Your First Swedish Winter (and the Summers That Follow)

Ask people who moved to Sweden what surprised them and many say the same thing: the first winter. The dark part of the year is long. Here is what 1177, the national healthcare guide, advises, and what many people do. For the everyday side of life here, see the unwritten rules.

Daylight

1177 advises spending time outdoors in daylight, ideally around midday, because daylight matters for feeling well. A lunchtime walk is a common habit for exactly that reason. 1177: depression

Vitamin D

1177 recommends a vitamin D supplement for adults who don't eat fish or fortified foods, or who aren't out in the sun during the summer. 1177: nutrition

When it's more than the dark

Seasonal depression comes back at the same time every year; for most people it's the dark months. If you think you or someone close to you is depressed, contact a health centre (vårdcentral) and don't wait too long.

Ice

Shoe grips are a common sight on icy pavements, and a bike with good lights is worth it for the dark months.

And then the summers

The light comes back fast in spring. Midsummer is a big holiday for many people, and many workplaces go quiet in July while people take long summer holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take vitamin D in Sweden?

1177 recommends a vitamin D supplement for adults who don't eat fish or fortified foods, or who aren't out in the sun in summer.

Moving for work? How Settio helps

Settio helps employers and immigration and relocation agencies run the whole move in one place, so the person moving can focus on settling in:

• Before the move: one plan for the permit and the move, with every step and deadline. A partner and children get their own steps in the same household.
• After arrival: the employee portal shows the newcomer their next steps on their phone, in their language, from registering after arrival to help for settling in.
• When the permit runs out: permit monitoring flags the extension in good time.

HR teams and agencies can start for free. Moving yourself? Try our free tools for life in Sweden.

Sources

2 official sources

• 1177: depression (in Swedish)
• 1177: good to know about nutrition (in Swedish)