STOCKHOLM
Inside Sweden’s archipelago, a heavyweight destination for art and design.
Restaurant: Fjäderholmarnas Krog
The tiny island of Fjäderholmarna is exceptionally beautiful, and you can hop on the ferry from mainland Stockholm at any time. It’s largest restaurant Fjäderholmarnas Krog boasts a high-quality Swedish dining experience in a traditional red wood house on the edge of the water. Sit back, take in the view, and sample the contemporary seafood dishes everyone raves about.
Gallery: Fotografiska
Fotografiska is one of the largest spaces in the world dedicated to contemporary photography. The galleries, featuring retrospectives and photojournalistic exhibitions, stay open until midnight. Take a pit stop at the classy top floor café for fresh vegetarian snacks.
Bar: Mälarpaviljongen
Rather like a summer lakehouse with an alcohol license, drinking at Mälarpaviljongen will give you the impression of floating on the water. Picture yourself drinking a crisp glass of wine in the riverside urban garden, while listening to the Sunday evening jazz sessions. Tempted?
Live Venue: Fasching
Jazz/soul club Fasching is a Stockholm institution, hosting local artists and bigger international names (such as Gregory Porter, seen above) since the late 70s, in its cave-like underground bar. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of cool and friendly.
Hotel: Hotel Lydmar
Stereotypes about Scandinavia’s impeccable hospitality and interior design might have started at Hotel Lydmar. This is one of Stockholm’s first boutique hotels, located in the Swedish National Museum’s old archive building, and with beautiful views on the Gamla Stan.
Public Space: Skogskygarden
For a little escape from the city, take a walk in the Unesco World Heritage site Skogskyrkogarden, located south of central Stockholm. While this is technically a cemetery, the park’s large expanses of woodland allow for peaceful strolls and a great opportunity to admire an example of modernist architecture.
Café: Kaffeverket
A visit to Stockholm would be incomplete without experiencing the Swedish ‘fika’ culture of coffee and cake in the afternoon, and Kaffeverket is one of the best. It’s located off the main tourist trail but expect a (fast moving) line of locals at the till. The coffee beans are locally roasted and the pastries are second to none.
Exercise: Eirksdalbadet
If the summer sun lingers, head for the central borough Katarina-Sofia for a refreshing dip at the Eriksdalbadet, Sweden’s stylish National Swimming Hall built for the Olympics in 1962. The facilities, complete with learning pools and jacuzzis, was modernised by architect Björn Thynberger in 1999.
Festival: Department
The Electronica festival Department proudly brands itself as the world’s ‘first climate positive festival’, and promises to compensate for its own carbon footprint. Taking place every June in Stockholm’s meatpacking district, here’s your chance to party hard with zero environmental guilt. Berlin-based South Korean DJ Peggy Gou is due to make a second appearance.
