Sweden

A literature-based Sweden unit study
Updated October 2026

Field trip to IKEA? Yes, please! Swedish design and Swedish snacks, all the way! The kids immediately noticed the Swedish flag in front of the store and pointed out that the store’s colors match the colors of the flag. Hmm, I had never noticed that before! As we paused for the zillionth time to discuss “boring adult furniture talk,” one of my kids saw a small framed photo of a man carving a Swedish Dala Horse. Mission accomplished, they remembered something about Swedish culture!

Book Lists

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Introduction to Sweden (these series have been kid approved)

Sweden by Rachel Grack (Exploring Countries series, grades 2-5)
Sweden by Amy Rechner (Country Profiles series, grades 3-7)
Sweden by Ann Heinrichs (Enchantment of the World Series, grades 5+)
D is for Dala Horse: A Nordic Countries Alphabet
The Travel Book
Prayercast.com/Sweden: Prayer Points, Summary, Quick Facts, and a short video
**parents should preview the short prayercast.com video for sensitive topics that may not be age appropriate.

Our Favorite Books

The following are my favorite books for different age groups and categories:

Science Picture Book: Karl, Get Out of the Garden!
Elementary Chapter Book: The adventures of Pippi Longstocking (if you enjoy it, it’s a 4-book series!)
Middle School: The Night Raven (also a series)
Christmas Picture Book: Annika’s Secret Wish

History book list: Vikings and Norse Amazon Book List

Ecosystem book list: The Arctic and Samiland (formerly Lapland) Amazon Book List

Swedish Food

We made “Lussekatter,” saffron rolls that Swedes make for the feast of Saint Lucia. The kids loved making the S-shape. Lussekatter are traditionally made on Saint Lucia Day, December 13. We read Kirsten’s Surprise in which American Girl Kirsten makes Lussekatter to celebrate the holiday. To add fun to your next Christmas, check out my American Girl Christmas Bundle or just the single study: A Saint Lucia Celebration with American Girl Kirsten.

Swedish people make time for a fika every day, which is a purposeful break to socialize with family and friends over coffee and pastries. We got lots of goodies at Ikea to have our own fika, and I might just rename what we our family calls “afternoon snack” or “teatime.” (There are more recipe links and pictures in Recipes by Country: Sweden.)

For our Sweden unit study, the kids also made Swedish Sand Tarts (Sandbakelser), shaping the dough into tarts. After we baked them, we filled it up with Swedish lingonberry jam from Ikea, and then let the kids play off the sugar in the yard. This idea is from the book Global Art.

Folk Dance and Music of Sweden

Swedish Folk dance
“Akedemipolska” by Swedish composer, Eric Sahlström, features Norwegian Olav Luksengård Mjelva on the hardanger fiddle and Swedish Erik Rydvall on the nyckelharpa.
Video: “Nyckelharpa,” Eric Sahlström Institute
Video: What is a Nyckelharpa?
Podcast: Big Life Kids Podcast, Episode 31: “The Curious Case of Trying New Things,” features Swedish jazz musician Gunhild Carling and her amazing musical talent and persistence.

Art Project/Handicraft

We tried to carve a Swedish Dala Horse out of soap, since the kids are little and beginners at wood carving. This Dala Horse Carving Kit looks amazing for older kids, teens, and adults!

Movie!

We watched The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking after the kids had finished reading all three of her books. She is so much fun, and watching the movie after reading the books is always a treat. This was the perfect way to end our Sweden unit study.

Geography YouTube Videos

Full History of Sweden on Animated Map in 9 Minutes
Ice Hotel in Sweden
Travel Kids, Sweden: Vasa Museum