May 1st is a public holiday in Sweden, where Swedes have a day off in celebration of the workers’ movement. How are shops, Systembolaget and public transport affected?

There is no blanket legal requirement on most shops to close for National Day in Sweden and when it comes to supermarkets and grocery shops, the chances are that they will be open as usual, particularly if you live in a city, although possibly with slightly reduced opening hours.

Smaller shops may be closed, and some of them may choose to take Friday, May 2nd off as a klämdag or ‘squeeze day’ to give themselves a long weekend.

The exception is the state-owned alcohol chain Systembolaget, which always closes on public holidays or so-called “red days”, meaning it will also be closed on May 1st.

Libraries are often closed on May 1st, so it’s worth making other plans if you were planning on catching up with some coursework or taking your kids to the nearest one to keep them occupied.

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As far as tourist attractions go, these will probably be open, but it’s worth checking to make sure.

In Stockholm, popular tourist attractions such as the Vasa museum and Abba museum will be open as normal.

Skansen will also be open, although it won’t be hosting any particular May 1st events – Valborg on April 30th is a bigger celebration for the open-air museum.

As with other public holidays, public transport in Swedish towns and cities may operate on a reduced schedule on May 1st – often on the same schedule as regular Sundays. 

There are likely to be diversions on bus routes due to May 1st parades, so check any journeys in advance and plan ahead.