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Tag archives for Kubb

Playing Kubb in the Park

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In my opinion, there is not a lot better in Sweden than a sunny day in fall. I know Swedes are very passionate about the high temperatures and sunny days of summer, but I prefer sitting in the sun with some friends on a nice fall day all cuddled up in a warm sweater. Even with a nice big cup of hot coffee.


Only playing Kubb can make hanging out in the park more fun! Photo By: Kristin Follis

Besides the obvious outdoor picnic and fika, one of my favorite fall outdoor activities is Kubb. Kubb is a leisure game usually played in parks or on a lawn while just hanging out with friends. The objective of this easygoing game is to knock over the King before the other team has a chance.

While there are some different stories as to how the game began, many believe it to have originated in Scandinavia nearly 1000 years ago by the vikings. Today, Kubb has become a relaxed game played by many all over Sweden.

The aim of the game is to knock over all of the other teams Kubbs and then knock over the King for the win. However, if the King is knocked down before all of the opposing Kubbs are down, then the team loses.

The rules of the game are not too hard to follow, although probably too extensive for this blog post. My advice is to always have a Swede around who is familiar with the game to help out with the technicalities.

One of the big benefits is that it is suitable for all ages and can be played anywhere grassy and comfortable, like parks or front lawns. You need around 2 to 12 people to play, which makes it perfect for a group of friends or family.

So take a break from class and soak in these beautiful sunny fall days while they are still here. And, if you are looking for something fun and relaxing, break out the Kubb. Don’t forget to bring along a barbecue or a picnic with some fika for a perfect afternoon.


Playing Kubb with new friends in the park! Photo By: Kristin Follis

For more information on all of the rules of Kubb in English, check out Play Kubb UK.

Kristin Follis — Student

September 9, 2011

The Last Days of Summer

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I have heard so much about the outstanding beauty of Swedish summer. As soon as the snow starts to melt it’s all the Swedes can talk about.  At the beginning of the summer I wondered whether or not it would actually live up to these standards or if it was just the Swedes romanticizing summer after a horrific winter.

After my first summer in Sweden it is without a doubt that I will be joining the majority at the end of the winter talking endlessly about the summer to come. Long days of sunshine, hiking through the forest, hanging out by the beach, and grilling with friends are just some of the benefits besides higher temperatures.

A beautiful Swedish summer day. Photo by: Kristin Follis

From what I have learned in the last few months, summer needs to be spent outdoors as much as possible; soaking in the sun while it is still in the sky.

However, what is most often left out when stories are told of sweet summer memories is the crazy weather that comes with it. It can be sunny and beautiful one minute, it could start pouring rain the next and then, all of a sudden, clear skies. But, when the sun does peak through the clouds, it is without a doubt, beautiful.

What I have learned over the course of the summer is that it is impossible to get anything done. The big cities seem to empty and most businesses and offices shut down for some period during late June to mid-August. Most Swedes spend the summer months at cottages or summer houses near lakes or the coast.

So, if everyone else is on vacation there is not much you can do but sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer. While in Sweden might as well do as the Swedes do.

A nice and relaxing Swedish summer must include:

  1. Many barbecues with friends
  2. Camping in the Swedish wild

    Grilling on an open fire! Photo by: Kristin Follis

  3. Hanging out at the beach
  4. Picking berries in the forest
  5. Playing Kubb(A popular Swedish game mixed between bowling and horseshoes)
  6. Late night bonfires
  7. Hopping on a train to explore a new city
  8. Catching yourself some fish
  9. Canoeing or Kayaking through the picturesque lakes
  10. Fikas in the sun
  11. Dancing around a maypole
  12. Drinking lots of snaps
  13. Jumping into the coast
  14. And of course, eating crayfish

If you can complete at least a few of the things on this list, then it is without a doubt that you will have a Swedish summer to remember. For me, I only have one more week before school starts, so I’ll be fitting a few more of these in!

As summer comes to an end, the skies start to get darker, and the temperature begins to drop, everyone starts dreading the coming winter and darkness. But, at least we all have lots of summer memories to keep going until the next one.

Sunset by the lake. Photo by: Kristin Follis

Kristin Follis — Student

August 22, 2011