Gotland in July is a postcard: long golden evenings, bikes along the medieval wall, and the island filled with tourists. It’s lively and so pretty. Gotland in December is a whole different vibe. It is quieter and cozier. I spent a whole winter here, including the Christmas break, so here’s what it’s really like and how to make the most of it.

The slow down after the summer

Once the tourists leave, the island slowly shuts down. When the ice cream shop, Glassmagasinet closes, the island gets the message “summer is over”. Leaves turn into a spectrum of colors giving one last pretty look, and slowly sheds them all, bringing winter.

In winter, you get only about 3 to 4 hours of daylight, and when a snowstorm hits, stepping out can be impossible. When campus closes for holidays, most students from nearby countries leave the island to spend Christmas and New Year with their families and friends back home while most others also travel to other countries. Only a handful stay on the island and not to pretend, it can therefore get very lonely.


However, if you prepare for it properly, it can also be cozy, creative, and surprisingly fun. Here’s what worked for me.

1. Join events before campus closes down

Before the university closes for the holidays and students leave the island, there is a lot going on. At the student nation, Rindi, winter events like gingerbread house competition, winter games and winter formal are organized. Campus Gotland also organizes a session about surviving the winter, bus tours to the Christmas markets and its own Lucia celebrations. It’s the best way to keep the social life active during darker days when you can feel lonely so try to go to everything you can.

2. Get outside, even when it’s dark and cold

During the winter, what I’ve understood is that the hard part is not the cold, it’s the lack of daylight. Shorter days make you feel depressed easily, draining your energy, and making you feel lethargic. Therefore, it’s very important to take a little walk outside, at least for 30 minutes when the sun is out. The fresh air and natural light will make a big difference to your mood. The dark hours will also make you sleep too much. Keep a routine and try getting up at a normal hour.

At the same time, your body produces less Vitamin D with less sunlight, so it’s a must to get supplementary Vitamin D during the winter. A pharmacist will assist you in choosing the right one.


3. Make your home cozy

Candles are an essential part of Swedish winters. Lighting them will make the room feel nicer and cozy. Also, don’t forget to decorate for Christmas and New Year, even if it’s a small room. It will definitely lift your mood even if it’s not much.

Warm drinks like glögg (Swedish mulled wine) and hot chocolate are also unarguably winter essentials.

4. Find a winter hobby

Long, dark evenings are perfect for hobbies. I love baking during that time, especially because it keeps me occupied, making the whole environment smell wonderful and cozy. Knitting or crocheting are great too and you’ll end up with a warm scarf or hat you made yourself!

5. Celebrate Lucia, Christmas and the New Year

Celebrate Lucia on the 13th of December. The candlelit songs and saffron buns are a lovely way to bring some light into the darkest time of the year. Gotland also has small Christmas markets in Visby, Roma and Hemse. They are charming and a perfect excuse to get out of the house. Also, don’t forget to see the fireworks on New Year’s Eve at Visby strand!


6. Have your own Christmas/New Year party

Not everyone leaves for the holiday and a few of us who stay, become close. Last year I went to such a little Christmas party, and it felt really great at the loneliest time. It doesn’t have to be traditional or huge. Good food, some music, and good company will help a lot. Reach out, invite people and hang out as much as you can.

7. Don’t forget your studies

The holidays aren’t official university break so you may get some home assignments or self-study to do. Plan some study time during the break so you don’t end up stressed in January. It also gives your days some structure.

8. Dress warm without spending a fortune

Winter clothes and Christmas deco can be expensive, but you don’t have to buy everything new. Gotland has plenty of secondhand stores which sell good quality seasonal items for less. Online secondhand stores like Sellpy and Vinted are also good places to look as well. Regular stores also have plenty of sales and discounts during the winter, if you want to buy stuff brand new.

9. Stock up before the storm

Visby is quite windy and last year there was a massive storm that hit the island. Stores don’t run out of food during winter, but storms can make you, who cycle or walk, impossible to get there. Therefore, it can be important to stock up a few emergency basics at home. Also remember that stores have shorter opening hours during the winter.

10. Keep an eye on the sky

If you’re lucky, you also might see the northern lights on Gotland. Keep an eye out for app notifications on clear nights. Seeing them is a moment you will never forget.


Final thoughts

Winter in Gotland isn’t for everyone, but it’s a special experience. It’s quiet, slow, and cozy, and it teaches you to make your own light. If you plan ahead, stay social and look after yourself, you’ll get through it and might even love it!

Happy Winter!