For the ultimate winter’s getaway, look no further than Stockholm. The capital of Sweden is the perfect winter’s hub for those looking for a unique winter holiday. You only need a weekend to really experience the place. After spending 4 days in Stockholm, here are 5 things to do for a perfect winter weekend in Stockholm.
1. Explore the Streets of Stockholm on Foot
The first thing you should do on your perfect winter weekend to Stockholm, is explore the area on foot. This is a great way to get your bearings of the city and gives you the chance to see so many different areas of the city.
I recommend walking towards Gamla Stan. This bustling island is located in Stockholm’s Old Town and is filled with cobbled streets, antique shops and a bunch of cafés.
During the winter, it’s extra magical. The streets are covered with Christmas decorations, the snow crunches beneath you and you’ll even smell the roasted chestnuts and potpourri surrounding you as you walk through the Christmas markets. The area is the ultimate definition of a Winter’s Wonderland.
Head towards the Main Square to explore The Royal Palace and watch the change of guards. Or check out the Nobel Prize Museum. Whatever you do, don’t forget to stop off for some mulled wine to really add to your Christmas spirit.
Must Try: Fika! A Swedish custom for a coffee break and treat. Gamla Stan is your perfect spot to stop over for fika. Don’t forget to try the cinnamon buns or princess cake as your sweet treat.
2. Visit Museums – Especially the Vasa Museum
There are plenty of museums to choose from, from the ABBA museum, to the Nobel Prize museum. But if I could recommend just one it would be the Vasa Museum.
I know what you might be thinking – seriously – Vasa Museum? Yes I know it’s on practically every blog post you read, but it’s there for a reason!
Located in Djurgarden this is the most visited museum in the Scandinavia and allows you the opportunity to explore the world’s only preserved 17th century ship. The ship sank in 1628 but has been so well preserved because of how salty the Baltic Sea water, that it is a must see.
I was so surprised at how HUGE the ship was. I ended up spending several hours just wandering the around, when I was only expecting to spend an hour or so.
Trust me – you don’t want to miss it.
Price: 190 SEK (around £14.00) for an adult ticket from October to April.
3. Take a Boat Trip
Stockholm is made up of thousands of islands. The Stockholm Archipelago is the largest archipelago in Sweden that consists of around 30,000 islands, rocks and skerries.
We opted for a boat trip which enabled us to not only eat lunch but also explore the balconies to view snowy Stockholm, adding to our perfect winter weekend.
Having done this in the winter, the trip was even more magical. The snow-covered city offered amazing views from the boat and added to the Christmas feel.
I have to say, that my favourite part was watching our boat tear its way through the ice below us. It was scary at first but also just added to the magical winter vibe.
Price: 595 SEK (around £44.00)
Tip: Sit near the speakers! Otherwise, you probably won’t be able to hear the tour very well.
4. Visit a Spa
A trip to Stockholm would not be complete without a visit to the spa – especially the Stockholm saunas! This is a must to add to your perfect winter weekend in Stockholm.
There are plenty to choose from, but if you are looking for the ultimate sauna experience, head to Hellasgården. Here you’ll find a lakeside sauna which is perfect to relax in.
For those feeling brave and daring, head outside to plunge yourself in the freezing water of Lake Kalltorp.
The place also has amazing trails and views around the lake. Why not head for a hike and end the day relaxing in the sauna?
Price: 110 SEK (around £8.00)
Tip: The saunas are separated for men and woman, however the plunge is mixed. Whilst the website states that you are to wear your swimming costume when you plunge into the lake, we saw many people do this nude!
5. Other Things to Do For A Perfect Winter Weekend in Stockholm
There are plenty of things to see and do for your perfect winter weekend in Stockholm Sweden. Here are some other options to add to your getaway:
- Take a Viking Walking Tour: This 2 hour walking tour is a great way to learn more about the Viking age. Be sure to double up on your thermals to keep extra warm!
- Visit Lucy’s Flower Shop: this bar was voted as one of the top 50 best bars in 2022, ranked at no.49. The ambiance of the bar is fab and we ended up having a great time. Be sure to book in advance to secure a spot here.
- Watch an Opera show at the Royal Swedish Opera House: The Opera house is in the heart of Stockholm and is an impressive building with amazing architecture. If you do not understand Italian or Swedish, it’s best to opt for an English sub-titled show!
- Visit Stockholm’s City Hall: and be sure to climb the tower to the top for some amazing views of the city.
- Check out Ostermalms Food Hall: a break to a city is not complete without seeing what local food it has to offer, right?!
- Watch the sunset from Monteliusvagen: This is THE place for the best views in Stockholm. It is a little walk from Old Town but the views are well worth it. When we visited, it was covered in snow and ice, which made the view even more magical.
Best Places to Eat and Drink for your Winter Weekend in Stockholm
- Meatballs for the People: A great place to try Swedish meatballs along with some vegan options.
- Den Gyldene Freden: This is known to be the oldest restaurant in Stockholm that offers traditional Swedish food. It is a must on your visit to Stockholm for an incredible feast and experience.
- Aifur: This Viking-themed restaurant provides the ultimate ambiance to warm you up on a cold winter’s night in Sweden.
- Roda Huset: Located in Malmskillnadsgatan and ranked no.45 out of the World’s Best Bars, this bar offers creative cocktails for you to try.
- Pharmarium: This amazing bar was once Sweden’s first pharmacy and offers some of the best cocktails I tasted in Stockholm.
Where to Stay for your Winter Weekend in Stockholm
- Low Budget: We ended up staying in a private room at the Generator. It’s a little out of the city, but if you don’t mind walking, this is a great option.
- Medium Budget: Hotel at Six and Haymarket by Scandic a great option due to their central location.
- Luxury Budget: Grand Hotel and Ett Hem look absolutely stunning and are on my bucketlist to one day stay in!
What to Know Before Visiting Stockholm for a Winter Weekend
Currency: Swedish Krona (also known as SEK).
Tipping: Tipping is not required but is appreciated. We ended up adding 10% to our food bills for a tip.
Cash: Sweden is a cash-free country. Don’t waste your time taking money out like I did, as you will not get the chance to use up the notes!
Language: We found the majority of people spoke English very well in Stockholm but it is always nice to learn some of the language before visiting. “Hej” means hello and “Tack” means thank you.
Best time to visit in Winter: I would say November to February is the best time, as you get to visit some of the Christmas markets. We visited in January and found all the Christmas decorations were up which was great!
Transport: The public transport in Stockholm is great. Subways are a great way of getting around the City. Buses are easy too and I ended up using my debit card to tap in and out.
How Long to Visit: We ended up visiting for 4 nights and saw everything we wanted to see. Having said that, I think a a long weekend is the perfect amount of time to visit Stockholm in winter.
Clothing: If you are visiting Stockholm during the winter, it is vital you dress warmly. Hats, scarves and gloves are a must, along with thermals. At the time we visited, there was heavy snow and so a good pair of wellies is a must. I ended up wearing boots from Timberland and they were perfect for helping me not slip on the ice!
There you have it – the perfect winter weekend in Stockholm! If you have visited already, let me know what your favourite places were in the comments below.
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