The Magic of Winter in Northern Sweden: An Unforgettable Experience
Some days stay with you forever. Today was one of those days. A magical winter day, with a bright blue sky, a thick layer of snow, and trees covered in a sparkling frost. The sun, which stays low on the horizon during the winter here, shone through the trees, giving the landscape a golden glow. No picture can truly capture this—it’s something you just have to experience for yourself. And that’s why I thought of you, the participants of the Volzicht retreat coming here in February. What a special adventure awaits you! But I have to be honest: the cold might take some getting used to. Today, the temperature dropped to -18 °C. While the dry, windless air makes it more bearable, this kind of cold does require some preparation.
A Walk Through Winter Magic
Today, we went on a snowshoe walk and enjoyed the full beauty of this winter wonderland. As I walked, I reflected on how unique it is to live here, surrounded by so much peace, space, and nature. But I also thought about how different this is for people coming from a milder climate, like the Netherlands. Did you know that a guided snowshoe walk can be part of your retreat? It’s a special chance to explore areas that are inaccessible in summer, like the frozen marshlands. Walking through such a quiet, snowy landscape feels almost meditative. The only sounds are the crunch of your snowshoes in the snow and the soft whisper of the wind in the trees. It’s an experience that brings you fully into the moment.
Peace, Space, and a True Retreat
One of the biggest advantages of this remote location in Northern Sweden is the ability to truly escape daily life. The nearest neighbors live 4 kilometers away. No distractions, no noise—just you, nature, and the Volzicht method. This silence and space give you the chance to completely focus on your retreat without interruptions.
Layers, Layers, Layers!
The secret to staying comfortable in this kind of cold is wearing layers. The air between the layers helps to insulate your body and keep you warm. Here’s how I dressed today for our snowshoe walk at -18 °C: • Upper body: A short-sleeved cotton T-shirt, a long-sleeved T-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a warm winter coat with a hood. • Lower body: Outdoor trousers with cycling shorts underneath to keep my thighs extra warm. • Accessories: A hat covering my ears, a neck warmer (buff), gloves (sometimes with an extra layer), and thick woolen socks. • Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip and insulation. If you’ll be standing still for a longer time, like when watching the northern lights, I recommend adding more layers. For example, a woolen undershirt, thermal leggings, thicker socks, and insulated winter boots with thick soles.
Warm Inside and Out
After a walk in the cold, there’s nothing better than coming back to a warm, cozy place. A steaming cup of hot chocolate—made with raw milk, raw cocoa and just a little sugar, topped with whipped cream—is the perfect treat. Or perhaps you’d like to warm up in our sauna. The heat will help you relax, both physically and mentally, after a day out in the cold. Can you picture it?
The magic of winter in Northern Sweden goes beyond the landscape. It’s the silence, the fresh air, and the feeling of being deeply connected to nature. During a retreat, it’s a gift for your soul. But it’s also an experience that requires a little preparation. Stay warm, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy this special environment and everything winter has to offer here. See you soon in the magical north!
