Our Story

Scandia’s roots run deep in Sweden. Many of our founding families—names like Dahlin, Edström, and Andersson—came from the Mellerud area more than 150 years ago. They built homes, churches, and traditions that still shape our town today.

In 2019, those connections came full circle. A chance meeting with a genealogist from Mellerud sparked conversations, emails, and Zoom calls that turned into something lasting: in 2022, Scandia and Mellerud became Sister Cities.

Since then, neighbors have opened their homes, shared meals, and even marched in each other’s summer parades. It’s not tourism—it’s friendship, carried across generations and the Atlantic.

Today, the Scandia Sister City Council keeps that bridge strong. Our story is simple: family ties became community ties, and community ties grew into a living partnership between two towns that are a world apart, yet feel right at home with each other.

Today, the Scandia Sister City Council keeps that bridge strong. Our story is simple: family ties became community ties, and community ties grew into a living partnership between two towns that are a world apart, yet feel right at home with each other.

The Scandia Sister City Council (SSCC) connects two communities that share Swedish roots and a stubborn affection for lakes, forests, and volunteerism. We coordinate cultural exchanges, resident meet-ups, municipal peer learning, and hands-on projects that make both towns measurably better.

What we value: reciprocity, accessibility, fiscal responsibility, and genuine community participation instead of performative ribbon-cutting.

About Mellerud, Sweden

Mellerud is a municipality in the province of Dalsland, Västra Götaland County, on the western side of Lake Vänern. Think water, woods, historical sites, and a friendly, creative culture. The area is known for outdoor life, small-business craftsmanship, and summer festivals. It’s an easy day-trip radius for lakeside hikes, the famous aqueduct in Håverud, the Dalsland canal, and centuries-old churches. From the beautiful herb garden in Dals Rostock to the contemporary art in the museum in Upperud.

At a glance

Population: 9,300
Region: Dalsland, Västra Götaland
Vibe: nature-centric, maker-friendly, community-minded

Visit Mellerud's website

trips to sweden

From Parades to Fika’s, our Sister City trips are pure joy!

Every July, Scandia residents trade pine forests and lakes for… well, pine forests and lakes in Sweden. Our Sister City, Mellerud, feels both familiar and new—where neighbors open their homes, parade floats roll down the main street, and you’ll learn that “fika” is basically coffee and pastries elevated to an art form.

This isn’t a bus tour with headsets kind of trip. It’s about living like a local. You’ll spend a week with a Swedish host family, sharing meals, stories, and laughter. One day you may find yourself marching in the annual summer parade, the next exploring the Dalsland Art Museum or sipping coffee by Lake Vänern. And yes, birthdays here come with cake in bed and singing before sunrise—don’t say we didn’t warn you.

When and How Long

The trip typically runs July 1–9, timed with Mellerud’s annual summer festival. It’s one action-packed week that still leaves plenty of time for relaxed walks, fishing, or shopping in the huge candy store.

What You’ll Experience

Home stays: Be welcomed like family by generous Mellerud hosts.
Festival fun: March in the summer parade and enjoy live music, food, and dancing.
Culture & history: Visit the Mellerud Museum, Håverud Aqueduct, local churches, and the quirky Tomte Museum.
Daily life: Morning coffee, evening conversation, card games, hikes, and farm visits—it’s the little routines that make the biggest memories.

WHO SHOULD GO

If your idea of travel is checking boxes on a list, this might not be for you. But if you value connection over checklists, enjoy learning new traditions, and don’t mind trying pickled herring at least once, this trip is for you. Past travelers have ranged from teens to grandparents, all coming home with lifelong friendships.

How to Apply

Applications and a Trip Info Packet for the 2026 trip to Mellerud are available here.
Dates are July 1st through July 9, 2026. Space is limited to about ten participants, with the deadline being November 1, 2025.

Why it Matters

Every exchange strengthens the bond between Scandia and Mellerud. The friendships formed overseas don’t end when the plane lands—they ripple back into Scandia, enriching our schools, events, and community life.

Join us for the opportunity of a lifetime—at a down-to-earth price and with memories that last forever.