The warmth of summer may have passed, but the memories of my sun-soaked days in Sweden remain vivid. Though the air has since cooled and leaves have begun to fall elsewhere in the world, I often find myself transported back to those blissful moments - lying in tranquil Swedish parks, eyes gently closed, soaking in the delicate caress of the northern breeze.
The skies in Sweden possess a unique kind of magic: impossibly blue, wide open, and endlessly uplifting. There’s a serenity in that shade of blue, a joy that fills you from the inside out.
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A Day at the Högbodagen Festival in Sandviken, Sweden
One weekend, at the suggestion of my dear cousin Louise, we packed our bags for a spontaneous road trip. Sweden in summer is made for such adventures, where winding roads give way to lush countryside views, and each village hides a secret worth discovering. That’s how we found ourselves in Sandviken, in the Gävleborg County of central Sweden, just in time for the much-anticipated Högbodagen Festival. |
| Summer in Sweden is a season of endless daylight, lush landscapes, and vibrant outdoor life under the midnight sun. |
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| Sweden's landscape is a breathtaking blend of serene lakes, dense forests, and rolling meadows |
What is Högbodagen?
Held annually in the scenic cultural estate of Högbobruk, Högbodagen (meaning “Högbo Day”) is a delightful one-day community event that celebrates the best of Swedish summer living. It’s a lively showcase of local crafts, food, produce, and tradition that perfectly encapsulating Sweden’s warm community spirit and love for sustainability and heritage.
Imagine a vibrant open-air market where locals gather to trade everything from organic vegetables and handmade ceramics to homemade jams and second-hand treasures. The festival welcomes families, tourists, and anyone who appreciates a good fika (Swedish coffee break), heartfelt conversations, and the nostalgic joy of small-town gatherings.
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| Högbodagen Festival, Sandviken |
Local Market and Stalls
Our first steps into the festival grounds were met with a harmonious blend of sights, sounds, and smells. A gentle folk tune played somewhere in the distance, while laughter from children echoed around the spacious green lawns. Handcrafted items, soft cheeses, freshly baked sourdough loaves, cured meats, and colourful preserves filled the wooden stalls. Each vendor had a story to tell, and each product seemed lovingly made - be it a delicately glazed mug or a chunk of aged cheese wrapped in waxed paper.
What made the atmosphere even more heartwarming was the dedicated flea market area. Locals thoughtfully laid out their preloved items - neatly folded clothes, antique books, and quirky trinkets—all inviting new owners to give them another life. There was an unspoken understanding in the air: a shared appreciation for simplicity, craftsmanship, and community.
Further down the field, the day’s most unusual attraction drew curious onlookers: a rabbit hopping tournament. Swedish pet owners brought their energetic bunnies to compete in this adorable sporting event, where the tiny athletes leapt over mini hurdles with impressive agility and surprising flair.
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| Högbodagen flea market |
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| Högbo Day rabbit tournament |
Kolbulle Swedish Pancakes
If there's one dish that defined Högbodagen for me, it was undoubtedly Kolbulle.
Prepared in large iron pans over open flames, Kolbulle is an age-old Swedish pancake dish made using only flour, water, salt, and cubes of smoked pork. The simplicity of the recipe speaks volumes about its rustic roots. Historically, it was a favourite among loggers and forest workers, who had limited access to perishables like milk and eggs. In their resourcefulness, they created a meal that was filling and undeniably easy to cook over a fire.
Watching the Kolbulle being cooked was a performance in itself. A crew of burly men, dressed in black, expertly stirred and flipped the pancakes with practised ease. The smoky aroma wafted through the air, mingling with the scent of grilled sausages and fresh bread. Served hot off the pan and paired with a generous dollop of lingonberry jam, Kolbulle embodies the Swedish love for combining savoury and sweet in one satisfying bite.
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| Preparation of Kolbulle over open fire |
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| The aroma of classic Swedish dishes fills the air, inviting festival-goers to indulge. |
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| Eaten with lingonberry jam, because the Swedish love their food savory and sweet. |
Animal Petting Experience
Before heading home, we spent the final half-hour at the small animal park nestled within the Högbobruk grounds. The gentle bleats of goats, the curious gaze of alpacas, and the cheerful clucks of chickens made for a wholesome end to the day. The simplicity of being among animals - feeding them, watching them roam, or just standing nearby - brought a calming joy that no modern attraction could rival.
Children squealed in delight, while even the most composed adults couldn’t help but grin at the sight of a goat balancing on a wooden beam. These little moments, the kind that feel so ordinary yet so precious, are what make Swedish summers unforgettable.
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| Visitors enjoy peaceful encounters with fluffy sheep, which serves as a gentle reminder of Sweden’s rural charm. |
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| Embrace the serenity of the Swedish countryside as you share tender moments with friendly goats, a highlight of the festival's petting experience. |
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| Children have a chance to create unforgettable memories during the festival's animal encounters. |
Popular Swedish Festivals
Högbodagen is more than just a day-long event but a glimpse into Swedish culture at its most authentic. It’s a celebration of the land and its bounty, of people and their crafts, of traditions kept alive through generations. Visiting Sandviken during this time feels like stepping into a cherished family gathering where everyone, even strangers, is warmly welcomed.
Planning Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Sweden during the summer months, a visit to Högbodagen in Sandviken is highly recommended. While the festival typically takes place in July or August, exact dates vary each year, so be sure to check local listings or tourism sites. Högbobruk itself is open year-round and offers a range of activities from nature walks and golf to winter sports, making it a destination worth visiting no matter the season.
Even now, weeks later, I find myself longing for the unhurried pace and sun-dappled charm of Sandviken. I miss the feel of the grass under my feet, the laughter of children in the distance, the taste of warm Kolbulle, and the warmth of my cousin’s company.
To all readers of Rolling Grace: if you ever find yourself in Sweden, let your journey take you beyond the well-trodden cities. Explore the heartlands, meet the locals, savour their food, and if you’re lucky, find yourself at a charming festival like Högbodagen. You’ll leave with a full heart, and maybe a bag of handmade treasures to remember it by.
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