Sundsvall

🥐

Bakeries

Shops specializing in fresh bread, pastries, and cakes, often with Swedish specialties like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar).

Sections

  1. Tant Anci och Fröken Sara

    • Overview: A cozy café and bakery located in the heart of Sundsvall, known for its artisanal baked goods and welcoming atmosphere.
    • Specialties:
      • Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns)
      • Semlor (cream-filled cardamom buns, seasonal)
      • Fresh sourdough bread
      • Vegan and gluten-free options
    • Price Range: 30–60 SEK for pastries, 50–80 SEK for bread.
    • Unique Features: They focus on organic and locally sourced ingredients.
    • Location: Storgatan 33, Sundsvall city center.
    • Tips: Arrive early for the best selection, especially on weekends.
  2. Konditori Amarant

    • Overview: A classic Swedish konditori (pastry shop) with a long-standing reputation for quality and tradition.
    • Specialties:
      • Prinsesstårta (Princess cake, a green marzipan-covered sponge cake with cream and jam)
      • Smörgåstårta (savory sandwich cake)
      • Chokladbollar (chocolate balls)
    • Price Range: 40–70 SEK for pastries, 300–500 SEK for cakes.
    • Unique Features: Offers both sweet and savory baked goods.
    • Location: Esplanaden 16, near Sundsvall’s main square.
    • Tips: Perfect for a fika (Swedish coffee break) experience.
  3. Brödboden

    • Overview: A small, family-run bakery specializing in traditional Swedish bread and pastries.
    • Specialties:
      • Rågbröd (rye bread)
      • Lussekatter (saffron buns, seasonal during Christmas)
      • Vaniljbullar (vanilla buns)
    • Price Range: 25–50 SEK for pastries, 40–90 SEK for bread.
    • Unique Features: Known for its rustic, handmade approach to baking.
    • Location: Köpmangatan 19, a short walk from the city center.
    • Tips: Visit in the morning for freshly baked bread.
  4. Wayne’s Coffee

    • Overview: While technically a café chain, Wayne’s Coffee in Sundsvall offers a great selection of Swedish pastries and baked goods.
    • Specialties:
      • Kladdkaka (Swedish sticky chocolate cake)
      • Scones with jam and cream
      • Seasonal pastries like pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies).
    • Price Range: 30–60 SEK for pastries, 40–70 SEK for coffee.
    • Unique Features: A modern, relaxed atmosphere with free Wi-Fi.
    • Location: Storgatan 25, central Sundsvall.
    • Tips: Great for digital nomads or those looking for a casual fika spot.

Traditional Swedish Baked Goods to Try

When visiting bakeries in Sundsvall, don’t miss these iconic Swedish treats:

  • Kanelbullar: Cinnamon buns, a staple of Swedish fika culture.
  • Semlor: Cardamom buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream, traditionally eaten before Lent.
  • Prinsesstårta: A light and creamy cake covered in green marzipan.
  • Lussekatter: Saffron buns shaped like an “S,” popular during Advent and Christmas.
  • Smörgåstårta: A savory "cake" made of layers of bread, cream cheese, and toppings like shrimp, salmon, or ham.

Price Ranges

  • Pastries: 25–70 SEK
  • Bread: 40–90 SEK
  • Cakes: 300–500 SEK (whole cakes)
  • Coffee/Tea: 30–50 SEK (often paired with pastries during fika)

Local Customs and Considerations

  1. Fika Culture:

    • Fika is a cherished Swedish tradition of taking a break with coffee and a pastry. Most bakeries in Sundsvall cater to this custom, offering cozy seating areas and a variety of baked goods.
    • It’s common to see locals enjoying fika mid-morning (10:00–11:00) or mid-afternoon (14:00–15:00).
  2. Cashless Payments:

    • Many bakeries in Sundsvall prefer card payments or mobile payment apps like Swish. Carrying cash is becoming less common in Sweden.
  3. Seasonal Specialties:

    • Certain baked goods, like lussekatter and semlor, are only available during specific times of the year (Christmas and Lent, respectively). Be sure to ask about seasonal offerings.
  4. Self-Service:

    • In some bakeries, you may need to take a number and wait for your turn to be served, especially during busy hours.

When to Visit

  • Busiest Times:
    • Weekends (especially Saturday mornings) are the busiest times for bakeries, as locals stock up on fresh bread and pastries.
    • Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are peak hours for fika.
  • Reservations:
    • Reservations are generally not needed for bakeries, but if you’re ordering a custom cake or a large quantity of baked goods, it’s best to call ahead.

How to Locate Bakeries in Sundsvall

  1. City Center: Most bakeries are concentrated in the city center, particularly along Storgatan and Esplanaden.
  2. Google Maps: Use Google Maps or a similar app to search for "bageri" or "konditori" near your location.
  3. Local Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite spots—they’re often happy to share tips.

Final Tips

  • Try a Fika Combo: Many bakeries offer a fika deal, which includes a coffee and a pastry at a discounted price.
  • Bring a Reusable Bag: If you’re buying bread or pastries to go, bringing your own bag is appreciated and environmentally friendly.
  • Enjoy the Atmosphere: Swedish bakeries are often designed to be cozy and inviting, so take your time to relax and enjoy the experience.

By exploring Sundsvall’s bakeries, you’ll not only enjoy delicious treats but also immerse yourself in Swedish culture and traditions. Bon appétit—or as the Swedes say, Smaklig måltid!