The 1950s move in at Skansen
07/06/2023This summer a traveling agency from the 50s move in at Skansen and bring you along on a bike vacation in the spirit of 1952. Bring a friend or a loved one to travel back in time and learn about the vacation ideals of the time.
Vacation for the common person
Bike, drive or fly. To travel was the big dream for the common person since the end of the 1930s, when the right to 2 weeks vacation time became common law. In the 1950s it was extended into 3 weeks and later during the 1970s it was further extended to 5 weeks, which is what most swedes enjoy today.
Take a break, but don’t get lazy!
When the third week of vacation time was introduced to the working class, many were able to act upon the dream that had been brewing since the 30s. Resting was nice but becoming a couch potato was not the ideal of the time. According to the norms of the 50s, ones vacation should engage the mind and the body in a healthy manner. It was important to move your body, learn something new and try different activities.
Method of transportation: bike, car or plane?
As previously stated, the ideal of the time was not just laying around and relaxing but to get active. A bike vacation had it all – to get out into nature was an activity that benefited both the body and soul. Most maps would direct you inland through the country but members of the club Cyckelfrämjande could join conducted tours in groups abroad. Even the bike needed its own passport to get through some of the customs on the continent.
More people were able to purchase a car during this time and towards the end of the 50s a road trip by car became popular. New solutions to optimize the trip became increasingly accessible. For example, the interior could be transformed into a double bed and there were portable tables and chairs that easily folded into the trunk. The caravan had yet to gain popularity but a few could been seen along the roads.
During the second half of the decade air charter became a method of travel which grew in popularity very quickly. A ticket was still quite expensive but the prices were becoming more accessible for the common man. For many people this was the first time they could easily go past the Swedish boarder and some popular destinations were the Canary Islands, Italy and France.
Meet the biking ladies Ulla and Gunnel at Skansen
Experience the vacation practices of the 50s yourself at Skansen this summer. Meet Ulla and Gunnel, two friends who are out on a biking vacation. They have packed all the sensible items and clothing they need and will gladly tell you all about the items they use, the ideals and customs of the time in contrast to the modern era and what the law Allemansrätten (right of public access) means.
Eat a picknick in nature, catch a concert, celebrate midsummer and much more at Skansen this summer!
You can read more about the 50s vacation at Skansen here!