Vikings, Abba & Fika: Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden
When you think of a happy place, your mind probably thinks of Scandinavia, Sweden, to be more exact. Today, we are covering Stockholm, one of the most beautiful Nordic cities in the whole of Europe and the World. Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden, a land of mindblowing mythology, and the homeland of Vikings.
Today, Stockholm is a metropolis that can go neck and neck with some of the World’s most famous cities like New York, Rome, Paris or LA. With Sweden being one of the best countries to live in, Stockholm undoubtedly takes the crown as the best city in Sweden.
Considering all of this information, there is no reason to avoid visiting Stockholm when on your European trip. That’s why we have devised a list of the best things to do while visiting Stockholm!
Admire Drottningholm Palace
The Drottningholm Palace is Sweden’s most famous royal place and home to the royal family of Sweden. For those of you who didn’t know, Sweden is still a monarchy and has been in continuity since the 10th century. That means Sweden still has Kings, Queens, Prince and Princesses.
Speaking of the palace, it was built in the 17th century, and it is the best-preserved palace in Sweden. Since the 1980s, the royal family has called it its permanent residence.
Behold The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is the official residence of His Royal Majesty the King of Sweden. It is an enormous building that contains over 600 rooms and five museums. It was built in the late 1700s, and it still stands strong today. The Royal Place is one of those attractions which you shouldn’t miss while staying in Stockholm.
Visit the breathtaking Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum has to be one of the most interesting museums in the World. The word museum may not mean what you expect in this case. The Vasa was a ship that sunk around 400 years ago in the proximity of Stockholm. Due to the cold waters of the Baltic Sea and the lack of oxygen in the seabed where the wreck was located, the decomposition didn’t happen, and the ship stayed almost fully intact. In an operation of the Swedish government in 1961, the ship was salvaged and floated back to the surface. It was transferred to a building specifically built for it, and there, a team of experts worked tirelessly to bring it back to its original glory, fixing every hole and polishing every plank on the ship.
Stroll down Monteliusvägen
Monteliusvägen is a quarter-mile-long walking path near Lake Mälaren in Stockholm. It is a beautiful place where you can see some of the finest pieces of Swedish houses and buildings.
Have a peek at the Fotografiska Museum and Restaurant
This fine piece of architecture is a museum of contemporary photography that hosts numerous exhibitions every year. But apart from that, it is also a world-recognized restaurant that gives you a 360-degree view of Stockholm. This is a perfect place for photography lovers both because of the view and the museum!
Sing along with stars in the ABBA MuseUm
ABBA has to be one of the most famous music groups that has ever existed. This Swedish group became a world phenomenon after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their megahit “Waterloo.” But they were far from a one-hit wonder, with their music reaching every part of the globe. The hits like “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, “Voulez Vous,” “Mamma Mia,” and many others are still sung to this day. The ABBA Museum in Stockholm represents a walk through the history of the band and its ups and downs. It has a few interactive parts where you can sing your heart out to your favorite ABBA hits.
Pay attention at Moderna Museet
If you are an art geek, then this is a perfect place for you. This gallery contains artwork of the World’s most famous artists, such as Picasso, Dali, and many others.
Sail among thousands of islands
Sweden, like the rest of Scandinavia, is known for the crazy number of islands. It is believed that Sweden has over 30 thousand islands in its territory. Rent a boat and a skipper and enjoy a beautiful sail through cold northern seas while a cold breeze gently passes through your hair.
Enjoy a Fika with your loved ones
The Swedes describe Fika as a state of mind, an essential part of their culture. For people outside of Sweden, Fika probably means something in terms of coffee or tea break, but for Swedish people, it is an essential part of their day. A place where everything stops for a short time, a time for a warm cup of coffee and a nice talk.
Enjoy a relaxing bath at Hellasgården
Hellasgården is an open sauna in the vicinity of Stockholm. It is located near a lake, and the genders are completely separated, so don’t expect to chill with your partner in the sauna. Also, the rules are that you must be nude in a sauna, and don’t be surprised if you see locals swimming in an icy lake after the sauna.
Try the local food at Hornstulls Marknad
For almost half a year, during the late spring to early autumn, the most famous place for local gatherings is Hornstulls Marknad. It is filled with food carts where you can enjoy local and international food.
Experience Stockholm’s Old Town
While it may not be like some other old towns like in Greece or Italy, Stockholm’s Old Town does have a soul; you can visit a variety of different themed pubs and listen to live music performed by locals in town.