Hej November!

November in Sweden often arrives faster than we expect, bringing grey skies, chilly winds, and the kind of weather that makes people exclaim: “Usch! Vilket väder!” (“Ugh, what terrible weather!”). Some even say “Vilket jävla skitväder!” (“What bloody awful weather!”) as the cold season takes hold.

While Swedish winters are famously long, November can feel like the hardest month of them all. Days grow shorter, the air turns damp and icy, and the sunshine is fleeting. But here’s the secret: getting outdoors is the best way to beat the November blues. Spending time in nature helps reduce stress, lift your mood, and improve sleep quality. And when Friday night comes, that cosy fredagsmys feels even more rewarding after an adventure in the fresh air.

Local wisdom has its own way of predicting the season: “Anders braskar, julen slaskar.” This old Swedish saying means that if November 30th (Saint Andrew’s Day) is icy cold, Christmas will be wet and slushy. But if it’s mild and rainy, there’s a good chance of a snowy, white Christmas.

Here in Stockholm, we’re already preparing for winter adventures. Soon the lakes will freeze, and we’ll be gliding across the ice on our popular ice skating tours in Stockholm. Until then, we’re making the most of November with wildlife safaris near Stockholm, guided hikes in Swedish nature, mountain biking tours, and even wilderness survival courses. These activities are the perfect way to experience authentic Swedish outdoors, even in the darker months.

So don’t let November keep you indoors—embrace the season, explore the landscapes, and discover all the unique things to do in Stockholm in winter.