Surviving Stockholm In Winter
Stockholm is known to many as a beautiful Scandinavian city situated between Norway and Finland. Many picture the archipelago surrounded by water and the stunning blue-eyed, blonde haired locals wearing knitted wool sweaters. The winter and summer months in Stockholm are polar opposites. The warm summer and spring months in Stockholm offer many activities for tourists to take part in. Though the summer is beautiful, visiting in the winter is just as exciting and worth while. There are restaurants, museums, a Christmas market and stunning views that families and young adults alike love. For those who don't know, the winters in Stockholm are brutal - the snow completely covers the cars making them look like mounds of powder scattered around the city streets. The days are short and the nights are long so if you plan to visit in the winter get an early start to your day or you'll find yourself in the dark, cold city at just 3:00pm. So why go to Stockholm in the winter months when it is both cold and dark? Last January, I visited Stockholm and from my experience, I will explain what to do and what to see on any cold day in Sweden's most beautiful city.
Image Credit: Ava Andrea
On any given day you'll want to bundle up in as many layers as possible and then some more. In terms of things to do - this can be a bit more tricky. You might have to accept that some of the things you do aren't what you would normally have at the top of your itinerary for a weekend away. In terms of activities you can do, Stockholm has various museums that are worth visiting. The famous ABBA Museum is very popular for all ages. It is located on tram line 7 - hop off the tram when you get to Lilievalijchs and follow the sound of the ABBA classics all the way to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the bus or ferry right to the museum. The ticket to enter is about 190 Kr or 19 Euros. Take note that they are cash-less and only accept credit cards. Even if you have no clue who ABBA is, this 1-2 hour experience is still worth making time for. The museum claims that its visitors always "walk in, and dance out" - and you should believe them. Once inside you can see the guitars and see the outfits worn by the members as well as their original gold records and other memorabilia. I experienced being the 5th ABBA member and sang in the Polar Studio along with 3D avatars of the band members. You can even record and sing music too while trying not to embarrass yourself.
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Even if you're not a huge fan of skiing or being in the cold, watching cute Swedes ski around in skintight suits might just change your mind.
Once you're thoroughly embarrassed with pictures and videos to prove you belted out ABBA, you might want to head towards the city center. If you want to brave the cold weather, Stockholm is famous for its huge cross-country ski race that begins in downtown Stockholm. Referred to as "The Stockholm Cross Country World Cup," this race gives you the chance to see the skiers begin their race across the country. The races are throughout the winter so you'll surely catch one if you're there between January and February. Check their website to stay up-to-date with all the events. The city goes all-out for the starts of the races. Many locals will enjoy coffee and one of their famous cinnamon rolls, otherwise known as kanelbullar in Swedish. Trust me, you want to eat one of these cinnamon rolls (or five). Even if you're not a huge fan of skiing and standing in the cold, watching cute Swedes ski around in skin-tight suits might just change your mind.
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After spending the morning singing with ABBA and gawking at beautiful Swedish skiers, I recommend having a late lunch or early dinner. If you're looking for traditional Swedish food in the heart of the city with a twist, go to Vau de Ville. This small restaurant is located near the water in Norrmalmstorg square and offers a French-Swedish menu. Vau de Ville has two levels with the bar on the first floor and the restaurant on the second. The bar is known to be the smallest cocktail bar in town that offers fresh ingredients and premium products. The restaurant walls are all glass giving the illusion that you're outside, but instead you are eating Swedish meatballs and sipping on a cocktail in this chic atmosphere. I would recommend this restaurant to adults and families alike. The staff is very friendly and speak many languages. I ate at Vau de Ville last month and our waiter spoke seven languages and catered to the English, French and Swedish speakers at our table. That, for me is a huge reason why I love traveling to Stockholm. Swedish people are very welcoming and want you to love their country as well as their people.
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Taverna is a more expensive bar, but once you have a strong cocktail in hand and your eye on a Swede, it will be worth every penny.
By now, it has already been dark for a few hours and it is getting cold by the minute. Not just like "oh let me toss on a jacket cold," but more like "ok, I'm wearing two pairs of pants, four sweaters, and a massive coat and I'm still freezing." There is no better place to have a drink and warm you up than Taverna - a small bar situated on a side-street and walking distance from Vau de Ville. The bar offers unexpected, funky cocktails and an unforgettable atmosphere. You can either grab a table (if you can find one) or just stand at the bar. Taverna is a very popular place for young adults so keep an eye our for some blonde haired beauties. Taverna is a more expensive bar, but once you have a strong cocktail in hand and your eye on a Swede it will be worth every penny.
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As you stagger out of Taverna onto the snow covered streets in the early hours of the morning, your day in the cold will be coming to an end. Making the most out of your time in Stockholm will ensure you experience it like a true Swede. One final sight to see before you leave frozen Stockholm is its metro. I know it sounds weird, but you will not regret it. Each metro stop was painted and decorated by famous Swedish artists. If you want to see my favorite, take the red line on your way home from Taverna. You'll see an endless rainbow of colors covering the exposed rock ceilings. If you're not too tipsy take a few pictures. After singing at the top of your lungs, hitting on skiers, eating delicious food and downing drinks, you'll definitely see how amazing Stockholm is during its cold winter months. All that's left to do is make it home and take off all of those layers.
Image Credit: Ava Andrea
