Swedes
The Swedes. They are certainly a quiet bunch and have many of their own "ways" about them. However, much of what you have read is not entirely true. They are not all quiet, boring and avoid conflicts and....Not everyone is blonde! Compared to many other countries you may have prejudices about, some things are actually very noticeable. I'll list some things you may experience on your trip.The best site, if you live here is listed on a page called..."you know you've been in Sweden too long when..." www.pauldickman.com/misc/sweden.php
Service
First off, when entering stores, you not usually greeted or helped. Not all cashiers say "tack" (thank you). At restaurants, even after spending your months wages for dinner, waiters and waitresses do not check on you every 5 min and are not that friendly. For Americans this lack of over exaggeration of friendliness may seem weird, but remember, Swedes don't work on commission or have low wages....i.e. not paid to be nice. But, if you just ask you may warm up to them and get great service.
Whooooooooo (Said backwards with a sucking air motion)
This sound some Swedes make (especially up towards good fishing areas) is just simply a way of saying "yupp."
Service
First off, when entering stores, you not usually greeted or helped. Not all cashiers say "tack" (thank you). At restaurants, even after spending your months wages for dinner, waiters and waitresses do not check on you every 5 min and are not that friendly. For Americans this lack of over exaggeration of friendliness may seem weird, but remember, Swedes don't work on commission or have low wages....i.e. not paid to be nice. But, if you just ask you may warm up to them and get great service.
Whooooooooo (Said backwards with a sucking air motion)
This sound some Swedes make (especially up towards good fishing areas) is just simply a way of saying "yupp."
Snus
After meeting quite a few fishermen and other random Swedes with what you believe may be a genetic defect you may begin to wonder if inbreeding is going on to a high degree in Sweden. However, after seeing "rolls" purchased at the airport and seeing little "tea bags" deposited everywhere imaginable, you may put 2 and 2 together and figure that it is tobacco.
Stocking up on Beer for the trip
Given you drink beer, this will be helpful...
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice beer or whiskey after a long day fishing, fly tying or reading your favorite fishing literature? Unfortunately, your selection and ability to buy alcohol is controlled through the state alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget. Say what you will about the monopoly, you must live and adjust your travel plans in order to obtain your “supplies.”
Across the country, Systembolaget shops are usually open from Monday-Friday (11-18) and Saturday from (10-15). The shops also range from the widely assorted “pick yourself” shops to those where you must take a number and wait to be helped by the Systembolaget staff to pick your alcohol for you (a reminant of the past socialist system).
It is important that you find a “Systemet” on your way to a fishing destination. Many of the larger towns will have Systembolagets downtown or outside of town in shopping areas. You can simply ask any younger person where the nearest “Systemet” (Sys-Temm-Ett). Fortunately you can also download apps or use your mapping software (e.g. Google Maps) to find your way to get your supplies.
In the event that you can’t make it to the nearest Systemet during open hours, which can happen, you can buy “lättöl” or “folköl” beer that is roughly 2.8 and 3.5% alcohol respectively at all supermarkets. This is good to know, as this is generally a great compliment to other beverages you may bring with you and a staple to many fishing adventures. However, the selection is even more limited than at Systembolaget. You can usually find a few different Swedish brands, Carlsberg and maybe even Budweiser. Swedes are crazy for Corona in the summer time.
For the beer lovers out there, the microbrewing scene is catching on in Sweden. This means that you can even find local brews in light beer variations at the local supermarket and Systembolaget. Ask any hipster for a good beer and you are bound to get a list of different IPAs to choose from.
For those of you who love whiskey, nearly every middle aged Swede is a self-professed whiskey connoisseur. Systemet carries a large selection of whiskeys from all over the world. You may want to try the Swedish produced Macnamyra whiskey or swing by their distillery on your way up to your fishing destination.
Who doesn’t enjoy a nice beer or whiskey after a long day fishing, fly tying or reading your favorite fishing literature? Unfortunately, your selection and ability to buy alcohol is controlled through the state alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget. Say what you will about the monopoly, you must live and adjust your travel plans in order to obtain your “supplies.”
Across the country, Systembolaget shops are usually open from Monday-Friday (11-18) and Saturday from (10-15). The shops also range from the widely assorted “pick yourself” shops to those where you must take a number and wait to be helped by the Systembolaget staff to pick your alcohol for you (a reminant of the past socialist system).
It is important that you find a “Systemet” on your way to a fishing destination. Many of the larger towns will have Systembolagets downtown or outside of town in shopping areas. You can simply ask any younger person where the nearest “Systemet” (Sys-Temm-Ett). Fortunately you can also download apps or use your mapping software (e.g. Google Maps) to find your way to get your supplies.
In the event that you can’t make it to the nearest Systemet during open hours, which can happen, you can buy “lättöl” or “folköl” beer that is roughly 2.8 and 3.5% alcohol respectively at all supermarkets. This is good to know, as this is generally a great compliment to other beverages you may bring with you and a staple to many fishing adventures. However, the selection is even more limited than at Systembolaget. You can usually find a few different Swedish brands, Carlsberg and maybe even Budweiser. Swedes are crazy for Corona in the summer time.
For the beer lovers out there, the microbrewing scene is catching on in Sweden. This means that you can even find local brews in light beer variations at the local supermarket and Systembolaget. Ask any hipster for a good beer and you are bound to get a list of different IPAs to choose from.
For those of you who love whiskey, nearly every middle aged Swede is a self-professed whiskey connoisseur. Systemet carries a large selection of whiskeys from all over the world. You may want to try the Swedish produced Macnamyra whiskey or swing by their distillery on your way up to your fishing destination.
