Embrace lagom

It is an approach to life, or even a state of mind. Lagom shines through many cultural aspects, such as a well balanced workload with personal life, respecting the environment or indulging with fika after a healthy meal. To embrace lagom one can start enjoying what life has to offer without excessive consumption or unhealthy restriction.

Allemansrätten (outdoors for everyone)

Swedes love nature, which is no wonder since their forests, fields, lakes and beaches are idyllic. But beyond that, nature is available to everyone thanks to allemansrätten (translated as “everyman’s right"), a law that gives a person the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski, and camp (for one night) on almost any land, with a few exceptions (such as farmed land or private gardens). Additionally, everybody can swim or kayak in any lake, even pick berries and flowers if they grow naturally. Allemansrätten is a great Swedish cultural concept that allows anyone, no matter their income, appreciate the beauty of nature. More information in the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's website

Excursion suggestions in Skåne - Biking in Ven island, Hiking in the cliffs of Kullaberg, Seatrip to Elsinor in Denmark
Hiking trails in Skåne - The Skåneleden trail is divided in six subtrails and is an opportunity to experience Skåne's varied scenery
Cycle paths in Skåne - Kattegattleden, Sydkustleden, Sydostleden
National parks in Skåne - Dalby Söderskog, Stenshuvud, Söderåsen

Bastu (sauna)

Summer or winter, many Swedes enjoy swimming in the sea followed by a hot sauna. This is not only stimulating, but a good way to catch up with friends while releasing stress and strengthening your immune system. Ribersborgs Kallbadhus is a piece of Malmö history with a lovely old-fashioned feel to it, the day entry is 80 kronor and it has a cafeteria and sauna sections for women, men and mixed. The view through the panorama windows is a must see sight of the Oresund bridge and beautiful sea.

Fika (coffee and cake break)

This is not your ordinary coffee break. Fika is a well established Swedish custom that focuses on socialization around coffee and pastry, a pause in routine to have quality time with family, friends or get to know coworkers or acquaintances a little better. It can be held at any time of the day and the pastry that goes with it is amazing! We recommend hallongrotta (biscuit with raspberry jam), chokladbulle (chocolate ball), kladdkaka (melty brownie) or the famous multi-layered princesstårta (princess cake).

Hollandia - If you are looking for traditional pastry, look no further. The oldest konditori in Malmö has the best to offer.
St. Jakobs - Allegedly the best kannelbulle (cinnamon bun) in town. Good coffee too, of all kinds!
Bageri leve - DELICIOUS plant based pastry.

For coffee places recommended by our students check our Favorite spots in Malmö page.

Kubb

If you take a stroll around a park in a summer day in Sweden, chances are that you see some people playing kubb. It is played with two teams, each taking turns to knock down their opponents wooden blocks by throwing sticks at them. Sounds fun? For information about parks in Malmö check our Favorite spots in Malmö page

Biking

Winter, spring, summer or fall, Sweden is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world. With plenty of bike paths and a flat geography that allows you to bike with ease, Sweden is a paradise for biking both short and long distances. And let's not forget that biking produces zero carbon emissions!

Bike lanes in Malmö - Interactive Malmö bike map (click on "Cykellinjer" on the top left to see the lanes)
Cycle paths in Skåne - Kattegattleden, Sydkustleden, Sydostleden

For information on how to get a second hand bike check out our Biking page

Loppis (yard sale)

Ever heard of loppis culture? You can find second hand stores (even chains), vintage boutiques or yard sales in every town, as many Swedes have a strong will to be environmentally friendly in their purchases. You can find a big range of products in good condition at a friendly price. Some of the big boutiques even have cafeterias indoors, so it is a nice option to go with friends for fika after browsing.

Flea market at Drottningtorget - Every Sunday between May and end of September. Opening hours 9.00-15-00
Cohabit - Pre-loved furniture for rent created by students from our Leadership and Sustantability programme
Erikshjälpen - Clothes, accessories, furniture, household items and books plus a cozy café that offers freshly baked waffles
Myrorna - Second hand, retro and vintage clothing that can be a little bit more unique and special
Humana - Ranked as one of Malmö's best second hand shops it places great emphasis on branded vintage