Swedish torch

A Swedish torch^[a] is a source of heat and light from a vertically set tree trunk, incised and burning in the middle. It became known in Europe during the 1600s and is now used by forest workers, and for leisure activities (especially in southern Germany). Due to its flat surface and good embers, it can also be used for cooking. Compared to a campfire, it is more compact, and therefore several small heat sources can be distributed over an area.

Oral tradition attributes the development of the torch to the Swedish military during the Thirty Years' War; using a saw or hacksaw or an axe, the Swedes are said to have made burning and glowing logs to warm their soldiers.^[1] This method of providing heat meant that their troops did not have to carry their own firewood with them but were able to get supplies on site, as the freshly cut, green wood can burn due to the chimney effect. According to the Finnish forest museum Lusto Swedish torch was invented by Finns in northern Finland. It was made by loggers to warm up and make wood. In the 1950s when chainsaws became more popular it became common to make a carving to the halfway of the log and put it standing upwards.

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