Christina of Sweden

Getting around

Travel mainly on horseback

In the early 1600s, roads were often so narrow, rocky, and uneven that they were essentially footpaths, forcing most people to travel on horseback rather than by wagon.

Daily life

Extreme scarcity of window glass

Glass panes were so rare and expensive that in 1616, it was impossible to buy a chest of them even for four times the standard price. Window glass was often small, and for security, windows were sometimes nailed shut.

What people wore

Essential belt accessories

Women often carried keys to the farm on their belts, while both men and women kept leather pouches and knives attached to them.

Music

Common seventeenth-century folk instruments

Common folk instruments of the 17th century included the stjälkpipa (stem pipe), horn, hummel, harp, nyckelgiga (key harp), and drums.

At the table

Everyday meals of pea soup and beer

Everyday meals often featured pea soup, bread, porridge, and boiled turnips, typically accompanied by pork or fish and plenty of weak beer. Beer was consumed in large quantities, often three to four liters per day, as it was safer to drink than the available water.