When the majority of travelers mention Sweden, they may refer to summer with its days of long days or winter with its snowy scenery. However, in order to feel the magic and the authenticity of Sweden, September is the month to visit it. September is a special season with its golden forests, fresh air, and the pantry of nature with all the seasonal gifts that you will not experience at any other time of the year.
Golden Forests and Crisp Autumn Air
September is the month, when Swedish landscapes become the golden wonderland. The green forests of summer gradually yield to warm colors of yellow, orange, and deep red, giving the picture-postcard view. Hiking paths all over the country, the rolling hills of Skåne, and the wilderness of Lapland, are made breathtakingly beautiful at this period. It is also more comfortable to do outdoor activities because of the fresh and cool air, unlike the hot summer days or the cold winter days.
You can be walking along the birch-lined walks, or you can be enjoying the scene of some smooth lakes with blazing leaves, but whatever you do, September is a relaxing and refreshing time.
Also See: History: Locations of the Northern Lights in Sweden Over the Years
Nature’s Pantry: A Season of Foraging
In Sweden, September is regarded as a foraging time, which has a strong Swedish culture. With the help of the special law of the land, Allemansrätten, or the Right of Public Access, everyone is allowed to walk the woods and pick wild food. This renders September the last month of nature and food lovers.
- Mushrooms: Chanterelle, also known as the golden chanterelle, is a mushroom that is abundant. Other varieties such as porcini also grow well in damp autumn soil.
- Berries: Lingonberries, cloudberry and blueberry will be ready in the month of September and the forest floor will be like a colorful and edible carpet.
- Rosehips: Rosehips are a favorite fruit in the season; they are used to prepare syrup and tea.
Forging in Sweden is not only about food, it is a method of slowing down, breathing deeply and getting back to nature. Most of the locals use their weekends to fill baskets with mushrooms and berries and then convert it into jams, sauces, and pickled delicacies to be used during the winter.
The Swedish Way of Preserving Autumn
The other event of September is the harvest preservation tradition. It is called locally as skörd (harvest season) and this is when families stock up their pantries in anticipation of the colder months. Swedish lingonberry jam, pickled chanterelles and rosehip syrup are common in most Swedish households. Tourists can also share this experience of culture by participating in food markets, farm tours or by just enjoying the taste of dishes related to autumn in the local cafes.
Just sit before a warm cabin window, and take a cup of tea as the aroma of freshly boiled rosehip syrup permeates the atmosphere. It is not only about food, it is also about the flavor of the season in Sweden.
Read More: 3 Street Foods in Stockholm You Can’t Leave Without Trying
Fewer Crowds, Authentic Experiences
September is a less hectic, more relaxing travel experience than the high tourist seasons of July and August. The attractions are not so crowded, it is easier to find accommodation, and the prices are usually cheaper. This is a good opportunity to travelers who are not fond of mass tourism and want to experience authenticity. You will get more opportunities to interact with locals, visit the secret places of interest, and see Sweden at a slower pace.
Outdoor Adventures Await
September is ideal to those who enjoy the outdoors as it is the best month to hike, cycle, fish and even kayak. The lower temperatures allow you to travel longer without being annoyed by the summer heat or the winter heavy clothes. Even Northern Sweden starts to give a hint about the aurora borealis (northern lights) when the nights become darker- another magic reason to visit it in September.
September in Sweden is a win-win situation, as it is a time of gorgeous sceneries, tasty seasonal food, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. It is a month that is asking you to get out of the rut, stock your basket with the treasures of nature, and live the Swedish lifestyle in its simplest essence. When you are willing to explore and see the autumn harvest in Sweden, then September is the month to visit.
