A Magical Place Between Metropolis and Nature: Stockholm

A trip to Stockholm is high on everyone’s wish list these days! Of course, it’s the most wonderful time of the year – a time when you can wish for anything, and just maybe your wish will come true! Keep in mind the old adage that “the best gifts come in small packages”. Packages like a plane ticket to trendy Stockholm, with an invitation to visit three of Stockholm’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or a culinary adventure through delectable Swedish Christmas traditions – or why not a shopping weekend?

Can you imagine a magical place where the line between a modern metropolis and pristine nature is blurred? Untamed forests just steps away from modern architecture, adjacent to saffron-colored historic houses, cobblestone streets and scenic waterways. Add to this mix a rich cultural heritage, stunning design, and exquisite Nordic cuisine, and you might start to understand why travelers the world over are flocking to Sweden’s regal capital. You’re no doubt familiar with ABBA, IKEA and Ingmar Bergman, but did you know that along with Silicon Valley, Stockholm is the world leader in unicorns -startups that have grown to multi-billion dollar companies? Or that the Swedish music industry is booming internationally? Or that Swedes are among the happiest people in the world, according to the United Nations’ “World Happiness Report”? The city of Stockholm sprawls across 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, which link together Stockholm’s buildings, waterways, and green spaces to form an organic whole. Local transport is well-developed; ferries, buses and trains provide access to every possible corner of the city, making it easy to discover the city’s diverse neighborhoods on foot or by bike. The Stockholm Visitor Center often receives questions about the weather and about when it’s best to visit. If you ask a Stockholmer, he or she will probably describe a perfectly white, crisp winter’s day in December – the best time of the year for making magical memories. Stockholm is especially beautiful when the streets, buildings, and parks are blanketed in snow, and the whole city becomes a “winter wonderland”.

Gamla Stan (The Old Town)

It is one of the largest and best preserved Medieval city centers. It’s almost like a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly museum, filled with attractions, restaurants, and cafes. Charming houses line the narrow, cobblestone streets and give Gamla Stan its unique character. Visit Sweden’s national cathedral Storkyrkan or the well-known Nobel Museum, or wander the vast Royal Palace, which has over 600 rooms and halls. For many people, the Christmas Market at Stortorget Square is an unmissable holiday tradition. Every winter since 1915, visitors and Stockholmers alike have meandered among the cheerful red stalls, where vendors sell glögg (mulled wine), Christmas cookies, crafts and much more. The Christmas Market is open from December 2-23 every year.

Norrmalm

What could be more atmospheric than going ice-skating in Kungsträdgården, smack in the middle of Stockholm, on a clear winter evening? The district of Norrmalm (also known as “Stockholm City”) enclosing Kungsträdgården, is Stockholm’s commercial hub and boasts a large variety of shops, galleries and eateries. Just across the street you’ll find the NK department store, a national institution when it comes to fashion and design. Designgalleriet exhibits the work of young, independent designers as well as established design firms. Don’t miss their stylish Christmas Market, which is held from December 1-22. Swing by Designtorget to find the perfect Swedish design souvenir.

Östermalm

This dynamic district is rich in contrasts. On the one hand it is an upscale residential area; on the other hand, most of city’s nightclubs line the periphery of Stureplan Square. Bibliotekstan is Stockholm’s most luxurious shopping district. Its many boutiques carry exclusive Scandinavian and international brands. A visit in the Östermalmshallen market hall is an experience for all the senses. It tempts visitors with a veritable cornucopia of food – colorful fruit stands, sumptuous meat counters, and abundant seafood. Take a walk along impressive Strandvägen Boulevard, and gaze up at the beautiful buildings or out at the sparkling waterways. If you’re lucky enough to be in the city between December 9-10, don’t miss the popular Christmas Market organized by the students of the Beckmans College of Design (beckmans.se) – a great place to find a designer bargain!

Djurgården

The green island of Djurgården is beloved by Stockholders and tourists alike. Djurgården is a calm oasis and has been designated as Royal land since the 1400s. Djurgården also boasts several of the city’s top museums and attractions, as well as a plethora of lovely cafes and restaurants. At Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, you can visit a historical, miniature Sweden and learn about traditional crafts and traditions. Skansen’s classic Saint Lucia celebration is a moving tradition that’s not to be missed. The celebration from November 25 to January 7, occurs with a great fanfare! Stockholmers are very proud of the Vasa, which is the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship and a unique cultural treasure trove. The Vasa Museum welcomes over a million visitors each year, making it one of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions.

Södermalm

Not so long ago, the district of Södermalm was considered to be a working class area. Now it is more frequently described as a hub for creative culture. Here you’ll find hipster bars, vintage shops, and a well-preserved historic quarter. Södermalm has a prominent role in Stieg Larsson’s (1954–2004) “Millennium” novel series, which has undeniably placed the district on the international map. One of Södermalm’s most popular neighborhoods is known by its nickname, SoFo. If you want to enjoy a genuine Swedish fika (coffee-break) then you’ve come to the rightplace. The neighborhood square, Nytorget, is crowded with cozy cafes. Many people have a soft spot for Pärlans Konfektyr, a candy store where the decor, music and even the employees’ outfits will make you feel as though you’ve traveled back in time to the 1930s! The shop produces delicious caramels and other tempting sweets throughout the year – all according to an old-fashioned recipe. A stone’s throw away, the Fikabaren Cafe is another favorite. It is modern with an industrial touch, but offers coffee, pastries, and other refreshments that run the gamut from the trendy to the traditional.

Three Sites From UNESCO World Heritage

Last but not least, don’t miss the chance to visit three of Sweden’s UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Viking town of Birka, the Royal Domain of Drottningholm, and the picturesque Skogskyrkogården cemetery. All three sites of Stockholm’s are ideal for a special outing. Meet Vikings after a cruise around sparkling Lake Mälaren. Take a hundred-yearold boat to Drottningholm and visit this winter’s Christmas Market, stroll through the Palace park, and daydream yourself back to a bygone era as you gaze at the original stage machinery of the Drottningholm Palace Theater. Finally, wander through the architect Gunnar Asplund’s chapel and into the world-famous forested landscape that lies hidden behind the walls of Skogskyrkogården cemetery, a place of singular beauty and visual poetry. Remember, it’s the time of year when wishes really do come true!

designtorget.se / designgalleriet.com