Something has happened - that is clear and obvious, says Tero Libell, who runs a climbing business at Skuleberget in Ångermanland.
Dutch and German tourists have long visited Skuleberget, but this year the guest book looks different. French, Spanish and Belgian visitors have made their way to the mountain to test their fear of heights and enjoy a cooler climate.
Now it is more common among foreign tourists, and they have explicitly said that the reason they are up here is because it is too hot at home.
French visitors pour in
Figures from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth show that French overnight stays in commercial accommodation increased the most in Sweden already in 2025, up 28 percent compared to the previous year.
During the period January to May this year, the increase is 15 percent compared to the same period last year.
There are especially many French people this year, actually, says Tero Libell.
Even in central Stockholm, foreign tourists are enjoying the weather.
"We come from the south of France. It's too hot there, 33 - 35 degrees. It's very quiet here and the people are so nice," says Julien Mary.
He is traveling with his friend Ethan Hanoch.
"We're going to look around the city and go to nice restaurants," says Hanoch.
Alba Hervás from Barcelona greets her friend Mariona Martínez, who is studying biochemistry at Stockholm University.
It's so wonderful that you can wear a jacket and avoid temperatures of 35 - 40 degrees, says Hervás.
Among the Swedish Tourist Association's (STF) accommodations, the proportion of foreign guests this year is 19 percent, which is unchanged compared to last year. However, a clear increase is visible from certain countries. The French and Spaniards have increased their visits by 20 and 49 percent respectively in June and July, albeit from relatively low levels.
Emiratis in Södermanland
Last year, Södermanland accounted for the largest increase in the number of foreign guest nights, by 29 percent, according to the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. The question is whether the European heat will fuel the numbers this year.
I have many customers from Germany, Belgium and Switzerland in particular, says Klas Stockman, who runs Hälgö Kajak outside Nyköping in Södermanland.
The company rents out cabins in the Stendörren nature reserve, among other things. In general, there have been slightly more foreign customers this year.
Especially a month or so ago when it was so hot. Then I actually had some from Dubai - that was fun, says Stockman.
