I could not have missed Stockholm during my year of study in Sweden. Also called « Jewel of the Baltic » I went to the Venise of the north, happy to be part of a new city escape.
It was also my first trip to Sweden out of Umea, and I was very pleased to come with a bunch of friends. Stockholm is well known for its great museums, for its pretty architectures and pretty riverside walks.
DAY 1 | VASA MUSEUM – GAMLA STAN – SKINNARVIKSBERGET
First day in Stockholm! The weather was pretty good and since it was Friday, we decided to go to one of Stockholm’s famous attractions: the Vasa Museum. But before that, we stopped by a little Bakery called Fabrique for breakfast. We had a great kanelbullen over there, it’s a Swedish famous pastry, what you would call cinnamon rolls. We loved it.
After that, we went to the museum directly. We had heard so many positive reviews about it, that made us really curious to discover. To give a bit of context the Vasa is the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world and a unique art treasure. More than 95 percent of the ship is original, and it is decorated with hundreds of carved sculptures..
And sincerely, the museum is really worth it. It is just amazing how they manage to put together this huge puzzle from the water and to give this boat a second life. I was not aware that even after 333 years in the sea, it was possible to do that.
After this cultural morning, we went to the old city to have a walk. The old city is really cute. You have little streets, full of gift shops and cafés. We had lunch there, which was pretty decent for the price. So do not hesitate to stop by if you are around, it’s called Under Kastanjen.
After that, we were pretty keen on a walk. So we made our way to Skinnervarberget by the riverside, which is a little hill with a very nice view of Stockholm. I let you admire it.
Then, we just went to a pub and had dinner at our hostel. It was a very nice way to end this day.
DAY 2 | GAMLA STAN – DJURGARDEN
We were up for a long day of walking. We felt really lucky with the sun on our sides. We started the day by heading once again to the old city to have a quick breakfast. After a little walk, we headed to the royal palace to see the changing of the guard.
Since I am small, I practically did not see anything… do not hesitate to go in advance to have a better spot than me.
Then, my friends started to be hungry, so we went to Max which is a Swedish fastfood chain (not my idea but I had to follow the movement).
After, we decided to do the walk around Djugarden which is well known for its nature. It was really nice.
Then, it was time for Fika! You might not know that, but Fika is an institution in Sweden. It’s a snack time that you take during the afternoon to eat a coffee and a pastry. So we stopped at an Espresso House (a Swedish Starbuck) to enjoy a giant cup of coffee.
We cooked dinner at our hostel, and we decided to go party. We went to Slakthuset, located outside the city. It’s a pretty good night club, good music, plus it’s free before 11 pm.
DAY 3 | ARCHIPELAGO OF STOCKHOLM
Since we went out the night before, we were a bit tired and we slept late in the morning.
We went to have a brunch early at Brod & Salt, which is a Swedish bakery chain. It’s not cheap but it’s pretty tasty.
Then we went to do a cruise in the Archipelago of Stockholm with Stromma (cruise company in Stockholm). It was really nice and we enjoyed it.
Even if it was chilly outside, we spent the all cruise outdoors to admire the different beautiful spots.
I have to admit that when we came back, it was a bit cold so we were in for a coffee (again?).
After that, we just headed back to the hostel to have dinner since we were very tired.
DAY 4 | ABBA MUSEUM
We had to wake up early that morning since we were leaving at the beginning of the afternoon.
We decided to go to Abba Museum. We did not know what to expect but we assumed it would be fun to see. Indeed, if you are a fan of Abba, it’s definitively the place to go.
They explained very well how the group was formed, the peak points of their career, etc. You will also get the chance to record yourself singing one song and even dance. Overall, good museum.
Then it was time to leave, so we took a taxi back to the airport.
Thank you so much, Stockholm for this amazing time. It was really great to hang around, with such beautiful weather. I will be back, count on me.
OFF THE ROAD 