Short answer
The 2026 autumn break is week 44, Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October, in almost all Swedish municipalities. The only exception in the compilation is Årjäng in Värmland, which has its autumn break in week 42, 12–16 October. In several municipalities, including Gothenburg, the break is called reading break (läslov). Halloween and All Saints' Day fall on Saturday 31 October, right after the break.
The 2026 autumn break week
| Day | Date | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 26 October | The break starts in almost all municipalities |
| Friday | 30 October | Last day of the break |
| Saturday | 31 October | Halloween and All Saints' Day |
| Sunday | 1 November | The All Saints' weekend ends |
| Årjäng | 12–16 October | The only municipality with an autumn break in week 42 |
Municipal compulsory schools, school year 2026/2027.
The autumn break is the easiest break to keep track of: in 2026 it falls in week 44, 26–30 October, in practically all of Sweden. Of all the municipalities that have published their school calendars, only Årjäng in Värmland differs, with its autumn break in week 42. In several municipalities, such as Gothenburg, the break is called reading break – but the dates are the same.
And this year the break ends with an extra weekend: Halloween and All Saints' Day both fall on Saturday 31 October, right after the last day of the break.
Autumn break or reading break?
It is the same thing. Several municipalities have renamed the autumn break reading break to encourage children to read during the holiday, but it is still week 44. Just check with the school if your children go to an independent school – they may in exceptional cases have other dates.
A week with Halloween at the end
The autumn break week is perfect for getting ready for Halloween together. Start with Halloween with kids, where everything about trick or treating and reflectors is gathered. In the middle of the week you can carve a pumpkin – and cook pumpkin soup from the pumpkin flesh. For the youngest there is a ready-made Halloween treasure hunt to print out.
Out into the autumn forest
October is also one of the most beautiful months to be outdoors. Spend a day in the forest with a fire and a packed lunch, pick the last mushrooms or make crafts from what you find. Those who live in Gothenburg or on the west coast will find activities and day trips for the week in autumn break on the west coast.
The next break
After the autumn break comes the Christmas holiday – in Gothenburg and Stockholm from 19 December to 10 January, see Christmas holidays in Gothenburg and Christmas holidays in Stockholm. The 2027 winter sports break falls in weeks 7–10 depending on the municipality – the whole list is in winter sports break 2027, and the Easter break in Easter break 2027.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 autumn break?
Week 44, Monday 26 October to Friday 30 October 2026, in almost all municipalities. Årjäng in Värmland has its autumn break in week 42, 12–16 October.
What is the difference between autumn break and reading break?
In practice, none. Several municipalities, including Gothenburg, call the autumn break reading break to encourage reading during the holiday. The dates are the same.
When is Halloween 2026?
Halloween is Saturday 31 October 2026, the same day as All Saints' Day – right after the autumn break week.
Do independent schools have the same autumn break?
Usually, but not always. Independent schools set their own school calendars – ask the school if you are unsure.
Which week is the 2027 autumn break?
Not all municipalities have published their school calendars for 2027/2028 yet, but the autumn break is traditionally in week 44 then too.
