the northern winter brings, there is also an incomparable beauty in its unpredictability.
For as harsh as the conditions may be for both humans and animals, they are what make the North what it is: a wild, untamed landscape that teaches us respect while simultaneously enchanting us.

The Magic of Winter in the North

The winter weather in Northern Europe can push you to your limits – especially when one snowstorm chases the next and the sky hides behind bleak, gray clouds for weeks.

But aren’t it precisely these moments that truly make us feel the power of the elements?

The soft morning light, the glowing colors of twilight, and the starry nights with dancing northern lights show us just how fascinating and yet fragile winter can be.

The North hits you exactly where you need it most.

And perhaps that’s where its magic lies – in the art of embracing the harsh weather and fully enjoying the quiet, breathtaking moments.

Have you ever been to Northern Sweden or are you planning a trip? Feel free to share your experiences or thoughts with us!
Is there a topic about Scandinavia that particularly interests you? Let us know – it might be our next blog!

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