Christmas collage
Your all-essential guide to Swedish Christmas
As the holidays are approaching, many newcomers are confused, or even amused, by the Swedes' festive traditions. To get up to speed, here is a guide to the most distinctive quirks, must-haves and routines of Christmas in Skellefteå. Try some of them yourself!
Your guide to foraging for food in northern Sweden
Foraging is fun!
Northern Sweden's natural landscape is an abundant source of wild food. From the dense forests to the sprawling meadows, the opportunities for foraging are immense. This guide provides a comprehensive insight into foraging in northern Sweden.
Discover the magic: chasing the Northern Lights in Skellefteå
Remember, to have the best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, you must choose a spot with as little light pollution as possible.
New to Skellefteå? Desperate to see the Aurora Borealis? With the midnight sun now gone, and the return of the hours of darkness, here is a complete guide to seeing the Northern Lights, including the best spots to see them in and around your new hometown. From coastal vantage points to remote wilderness, explore your options for experiencing this natural spectacle.
Your ultimate guide to Skellefteå crayfish parties
Yummy crayfish.
One of Skellefteå's most beloved traditions is the crayfish party season, or 'kräftskiva,' events that take place in August. This guide will help you navigate your first crayfish party, ensuring you feel right at home.
Feel at home faster: Skellefteå's top nine newcomer stops
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Moving to a new town can be overwhelming. How can you quickly understand what makes a new home tick? Or understand its history?How do you become what the Swedes call a Skelleftebo (a Skellefteå resident)? Visit the places listed here and accelerate your integration into Skellefteå life.
How to find a (good) job in Skellefteå
Looking for a good job in Sweden can be demanding.
Are you new to northern Sweden but without a job? Perhaps your partner moved to work at Northvolt, and you're struggling to find a job in the notoriously tough Skellefteå employment market. Paul Connolly talks to Amanda Herzog who specializes in bringing together international talent and Swedish employers.
Our 20-point guide to your new life in Skellefteå
Fun at Midsummer.
To help you deal with your first four-to-six weeks in Skellefteå, we’ve written this succinct 20-point guide to life in northern Sweden. Discover the rich cultural practices, dedication to the environment, and commitment to equality. From understanding the importance of 'fika' to navigating the digital society and appreciating the 'jante' way of life, our guide provides an enlightening overview for all newcomers looking to understand the essence of life in Sweden.
Your ten-point guide to the Swedish school system (norran.se)
Children have to start formal education at the age of six.
Sweden is one of the best countries in the world for raising children, but what do international parents need to know about schools when they move to Skellefteå with their family? Let Norran be your guide.
Guide to Skellefteå's housing market: How to find an apartment (norran.se)
Just a sample of the apartment blocks available
Demystifying Skellefteå's property market: A comprehensive guide to unearthing an apartment or house in Skellefteå. Are you new to Skellefteå and without a home? Here's how to navigate the city's housing market.
Our ten-point guide for newcomer spouses: Build your own business (norran.se)
It might not be quite as easy as this, but building a business in Skellefteå is within reach.
If you're a spouse or partner of a newcomer to Skellefteå and want to start your own business, we've got you covered. Our guide outlines the steps you need to take to get your business up and running. We even have a few business ideas for you.
Your ten-point newbies' guide to Swedish health care (norran.se)
Sweden has a publicly-funded healthcare system that is available to all residents, including newcomers and new immigrants.
Sweden has a publicly funded healthcare system that is available to all residents, including newcomers. In this guide, we'll cover how Skellefteå newcomers can register for, and access, the Swedish healthcare system, including any differences for EU and non-EU citizens.
Explaining Sweden’s orange pension envelope - part one (norran.se)
The orange envelope is sent out every February.
Every year, every newcomer who contributed to the Swedish public pension receives an annual statement from the Swedish Pensions Agency; it is called the orange envelope. Here, in the first of two articles, we explain what it all means.
Your ten-point guide to your Swedish tax return (norran.se)
Our guide to Swedish tax returns.
When it's time to complete your Swedish tax return form, don't despair: following these ten points should make the process a little easier to understand. And, if in doubt, ask a tax expert.
Explaining Sweden’s orange pension envelope - part two (norran.se)
The orange envelope is sent out every February.
Every newcomer who contributed to the Swedish public pension receives an annual statement from the Swedish Pensions Agency; it is called the orange envelope. Here, in the second of two articles, personal finance expert, Jiten Chavda, helps us explain what each page of the statement means.
Your ten-point guide to Swedish permanent residency (norran.se)
Migrationsverket, the Swedish Migration Agency
Regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or not, it is important to understand the various types of Swedish residence permits and their requirements. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of obtaining permanent residency in Sweden and the accompanying benefits associated with it.
Your newcomer guide to Swedish Midsummer
Erecting the Midsommar pole.
Midsommarafton, or Midsummer Eve, is a big Swedish celebration - the second largest of the year after Christmas - marking the year's longest day. It's more than just grilling – it's a joyful time to soak up the sunshine (perhaps!), reconnect with friends and family, and play some classic Swedish games. For newcomers, it can be a thrilling, if sometimes baffling, introduction to Swedish social life.
Skellefteå newbies – how to make friends with Swedes
New friends!
Sedigullah Sakhi was used to making friends easily. But when he moved to Sweden all his attempts to build relationships with Swedes failed. That was until he read a book about Swedish behaviour. Now he passes on his hard-won wisdom by offering tips on how to avoid cultural clashes, and, perhaps most importantly, on how to make good friends with Swedes. And wait 'til you get to the butter story...
Skellefteå's föreningar: the smart path to integration
Skellefteå's föreningar: the smart path to integration
Discover how Skellefteå's dynamic "föreningar" (assoications) offer newcomers a unique pathway to becoming an integral part of local life. From cultural gatherings to outdoor adventures, explore how these associations foster connections and understanding. They really are a short-cut into Skellefteå life.
Your 50-point guide to winter driving in Skellefteå
Winter driving in Skellefteå.
Northern Swedes are accustomed to driving in snow and ice, but for newcomers the idea of driving in extreme wintry conditions can be daunting.This guide is designed to not only prepare you for your winter journeys but also offer you advice in the event that things don't go entirely smoothly. And don't worry, everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, has a tale of a winter driving mishap. It's a rite of passage when you live up here.