For nearly 700 years, Sweden and Finland were one kingdom — and their shared history runs deep. One fascinating part of that story is the migration of thousands of Finnish settlers into Sweden’s vast forests during the 1500s and 1600s.
Under King Gustav Vasa, settlers from Savolax and Tavastland were offered tax-free land if they cleared and cultivated new areas. These pioneers brought with them the art of slash-and-burn farming, transforming untouched pine forests into fertile fields. Their new communities became known as the Finn Forests (Finnskogar), especially in Värmland and Dalarna.
Life was tough, but the skogsfinnar built a rich culture of their own — with smoke cottages instead of chimneys, handcrafted birchbark items, and traditional dishes like motti (nävgröt), a hearty porridge still remembered today. Their story is one of resilience, cooperation, and cultural fusion — a quiet yet vital part of the shared heritage between Sweden and Finland.
Some Estonians are descended from Forest Finns and I am one of them. I made this discovery with DNA research when a distance cousin revealed to me the family line and common ancestor. It is interesting to note that many Forest Finns later moved on and relocated to Norway. My ancestor settled in Eidskog which a beautiful area known for its forests, fishing areas and lakes.
