Escape to a Cosy Swedish Summer Cottage in the Heart of the Countryside

We’re up at our little cabin now, enjoying a slower pace – long lunches, a bike ride to tennis, then a swim. It’s the kind of holiday I look forward to all year. Sweden is at its summer best: lush forests, wildflowers everywhere, warm days with a gentle breeze, and beach picnics with friends – plus a bit of chaos too when it comes to grocery runs and washing dishes! But even that has its charm.

Yesterday at the local supermarket, a whole family walked in wearing dressing gowns – just back from a swim! That’s Swedish summer for you – easy-going, blissfully relaxed, and delightfully unbothered.

If you’re tempted to try it yourself, there are plenty of beautiful cottages on Airbnb that offer just that feeling. One I love is this cosy red stuga in Gränby, near the lovely town of Vadstena.

Set among open fields, it’s simple but special – with a snug sleeping loft, an open fireplace, and a solar-heated outdoor shower. Perfect for stargazing, spotting deer, and slow, meaningful days. Vadstena is just five minutes away, with cafés, little shops, and lakeside swims (Varamon beach is only 15 minutes from the cottage).

It’s a place to breathe, light a fire, and relax - for two or a couple more on the sofabed!  

Charming in every way – I love the touches of wildflowers that bring the surrounding nature indoors – and of course, the view across the fields. The exposed wooden beams and large fireplace add such a mysig (cosy) feel too.

Did anything in particular stand out to you? Could you imagine spending your summer here? If so, you can find this cottage on Airbnb here - and see more lovely images over at @samstorp.

Here are a few more lovely summer cottages to enjoy this weekend:

A dated Danish summer house becomes a cosy cabin
A perfect Swedish summer cottage for Midsummer's Eve
A rundown croft becomes an idyllic summer cottage

And just a little reminder – readers of My Scandinavian Home can currently enjoy an exclusive 20% discount at Skandinavisk with code island20. If you're in the mood for a summery treat – or looking for a thoughtful gift – I can warmly recommend a few favourites: the HAV scented candles (inspired by the Nordic sea), the SKOG hand wash (with a hint of boreal forest – Per’s favourite!), the FJORD hand cream and the ØY scent diffuser.

That’s it from me this week. I hope you enjoyed the tour of the off-grid cabin in Tasmania, the virtual visit to my favourite island, and of course, today’s Swedish summer cottage.

Thank you so much for stopping by – and for all your thoughtful comments. Have a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @samstorp via Airbnb. 

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Inside An Idyllic Norwegian Island Getaway

Hej hej! Happy Friday! In case you’re wondering about the current mood in Scandinavia – it’s very much a case of “gone fishing” or, more accurately, “gone to the summer cottage, back in three weeks.” It’s July, and no one works in July unless they absolutely have to. After all, we’ve endured a long, cold, dark winter – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!

One of Scandinavia’s best-kept secrets is the incredible array of islands that come alive at this time of year. There’s something for everyone – tiny skerries, uninhabited nature reserves with hiking trails and camping spots, and charming islands dotted with clapboard summer cottages, old fishing villages, and small harbours where life gathers in the evening. The days follow a simple rhythm: eat, swim, nap, repeat.

This delightful summer cottage is situated in Hvaler, a municipality made up of islands in the southern part of Østfold County, Norway, and perfectly captures the essence of the Scandinavian summer idyll. Its relaxed coastal interior, with blue and white accents, reflects the hues of the Skagerrak Sea, glimpsed through the windows. A sailboat here, a cluster of ornamental glass fishing buoys there – it’s all part of the charm.

Though modest, the cottage offers an effortless comfort: a relaxed sofa, soft blankets, sheepskins and cushions invite you to kick back and unwind. But if the sun’s shining, you’ll probably be tempted to join the alfresco gathering, where fresh prawns await – or slip away to the water’s edge for a quiet moment alone, soaking up the scenery and recharging for the season ahead.

Enjoy the tour!

Charming in every way!

It’s been captured so beautifully that I feel as though I’m right there – soaking up the sunshine on the warm rocks with a book in hand.

Do you feel it too?

Does it sound like your kind of summer? Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’d like to see more snapshots, hop over to @hvalerlivet on Instagram – it’s a true feast for the eyes!

Would you like to explore more Norwegian summer houses today? If so, take a peek at: 

A magical Norwegian house by a fjord
An idyllic fjordside retreat in Norway
A charming little cabin by a Norwegian fjord

By the way, if you're curious about the scent of these islands - Skandinavisk have managed to bottle it up in the beautiful ØY collection and this July you can get 20% off all their fragrances (including candles, washes, lotions etc) with code ISLAND20. Just saying! 

Have a wonderful weekend – and thank you for stopping by!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @hvalerlivet, shared with kind permission. 

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A Dreamy Swedish Summer Home by the Water

There’s something about Swedish summer that feels almost magical — and this house captures it perfectly. Tucked beside the water, it’s the kind of place where you can imagine long, golden evenings spent dining al fresco with friends, especially on a day like today, with Sweden basking in 28°C (that’s 82°F) sunshine (I've heard some serious heatwaves are going on elsewhere, I hope you are all OK?). 

Described as “like being in the countryside, but in the middle of town,” this charming Swedish house is tucked into a sheltered bay just a 15-minute bike ride from Nacka, Stockholm county. Built in 1820 and recently renovated, it still retains its beautiful heritage features and light pours in through the windows  – pure magic.

I’m particularly taken with the glass verandah – a popular architectural detail in houses from this era. In this home, it’s been styled as a covered porch area, though in other homes, you often see it as a dining area or cosy sitting room nook. I also really like the semi-open-plan kitchen, divided by a windowed partition that allows the light to flow freely while keeping the spaces distinct.

Summer here is all about swimming in the lake and taking a boat out for a spin. But it’s not just a fair-weather retreat – there’s clear evidence of winter warmth too, with a snug spot by a roaring wood-burning stove. And when the water freezes over, it becomes a playground for ice skating. In Stockholm County, many of the lakes are connected, making it possible (and popular!) to skate long distances.

I hope you enjoy this tour of a truly dreamy year-round home. It’s a beauty!

I'd happily bask in the sunshine there today—wouldn't you?

I really appreciate how the traditional look blends with an industrial touch. It makes the space feel both personal and relaxed.

What did you think of this lovely cottage? Did anything in particular stand out to you?

If you'd like to dream over a few more summer cottages today, head over to the archive.

Also—I'm hosting a fantastic giveaway on Instagram right now! You can win a collection of the ØY scent from Skandinavisk, including a wash, lotion, candle, scent diffuser, shampoo, conditioner, and a bundle of other beautiful products inspired by the islands of Scandinavia. Pop over and enter—and do tell me about your favourite island. I'll be sharing mine here on the blog next week.

Happy Wednesday, stor kram!

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem. 

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