Floor Levels (Våningsplan)
What does it mean?
Floor level (våningsplan) indicates which level of a building an apartment is on. In Sweden, the ground floor is normally counted as floor 1, unlike for example the UK where the ground floor is separate from floor 1. Other relevant terms include mezzanine (entresol), semi-basement (suterrängvåning, partly below ground), and attic floor (vindsvåning, under the roof).
The choice of floor level affects living in several ways. Lower floors offer easier accessibility but may have more visibility from outside and street noise. Higher floors offer better views and natural light but can be problematic during elevator outages or fire. Attic apartments often have character with sloped ceilings and skylights but can be hot in summer and have limited living area due to ceiling height.
Key Points
- Ground floor is counted as floor 1 in Sweden
- Semi-basement floors are partly underground and may have limited natural light
- Attic floors often have character but may have ceiling height and heat limitations
- High floors require a functioning elevator for accessibility
- Condominiums on higher floors are often valued more for views and light
Practical Tip
Consider your priorities: ground floor suits families with children and elderly, while upper floors offer more light and privacy. If choosing a high floor, check the elevator's condition and capacity. In older buildings without elevators, a fifth floor means five flights of stairs — think about moving and daily shopping.