Vårkänslor

With the beginning of June, summer starts and the spring months lay behind us. Those months were definitely an amazing time to experience northern Europe. “Vårkänslor” is the Swedish word for “spring feeling” and for me, this phrase got a whole new meaning while living in Sweden and seeing the change in the people all over Scandinavia over the last few months.

Although we have spent a lot of time outside during winter and many people here love to do that as well, with the beginning of spring the spirit of most changed immensely. With the increasement of the sun hours, the melting of the last snow, and the warm weather that also leads to blooming, not only a new season but almost a new culture is created.

People start enjoying the outdoors more and more, not only during their free time but also in schools or for work. As soon as there is an opportunity for moving life outside, Scandinavians use it. Cafés and restaurants set up balconies or other outdoor seating possibilities, you meet with friends to have picknick in the park, or plan outdoor activities rather than anything else. Also does the number of open air events increase extremely. There are family days, spring festivals, and all kinds of parties and concerts held outside. No wonder Scandinavia is known for the best festivals and midsummer parties.

On top of that spring is also made to an occasion for celebrating. You enjoy the long days, the sun, the warm air, friendship, life, and just everything. This spirit connects people and transforms the often known distant Swedes into quite open and welcoming people. Also there are quite a lot of songs, books, and other arts connected to this culture and you will experience this kind of happiness as soon as you come to the Nordic countries during this season.

I mainly got to live through the changes here in Sweden, although I had the opportunity to visit Oslo in Norway and Åland in Finland during May as well. And no matter where in Scandinavia I went, I experienced the same phenomena. So many people are in the streets, parks, or nature, much more than before and what I have seen in other European countries. Especially after the long winter that with the cold and darkness can be quite hard for some people, this is such a contrast.

Of course, Scandinavia also offers the people so many reasons to go outside. The landscape is becoming even more beautiful than before, especially with the blooming and the general bright colors of nature. Everything is so green and fresh and even the smell makes you happy. The sun hours are so long that during the highest peak, depending on the place you are, you can stay up all night and experience sunset and sunrise almost at the same time. There are really barely any reasons to go inside!

And having this "Vårkänslor" now also anchored in me it is time to keep the spirit with me and start enjoying the last few months of my voluntary year in Sweden. Just as in May, many highlights are planned for the remaining time and most of them of course outside. We will have a special summer schedule at work with amazing activities and challenges and besides that lots of travels and events in our free time. I`m really excited for all of it and look forward to also share my experiences with you all. For now, I hope the post was interesting for you and maybe motivated you to take this Scandinavian inspiration and enjoy your time outside. Stay safe and talk to you soon!