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Inspiration & Tips/Scandinavian lifestyle & Recipes/Summer Bucket list - 21 Swedish things to do this summer
A woman and a girl walk to the beach wearing white bathrobes. A dip in the sea is a must do on any Swedish summer bucket list.

Summer bucket list ideas - 21 Swedish things to try this summer

Long, light-filled days, fika in the sun, and refreshing evening dips in the sea. Swedish summers are all about slowing down and savouring the simple things. The best part? You don’t have to be in Sweden to enjoy them. This summer bucket list is packed with 21 feel-good ideas to bring that unmistakable Swedish summer vibe to wherever you are.
Updated Friday 27th June 2025
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A picnic blanket is laid out on the beach next to the water. The blanket is set with plates, some food a portable lamp and a metal basket to carry the picnic essentials.

Set your picnic table just as you would your dinner table!

Summer bucket list ideas

The Swedish summer may be short, but the sunny days feel endless, and the Swedes certain know how to embrace every moment. From evening dips in the sea to unhurried meals under open skies, it's a season devoted to nature and simple pleasures. Discover our curated Swedish summer bucket list and bring a touch of Scandinavian summer to wherever you are.

1. A luxury picnic on the beach

Swedes know that food always tastes better outdoors. This summer bucket list idea elevates your picnic by treating it like a dinner party at the beach. Swap disposables for real plates, cutlery, and glasses, and turn a simple meal into a beautifully set moment to remember. A little extra effort goes a long way in surprising the ones you love.

2. Homemade elderflower cordial

Swede’s love to forage for summer treats in the wild and elderflower grows in abundance across the Swedish countryside in the early summer months. Delicately floral and refreshingly sweet, homemade elderflower cordial pairs perfectly with sparkling water or a splash of prosecco for a light, elegant summer drink.

Ingredients:

  • 30–40 fresh elderflower heads (fully open, no brown bits)
  • 1.5 litres water
  • 1kg granulated sugar
  • 2 lemons (preferably unwaxed)
  • 1 tsp citric acid (available at pharmacies or baking shops)

Instructions

  1. Clean the elderflower by shaking off any insects and remove thick stalks. Do not rinse as this washes away the delicate pollen that gives the cordial its flavour.
  2. Slice the lemons thinly, removing any seeds. Bring the water to a boil, then pour it over the sugar in a large, heatproof bowl or pan.
  3. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Stir in the citric acid, then add the elderflower heads and lemon slices.
  5. Mix gently.
  6. Cover with a clean towel and leave to infuse at room temperature for 3–4 days. Stir once daily.
  7. Strain the cordial through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into sterilised bottles.
  8. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 weeks or freeze in small containers for longer shelf life.

Discover more summer drink recipes to add to your summer bucket list here: Refreshing summer drinks

The Ultima Thule jug and matching glass from Iittala stand on a bench in the sunshine with a book. Making your own elderflower cordial is essential for any summer bucket list ideas.

3. Build a fort in the garden ✔

Swedes cherish every moment spent outdoors in summer—especially under the evening sky. As part of your Swedish summer bucket list, recreate that magic at home by transforming your garden into a cosy outdoor fort. Layer seat cushions, blankets, and soft lighting, and spend the night under the stars, close to nature, and surrounded by simple comforts.

4. Take an evening swim ✔

5. Embrace friluftsliv

The cherished Swedish art of open-air living— a must on your Swedish summer bucket list. It’s all about immersing yourself in nature every day, whether it’s a peaceful walk in the woods, a picnic by the lake, or simply sitting outside with a book. This mindful connection to the outdoors captures the true spirit of Swedish summer: slow, intentional, and deeply refreshing.



A woman sits on a jetty next to two glasses of wine after an evening swim. A must on any Swedish summer bucket list.

An evening swim is an essential part of Swedish summer culture — a must for any summer bucket list.

A girl picks flowers in the sunshine and places them in a Korbo basket. Swedish summer is all about spending time outside so be sure to include this on your summer bucket list ideas.

Friluftsliv - The art of outdoor living

6. Make your own ice cream

Treat yourself to a truly exceptional ice cream cone—one of the sweetest summer bucket list ideas. For a personal twist, try making your own homemade ice cream at home. For a lighter, healthier option, blend frozen fruit with creamy yoghurt to create a refreshing treat that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

7. Celebrate midsummer

Midsummer marks the start of the Swedish summer for real. Celebrate with flowers, pickled herring and plenty of strawberries. Find out how to throw your own Midsummer celebration here.: How to throw a Swedish midsummer party

8. Read a book

9. Bake a strawberry cake

Add making your own ice cream to your summer bucket list and share it by the pool. Here you see a child eating an ice cream from a trolley next to the pool.

10. Make a midsummer wreath

No Swedish midsummer celebration would be complete without a midsummer wreath (a crown of flowers worn around the head). Be sure to add this to your summer bucket list along with your midsummer celebration.  

11. Cooking outdoors

12. Berry picking with the kids

13. Make your own Swedish snaps

14. Embrace the tradition of a Swedish fika ✔

More than just a coffee break, Fika is an institution in Sweden. Even in the summer months you’ll find Swede’s soaking up the sunshine with a cup of coffee and cinnamon bun in hand. So sit back, relax and be sure to include a Fika on your summer bucket list. 

15. Bake a rhubarb pie

'A true taste of Swedish summer, this rhubarb pie is simple, nostalgic, and best served with a generous spoonful of vanilla sauce or ice cream. Add it to your summer bucket list ideas—it’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients:

  • 400g fresh rhubarb
  • 120g butter
  • 180g rolled oats (approx. 5 dl)
  • 180g sugar (approx. 2 dl)
  • 50ml whipping cream
  • 50ml light syrup
  • 110g wheat flour (approx. 1¾ dl)
  • 0.5tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 0.5tbsp baking powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 150 °C.
  2. Grease a pie dish, approx. 26 cm in diameter.
  3. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients.
  4. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the cream and syrup, then add the dry ingredients and mix to form a loose batter.
  5. Rinse and peel the rhubarb, then cut into 2 cm pieces. Spread evenly in the pie dish.
  6. Spoon the batter over the rhubarb and smooth gently.
  7. Bake in the centre of the oven for 40–50 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
Be sure to add a cold dip to you summer bucket list. Here a woman swims in the sea with a midsummer crown.

Are you brave enough to take a cold dip in the sea?

16. Brave a cold dip

17. Take a sauna

18. Dine outdoors

Add outdoor dining in the sunshine to your summer bucket list ideas. Here you see s table under a tree laid with a white tablecloth and a set of Grythyttan chairs.

Soak up every moment and add outdoor dining to your summer bucket list. 

19. Throw a kräftskiva ✔

This late summer tradition centres around the Swedes love of crayfish. Considering adding this to your bucket list and want to know more? Discover how to throw a kräftskiva here.

20. Hotel breakfast at home ✔

21. Turn your balcony into a Swedish summer paradise ✔

Why not turn your garden or balcony into your own little slice of Swedish summer? With the right mix of potted plants, natural materials, and soft textiles—think linen cushions and light blankets—you can create a serene outdoor space that captures the effortless charm of Scandinavian living. One of our favourite summer bucket list ideas for slowing down and soaking up the season.

Add a luxury breakfast at home to your summer bucket list - Here you see the Daria bowl from PotteryJo filled with yogurt and topped with fresh fruit and seeds.

Treat yourself with this summer bucklist idea and create a luxury hotel breakfast - at home.

Add decorating your patio to your summer bucket list and create that oasis you have always wished for. Here you see a decked area decorated with wooden Viken chairs from Skargaarden.
Arijana Rosso
Writer

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