Scandinavian Weekend Radio (SWR) is a Finnish hobby radio station that has been making noise on the airwaves for a remarkable 25 years. Broadcasting from the town of Virrat since the year 2000, the station is active on shortwave, medium wave, and FM. For many years, SWR stood alone as the only privately operated shortwave station in Europe with a full broadcast license. However, in early 2024, a few others joined the party, including Realmix Radio, Radio Pico, and Radio Blacksmith Knoll.
RBSK Joins the Celebration
The festivities won’t be limited to SWR’s own frequencies. Radio Blacksmith Knoll (RBSK) will relay the entire 24-hour anniversary broadcast on its own shortwave channel at 6120 kHz, helping to expand the celebration’s reach. Thanks to RBSK, even more listeners will get a chance to raise their antennas and toast to SWR’s 25 years of audio adventure.
SWR – So what are we actually talking about?
One Saturday a Month
SWR follows a unique rhythm: it transmits just once a month, on the first Saturday, with a full 24-hour broadcast. These transmissions are highly anticipated events in the DXing community. Each broadcast offers a vibrant mix of music, commentary, and segments on radio technology and listening culture. There’s often an additional holiday broadcast on Christmas Day.
Built with Passion (and Tools)
SWR was born from passion and powered by elbow grease. The station was built entirely by volunteers under a non-profit association founded in late 1999. The studio, transmitter facilities, and antenna masts all came together thanks to community effort. Over the years the equipment has modernized, but the do-it-yourself spirit still thrives: a station made by radio enthusiasts, for radio enthusiasts.
A Soundtrack Without Boundaries
The programming is as diverse as the people behind it. There are no playlists or rigid formats – each presenter brings their own flavour, spinning everything from classic rock and 80s pop to deep cuts and oddball finds. Between the music, you’ll catch live chatter, greetings, and bilingual commentary in both Finnish and English. With listeners tuning in from across the globe, SWR keeps the tone warm, open, and personal.
Heard Around the World
Despite modest transmitter power, SWR’s signal has traveled far. Under the right conditions, the station is heard widely across Europe and even occasionally makes its way to North America. For many DXers, catching SWR is a badge of honor. The station actively encourages reception reports and regularly sends out QSL cards to lucky listeners who manage to tune in.
Anniversary Broadcast & Open Doors
In 2025, SWR celebrates its 25th anniversary. A special broadcast will take place on Saturday, July 5, featuring music, guest appearances, and stories from the past two and a half decades. To mark the occasion, the station will also open its doors to visitors in Virrat from 14:00 to 17:00 local time. Coffee and conversation guaranteed.
Cheers to 25 Years!
Scandinavian Weekend Radio is living proof that love for radio can outlast trends and transcend bandwidth. Quarter of a century on the airwaves is no small feat – especially when powered by pure passion. And the story isn’t over yet: SWR continues to broadcast on the first Saturday of every month. Here’s to the next 25 years of static, stories, and soundscapes!