The Fun Tradition Rick Steves Says Coffee-Loving Tourists Visiting Sweden Must Know About

The British have afternoon tea, the Germans have afternoon coffee, Americans have coffee breaks, and the Swedes have ... fika! Fika (pronounced fee-kah) means "to have coffee," although it's not a direct translation, as the custom is much more involved. In the work-obsessed United States, a coffee break tends to be more of a cup-at-your-desk thing (and maybe a walk if you're lucky), while fika is as much about social interaction and enjoying the moment as it is about coffee. 

While Sweden may not be considered one of the top countries to visit if you love coffee, the enduring custom of fika means that Stockholm, as well as the rest of the country, has plenty of charming cafés that are ideal for any tourist. Their love of fika is so strong that Swedes are the third largest consumers of coffee in the world per capita. Even beloved Europe expert, Rick Steves, says he takes "full advantage of the local tradition of fika — Sweden's ritual coffee break" when he spends time exploring Stockholm, Sweden's capital.

Fika is so much more than just a coffee break. In a vein similar to Danish hygge (loosely meaning coziness), fika has the same vibes: Cozy connections with friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers over a hot cup of coffee and a tasty cinnamon roll. Fika is so embedded in Swedish culture that many workplaces build fika breaks into their daily schedules, and studies show that fika may actually boost productivity. (Hear that, America? Breaks are good!)

The ideals of connection and rest also show in other parts of Sweden's culture. In fact, Rick Steves is so enamored with Sweden that he says, "If I had to call one European city home, it could be Stockholm." Part of this is due to the fika culture, which is just one of the ways Swedish culture promotes a healthy work-life balance. A collective mindset based on mutual respect and community, generous family leave policies that make it one of the most family-friendly countries in Europe, relative income equality, and easy access to nature all contribute to Sweden's sense of well-being. While visitors may not experience all of these benefits themselves, they can at least get a sample when they sip a cup of coffee and bite into a pastry at one of Sweden's many cozy cafés. 

In the spirit of fika, there's no wrong way to participate in this custom. Many tiny bakeries and cafés have a fika special, convenience stores have fika "to go," and offices break for fika at various times throughout the day, usually mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Rick Steves says he prefers to take his fika outside: "With my cheap coffee and bun in hand, I like to grab a park bench to relax and enjoy some of Europe's best people-watching." 

Other essential elements of fika include the coffee, of course, although you can also substitute coffee with tea, hot chocolate, or even a cool drink, or just water if you wish. There's also a sweet of some kind, called "fikabröd." Any snack will do, from pastries to nuts to fruit, although a Swedish kanelbulle (a cinnamon bun sprinkled with pearl sugar) is the most traditional. As a tourist, you may not know many locals, so you can take your fika in nature (Swedes love to do this), perhaps on the gorgeous new hiking trail that connects Stockholm with many of the stunning islands in its archipelago. Or, follow Mr. Steves' example and have your fika while you observe your fellow humans.