TRAVEL / December
An old Swedish proverb advises that ‘enough is as good as
a feast’. While we’re asking ourselves why Scandinavian
societies are rated the happiest in the world, it might
be worth stopping to consider the role this proverb
plays in Sweden’s national life and how it might feed the
country’s sense of collective contentment. It isn’t that
Swedes have low expectations. Instead, it’s that they
rejoice in the idea that most of what they really need is
readily available to them. It certainly is in Stockholm,
a city with plenty of water, acres of grassland, an
enchanting old town, and a functional, modern core.
Some believe this is all based on lagom, the
untranslatable Swedish word for having ‘just the right
amount’ of something – a term that signals the virtues of
moderation. Lagom has been hyped by trendsetters and
travel agents, but at its heart lies a certain truth about
Swedish and Nordic societies that advocates balance,
restraint, consideration for others, and a slowing-down
in the face of the rampant consumer culture and the
obsession with celebrity.
Lagom can help, but only if you don’t take it too
seriously. Much of what it preaches is common sense.
But avoiding extremes and obsessions, connecting
with nature, spending time alone, curtailing
consumer whims, and learning a little about the art of
understatement can also be useful and invigorating tools
with which to approach a weekend (or longer) getaway.
Likewise, these are useful ways of recharging our
internal batteries.
Besides, Sweden’s capital is a dream. ‘Beauty on
water,’ the locals call it. Although, true to the lagom
spirit, Stockholm is no Venice. It is a realist, industrial
city whose Brutalist concrete buildings make you
appreciate the magic of its enchanting Old Town even
more, and whose cold climate in winter will make you
cherish the simplicity of a cup of warm coffee or hot
chocolate. Stockholm tends more towards minimalism
and reserve than opulence. And of all the things it does
in moderation, tourism is one: this is not a place in which
you’ll find yourself elbowing through crowds of impatient
fellow visitors.
Before you’ve even set off, though, apply some lagom
wisdom to your travel preparations. Don’t pack too
much, just the necessities (remembering wool and
thermals for winter). Don’t feel the need to dress up;
remember that Scandinavians are most comfortable in
trainers and tracksuits and won’t judge you for joining
them. If you do have extra space in your luggage, fill
it with books and magazines in preparation for some
time off-line. Alternatively, stock up after you arrive
at the brilliant magazine and book store Papercut
(Krukmakargatan 24).
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/ airBaltic.com