Mistakes Tourists Make in Sweden
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- Are you heading to Gothenburg or Stockholm for a trip and don't want to insult your Swedish hosts? Well here we give you the most common tourist mistakes that tourists make when they visit Sweden. From practicing your swedish chef impression to missing out on the festivals and fun! The do's and don'ts and mistakes of visiting Sweden.
Filmed in Stockholm, Sweden
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We had a layover in Stockholm, took the Arlanda Express into town, had breakfast and took a ferry out to Vaxholm. Had lunch (fried herring of course), came back to town and stumbled upon the Kungstradgarden while cherry blossoms were blooming! What a phenomenal day! We will go back again for sure.
It's not 'stranger danger'. It's respect for other people's privacy.
Hilariously ironic statement considering the government can now legally spy on you through your phone and/or camera without even having to be a suspect in any criminal activity.
@@thehoogard both, I'd say. Imagine someone you dont know coming up to you to say hi. Swedes would give you the oddest look, because whyyyyy are you talking to them?
@@Liquessen I was in a bar and I went up to a Swedish couple and said “hey how’s your night going” in England we talk to anybody in the pub and they gave me the oddest look. We ended up partying till 4am but he did say to me “we don’t do that here” 😂😂
One thing he mentioned at the end is the most important thing to remember: Sweden is so much more than just Stockholm.
@@joakimbarkstrom9679 yeah better to travel around gotland at summertime or visiting the westcoast, småland, öland and many other places aswell
I've enjoyed Eskilstuna and Malung.
Any country is so much more than its capital.
It's also really big for a European country. If you drive from Stockholm going north, you can drive for 10 hours straight and still be in Sweden.
As someone from Stockholm that have seen most of Sweden, this is only true if you stick to white Guide:) really bad food in the countryside if you dont😊
A tip if you want to talk to a local: just ask something specific. Don't just say "Hi, how are you?". Ask us something specific like "hi, I just arrived here from xy, could you recommend a place to eat/something I have to see or do while I am here/what is something I need to know about Sweden/this town?" some might be shy to speak English, or be reluctant to talk for whatever reason, but most will give you good answers and even will continue a conversation a bit. But not in public transport. We are very mindful of our spaces and not making anyone feel uncomfortable, and being in a bus/metro/train is a place we most likely want to have that space, also we are "trapped" in a box with you. Swedes might be reluctant to talk in places we are trapped in.
I personally actually often talk to strangers on the metro, but as a Swede I know the cues on when to, and not when to, and with who.
If you are in Stockholm, it's a big city like any big city, some people are just busy, but for most, Swedes LOVE to tell you about Sweden or give you tips, so just ask!
Personally, I was wondering which big city there is where people WANT to be spoken to on public transit? lmao. It's one of those things, in cities, we all have things to see, places to go, and people to do! lol 🙂
I keep hearing everybody wants to have small talk here in the USA, but I am pretty sure that's more of a small town thing. I've never had somebody randomly strike up a conversation with me in San Francisco (I grew up in "The San Francisco Bay Area") or Los Angeles. See above! lol 🙂
Service is a complicated matter. American in-the-face service isn't considered "good" service. Good service to us is invisible but there.
I think a lot of the swedish mentality can be summed up into this: it's respectful not to bother others unnecessarily.
When it comes to good service here, a big part is anticipating when guests will need help and then let them have time to enjoy their food and company etc.
Good service to me is ordering and paying at the counter, sitting down at the table and then food arrives with minimal fuzz. How is that "complicated" really?
@Vollification Because that's only what *you* want.
If the entire universe just revolves around you - then of course everything is simple.
Insanely accurate summary of us Swedes. Talk about great research, spot on!
A mistake is that you expect people to know you need help, if you need help you ask for it. We will gladly help you, but if you don’t ask we will figure that you are okay without help and we respect your space (we don’t intrude). ❤❤❤🇸🇪
@@giajensen1689 It is worth a repeat: We do NOT(!) intrude!
We gladly help if asked, but we do not intrude. We put an emphasis on respecting people's space and the common peace and quite here. We are not shy or affraid of strangers or indifferent; it is our way to show respect for our fellow people.
@@sirseigan Interesting . To be fair I'd expect that's the way it's done in most major cities to be honest
@@GabrielsReviews There is a significant difference between the Nordic countries (Sweden in this case but itvis true for all nordic countries) and many other countries in the world when it comes to how far this very thing is taken.
You will extremly rarely see a Swede approch someone that seems to be in need of help and ask if that is the case; but if a strager approches a swede and ask for help swedes often take it serious are ready to help (and then some). You will extremly rately catch a Swede smalltalking to strangers in ques, elevators, public transports or any other public settings (unless alcohol is involved). This is not the case in many other places around the world. In some cultures it is even rude to not engage in conversation and ask questions; in Sweden it is the direct opposite. And we are not only talking "major cities" in Sweden here, we talk about _everybody_.
To not disturbe is a very very ingrained part of Swedish culture. In general terms (there are always outlyers) Swedes do not talk loud, do big gestures with ther hands and body, express a lot of emotions, use a language that signal familiarity to people they do not know (so no "mate", "pal", "bro", "brother", "sister or "I swear" etc), stand close to others (if it can be avoided), stare or keep eye contact for long (even in conversation). All this is done in an effort to not intrude, to not disturb others and to keep the public peace. In private it can be a very different behaviour.
@@sirseiganyeah, every country/culture is different...in some places in South America is the total opposite, you're expected to say hello when you get in the elevator, buses and like doctor offices waiting rooms per example, places where for sure you don't know anyone and if you don't say hello and maybe engage in small talk they say/think you're rude....
Back in the 90's you could walk on a bridge they made going inside the Vasa Ship, it was super cool. Now they are concerned about the ship falling apart
As a swede I very much love your approach and openmindedness here!
One thing must be mentioned, no matter what you have heard about the Swede, don't be afraid to ask about things. We are very happy to help you as best we can!
It’s really worth experiencing more places around Stockholm, but one thing no UA-camr ever do is exploring the Stockholm archipelago. And it’s absolutely amazing, Finnhamn, Grinda, Sandhamn, Nämdö, and my favorite Arholma. And so many more. And the boat trip (4 hours to Arholma) is a beautiful experience in itself.
As a Swede I can attest that a line-cutter would fill me with violent rage. But. It's never happened, not once in my whole life.
As a Brit I wholeheartedly agree! I just cannot understand how anything can function acceptably otherwise.
Oh I cut in line recently at local bookshop because I didn't notice there was a ticket system. I was appropriately ashamed.
@@martah5369 Due to the ticket system people also dont stand in a line, but more kind of scattered. Even when there is no ticket, people still sometimes stand scattered and keep track of "who was here when i got here, and who came after me" in a mental queue and dont go to the counter until they know its their turn.
It fills me with unbelievable rage, but I will not say anything to them.
It should be said that there are times where, for practical reasons, you can ask, or get offered, to cut the line.
If i have an entire cart full of stuff and you are behind me with only one item ( or a few ) i let you step in front of me.
Others have done the same for me.
As a Swede, It’s so Nice to show friends from USA and Europe both Stockholm, but also in the north where we live. It’s so much you miss if you don’t visit the north. From Arlanda AirPort to my AirPort it takes just 1 h. So its fun to show this and some American friends got Swedish roots so we try to fint the place where they lived, its amazing.
I am really impressed by the level of knowledge you have attained about the Swedish way! I hope you can come and visit up north since more than half of Sweden is north of Uppsala.
North of Uppsala is 2/3.
And with a tenth of the population, known for not speaking at all.
I am a Venezuelan-born American and I'm very social. I noticed Swedes were standoffish at first, but I wouldn't let it get to me and I would persist in being friendly (within reason, of course) and that hard shell would often crack and the sweetest, kindest, most helpful people would emerge from those walls they put up. I loved being in Stockholm and Uppsala. The people, the food, the architecture... Loved everything about my trip.
Great info, thanks for sharing! One mistake we made when we visited Malmö many years ago was to stand on a footpath looking at a map, not realizing we were partially in the cycling lane. As tourists it’s easy to become unaware of one’s surroundings, especially when you’re just stepping off a bus for example. Obviously this applies to any country, but unless you really want to anger locals, carefully pick a spot away from any path to get your bearings.
Mistakes tourists make when they come to Wolters World,s channel: not liking and subscribing
I think the worst mistake you can do is staying in cities your whole time here. Go to the countryside. Explore our nature (with a guide if you leave the beaten tracks and you're not used to hiking). Rent a bike or a canoe, get a map for a popular track, and go explore.
Exactly!
About talking in public transportation. In Gothenburg, the west coast, talking to a stranger on the bus or the tram is fine. I was raised in Stockholm but lived seven years in Gothenburg, and that's where I learned that talking to fellow passengers is fine and sometimes expected. 😄 So there are exceptions... 😂
Wondering what on earth you´re doing in Stockholm in the winter? In the winter here, the best places to be and things to see are up north. The ice hotel, dog sledding, skiing, snowmobile reindeer safaries, northern lights spotting and what not. The southern half is pretty much a summer destination with Gothenburg and the west coast and all the islands, Stockholm and its archipelago, Malmö with its food culture and everything oozing with history.
Thanks for such a great video. I hope to visit Sweden one day. One side of my family is from there - I have the family Bible, written in Swedish, that was brought to the US when my family emigrated in the 1800's. I also have a family history chart dating back to the 1500's - not so easy a task to compile due to the surname thing. Anyway, really enjoyed this video! Happy New Year!
You should check out a swedish TV show called "Allt för sverige". For Americans with Swedish ancestry, gameshow kind of deal.
Välkommen!
Sweden looks like a magical country to visit one day
Please do! It's beautiful here and we do actually like tourists as long as they listen to the vibe. 😄 Be courteous and carefully curious and you will have an amazing time! Welcome to Sweden!
Fika is also about people watching, especially if your alone
Good video. A couple of notes:
-People from Stockholm are accommodating and will bend the rules if you need it. This is true for the countryside as well. I can't say I have experienced this in other large cities.
-Tipping: Not required but greatly appreciated. I usually count between 5-10% and round up to the closest even number. Bill comes out to 1020 SEK with great service I tip 80 SEK.
-Max: Get their chicken burgers, the meat patties usually have the consistency of rubber. Hence, for meat burgers, go to McDonalds (unpopular opinion), who also have better fries.
I would also like to emphasize the bragging part, which is not so much about bragging, but rather talking about yourself too much. Swedes like to respond to and ask questions. Not a "I did this" "Oh yeah? I did this"-type conversation.
The Swedes are respecting your space and privacy. Much like the Finns.
It has nothing to do with not liking other humans, but showing respect for you as person.
I wish the US would take a little of that to heart 🇫🇮
@@lilbatz Håller med - agree👍🇸🇪
After moving to the US from Sweden, I felt the same way. Now, after 30 years, I much prefer how outgoing Americans are, even with strangers.
Personal space and skipping small talk are traits to be appreciated. And bragging/self-absorbed talk are not.
I think it's a tragedy when someone says they don't like salty licorice 🤣 You just have to expand your idea of what candy can be, it doesn't always have to be this sweet, fruity thing. Salty licorice has such a nice intense complexity and there's so many fancy varieties to try out.
"says they don't like salty licorice"
Utter blasphemy!
I love saltlakrits, but I don't want to extend my idea of "what it can be" by adding strong pepper and sh*t.
So there are limits too, to that relativism.
One time I brought my favourite salty licorice back from Finland and shared it with my coworkers and literally every single person spit it out. What a waste, I am never sharing again!
I always love tour videos because they’re so informative
All cities are expensive when you shop in the tourist traps. Easiest way to save some cash is to shop in supermarkets which is like 30-50% cheaper than 7-Eleven and the likes, at least here in Sweden.
Also, practically all restaurants (granted that they're open), not just buffets, have cheaper lunch prices, which typically include soda/water, sallad, bread and coffee. Nowadays it's around €10-15.
I'd consider 10€ for lunch a cheap lunch in Stockholm. There's a place in Hötorgshallen that sells "Turkish burgers" that are really tasty and you can get one with a drink for 95 SEK (8.28€) which is a really good deal compared to the other options available!
Generally speaking eating food in the city center is always pricey , if you go out to parts that are like 3 or 4 miles from the city center the prices drop significantly. Also a great tip, never believe that the priciest restaurant has the best food. Check out the reviews on either TripAdvisor or Yelp, that might help you out choosing great restaurants. At Gamla stan (Old Town) is known for many tourist traps, avoid them!
If you are early to the hotel it's not impolite to ask if it's possible to check in early. If your room is ready they will check you in early. If your room isn't ready there somtimes are a baggage room where you can leave your bags. Just be polite and they will help you if possible.
I'd say that is true in every country. most likely you will have to wait but you can leave your luggage with them.
My boyfriend and I got to Hotel G in Gothenburg early and it was raining. The room wasn't ready but they had a strange room for our bags. Also let us borrow big umbrellas for walking in the city.
Having grown up in Wisconsin, with relatives in northern Wisconsin, it was fascinating to recognize the Swedish tendencies in the people up there. It must be in the genes. I’m from Southeastern Wisconsin. Much more German, Irish, Polish, and Italian. We’re pretty diverse, as is the cultural behavior. More based on the family you interact with. But “up north” Swedish and Norwegian culture must have taken hold. Thanks for sharing this. You helped me make sense of a lifetime of experiences.
Hey Mark, great video and hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas.
No one laughed harder at the Swedish Chef than my Swedish grandmother. She even had a little statuette of the Chef on top of her stove. But, yeah, none of us would have made fun of how the Swedes sound by imitating the Chef where it could be thought of as an insult. I can’t wait to go to Stockholm next December.
But he's drunk, not even Swedes understand him, clearly the chef is totally drunk on Absolut.
Sweden FTW
im swedish and i think these are all good advice, well done
Thanks for verifying
Good stuff! Thanks for the straight facts of my country 👊🏽🤗🇸🇪
I went from Texas to Gallivare two planes and an overnight train and booked the 6 woman (They separate men and women's cars...) tales together until early morning and fell asleep benefit of getting off at nearly last stop.😂
I only ever hear tourists (mostly Americans) make a big deal out of "fika". As if it's some cultural state of mind unique to Sweden. It's just a word for having a snack and coffee/tea. Every country has cafes/coffee shops and pastries.
Merry christmas to you and your family!!!!!!!!!!!!’😊🎄🎅💕
I think you nailed it Sir.
As a Swede:
1. Don't be loud or annoying to other people in public spaces. If you're traveling by public transport, just don't speak loudly, and definitely do not use phone speakers. No one will tell you to shut up, we will just glare at you in silence.
2. Don't brag about money or career.
3. 80% of people will speak English to you. But don't expect that everyone will. Especially outside the larger cities, and older people. If you try to speak swedish, we will like that you made the effort, and most likely respond to you in English.
4. Swedes are NOT offended by steretypes. We are offended by bad behavior, like talking loudly on a public transport, not following rules etc.
But we probably won't say anything. We will just give you a glare and possibly a sigh.
5. If you want to make friends, get drunk.
6. If you're sober, get a hobby.
talk with the swede for more than 20 minutes. We loosen up after 5-30 minutes talking to a stranger.
7. Don't be pushy (but not afraid either) Swedes are meek and reserved. But once you get past the first barrier of awkwardness, we are open like a book.
8. Be calm, reserved. But don't be alarmed if swedes are are a bit reclusive. It might just mean that we're unsure if our English is good enough. (This might be the most important point btw) Swedes are VERY sensitive to awkwardness and fear of not being good enough.
9. Many Swedes actually like the outgoing personalities of tourists. It's fun. But we're like cats. Give us 5 seconds to judge you first. (To sniff you out).
10. Swedes get drunk. We're not Italians that have a glass of wine with dinner. And we're not Russians either. But we do get drunk. Once a week, typically.
11. Sweden isn't just Stockholm. It's also Göteborg.
12. Please visit, you are very welcome. Just don't expect anyone to tell you so.
One place I respect when you are in Sweden, especially in the summer, is that you take the ferry to Sweden's largest island, Gotland. I promise you will have a great time there!
8:02 On local public transportation, yes. Dont engage.
But on long distance public transport people are more open to chatting, so dont be afraid to talk to your neighbour on a several hour long train ride.
True, you can always try to have a conversation if you want, I’ve had some really good conversations with total strangers during a 4 hour train ride. But of course not everybody wants that.
It's a bit of a hassle to get around the wall, but the wildling territory north of uppsala is pretty spectacular
My grandfather emigrated to the US from northern Sweden 100 years ago. I really want to visit there someday! Definitely will be following your advice when I do. Grandpa was from near Lapland, so definitely not blond hair, blue eyed! I would love to visit Stockholm first, then head up to Luleå to see Grandpa’s home village nearby.
Love this channel. I've been listening for over 10 years. Anyway, speaking of expensive and beautiful places, would you ever consider making a video on the Faroe Islands?
Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, I love it here! The water in and around the city, the long, bright summer nights (between may-sep) and the local trasportation I must say, is awesome in 99% in my life experience living here. So yeah.. please visit Stockholm. You`re most welcome! and oh.. I often talk to people riding local transport.. I had many long interesting conversations with people, both locals and tourists. 🙂
All in all good advise there, and thanks for the shout out to the town of my birth, Jönköping. One mistake that wasn't mentioned is to expect everyone knowing English. While Sweden has a very high proportion of people knowing English, that doesn't mean that everyone is comfortable speaking the language. Some haven't used it since school decades ago, and might avoid striking up a conversation because they are embarrassed exposing their poor language skills. Others, like me, are more or less fluent. As for small talk on public transport and elsewhere, it isn't impolite to try to strike up a conversation. If the Swede feels comfortable, you might have a good chat and learn a bit more about the locals.
Another rule that goes for public transportation when it's rush hour is to keep to the right in the stairs if you want to go down slow and keep to the left if you are in a hurry. (The ecalators are for going up and have the same rules). Taxis are extra expensive if you go from Arlanda. Nowdays we have Bolt and Uber that are more cheaper. I would recommand any tourist to take the bus from Arlanda to Märsta trainstation and either take the train to Stockholm with the same ticet or take a taxi from there instead.
also, for burgers in stockholm, i'd recommend baba's! you might have to take the metro to the suburbs but their burgers are top notch! in general you can find amazing food if you travel outside of central stockholm a little bit. 😊
We love people, and we want to talk to you, but we don´t like screaming. We are not cold, we are just minding our own business, but we don´t bite, ask us about stuff! We´re happy to help!
Btw, there are other cities in Sweden that are really worth a visit. Like Norrköping, Lund, Uppsala. And of course Gothenburgh. And many breathtakingly beautiful and fun places. Central Stockholm is like the equivalent of kings cross in London or something. It doesn’t represent all there is to experience.
A lot of great information, there is a great TV show about Sweden I believe you can see in the US “Allt för Sverige” where smaller sometimes remote cities are explored and a lot of history is told. Featuring Americans with Swedish heritage explore their roots. I’ll use this short video for visitors. 😊
👍 very good
As a counterpoint, I would say that the service is good, actually. Not being interrupted by servers during a conversation is sign of GOOD service. Just bring me the food and ignore me until I need to pay the bill.
Love the video, funny how you mentioned the personal space on public transportation, a former teacher of mine like 25 years ago, who was an immigrant mentioned how that was such a cultural differences from more southern countries.
Id like to add that besides personal space one reason we dont really chatt at the public transportation is that being to loud is annoying to other passangers, so if you are on a public transportation you will see Swedes getting annoyed with groups that are to loud, however we can still accept if you sit with ypur 3 friends and talk but we would appreciate if you respect wveryone wlse and keep it at a normal volyme, the thing that does happend and is unforgivable are people that talks ok their phone and use the speaker so w eryone else hears their conversation, we wouöd never do it but every swede wanna take that phone and smash it, thats hkw annoying and rude we find it. Ah yes ther eis one more cardinal sin thats connected to phone this days and thats playing music on your speaker.
Most public transportation in Sweden, even at its worst, will have multiple options for all-in travel cards, even phone apps for it. Basically, my own town has 1 hour passes, 24-hour passes (only twice the 1 hour pass price), 30-day and 365 day passes. I can recommend getting the 24 hours passes, because it'll let you ride around within that county without limit, even if the rides would technically cost like twenty times what you paid for it. And yeah, cabs are expensive. They're for emergencies, really, like when all the buses have stopped running (which doesn't really happen in major towns).
I was in Stockholm this past August I had a great time no crime and the locals were reserved and polite. They just don’t have the (I’m the center of the attention syndrome.)
If you want to experience crime in Stockholm, go to it's Miljonprogram-suburbs/ concrete-suburbs. In downtown Stockholm you won't experience any of it.
@ must be DEI
@@joemama-tn7zl yes. Stockholm have around 45 DEI suburbs.
@ sad to hear that. Time to shut down the free ride and deal with the remaining garbage to clean up.
@@joemama-tn7zl even in those parts, I'd say you're probably not going to be bothered by anyone unless you're doing illegal stuff yourself. Although as a tourists, there's not really anything for you to do there. They're mainly just residential areas for lower-income people. I've walked through Fittja for example late in the evening, and I've never had any problems, but it does feel a bit sketchy being there at that time, so maintain a basic level of situational awareness, as you should in any place you're not familiar with.
We do tip in Sweden, but it's not mandatory. Tips around here are something extra. And a mistake some tourists do - never tip a security guard, policeman, customs officer or "Skyddsvakt" (terrorist prevention officer) because that *could* land you in trouble.
I think the critique of the service it totally fair. Even though lack of good sercive can sink the trating of a restaurant on Tripadvisor or similar, and that's a big thing I bet for restaurants, I don't see the same fevor to please the customer at all costs as in some countries for sure. I honestly don't think it's only to do with lack of tipping-culture, but rather, because of the "du" reform that happened here that completely eradicated social hierarcy in language (outside of the royal family).
Our society it flat. Most are hierarcical in some manner. You adress your seniors as "Sir", or similar in other languages. In Sweden, we don't. You are just another human being to us, and you might earn respect, or you don't.
I think this is quite informative as to why our "service culture" only goes that far. There is service to be had, but there is also a lack of deference to people in the wrong that has no authority over us. Peope here are very independent and are expected to be so.
Also: when standing in cues, many places like post-office, pharmacy and similar use a ticket machine. So grab a ticket and just sit down to wait your turn.
My Mother and I both love black licorice 🥲😋
Mistake 1 "not talking to the locals". Midtake 3 "getting near or talking to the locals" 🤣
About the time, we use the 24h clock!
Confirm the meeting time and be specific about morning or evening! 😊
The biggest mistake tourist do, is to visit Sweden from October to March. It's a whole different country and a whole different people. We are like bears, shuting down during that period.
Bering late is a no no. I agree. For a friend I can understand. For a first date, absolut no. After a cup of coffe Im gone. There is ways to say Im late right! If you dont bother why should I?
Prices in the city center is always more higher than in outside the city core area. You don't need to go far with public transport or outside Stockholm to find lower prices 😅 and for the taxi, all taxis need to have a yellow price information card outside their vehicle so that is recommended to use. Or book an uber or bolt.
I'm Swedish and work for an American company so I speak more English than Swedish these days and have many American friends, so your tips are very accurate. Also one thing id say is Americans speak very loudly in public, not really a big deal but it's funny how easy it is to guess who's American!
Also our culture and rules is quite similar to Japan so we fit in very well over there! I always say that we are almost Buddhist in a way, but instead of mediation it's fika.
Attend a Stockholm Derby even if you're not a massive football fan. It's amazing to see Swedish fans support their clubs.. AIK, Hammarby, or Djurgårdens IF.. Also, Stockholm is nice, but the country is an excellent place to explore. The best fika I ever had was in Gotland, Visby... Café Gula Huset. Try the saffron pancakes.
Wow I am Swedish from both grandparents who came to America, now understand why I am so similar.
No, you're american. They were Swedish, you're not.
@@annicaesplund6613 Yes, he is Swedish by ethnicity. And American by passport
@@sandrahintz2617please don’t say that you’re Swedish if you visit us. It would be awkward
My grandparents were Italian but that doesn't mean I am. You are where you're born/raised/lived a long time.
@ to be honest I only said my grandparents and that I was so similar to them through their ways. Not to offend anyone I know they were very good people who I loved.
A beer is generally pretty cheap in Stockholm compare to other swedish cities, there are good competition between all the pubs
Malmö is awesome, too!
That city used to be awesome, but not anymore. It's been ruined by third-worlders, The countryside is way more peaceful
As for lines, it's the same for other countries as well: don't go shopping when everyone else is likely to HAVE to be shopping - like after work hours, on weekends. If you are a tourist, simply try shopping during normal workhours and you should stay clear of the lines to pay, but also just get better service from staff that have mote time for any questions you might have. This is, true for any country, I'm sure.
As a Swede, I completely agree on the lack of typical Swedish food in Stockholm. I don’t get it.
Also, good mentioning that Sweden is way more than just Stockholm. I mean, the capital is (as always) the most international place in the country.
Tipping. I used to deliver furniture here in Sweden, we never expected tips, and that is fine, but the few times I got a tip it really made my day, well, if I had got like 5 or 10 SEK even in 2005-2006 when this was I would probably have refused it. I mean coins are just annoying XP I almost always paid with my debit card even back then.
fika can be coffe and a pie, sandwish as well. we have numbertickets as wel as queue. you take a ticket and sit and wait till your number shows near the desk. try not to buy things near turist sights it will be expensive
About tipping: You are right that it is not required or even expected that you tip everywhere. However, in sit-down restaurants tipping is still somewhat expected but contingent on the level of service. If I get poor service, I wouldn't tip much or even at all. But if the service is good, I absolutely would, the better the service the higher the tip.
Great video overall with very good insights into my country!
I have found price in Eskilstuna to be similar to Providence Rhode Island. A price point for everyone. I take the bus from Arlanda to Stockholm. No taxi here.
You can eat cinnamon buns any day. If you're going to have a coffee, then eat something more luxurious!
Yeah so much better pastries than the boring cinnamon bun. Definition of boring and they're too often dry as well as the stores make too many, typical socialdemokratbulle.
Uppsala appritiate the shout-out!
Gonna take a while to get over the saltlakritsdiss though
appreciate* you're shaming that city of higher learning brother :D
Visited Sweden a couple of months ago, stunning country (kinda goes without saying).
On the topic of "don't speak to people on public transport, a lady started talking to me in a lift, which I gather is generally not done in many countries. Had to apologise that I don't speak Swedish upon which she kindly switched to English. Was chuffed to be mistaken for Swedish.
I found prices and service in Sweden comparable to Australia. In some cases, Sweden was cheaper than home.
Well, we can certainly talk to each other on buses and trains. It's not common, and it can easily become a bit awkward if you talk in the wrong way or about the wrong things. But it happens that we talk to each other. Starting to talk like in a bar would be perceived as intrusive and strange. But a cautious attempt is never wrong. And then it is important to feel whether the other person wants to talk or not. Sometimes it can lead to very pleasant trips. But of course, usually we easily believe that those who talk too much or too deeply to us on the bus are either addicts or a little crazy. Often it is also like that. But I have had many nice conversations with slightly crazy people and with glad alcoholics. They are also Swedes.
Then, when it comes to meatballs. It's common, but no big deal here. Most often we eat fried meatballs from the freezer, and serve with pasta as more boring everyday food. And above all, it is children who love meatballs. Many times we fry up meatballs for the children when we want to eat something else, more spicy or unusual, with weirder flavors. We serve traditional meatballs at Christmas and Easter, but usually it is other dishes that the adults look forward to. So meatballs are not a big favorite among Swedes, just ordinary, everyday and a bit boring.
It's not that we are afraid of strangers it's that we are afraid of being a nuisance. We do not bother other people by intruding on their day unless we know it is okay to do so. This means we look quiet and reserved unless we are in a situation where we are expected to engage with others or if we are with friends. This is also why we are happy to talk if someone else starts the conversation. They have indicated that we would not be intruding by talking with them so we can be as gregarious as we want.
Another thing is that a big fake smile is almost anathema to the Swedish mindset. If we are met with such, we mentally think "scam artist" or "car salesman" and immediately mistrust you. Resting bitchface is a normal Swedish condition. But since wide open smiles are reserved for close friends or funny situations, we use subtle smiles or eye smiles a lot more often so make sure to look for such.
Regarding service I just think Swedish perception of good service differs from the US. If I want anything I'll get the attention of the service staff, if they haven't already seen what I want, I don't need someone asking me every five minutes if everything is OK. It just comes across as your waiter don't know "where you are" in the meal/service cycle.
I’d say the greatest mistake is worrying about upsetting the locals so much that you don’t get to enjoy your visit.
Most of these things probably won’t be our main impression of the day.
We are aware that things works differently in different places.
No biggie!
Enjoy the visit.
You’ll be fine! 🇸🇪🌹
How about don't go to the off street restaurants in gamla stan, you'll get ripped off and your food will take forever to get and taste mediocre. There are so many quality restaurants in town where the prices are the same as gamla stan but the food and service is on another level. Do your research if you want to eat quality food, expensive prices doesn't equal quality meals in Stockholm.
Eh, i dunno how many times me or my brother has done some sort of fun out the "Swedish chef", as long as you do it well, most Swedes will just run with it, just like many might do with Monty pyton or other fun stuff.
"dont expect good service"
That's a big exaggeration.
I would change that to something more like, don't expect special/exaggerated service.
Because overall, service in restaurants, cafes, hotels etc, is quite good.
The average baseline quality is reasonably high, just dont expect it to go beyond that baseline.
"licorice"
You just can't? Heathen!
"don't just stay in Stockholm"
Yeah, very much. It's kinda funny how you recommend nothing beyond the southern 1/2 of the country though.
If you look for it, there's lots of stuff further north as well.
Dearest Wolter and Fam could you please make some videos or a series about americans in europe helping them to feel more comfortable travelling cause a lot of them really dont and miss out
I stayed in Gustavesburg for 3 months.
I saw a video on That Gearguy's channel last night and he said the same thing - they are not impressed with bragging.
The biggest lesson I try to teach others about Sweden, to make other cultures understand Swedes, in our core we are so much about not "loosing face". We don't want ourselves or anyone else lose face, or make anyone feel stupid, uncomfortable, or embarrassed. We don't intrude on people, and we don't invade peoples spaces or private time. Asking questions or help doesn't apply here, Swedes are usually very happy to help and assist of any kind! But then we usually leave you alone again.
For example: So if we see you looking at a map, looking around, with tons of bags, you might think it's rude of us to ignore you when you clearly might need directions. But for us, if I assume you need help, I not only intrude on you and your space and private time, but I also allude to you not knowing something, hence a risk embarrassing you, because you might be very aware of where you are and where to go. And then WE will be embarrassed for interrupting you, and also assuming you didn't have a knowledge you already did. To assume someone doesn't know something is considered rude or undermining them. So to "save face" for both of us, we don't ask if you need help. But if you need any help, Swedes will help you in a heartbeat!
We assume you will ask us when you need help. Same with service. So we wait until it's either your turn, cause you are in line and clearly showing you need something, or we wait for you tell us when you need assistance or help. That also goes for like being in a bar, or any other social interaction. It's all about not making you "lose face" and by that us losing face, to not embarrassing you, or ourselves, or intruding. Using the save face / lose face, similarity is the best way to describe our culture for foreigners, I have found.
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The Vasa museum is my favourite Swedish museum. Did you enjoy it?
as a swede, i do want to say that most places i've been to have very good service. for example when my wife and i was at a restaurant celebrating our anniversary we ordered a drink and it was VERY strong. we asked politely if we could have a new one with less alcohol and the server was more than happy to get us a new one. as swedes we felt awful about it of course because complaining about stuff like that is so embarrassing 😂
Unless you wanna get broke, don’t take Arlanda Express train from the Airport. There are more affordable alternatives.
Taxi is the go broke alternative, it's never cheaper ($50+) and the service is bad, never use the taxi, you also risk getting 🍇if you are single woman, especially at night and you have not preordered the taxi (as no one then know you entered this taxi, always preorder a taxi to avoid 🍇they're called taxislusk for a reason).
Arlanda Express is second most expensive ($31) but is fast, 18 minutes.
Airport bus is cheaper ($12) but takes longer 35-40 minutes.
Cheapest is local bus to Märsta Station and the commuter train to Stockholm (takes over and hour though) if you buy a 24 hour or longer pass, but the initial cost for a 24h is $16 which is a little higher, the tickets available to be bought in the SL app, that takes over an hour.
You can also take the commuter train from Arlanda Airport but then you have you hate to pay an extra $12 for unclear reasons (probably greed).
I'll be honest, I'm fine with the price you pay considering how fast the train is. Especially as a Stockholm resident when you can buy a round-trip.
The food is delicious!
Funny. There’s a Swedish proverb: Rules are there to be broken (regler är till för att brytas).
That's only a proverb among the rebellious. The other proverbs are rewords of Biblical proverbs.
Hi Wolter, I am great fan of your videos. One question though, I am not sure if you make video for Japan. Do you have any plans to visit there ?
Lingonberries on the side: when you use the fork like a swedish person you take a small part of everything on the plate on the fork. In sweden the fork is not a spoon.
Midsummer is the real swedish national day. 😊
Gnarly Burger just past the Max Burger near Hotel C in Stockholm is delicious also. Side Note Burger King, McDonald's and Subway are much better. So don't be afraid to try every place both local and international.
Notice that people in stockholm is more reserved than other cities