Whether you’re celebrating World Thinking Day with your Girl Scouts or working on the New Cuisines badge with your Cadettes, take an afternoon to enjoy Fika and learn about Girl Scouts in Sweden.
What Is Fika?
“Fika” is a Swedish tradition that involves taking a break to enjoy coffee or tea with a small snack, such as a pastry or a sandwich. Fika is more than just a coffee break, it’s a social institution and an important part of Swedish culture.
The word “fika” is both a noun and a verb and it can be used to describe the act of taking a break with coffee and snacks, as well as the social atmosphere that surrounds it. Fika is a time to pause, relax and enjoy the company of others. It’s also a time to catch up on gossip, discuss news, or simply enjoy each other’s company.
Fika is often taken at work or school, but it can also be a more casual affair among friends or family. It’s common for Swedes to have fika several times a day, especially during the weekends.
What Do You Drink At Fika?
While fika is thought of as a coffee break, fika may also involve tea, juice or hot chocolate, and a variety of sweet and savory snacks.
What Do You Eat At Fika?
Some popular fika treats include cinnamon buns, cookies, pastries, sandwiches, and open-faced sandwiches (known as “smörgås” in Swedish).
Here are some popular fika foods for kids in Sweden:
- Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar): These are a classic Swedish treat that are often enjoyed during fika. They’re made with a sweet, cinnamon-flavored dough that is rolled up, sliced, and baked until golden brown.
- Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar): These are small, chocolate-flavored balls that are made with oats, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. They’re easy to make and kids can enjoy helping to roll them into balls.
- Princess Cake (Prinsesstårta): This is a more elaborate option, but it’s a classic Swedish dessert that many children love. It’s a layer cake that is filled with whipped cream and raspberry jam, and then topped with green marzipan icing.
- Jam Sandwiches (Smörgås med sylt): Simple and delicious, these are open-faced sandwiches made with bread, butter, and a sweet jam such as lingonberry or strawberry.
- Gingerbread Cookies (Pepparkakor): These are thin, crispy cookies that are spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. They’re a popular Christmas treat in Sweden, but they can be enjoyed year-round as a fika snack.
Overall, there are many options for fika snacks that children can enjoy, whether they prefer something sweet or savory. And of course, don’t forget the coffee, tea or hot chocolate to complete the fika experience!
Learn More About Swedish Life
Fika is a cherished tradition in Sweden, and it offers a chance to take a break, enjoy good company, and indulge in some delicious treats. But there’s more your Girl Scout troop can do to learn about life and scouting in Sweden.
The Swedish Girl Scout Law
- A Scout seeks his/her faith and respects the faith of others
- A Scout is honest and reliable
- A Scout is friendly and helpful
- A Scout is considerate to others and trustworthy as a friend
- A Scout faces difficulties without complaining
- A Scout learns about nature and is concerned with its conservation.
- A Scout feels responsibility for herself and others.
Other Swedish Activities
Learn:
- Exploring the Northern Lights
- Learn some Swedish words using these coloring books or these Swedish for kids books
Make:
- Swaps for Sweden (video)
- Use stickers for Swedish flag swaps
- Make Scandinavian tiles
- Dala horse craft
What other Thinking Day ideas do you have for Sweden? Share your ideas and pins below!
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