(For readers of the English newsletter: this information may not be directly relevant, as all activities take place in the Netherlands and in Dutch. But perhaps some of our Scandinavian readers have additions or corrections. If so, please let me know!)
Fika, hygge, lagom… just a few Scandinavian words that are gradually becoming more familiar in the Netherlands. I must admit, I never use them myself here, but I keep coming across them in articles, websites, and magazines about Scandinavia. Most of these words don’t even have a literal translation, only a description. A pity really, because they all carry a positive feeling and mindset. Something we could definitely use in the Netherlands! And not only because autumn has arrived.
At the bottom of this newsletter, you’ll find a list of these words with their meanings.
Cyclists informing cyclists
On November 2nd there will be an information fair organized by and for people who cycle in Scandinavia. The initiative comes from Eveline Bremmer of Ga Mee Fietsen, who asked me to help with the organization. “I’ve never done it before, so I think I can do it” seemed like the perfect reply. The saying is often attributed to Pippi Longstocking, the main character in the books and TV series by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. In truth, I’ve never organized such an event either, but I have attended many (travel) fairs, and in the past five years I’ve also exhibited and/or given talks myself. So it seemed fun to help Eveline out.
Apparently though, that line doesn’t actually appear anywhere in the Pippi books or TV series…
FietsFika (Cycling Fika)
We needed a name for what we initially called the Scandinavia Cycling Fair. But we found that name too complicated, and it’s not really a fair anyway. After an afternoon of brainstorming, we came up with FietsFika. We happened to be visiting someone at the time and immediately got feedback: Fika?? What’s that? Nobody knows that word! He was absolutely right, but like Pippi Longstocking, we’re a bit stubborn. Our thought was: what isn’t known yet, can still become known. In fact, we decided it was high time this word caught on!
And FietsFika also has a nice bit of alliteration in Dutch.
Fika
A quick explanation first. Fika (pronounced fee-ka) is an important cultural phenomenon in Sweden. The word literally refers to coffee with something sweet, like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar), biscuits or cake. But it’s much more than just a coffee break, it’s considered a key ritual for taking time out, relaxing with others, and recharging. It’s an essential part of Swedish culture and contributes to the balance between work and personal life.
Because we hope visitors will go home afterwards not only feeling informed but also having had a really pleasant day, FietsFika seemed like a fitting name. Every participant will receive a free cup of coffee or tea with something sweet. In this case: homemade Norwegian waffles.
So…
Are you planning a cycling holiday in Scandinavia? Perhaps a trip to the North Cape? Pedalling through Iceland’s lava fields? Roaming the dunes of Denmark? Cycling through Finland? Or walking the pilgrimage route to Trondheim? Then join us at FietsFika on Sunday, November 2nd in Nieuw-Vennep!
Be informed and inspired by talks and the information market from experienced Scandinavia cyclists. Enjoy a fika in the Hygge Hoek (Hygge Corner) and browse the stand with books, guides, maps and souvenirs (thanks to Fietsvakantiewinkel). While the focus will be on Denmark, Sweden and Norway, Finland and Iceland will also be covered.
For all practical information, the programme and ticket sales, see: FietsFika
But there’s more…
For me, November will be a month full of talks and events where I’ll also be selling guides. I’m hoping that the new guidebook, about the Swedish–Norwegian St. Olav’s Way, will be ready in time, but that’s still a bit uncertain…
Here’s the agenda. Click the links for more information or to register (in Dutch):
- Sunday November 2nd, 10:30–16:00: FietsFika - by cyclists, for cyclists. A cycling market focused on Scandinavia. More info and tickets: FietsFika.
- Saturday November 8th, 10:00–17:30: Information stand at the autumn meeting in Roermond of the St. Jakobsgenootschap. More info: Santiago.nl.
- Sunday November 9th, 14:00: Presentation at Roel Peerenboom in Wageningen. Registration required due to limited capacity. More info and registration: Peerenboom.
- Wednesday November 12th, evening: Presetation at Beagle Bikes in Utrecht (in-person and online). More info and registration: Beagle Bikes.
- Saturday November 15th: Talk at St. Jakobsgenootschap, Eastern region (private event).
Glossary
And here is the promised little glossary of well-known words:
- Fika (Swedish, pronounced fee-ka): a coffee moment with something sweet, see above.
- Hygge (Danish, pronounced hoo-geh): often translated as ‘cosiness’. A Danish concept about creating a sense of warmth, comfort and wellbeing.
- Lagom (Swedish): ‘not too much, not too little, just right’, often used in the context of sustainability, minimalism and balance.
- Friluftsliv (Norwegian/Swedish, pronounced free-loofts-leev): the outdoor life; spending time in nature.
- Jantelagen, or The Law of Jante (Danish): ten social rules which can be summed up as: don’t stick your head above the parapet. In other words: don’t think you’re better than anyone else. More info here: Life in Norway (in English).
- Sauna (Finnish): already well-known and needs no explanation.
And a few less familiar ones:
- Sisu (Finnish): resilience, perseverance, inner strength.
- Fredagsmys (Swedish): a cosy Friday evening at home with food, TV, and family/friends.
- Plockmat (Swedish): food to share, served in small dishes.
- Mysa (Swedish): to be cosy, snug, similar to hygge.
Have I missed some words? Let me know, and I’ll add them to the website.
Have a nice and hygge Autumn!
Greetings from Gea
Friluftsliv (just 3 of hundreds of pictures):
Fika on the way (pictures of Eveline Bremmer):
