Stockholm, Sweden, might not be the immediate thought for a summer break. But between delicious food, beautiful historic architecture, and one of the biggest pride celebrations in Europe — it deserves its crown as a beacon of inclusion!
As a wonderful welcome, my getaway began by taking the Arlanda Express Train directly from the airport into the city. This offered a smooth introduction into Scandinavian culture while I enjoyed a new experience!
Where to stay in Stockholm
My arrival journey took me through vast sprawling Swedish landscapes, right into the heart of “The Open City” to stay at the Rival. This property is jazz music inspired, situated on Sodermalm island and just a stones throw from some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve ever seen.
Making new friends while travelling solo often requires a certain type of personality unless you travel with a group. With both VisitStockholm and StockholmLGBT ensured I was looked after in that regard, whisked away to a handful of hosted events.
Other notable Hotel options include:
- The Hotel Kung Carl, where a luxurious feel meets art deco and contemporary design, with unique city view suites. Ideal for a boutique city break.
- The Hotel Skeppsholmen, a converted barn and barracks located on the island of the same name. Only a 1 minute ferry to Stockholm’s famous theme park “Gröna Lund’, perfect for those who love a white knuckle thrill!
History as far as the eye can see
The “Scandinavian Chic” colour palette of the cityscape led me through alleyways and courtyards filled with vintage shops and traditional Cake and Coffee houses, perfect for a first try of fika – a traditional social custom of coffee and sweet treats with friends.
Chokladkoppen was the first business in Sweden to permanently fly the pride flag, and seeing that made me feel extra welcome as a trans traveler. Indulging in a cinnamon swirl, I understood how fika became so important.
Getting Around the City of Stockholm
Stockholm’s subway system is the fastest and most efficient way around the city. It is also considered the “world’s longest art exhibit,” as 14 of the stations act as their own attractions. Each is filled from floor to ceiling with art pieces: my favourite of which is the pride rainbow at Stadion Station.
Taxis and fast ferries are also available. Something of note that I’d not experienced before: at some point in the day, water will be crossed, as Stockholm is a collection of 14 islands in close proximity.
Pride in Sweden? Absolutely!
I was in Sweden for Stockholm’s LGBT pride celebration!
It is the biggest event in the city’s calendar, with an estimated 600,000 people attending every year. Truly it was a mesmerizing experience to witness, I could really feel a strong sense of community. I even found myself becoming a little emotional just seeing the outpour of love and unapologetic freedom.
The parade had 50,000 participants and we had to join in! Marching from outside the Hotel Kung Carl right into the Pride Park where music filled the air, and there were plenty of options for cheeky pride-themed shopping.
As the sun began to set the nightlife began to rise, with performances from world famous drag queens, and even the A-teens! My evening was filled with dancing, celebration and mocktails. Finally ending in a silent disco absolutely living for the 1990s pop bangers.
My Pride Advice: Stay local to the parade route and pride park so you’ll be near the action! The Hotel Kung Carl on pride weekend is perfect if you love a party!
Summer in Northern Europe means showers!
Prepare for the unexpected! (or the quite expected really) a day filled with showers was an ideal time for my new friends and I to explore. As a photographer, the cobbled and tall streets of Sodermalm felt entirely correct to capture in the rain, one of my favourite shots from this getaway of my new friend, Myles.
Centred steadfast against the persistent light northern rains, Myles stands in an empty cobbled street, illuminated by the haze of clouded afternoon sun, and surrounded by the muted tones of yesteryear architecture; evoking a sense of exploration but also temporary belonging.
The Royal Palaces made for an ideal escape from the weather. Here, we had a deeply insightful guided tour, learning about the complex yet groundbreaking queer history of Stockholm and Sweden at large.
Spoiler alert: some of the royals had scandalously homosexual tendencies.
Each room felt as though it was even more ornately designed and opulent than the last. Grandiose paintings depicting scenes from tales long forgotten covered the ceilings, and I could see clear inspiration from sister European Palaces.
One room in particular very much whispered to me an echo of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles.
ABBA: You are the Dancing Queen!
Next up is one of Sweden’s biggest exports, ABBA!
The ABBA Museum was by far the most popular attraction on my Stockholm Sashay, from the moment the doors open it is a vibrant and sensory delight, you hear the exhibition before you see it!
All of the instantly recognisable classic songs play as the exhibition takes you through the group’s early years, notable projects and costuming. There’s even an ABBA Voyage immersive experience where you can become part of the digital act. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and it really shows just the immense impact Abba had on pop culture! Book early because it is very popular.
Dining in Stockholm? Of course!
Good food in Stockholm is plentiful and very available! Some of my highlights include:
The Hills Restaurant
A cozy bistro blending a Swedish and French cuisine decorated with tongue-in cheek wall art. Serving daily fresh chef specialities including lots of vegetarian options. I’d recommend starting with the roasted hummus and local vegetables followed by the roast beetroot and Char fish.
Rosendals Trädgård
If local and home-grown is more your vibe, this sustainability focused biodynamic garden cafe is quite an experience! Lunch is served from fruits and vegetables harvested on-site and they bake their own artisanal bread. Situated within a rustic greenhouse (with outdoor terrace) it gives a sense of tranquility and nature connection within the capital. However, be patient as it’s walk-ins only. They don’t take reservations, but the homemade lemonade is delicious and worth the wait!
Hellstens Glasshus
Built onto a foundation rock 2 billion years old, this Bar and Restaurant (and hotel) is steeped in Stockholm’s industrious history, originally a metallurgy and foundry. Iit now serves as a hub for cocktails, wines and hearty foods. I’d recommend the Buffalo mozzarella and a virgin mojito.
It’s time to Archipela-GO!
The best way to recover from a day (and night) of celebration is a relaxing yacht trip through the rural sights of the Stockholm Archipelago, which is a collection of approximately 40,000 islands (this number gets bigger depending who you ask!)
The calming journey takes you through some of the most picturesque scenes Stockholm has to offer, and made for another excellent photography opportunity. With each boat that passed, our captain of The Vision Stockholm would greet and wave other seafarers.
Our destination was the isle of Finnhamn, a rural hotel retreat about 2 hours from central Stockholm.
Truly a Nordic forestry oasis, with typical red painted buildings dotted everywhere against the lush green of the landscape. Here is where City life meets adventure, taking to a Scandinavian style kayak I couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore a bay on the Baltic Sea. The air was warm but crisp and the water was clear and refreshing – a very peaceful way to unwind after a week of exploration in this vibrant captial city of Sweden.
