Understanding Sweden Through Its Regions — Skåne, Småland & Stockholm/Roslagen
This journey is rooted in the belief that to understand a place, you need space to observe it, meet the people who live there, and listen to the stories that shape local identity. Over the course of 12 days, we travel through Skåne, Småland, and Stockholm/Roslagen—regions that differ in landscape, cultural history, and perspective. Whether you have Swedish roots or are coming with curiosity alone, this is an opportunity to see Sweden with context and connection.
Skåne: Southern Denmark-Meets-Sweden Identity
Our starting point is Malmö in Skåne, Sweden’s southernmost region and a place shaped by centuries of cultural exchange with Denmark. Here, we’ll explore the city’s historic squares and canals, learn about regional politics and identity, and enjoy southern Swedish cuisine. Conversations with local historians and community leaders help frame how Skåne’s regional character influences both everyday life and national dialogue. This is also where we begin exploring Swedish-American cultural and migration connections.
Småland: Migration, Craft, and Everyday Resilience
Traveling north to Växjö and the surrounding Småland region, we shift toward the landscapes that shaped one of the largest Swedish emigration movements to the United States. Visits to the Emigration Museum, rural churches, and family homesteads highlight the forces that pushed people to leave and how those who stayed shaped modern Swedish culture. We’ll also see Sweden’s legacy of practical craftsmanship, including the Husqvarna industrial heritage and the traditional candy making in Gränna. During this part of the journey, I will offer a gentle introductory Family Constellations circle, providing a chance—optional and accessible—to reflect on how family history can continue to influence present-day stories.
Stockholm & Roslagen: National Identity and Coastal Daily Life
Arriving in Stockholm allows us to explore Sweden at the national level—its monarchy, democracy, social systems, and cultural institutions. Guided tours through the Royal Castle, museums, and historic districts provide context for the country’s political model, including discussions around its long-standing neutrality and recent decision to join NATO. From there, we move to the quieter coastal area of Roslagen, where small towns, harbor cafés, local artisans, forested walking paths, and boat trips into the archipelago offer a slower, everyday view of Swedish life. Optional swimming, coastal walks, and unstructured time allow space to integrate the experience.
A different approach to travel
Whether you are connecting with your own ancestry or simply experiencing Sweden for the first time, this is an opportunity to see the country from the perspective of someone who has lived both inside and outside of it—and who understands how culture is carried, taught, remembered, and, like in your journey leaders own case - rediscovered!
