The tradition of owning and retreating to simple countryside houses, known as stugor in Swedish, is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture. These homes, often referred to as summer houses or cottages, serve as havens for relaxation, connection with nature, and escape from urban life.
This tradition reflects Sweden’s historical relationship with its vast landscapes, its cultural emphasis on simplicity and egalitarianism, and the value placed on leisure and family time.
The tradition of countryside retreats in Sweden dates back centuries, rooted in the country’s agrarian past and its abundant natural landscapes. Historically, many Swedes lived in rural areas, and small cottages or farmhouses were common dwellings for farmers and laborers. These structures were simple, functional, and built to withstand Sweden’s harsh climate.
The modern tradition of countryside houses as leisure retreats began to take shape in the 19th century. As industrialization led to urbanization, wealthier Swedes, particularly from cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg, sought rural escapes to reconnect with nature. This coincided with the Romantic movement, which idealized rural life and natural beauty.
The tradition became more widespread in the 20th century, particularly after World War II, when Sweden’s growing middle class gained access to affordable land and the means to build or purchase simple cottages. The government’s promotion of leisure and outdoor activities, coupled with generous vacation policies (Swedes are entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation annually), further popularized the use of stugor as summer or weekend retreats.
Sweden’s unique Allemansrätten (the Right of Public Access) has also shaped this tradition. This customary law allows people to freely roam and enjoy nature on private land, provided they respect the environment and property. It fosters a deep cultural connection to the outdoors, encouraging Swedes to spend time in rural settings.
The Swedish countryside house tradition is more than just a vacation practice – it embodies core cultural values:
Swedes have a profound appreciation for their natural surroundings, with forests, lakes, and archipelagos covering much of the country. Countryside houses provide a base for activities like hiking, fishing, foraging, and swimming, aligning with the cultural ideal of friluftsliv (open-air living).
The stuga tradition reflects Sweden’s emphasis on modesty and equality. Even affluent Swedes often opt for simple, unpretentious cottages rather than luxurious vacation homes, aligning with the cultural principle of lagom (just the right amount). This ensures that the countryside retreat experience is accessible to people across socioeconomic classes.
Countryside houses are often family heirlooms, passed down through generations. They serve as gathering places for family and friends, where traditions like Midsummer celebrations, crayfish parties (kräftskiva), and communal meals are upheld.
While summer is the primary season for countryside retreats, many Swedes use their cottages year-round, especially during holidays like Christmas or for winter activities such as cross-country skiing. This reflects the cultural adaptability to Sweden’s distinct seasons.
Traditional Swedish countryside houses, or stugor, are typically modest in size and design, reflecting functionality and harmony with the environment. They vary by region but share common architectural features:
Most stugor are constructed from wood, often sourced locally, due to Sweden’s abundant forests. Timber is either left natural or painted, with red paint (known as Falu red) being iconic. This paint, made from copper mine byproducts, is durable and weather-resistant, contributing to the classic red-and-white aesthetic of Swedish cottages.
The typical stuga is designed as a single-story or one-and-a-half-story structure with a pitched roof to prevent snow accumulation. They often feature a simple rectangular layout, with a small porch or veranda for outdoor relaxation.
Traditional cottages are compact, ranging from 20 to 100 square meters, designed to be cozy and low-maintenance. Larger modern stugor may include extensions, but simplicity remains key.
In central Sweden, stugor often resemble traditional fäbodar (summer farmhouses used for seasonal grazing), with log-cabin-style construction and decorative carvings.
In southern Sweden, cottages may incorporate half-timbered designs influenced by Danish architecture, with thatched or tiled roofs.
Coastal stugor in areas like the Stockholm Archipelago are often built on rocky outcrops, with designs that prioritize views of the sea and access to boats.
Traditional stugor were built with sustainability in mind, using local materials and minimal resources. Many modern cottages incorporate eco-friendly features like solar panels or composting toilets to maintain this ethos.
While modern stugor may include contemporary conveniences, traditional countryside houses are characterized by their simplicity and focus on essential, functional amenities.
Living Area
Open-Plan Layout: The main living space is often a single room combining a sitting area, dining space, and sometimes a sleeping nook. This reflects the compact nature of the stuga and fosters communal living.
Wooden furniture, such as a sturdy table, benches, or simple chairs, is common. Upholstered sofas or armchairs may be present but are typically minimalistic.
A central feature in most stugor, the fireplace or stove provides heat during cooler months and serves as a cozy focal point. Firewood is often stored in an outdoor shed or stacked neatly by the house.
Interiors are decorated with simple, functional items, such as woven rugs, handmade textiles, and candles. Walls may feature family photos, local artwork, or nature-inspired motifs.
Kitchen
Basic Appliances: Traditional stugor have minimalistic kitchens with a small stove (often gas or wood-fired), a sink, and limited counter space. Modern additions may include a compact refrigerator, but many older cottages rely on iceboxes or cool pantries.
Utensils and Cookware: Kitchens are equipped with basic cookware, such as cast-iron pans, pots, and simple dishware. The focus is on preparing hearty, straightforward meals, often using locally sourced ingredients like fish, berries, or root vegetables.
Water Supply: In remote stugor, running water may not be available, and occupants rely on nearby wells, springs, or rainwater collection systems. Some cottages have hand pumps or basic plumbing.
Sleeping Arrangements
Loft or Alcove: Many stugor feature a loft accessed by a steep ladder, used for sleeping or storage. Ground-floor alcoves with built-in beds or fold-out sofas are also common.
Bunk Beds: To maximize space, bunk beds are frequently used, especially in cottages shared by families or groups.
Bedding: Simple wool or cotton bedding, often with traditional patterns like stripes or checks, is standard. Extra blankets are kept on hand for cold nights.
Bathroom Facilities
Outhouse: Traditional stugor often lack indoor plumbing, relying instead on an outhouse (utedass) located a short distance from the main building. These are simple wooden structures with a pit toilet.
Washing Area: Bathing is typically done in a nearby lake or stream, or with a portable basin and water heated on the stove. Some stugor have a basic shower or washroom, but this is less common in truly traditional setups.
Sauna: In many regions, especially in northern Sweden, a small wood-fired sauna is a cherished feature. Saunas are used for relaxation and cleansing, often followed by a dip in a nearby lake.
Outdoor Amenities
Porch or Veranda: A small covered porch or open veranda is a staple, furnished with simple wooden chairs or benches for enjoying views and fresh air.
Fire Pit or Grill: Outdoor cooking areas are common, with a fire pit or stone grill for barbecuing fish, meat, or vegetables. This aligns with the tradition of communal outdoor meals.
Garden or Meadow: Many stugor are surrounded by a small garden or wildflower meadow, used for growing herbs, vegetables, or flowers. Fruit trees or berry bushes (e.g., lingonberries or currants) are also common.
Boat or Dock: In lakeside or coastal stugor, a small rowboat or canoe is often available, along with a dock for swimming or fishing.
Wood Storage: A dedicated shed or pile for firewood is essential, as wood is used for heating and cooking.
Utilities
Limited Electricity: Traditional stugor may lack electricity, relying on candles, oil lamps, or solar-powered lanterns for lighting. Modern cottages may have basic electrical systems or generators.
Heating: Beyond the fireplace, some stugor use portable heaters or insulated walls to stay warm in colder seasons.
Waste Management: Composting or incinerating waste is common in remote stugor without municipal services. Recycling is prioritized in line with Sweden’s environmental consciousness.
While traditional stugor remain popular, many modern countryside houses incorporate conveniences like full plumbing, electricity, and Wi-Fi, especially in cottages used year-round or rented to tourists. However, even modern stugor strive to maintain the aesthetic and ethos of simplicity, with an emphasis on sustainable design and minimal environmental impact.
The stuga experience is enriched by cultural practices that enhance the sense of rest and connection:
Many Swedes retreat to their countryside houses for Midsummer, a major holiday featuring maypole dancing, flower crowns, and feasts of herring, potatoes, and strawberries.
Foraging and fishing are activities like picking wild mushrooms, berries, or fishing in nearby waters are common, reflecting Sweden’s self-sufficiency and love of local produce.
Sauna sessions followed by a plunge into cold water are a cherished ritual, symbolizing physical and mental renewal.
Winter Retreats: In winter, stugor become bases for skiing, ice skating, or cozy evenings by the fire, with traditions like glögg (mulled wine) and gingerbread baking.
The Swedish tradition of retreating to simple countryside houses is a testament to the country’s deep-rooted connection to nature, its commitment to simplicity, and its emphasis on rest and family. The stuga, with its modest design and essential amenities, provides a space for Swedes to unplug, reconnect, and celebrate their cultural heritage. Whether through foraging in the forest, gathering around a fire, or enjoying a sauna by the lake, the countryside house tradition encapsulates the essence of Swedish life: a balance of work, leisure, and harmony with the natural world.