Following the success of previous European Heritage Days editions, Sweden announces its partake in this year’s celebrations of The Art of Sharing.

The Swedish take on the common theme - Dela kulturarvet (Cultural Heritage Sharing) is traditionally going to be hosted throughout the second weekend in September. From Friday to Sunday, 7 to 9 September, a number of engaging events will take place with a common goal of celebrating the values of shared European heritage.

With the support and coordination of The Swedish National Heritage Board, Sweden’s Local Heritage Federation and the Working Life Museums Co-operation Council, Sweden is preparing for another significant contribution to the pan-European heritage festivities. With a comprehensive activities programme, it will continue to help in the overall awareness-raising of and a more involved approach towards cultural heritage and cultural environments.

Apart from official events planned, organisations, individuals and companies are also encouraged to take part in organising local events and are welcomed to apply via this form.

A Look Back at 2017 Events

Photo: Glimmingehus, Heavy Vaults in Lower Parts, Source: Wikipedia

Traditionally, European Heritage Days in Sweden is one of the most extraordinary and highly visited cultural events, attracting individuals interested in learning more about cultural environments and landscapes, as well as historic places. Last year’s theme of natural heritage presented a series of memorable events, lectures, talks and guided tours that brought to forefront Sweden’s amazing natural and culturally splendid heritage. Guests had the opportunity to visit some of the most remarkable medieval sites rich in history and mythological tradition of Sweden.

Taking part in a guided tour of one of the most important historical sites of Sweden, Gamla Uppsala museum, the visitors could get a grasp of the life during a Viking, Vendel-, and medieval Sweden. Another captivating experience took place at the 1499 fortress in southern Sweden. The impressive Glimmingehus hosted participatory activities such as ghost search, Middle Age-chores tryout, herb garden relaxation or a guided tour of the manor.  

Finally, for the youngest of heritage custodians, inspiring events were organised to awaken the heritage preservation spirit among the pre-school and school children. An interesting competition took place with an aim to look for the creative solutions with animals’ best interest in mind. As outlined in the event description, “the challenge was to let go of their human ideals when it comes to shape and function and instead look after the needs of the animals.”

As the full programme of events is set to be released from June onwards, it will be fascinating to witness the creative methods Swedish organisations, communities and individuals have come up with to encourage sharing of cultural heritage. With former celebratory success in mind, Sweden is promising to make a 2018 European Heritage Days events nothing short of intriguing and more than suitable for the celebration of the European Year of Cultural Heritage.