Sweden National Day 2022

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Stockholm-based guest-artist Johan Gaussens, celebrates Sweden National Day, or Sveriges Nationaldag in Swedish. Allemansrätten—a national policy granting the public right to roam through nature—is a prime example of Sweden’s rich cultural and natural legacy.

Sweden is home to breathtaking beauty and Allemansrätten allows Swedes to explore almost anywhere in the country, whether they’re driving, camping, skiing or even picking berries. Stockholm’s Archipelago is perfect for a summer boat trip and The High Coast, or Höga Kusten in Swedish, is a popular destination for hiking. 

Some may celebrate Sweden’s National Day by taking a walk through the scenic beauty of the Swedish countryside, like the scene depicted in today’s artwork. Other celebrations include marching bands and local folk band performances along with the waving of the blue and yellow Swedish flag. A big famous celebration is also the annual ceremony at Stockholm’s Skansen open-air museum where the Swedish royal family usually gather to honor the day. 

Happy National Day, Sweden!

Guest Artist Q&A with Johan Gaussens

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Stockholm-based guest artist Johan Gaussens. Below, he shares his thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q. What was your thought process for visualizing Sweden's National Day in a Doodle? What guided your artwork, and were there any key components you felt were extra important to include?

A. To create this doodle I was just trying to visualize what Swedish nature is for me, and try to translate it into the drawing. I had many images in mind, and obviously there were key components that I wanted to include like water and rocks, the little wood house and the flag, and animals! Everyone in Sweden has their own "smultronställe" ("a secret pleasant place with sentimental value") where they like to go to disconnect from daily life for a weekend. Maybe I tried to draw this typical special place!

Q. Your artwork is inspired by the Swedish "Allemansrätten” ("Freedom to Roam"). What does Allemansrätten mean to you personally?

A. For me Allemansrätten is an invitation from Sweden to go outside, be curious and discover what nature has to offer. It is the positive mindset that you can and should be outside enjoying nature (what I absolutely love to do!)

Q. What were your first thoughts when you were approached about working on this Doodle?

A. As an illustrator and a person who is passionate about image, I always enjoyed discovering how artists rework and illustrate the worldwide famous Google's landing page. So when I heard about this project I was really excited, and even more thankful when I was told that the Doodle should be for Sweden's national day and Allemansrätten. It could not be a more perfect fit for me!

Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle?

A. I took inspiration from all the feelings and memories I have of Sweden since I was a kid. I grew up in France (I have both nationalities) and have always been fascinated by Sweden and the North. I ended up moving here and now live in the Stockholm suburbs. To ride my bike in nature, drink coffee by the lake or take a walk in the forest is something that I love doing in my free time. The deer is actually a reference from the one I came across sometimes when I go to the grocery store! :) To see animals like deers, rabbits or squirrels is very common in the suburbs since there are a lot of Nature Reserves around the city. Sweden's architecture and nature are something that inspires me everyday and that I like to draw in my personal work, so I already had in mind what I needed for this doodle!

Q. What message do you hope people take away from your Doodle?

A. Simply that Nature is beautiful and worth taking care of. (And that Sweden is awesome, Heja Sverige!)

Early drafts of today's Doodle