The Old Country Newsletter – Trailblazers & Historical Swedish Surnames

Your Weekly Swede-ish

Karl Larsson: A Swedish Sculptor with Global Impact

Did you know Karl Larsson, the talented sculptor and artist, proudly carried his Swedish roots throughout his life and career? Born in Sweden in 1856, Larsson was raised in humble circumstances but showed exceptional artistic promise from a young age. He honed his craft at Stockholm's Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts before gaining recognition for his intricate sculptures and evocative designs. His Swedish heritage inspired much of his work, often blending Nordic influences with classical styles. !

Sweden’s National Security Advisor Faces Calls to Step Down Over Another Scandal

Sweden’s National Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm is under fire for using taxpayer money to cover travel expenses to visit his partner in Berlin. Critics argue his actions undermine his credibility and the government's trustworthiness on national security.

Landerholm, a key figure in Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s administration, is facing backlash after revelations by Aftonbladet that he billed taxpayers for nine trips to Berlin, ostensibly for official business. These trips coincided with visits to his partner, raising concerns about misuse of public funds. Landerholm admitted in a statement that some of the travel arrangements, which routed him through or ended in Berlin, did not qualify as work-related.

While he has since reimbursed the government for two flights (7,500 SEK), a train ticket (1,638 SEK), and a courier service, this occurred only after Aftonbladet began its inquiries. The trips ceased entirely when his partner relocated to Sweden.

This latest controversy follows closely on the heels of another scandal: Landerholm’s repeated mishandling of classified documents, as first reported by Dagens Nyheter. The combined allegations have led to calls for his resignation, particularly from opposition leaders.

Social Democrat Peter Hultqvist, a former defense minister, called Landerholm’s behavior "unacceptable" and accused Kristersson of shielding him. “It’s time for Landerholm to pack up. His actions are incompatible with the responsibilities of a national security advisor,” Hultqvist told SVT.

Left Party leader Nooshi Dadgostar echoed the sentiment, stating that Landerholm’s credibility was “completely destroyed.” She urged Kristersson to prioritize national security over personal loyalty. Green Party spokesperson Daniel Helldén also questioned whether Landerholm could continue in his role, urging the Prime Minister to act decisively.

The Center Party has yet to demand Landerholm’s resignation but emphasized that the allegations must be taken seriously.

With pressure mounting from multiple fronts, Landerholm’s future—and the government’s handling of the controversy—remains uncertain.

Would you like to feel closer to Sweden? A perfect way to do that would be to have a look at Swedish broadcasts, either current or past. SVT Play is an online streaming service provided by Sveriges Television (SVT), the Swedish national public television broadcaster.

To watch it, one has to be in Sweden – or have access to a VPN provider that can connect to a remote server located in Sweden. Like NordVPN, which sponsors this segment of the newsletter.

By using NordVPN, you can access what SVT Play has to offer – including current news, documentaries about emigrants, live broadcasts from nature events, and much more – by simply connecting to a server in Sweden. Follow the link here to get 74 % off for your first two years and three months (!) of usage. By doing so, you also help support the distribution of this newsletter.

Swedish farrier Oskar Öhrström has become the first known person to ride nearly the entire length of Sweden's mountain chain. His two-month journey with his horse Ivory brought stunning challenges and awe-inspiring views, now captured in a newly released documentary.

Oskar Öhrström’s ambitious ride took him from Grövelsjön in Dalarna to Treriksröset, Sweden’s northernmost point. Spanning roughly 1,300 kilometers (800 miles), the journey tested both horse and rider through treacherous terrain: from swampy bogs to unforgiving rocky passes. Along the way, Ivory, his steadfast equine companion, carried him through moments of both joy and physical exhaustion.

“It’s hard to put into words—it was both tougher and more rewarding than I ever imagined,” Öhrström reflected in Fjällryttaren, a documentary chronicling his journey.

The pair faced dangers that could have brought their adventure to an abrupt end. “All it takes is one misstep, one hoof caught between two rocks, and it’s over,” he explained. Despite the challenges, Öhrström navigated nearly the entire route on horseback, with only a short section completed by car due to permit restrictions.

Ivory, who bore the brunt of the expedition’s demands, remains a source of immense pride for Öhrström. “What makes me happiest is knowing she did it,” he said.

The feat marks not just a personal milestone for Öhrström but also a unique exploration of Sweden’s natural landscapes—captured in breathtaking images, that can be viewed here or in its entirety on SVT Play using a VPN, that highlight the rugged beauty of the country’s mountainous spine.