Climate change is impacting life in many ways, including some of the least expected. In Sweden, higher-than-normal temperatures have meant that traditional winter pastimes such as ice skating and cross-country skiing have, albeit temporarily, been put on hold. That, of course, can have a possible spin off effect on sectors like tourism.
Stockholm’s frozen canals offer arguably the most characteristic landscape of the Swedish capital in winter, becoming natural ice-skating rinks. Suffice to say, however, that, with or without appropriate weather, there’s still more than enough to see and do in the Swedish capital at this time of year. And, for those weighing up options for a possible short winter break, the home of ABBA (and much else) makes for a splendid place to head for.
1. Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
A great choice of attractions include, of course, one that is devoted to the aforementioned pop band who boasts album sales in the double-digit millions. “ABBA The Museum” is, though, more than an ordinary museum. Naturally, the members’ costumes, gold records, original items, memorabilia and much more are on display.
But it also tries to make the visitor feel a bit like you are the 5th member of the chart-topping band. This terrific homage to one of the best-selling groups of all time (and possibly Sweden’s greatest export) gives you the chance to find out what you would look like in their legendary stage costumes and to sing at the Polar Studio.
The museum boasts ABBA paraphernalia and stage costumes, wall upon wall of personal stories and recreated scenes from places where they wrote and recorded. There are opportunities to “record” in a mock-up Polar Studio or to dance with a digital version of yourself in kitsch 1970s outfits. A usual visit takes up to 90 minutes.
As evidenced by the autumnal photos taken for their Greatest Hits album, members of the group spent a lot of time around the island of Djurgården – Stockholm’s greenest island (and home to the ABBA museum).
2. Djurgården island
But Djurgården offers much more than album covers because you can also find some of Stockholm’s most impressive historical museums here while being located in walking distance to Stockholm’s city centre. During the 16th century, Djurgården was also King Erik XIV’s private weekend hideaway for recreation and hunting.
Among the museums is Skansen, said to be the oldest open-air museum in the world, that shows the Swedish way of life. It was founded in 1891 by the linguist, teacher and public educator Artur Hazelius and offers a chance to experience everything from music, dance and traditions to old historical environments and Nordic animals.
Nearby is the equally wonderful Vasa Museum, Stockholm’s maritime museum, which is dedicated to a 17th century, 64-gun warship that capsized and sank in Stockholm’s harbour in 1628 and was salvaged almost in its entirety.
3. Avicii Arena
Another place well worth seeing is the Avicii Arena and what is called the Avicii Experience, located in the city centre and (approximately) a 30-minute walk from ABBA The Museum. The tram only takes about 10 minutes between the two museums. The arena itself is a wonderful, spheric space that hosts many large-scale events and is where you can also venture to the top for some great views of this fine city.
The Avicii Experience is an immersive tribute exhibition (located at Space Stockholm), honouring a Swedish (and global) icon of modern pop culture. The interactive exhibition gives audiences a closer look at the life of the artist Avicii (aka Tim Bergling). It is, in some ways, a tragic story of the young Swede who rose to fame and fortune but, on 20 April 2018, took his own life.
4. Gamla Stan
Elsewhere, the old town of Gamla Stan is a tiny, tiny island in the centre of the city and is the main area of Stockholm. It includes the main square and the Royal Palace and is obviously touristy but is where you can get lost in its little winding streets for hours.
The beautiful Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish King, where you can see the Changing of the Guards during the day, has well-preserved interiors that are largely accessible to the public for tours, plus the Swedish parliament.
The National Museum, Sweden’s premier museum of art and design, is also well worth a visit together with the iconic Fotografiska, housed in a former customs house and described by some as the best photographic museum in Europe no less. It’s open late daily (useful in winter) so you can enjoy a drink while exploring its world-class exhibitions.
The Swedish History Museum covers Swedish archaeology and cultural history. Meanwhile, the Royal Opera House, located in a fantastic setting and a magnificent building, should also be on your bucket list of things to do.
5. Beyond the city centre
Aside from the many cultural places of interest, while here you really should try a spot of island hopping in the archipelago.
In the wintertime, you can use the Stockholm Public Transport (SPL) card to go island hopping in between some of the 30,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago (just make sure you have a valid travel card). The name for all of the little islands around Stockholm is Skärgård and a boat tour, even in winter, is highly recommended and makes for an especially great way to see all the islands and outside the centre.
Stockholm is, in one way at least, a bit like Brussels in that you possibly only see it as its best by venturing to some of its districts. These include Södermalm – also called Söder – which has developed into one of the city’s hottest neighbourhoods. The atmosphere here is relaxed, creative and trendy, boasting a myriad of vintage, fashion and design shops plus an abundance of places to eat and drink. Many of the places are located in style-conscious SoFo (South of Folkungagatan), Hornstull and Mariatorget. Söder also has many parks and breathtaking panoramic views of Stockholm and was also voted one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Europe by Vogue a few years ago.
Another pleasant area is Kungsholmen, the westernmost district of inner-city Stockholm and the location of one of its most important and iconic buildings: The City Hall. If you have time to venture out of the city, then try a visit to Drottningholm Palace, a world UNESCO heritage site and a massive, gorgeous palace inspired by Versailles.
Those who enjoy the outdoors might want to also venture to the Hellasgården recreation area, 20 minutes from downtown Stockholm where you can walk or bike along the paths or, during winter, enjoy a spot of ice skating and cross-country skiing (weather permitting, that is).
6. Fika breaks and retail therapy
When you’ve worked up an appetite after that little lot, there’re over 1,000 restaurants to choose from here, some Michelin rated. Worth noting too that many of Stockholm’s museums have lovely cafes and restaurants.
Swede’s love their Fika break, which is, in essence, a coffee break during the day but a local favourite pastime and one not to be missed. If you go during winter, you must try Semla, a Swedish signature pastry traditionally available during this time period. It is delicious.
The Kista Galleria is also a good place to head for those after a spot of retail therapy. It is a large shopping mall, with about 185 stores, plus a multiplex, bowling, karting and restos.
7. Practical information
Aside from a multitude of fascinating things to see and do here, one of the best memories you are likely to take away from any visit is the sheer friendliness of the locals – plus their willingness to communicate in English. Swedes start studying English in school before age 10 and never miss a chance to practice their learning. It’s often said that Swedes love speaking English so much that people who move here find it hard to learn Swedish.
Getting around this fab city is easy and taking the bus is a classic and enjoyable way of seeing many of its classic sights and other attractions along the way. Stockholm’s tunnelbana, as the metro is called in Swedish, is, though, by far the fastest way of getting around the city. The possibilities for sightseeing are endless as the system covers not only the inner city but also the outskirts.
The subway system is said to be the world’s longest art exhibit. Over the last few years, the interest has grown so big that Stockholm Public Transport now offers free guided art tours in English all year round. All you need is a valid subway ticket.
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) is the main international airport and is located 42 kilometres north of Stockholm. All major airlines and long-distance airplanes serve the airport
8. “Tack”
So there you have it, a great place to consider for a refreshing and inspiring break, whether the ice is frozen or not. Known affectionately as the ‘Capital of Scandinavia’ and the cultural hub of Sweden, Stockholm is a city that beautifully marries history with modernity.
If you venture there this period, winter (December to February) is cold and dark but really does offer a charming atmosphere. In winter, the city experiences less tourism compared to the summer but those who venture here at this time of year are attracted by the authenticity of the Swedish winter (you might even witness the Northern Lights).
But, of course, the capital of Scandinavia, is a terrific year-round destination. One thing you’re likely to want to say after any such visit is: “tack” (thank you).
