The Swedish torch is a campfire that has become popular in camping and other outdoor activities.
It is characterized by its wild and dynamic use, in which a log with a slit is ignited directly.
The name “Swedish torch” tends to make people think that it originated in Sweden, but it is said to have originated in Finland.
In this article, I would like to introduce the Swedish torch, which is sure to bring much excitement when camping.
Features of Swedish torch
A “Swedish torch” is a fire ignited by lighting a log perpendicular to the ground.
It is classified as a self-feeding fire that does not require additional wood.
As will be explained in more detail later, the Swedish torch was used by Swedish soldiers in the 17th century as a campfire in the field, hence the modern name Swedish torch.
Other times they are called wood candles because of their appearance.
The Swedish torch is a simple campfire ignited directly on a log.
However, because of its style in harmony with nature and its wildness, it is now a popular outdoor item for camping.
Originated from Finnish bonfires
The name “Swedish torch” probably leads most people to think. “Is this a bonfire that originated in Sweden?”
The neighboring country of Finland is said to be the place of origin of the Swedish torch.
The Swedish torch is said to have originated from the bonfire, which has been used in Finland since ancient times.
In Finland, the bonfire is called “Kokko.“
Midsummer is celebrated every year in Finland with a festival called Juhannus. During Midsummer, a large bonfire is lit on a lake’s shore to celebrate summer’s arrival.
Initially born in Finland, the bonfire was later introduced to Sweden.
The name “Swedish torch” became widespread during the Thirty Years’ War, a religious war fought mainly in Central Europe from 1618 to 1648.
Sweden was also involved in the Thirty Years’ War at that time, and Swedish soldiers used torches to keep warm on the battlefield.
The bonfires that the soldiers surrounded came to be known as Swedish torches, and they spread to various parts of the country.
For more information on Juhannus (Midsummer), see this page.
Fun at camp
The Swedish torch has become popular in Japan as a natural-flavor bonfire, mainly for camping and other outdoor activities.
At campsites, you can easily use it as a campfire by putting wood chips or newspapers in the slit as a fire starter and lighting it.
Depending on the size of the log, a typical 50-cm-high Swedish torch will burn for roughly two to three hours.
In camping, the Swedish torch can be placed on the ground and burned as a campfire or used as a bold cooking device by setting a pot on a flat surface at the top.
The balance is unstable if placed on the ground as it is, so the key is to use it on a flat platform.
How to make a Swedish torch
Swedish torch is available for online shopping.
On the other hand, those who want to be more particular and are good at DIY can buy logs sold at specialized stores and use chainsaws and saws to create a handmade Swedish torch.
The logs are mainly made of cedar wood.
Cedar wood is especially favored because it is soft and dry, easy to ignite, and easy to obtain.
The process of making Swedish torch is simple: multiple vertical cuts are made in the log with a chainsaw or saw.
The slits allow oxygen to reach the inside of the log, allowing it to burn for longer.
Two or four slits are commonly made.
A smaller number of slits results in a less efficient inflow of oxygen and a minor fire; instead, the fire burns for a longer time.
In contrast, a large number of slits allows a large amount of air to enter at once, resulting in a large fire.
Whether you want to enjoy a quiet bonfire individually or gather around it with a large group of people like a campfire, make a Swedish torch for the occasion.
Conclusion
The Swedish torch, which is said to have originated from a Finnish bonfire, became famous when Swedish troops used it as a bonfire during the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century.
It is a different way to enjoy a bonfire than a regular campfire, which is enjoyed by lighting a fire directly on a single log.
When lighting Swedish torch fires in campgrounds, please remember to be safe and follow the rules of the campground regulations to extinguish and dispose of the fire properly.
