"Kräftskiva" on the docks
At dusk, when the air cools but the rocks are still warm from the sun, it's time to set the table for a crayfish party. Gather friends and family to enjoy a Swedish tradition that started some time in the Middle Ages.
In the past, the crayfish season always began in early August, when crayfish fishing season started, a tradition that many still hold dear. However, nowadays, crayfish are often enjoyed later in autumn as well. Crayfish have been a tradition since the Middle Ages, and in the 1600s, they were considered a delicacy reserved only for royalty. It wasn’t until the 1930s that the word “kräftskiva” (crayfish party) appeared in the Swedish language and spread across the country – and to the archipelago.
Frosen or fresh?
Crayfish come in many different flavors, but the freshest are, of course, the tastiest. Some restaurants in the archipelago have perfected their own brine – offering excellent flavor combinations. You can also buy frozen crayfish in a store and prepare the brine yourself (see the recipe below) if you wish to impress your guests a little extra. What is served with the crayfish varies depending on who is cooking, but it often includes some form of cheese pie, aioli, aged cheese placed on toast or baguette.
Visit or rent
Whether you’re lucky enough to visit someone who owns a cabin in the archipelago, or if you rent a house yourself – an evening like this tends to be an unforgettable experience. If you want to rent a cabin, there are options available on for example Örskär, Fjärdlång (with a sauna!), or on Ingarö. Also, you can find more information about renting cabins in the Stockholm archipelago here.
Sing-alongs
If you're on vacation or perhaps new to Sweden, you might be surprised when the dinner is suddenly interrupted by the guests breaking out in song. Drinking songs or “snapsvisor” are a tradition that also stubbornly endures – and a good host makes sure to set the table with a small booklet to help everyone keep up with the lyrics.
Tips for a successful party
Besides a booklet with drinking songs, you might need a bib and an apron (yes, really), lots of napkins, and something to throw the crayfish shells into. Crayfish parties tend to be a bit messy, and it's best to set the table with a paper tablecloth (but don't forget weights to keep it from blowing away). If you want to create a cozy atmosphere, set out lots of lamps and lanterns – and, of course, the essential crayfish hats.
Did you know
… that on some islands, they have a whitefish festival instead of a crayfish party? It’s a tradition from when fishing was essential for survival in the archipelago. At a whitefish festival, they celebrate the arrival of whitefish and serve smoked whitefish.
Home made archipelago-style crayfish brine
2 liters of water
3 tablespoons of salt
1 tablespoon seaweed salt
2 tablespoon sugar
33 cl beer
5 stalks crown dill
1 kg crayfish
First, bring the water, sugar, salt, and beer with dill to a boil and let it cool. Pour the brine over the crayfish and let everything sit in the fridge overnight. Eat and enjoy!
Cheese pie with "Västerbotten"
Home made pie-crust or from the store
2 eggs
3 dl cream
3 dl torn Västerbotten cheese
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Pre-bake the pie crust in the oven for 10 minutes (first prick it with a fork to prevent cracking). Then mix the filling ingredients and pour them over the crust. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes.
