SWEDISH FIKA CULTURE | An excellent boost of joy

A Guide on how Swedes do their fika and how Swedish Fika is a mindful tradition that holds the key to a joyful hygge lifestyle.

Scandinavians are known for their way of living a mindful life, a “hygge sort of life”. In Sweden, the foundation behind it is called FIKA (pronounced: fee-ka). It’s something every Swede grew up with and has a deep connection with their whole life. The word “Fika” in itself is not really a word that can be translated, you simply have to explain what it is about.

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Swedish Fika outside Sweden?

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Fika can be used as an excuse!

It is a moment in between the meals (usually the same times every day.) when you drink coffee (or beverage of choice, but not alcohol) while treating yourself to something sweet, something you would buy from the bakery or preferably bake yourself. Cookies, brownies, and cinnamon rolls are excellent choices.

The meaning of this ceremony is not only treating yourself, but it also has a social aspect. You see, a Fika is something that is perfect to gather around with family and friends, catch up, or simply talk. It is a great excuse to suggest if you haven’t seen someone for a while. “Hey, would you like to join me for a Fika?” …however, it can, by all means, be enjoyed in your alone times as well, in between meals or tasks.

What Fika is not about, but easily can look like.

As you might have realized Fika is as much of a moment as it is the treatment itself. If you just grab a to-go cup and dunk a donut while you trying to finish your shopping, it is NOT Fika, just simply an intake of carbs and sugar. Why? Because the idea of doing it on the go goes against the fundamental principle of Fika. You must have a real cup of coffee (or tea), find a table, and have a seat. Enjoy your treat, piece by piece, while the rest of the world spins on the outside of your Fika time. If you apply this tradition you might see a positive change in how you deal with your day-to-day stress. You might start to be even more productive because you look forward to a well-deserved Fika break.

Fika is your quality time by yourself or among friends and family. 

Summer cafes are serving Fika at locations that are suitable for the warmer season. It is quite charming.

When visiting Sweden there are a lot of traditional cafes to visit. But during summer there are the so-called summer cafes that pop up here and there. They are usually located where it would be hard to have a comfortable operation during the colder months of the year. Perhaps out on the furthest cliff, perhaps in an old lighthouse, or in an old barn that is restored to meet the standards of FIKA-hungry guests. Perhaps next to a flea market and wide-open fields of flowers.  Those are all perfect examples of summer cafes.

One of our favorite things, when we visit Sweden, is to visit as many old and new cafes as we have time to do. To stare through the glass counter, struggling with the choice of blueberry pie or cinnamon roll. Then you know that you are about to experience the standards of what a real Swedish FIKA is about.

Next time your friend calls you and wonders if you are up to doing something, start by saying “Let’s go have a FIKA.” and see what happens, maybe it can become apart of your new everyday ritual or a charming tradition with loved ones. I should also mention that FIKA is not about stuffing yourself with as much sugar as possible, FIKA with a responsibility, and bake it yourself more than you buy prebaked, in that way you can avoid the unnecessary amount of sugar and artificial flavors they tend to put in everything nowadays. The most important thing is that it brings joy to your day. 

Bye for now & “Hej då allihopa”!

-Jonas & Lindsay Dianne