March 28, 2025, 2:30 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A visual eye-catcher that also provides warmth and comfort: the Swedish fire. myHOMEBOOK reveals what the Finnish candle is all about and whether you can make it yourself.
The Swedish fire probably owes its name to the Swedish soldiers during the Thirty Years’ War. They used the tree torch as a heat source and a mini fireplace to prepare hot food. The hollow tree trunk was easy to transport and, unlike a campfire, could be set up quickly. However, the Swedish fire was not only used during the war. In the Nordic countries of Sweden, Finland, and Norway, fire is a symbol of warmth, light, and solidarity during festivities — especially in the long, dark winter months. The tree torch is also used during the traditional midsummer nights, symbolizing brightness and prosperity for the coming year.
Overview
What Exactly Is a Swedish Fire?
A Swedish fire is basically just an upright log. It is prepared so that it is hollow on the inside. This creates a kind of chimney effect, and the log burns like a candle from the inside.
Are Swedish Fires Allowed?
As long as Swedish fires are built on your own property or private property, this is legal in Germany. At events or in public areas, conditions often have to be observed. For example, there must be no risk of forest fires or other fire safety regulations that may be violated. This makes it a good alternative to the fire bowl.
How Long Does It Burn?
The tree torch burns for different lengths of time depending on the size and dryness of the wood. The thicker the log, the longer it usually burns. Coniferous wood is also usually recommended, as the wood from deciduous trees often smolders more than it burns in the tree torch. A Swedish fire can be expected to burn for two to four hours.
How Is the Tree Torch Extinguished?
The Swedish fire can also be easily extinguished, even if it is not quite as uncomplicated as an ordinary campfire. The best way to do this is to spread sand or earth generously over the Swedish torch until the fire is extinguished. The tree torch can also be extinguished with water. The disadvantage here, however, is that the remaining log soaks up water and is difficult to dispose of afterward. If you want to light it, you should, therefore, allow enough time for it to burn down completely so that the fire extinguishes itself in the best-case scenario.
How Much Smoke Does a Swedish Fire Produce?
A fire always smokes when the wood is still damp. Anyone preparing a tree trunk for a Swedish fire while out and about will rarely find completely dry wood. The tree torch will then not only burn but also smoke heavily. A Swedish fire made of dry wood, on the other hand, hardly smokes at all.
How Much Does a Swedish Fire Cost?
Prepared tree torches that are well-dried and optimally cut are available in home improvement stores. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the type of wood and size. A small Swedish fire is available for around 10 euros, while a large one can start at 25 euros. There are also tree torches with a so-called ignition aid, which should make it much easier to light the fire. These Swedish fires can be a little more expensive.
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Making Your Own Swedish Fire
If you’re looking to save money and are somewhat handy, you can craft your own Swedish fire. The following materials and tools are required for this:
- Dry log of a coniferous tree
- Power saw or handsaw
- Kindling or wood chips
Instructions
- Clean the log and stand it upright.
- Use the saw to make two to four cuts in the wood from above to create a cross-shaped pattern. Saw about two-thirds deep into the log.
- Place kindling or wood shavings into the cavities in the log, light it, and your homemade Swedish fire will start burning!