October in Scandinavia has always been a weird and awkward time. During this time, otherwise known as Autumn, the summer warmth and sun is starting to fade, but the snow and coldness haven’t really arrived with winter yet. That’s when we got to know about “Potato holiday” in Denmark. It is an official holiday in Denmark and in Sweden the equivalent would be “Höstlov” or Autumn Break.
It is not the holiday itself that fascinates us, rather what you do doing it. Traveling around in October in Sweden and Scandinavia give families and school children a great opportunity to enjoy the last bit of outdoor activities before winter comes. Many families might decide to go south Europe, but most nature lovers stay in Scandinavia. Yes, it might rain, but the sunny days are just gorgeous. The water is cold, but with a sauna and a positive attitude, the water instead gives you a boost. A cold and hot boost that will make you feel alive for sure.
Historical roots in Scandinavia
Historically, the autumn break was known as the “potato holiday” (potatislov), and it isn’t limited to just Denmark. In Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, children were given time off from school to help with the potato and turnip harvest at home during harvest season. This week long break from school helped families manage their harvests, whilst keeping disturbances to the children’s learning to a minimum.
At first, in Sweden, being a long country geographically, with different climate zones, the local communities set its own break period, depending on the harvest season. As time went on and Sweden became industrialized, in its place, an October school break was introduced aligning with shorter daylight hours and often ending with All Saints’ Day (Alla Helgons Dag). Today, this break is sometimes referred to as the “reading holiday” instead.
In Denmark, a national “potato holiday” (kartoffelferie), or potato and carrion holiday, was introduced in 1899. Children across Denmark were given time off in October, during week 42, to help with the harvest. While today’s potato harvest happens earlier in the year, the holiday is still kept its name. It remains a cherished time for family trips and outdoor activities.
Also in Norway, after the second world war, Norwegian students had a week off when they were expected to help in the potato harvest.
Sweden
This October school break when called “potatislov” originated in the late 19th century. As small scale farming declined, there was no need for this holiday any longer. So, in 1959 the Swedish dropped the state-regulated potato leave. Nevertheless, a holiday in late October, when darkness is slowly making the days shorter, was introduced in the 1970s.
At the end of this holiday, Sweden celebrate (to some extent) All Saints’ Day. Today, this “Reading holiday” seems to be wishful thinking. The interest for reading among the Swedish youth is on decline. It is probably more true that the kids plays games instead.
The ambitious parents would always try to convince their children that going outdoors, away from closed rooms would be a better way to get the most out of the much needed time off.
Denmark
In Denmark they decided in 1899 that the official potato school holiday would be in mid-October, namely in week 42. This meant that children all over Denmark could help out during the same week, which is also plenty of time to finish harvesting, as most farms don’t have the same harvesting period.
Today much of the potato harvest takes place during the during the summer and the name of the holiday is now “Efterårsferien”, the Autumn Holiday.
Rediscover “Potatislov”: Things to do in October on the Swedish countryside
If you are looking for an authentic autumn experience, Ödevata offers the perfect escape during the October break. No more playing games and staring at a screen. Time to go out, do things and gain new knowledge. The spirit of “Potatislov” must go on! When we arrived at Ödevata during this time, we were stepping into the quiet evening darkness. However, then come morning, this rural eco resort reveals its magic.
There is an extensive and beautiful forest-garden based on permaculture design. In October, Ödevata’s potatoes are harvested and the root cellar is well stocked with many other vegetables. The biggest surprise are for sure the fruits that grow at the resort. In the aquaponic green house you can even harvest bananas.
The Ödevata team, passionate about green living, are eager to share their knowledge of sustainability. As Doro Elling, who runs the farm resort with her husband Patrick, says: “We have always been committed to creating a peaceful space for our guests to connect with nature. Whether it is a morning hike, cycling through the stunning Swedish countryside, or rowing on the tranquil Lake Ödevaten, Ödevata offers countless ways to unwind in nature.”
“For the more adventurous, try a taking dip in the lake, followed by a refreshing session in the wood-fired sauna that drifts onto the water. You will create unforgettable moments surrounded by autumn’s vibrant colors.”
“Our place is for sure a small oasis for exploring and learning for all ages”.
Surrounded by the rustling of the tree’s colorful autumn leaves, you might ask yourself why would you take a dip in the cold water? But just do it! Take a deep breath, look into sky and refresh yourself with a jump into the cold lake. Once back inside the sauna, you can relax by the stove. Experience how people used to recharge their body and mind before coffee and energy drinks.
Reap the benefits of the harvest
So, what do you do with the harvested potato, bananas, and other things? You have it with your meal of course. Ödevata’s breakfast is homemade with ingredients from the farm, and other local produce. For lunch or dinner you can cook inside the country hotel or stay outdoors and test the outdoor kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven and various grills that is available to the guests.
Learn more about October holiday at Ödevata over the years
Eva Oscarsson recalls; “Back in 2019 and 2020, and for two years in a row, I took my kids and their friends in the local soccer team, Dalen KFF, from Mölndal to Ödevata. Together with Malin and Magnus, (the owners of the Ödevata), we organized a small outdoor October camp here in the spirit of the potato holiday, to reignite the seasonal passion.”
“Kids 13 and 14 years old had to set up their own soccer pitch, chop wood, and heat up their own food in the hotel kitchen. For one day they got to even got enjoy the outdoor kitchen. Not a great success as their frying skills were somewhat all over the place. Quite a lot of food ended up on the ground. But it was a learning process.”
Eva can still remember vividly the laughs and screams when the kids jumped into the cold water from the sauna raft and the struggles of their rowing adventure. They did not get very far when they tried to row and Magnus was not impressed with their fishing skills. Quite a lot of fishing line to untangle. However, this was the original idea of the holiday, to work together and solve problems.
Eva added: “It was great fun, and we did some team building, leadership training and learned about Sweden whilst in nature.”
Memories forever
When the boys came to Ödeveta, Eva and Malin met up with them as they walked from Emmaboda station and they were singing! It was the best start to a youth camp one could hope for.
Eva continues to remember: “My son Robin, who came along as a leader of their group, has been several times at Ödevata and even wrote a poem (in Swedish) after a wonderful stay. His words sums up the experience in a perfect way.”
Part of Robin’s poem: “Ödevata is a feeling not only experienced in the moment, but one that lingers long after you have left the place. It is an experience that imprints itself on your memory. Remaining like an echo in the mind long after you have departed.”
Eva continues; “My other son Rasmus remembers the cold water when he set out in a canoe with a team mate. Apparently the team mate had a hard time remembering left from right, and the canoe trip was quite rocky.” When Rasmus told Eva this story, Eva shook her head in disbelief.
“I should have brought the waterproof gloves. The water was freezing cold and we splashed around a lot, but didn’t end up going forwards.” Rasmus recalled. “As a mom, I felt like saying I told you so!” Eva responded.
Ideas from Ödevata, make the dark Scandinavian autumn fun and sustainable
As we know “potatislov” is about spending time with the whole family, who is taking time off. You could do the same as Eva and her youth camp did, or come up with your own ideas! For example,
You could rent the whole countryside hotel and do your own sustainable celebrations and in the midst of the Småland woodlands. You could get together a beautiful, modest, and delicious potluck buffe table based on local produce from different parts of Sweden.
For your inspiration, consider the last time when Eva came to celebrate Christmas, on the table there are carp from Ödevata’s lake, and root vegetables Iwona from Cross Baltica brought. There were friends from across the Baltic Sea that prepared the carp with sauerkraut and pickled vegetables, like the way they would do back in their home countries.
Malin loved the idea to substitute some of the traditional Christmas dishes with more sustainable ones, “The taste for good – a carp for Christmas”. It suited perfectly. All the guests shared and cooked from their hearts. The perfect potluck. Malin said, “With everything we do, we want to save the world with small and determined steps. The fish and vegetables, or local food, together and cultural meetings are part of our DNA.”
Learn more about crayfishing and crayfish party
In September and October you can join in and experience the crayfish season. Doro explains how you can join in at Ödevata
“We are extending the crayfish season in our ponds and offer you a special experience for the whole family. Magnus Axelsson is our skilled crayfish fisherman and happy to share his experiences. Together with him, you prepare the crayfish, lay out the cages and see how good the catch was the next morning. Of course you can take the catch home with you”
In the self-service kitchens in the hotel or the outdoor kitchen, there are crayfish plates you can use.
Ödevata guests testimony in vlogs
Many of the guests love the outdoors and an active nature holiday. The forest and the beautiful scenery has a unique opportunity for movement and fun. Watch Jeanette Stenquist Vlog. Learn about great ways to workout, places to exercise, do fitness, and soul run.
Or just enjoy the silence and in Ödevatas green house!
Sauna packages
One of the most appreciated experiences is the sauna package. For more information see Go Nature Market or the Ödevata website. Ödevata can also offer various experiences and learning packages.
