In Sweden, we don’t just eat and drink we sing. Especially during kräftskiva, the beloved late-summer crayfish party, where tradition calls for paper hats, crown dill, and rounds of loud snapsvisor the short, joyful songs sung before (and sometimes after) a shot of snaps.

These quirky, heartfelt songs are part of what makes a crayfish party so uniquely Swedish. Whether you’re a seasoned Swede or a curious newcomer abroad, learning a few of these tunes can transform your kräftskiva from just a meal into an unforgettable cultural experience.

🇸🇪 What Are Snapsvisor?

Snapsvisor are short drinking songs, typically sung before taking a sip of snaps, a strong Scandinavian aquavit. The tradition dates back to Sweden’s student culture of the 18th–19th centuries, and over time it became embedded in national holidays like Midsummer, Christmas, and of course kräftskiva.

They’re not about drinking heavily they’re about community, rhythm, and fun. Guests sing together (regardless of talent!), raise a glass, shout “Skål!”, and take a sip. Every snapsvisa turns a meal into a moment.

🎶 Classic Crayfish Songs (With Translations)

🎓 Songs to Impress at This Year’s Crayfish Party

Sure, everyone knows Helan Går, but if you really want to stand out at your kräftskiva or surprise your Swedish friends with your snapsvisor knowledge here are two songs that will earn you some serious Skål cred. These aren’t your average frog songs they’re the kind of tunes that make people laugh, smile, and say, “Wait, you know this one?”

Feta fru Gudmundsson

This playful tune is a favourite from the old student nation songbooks, where humour and exaggeration are part of the charm. It tells the tale of Mrs. Gudmundsson, round and joyful, enjoying her punsch a little too enthusiastically. It’s the perfect post-snaps song for a good laugh.

Björnen Sover

While technically a children's song, Björnen sover has become a beloved wildcard at many crayfish parties — especially later in the evening when things get silly. It’s short, familiar, and often used to tease someone who looks a little too relaxed at the table (i.e., tipsy or dozing).

🧠 A Note on History: Not Everyone Sang Along...

In the early 1900s, not everyone was cheering for snapsvisor. Sweden had a strong temperance movement, and crayfish parties with alcohol were sometimes frowned upon. Posters like this one showing stern moralists shouting “NEJ!” (No!) — were part of campaigns to reduce drinking.

But cultural tradition proved stronger. The songs stayed. The snaps stayed. And so did the fun.

📝 Tips for Singing Snapsvisor

📄 Print out lyrics — everyone sings better with a guide.

🐸 Include a silly one — “Små grodorna” always gets laughs.

🧊 Don’t forget etiquette:

Make eye contact during “Skål!”

Lift your glass high

Sip, don’t shoot

🎬 Wrapping It Up – Sing Loud, Sip Slow, and Skål!

Whether it’s your first kräftskiva or your fiftieth, the tradition of singing snapsvisor is what transforms a meal of crayfish into a truly Swedish celebration. These songs from silly frog dances to heartfelt toasts bring people together, create laughter, and carry centuries of culture in just a few cheerful verses. So print out your lyrics, warm up your voice, and don’t be shy every song is better when sung with heart (and a little snaps).