Charles Frederick, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorp

Getting around

Travel via Frozen Landscapes

Winter was often the best time for long journeys, as travelers could move easily over frozen lakes, rivers, and marshes that were impassable in summer. In many northern regions, people relied on these ice roads for essential transport.

At the table

Beer as a Daily Beverage

Water was often unsafe to drink, so people consumed large quantities of weak beer instead. Even soldiers in the King's army were rationed over two liters of beer daily.

What people wore

Wool Mittens in Summer

On Öland, men wore large wool mittens that they continued to use even during the hottest days of summer.

Music

Dancing in barns and at crossroads

During the 18th century, people gathered to dance in informal settings such as barns, bridges, crossroads, and farmyards, as there were no dedicated dance halls. In the absence of a musician, young people would often hum or sing the music themselves to accompany their dancing.

Daily life

Cooking over an open fire

Cooking was performed in a large iron or bronze pot placed on a tripod over an open fire, which was the main method for preparing meals.