Stockholm, or ’The Venice of the North’ thanks to its beautiful architecture alongside the water, is Sweden’s largest city. Here is a list of the top 10 places you should visit if you happen to be there this summer.
1) Nystekt Strömmingvagnen
Because Stockholm consists of 14 islands and is located right around the Baltic Sea, fish is not an uncommon entrée in restaurants. Although this is not a restaurant but more of a fast food stand, it is one of the most highly recommended, one-of-a-kind lunch spots in the capital city.
For more than 20 years, this little stall – along with the Skåning (which is herring on rye bread topped with Spanish onion, fresh dill and mustard) – have been a Swede favourite.
You can find the Nystekt Strömmingvagnen in Södermalm Square. This is not a certified Halal restaurant.
2) Skansen Open-Air Museum
Skansen is a favourite among both Stockholmers and visitors passing through, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year. It is considered the perfect family outing, both fun and educational. Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum and zoo, founded in 1891. The zoo consists of animals native to Scandinavia. Artur Hazelius (1833–1901) created this to show the way of life in different parts of Sweden before the industrial era.
Skansen is beautifully located on Royal Djurgården and sports spectacular views over all of Stockholm.This is also a Sweden in miniature. 150 farms and dwellings from different parts of the country were disassembled and transported here. Swedish traditions such as Midsummer, Walpurgis Night and Lucia are celebrated at Skansen.
3) Under the bridges boat tour
Now it’s time to jump right into the beautiful Baltic waters. Experience the ‘Stockholm Bridges Cruise’ and acquaint yourself with the city’s intricate islands.
Admire 15 impressive bridges that connect Stockholm’s many islands and districts on this two hour tour. Check out the locks that connect Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea. The saffron- and terracotta-toned architecture along the way are a pretty sight, too. Boats depart on the hour from 10 a.m. in summer.
4) Moderna Museet – Museum of Modern Art and Architecture
Since the infamous 1993 burglary of $66 million worth of Picassos and Braques, using methods copied from a French heist film, the Moderna Museet, has been reworked to a Rafael Moneo design. The lantern-lit galleries house the permanent collection of Swedish and international modern art, including significant works by Picasso, Matisse, Dardel and Hjertén.
5) Millesgården
Millesgården is an art museum and sculpture garden, located on the island of Lidingö in Stockholm, Sweden. It is located on the grounds of the home of sculptor Carl Milles and his wife, artist Olga Milles, who are both buried there. Sculptures from antiquity and the Middle Ages to the last century stand guard above the Lilla Värtan strait, with the Baltic Sea in the background.
This unique and picturesque setting, one of Sweden’s foremost tourist attractions, welcomes thousands of visitors every year. It is open all the year round and the intention is for the museum, aided by exhibitions and activities of various kinds, to continue in the visionary spirit of Carl Milles himself.
6) ABBA The Museum
This is a place where you walk in and dance out! The music, the clothes, the lyrics, musicals, and films of the famous Swedish pop group, ABBA, have been gathered in Stockholm and are on display in a permanent exhibition. The ticket system is based on entry slots to avoid long lines and give every visitor the ultimate experience. In other words, your tickets will state a specific entry time. Book in advance on the website.
7) Fika Swedish Café and Bistro
Looking for some authentic Halal Swedish food? Fika Cafe is your answer. Although it does not have a Halal certification from MUIS, Fika Swedish Café and Bistro is owned and operated by Muslims and is 100% Halal. They do however have a Muslim owned certification from the Muslim chamber of congress. No alcohol is served or permitted.
So try out the famous Swedish Meatballs, or the Pickled Herring, all with a homemade twist at this cute little restaurant.
8) Junibacken
A top tourist attraction and a favourite amongst the little Swedes is the Junibacken, a mini indoor theme park devoted to Pippi Longstocking and other characters created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. Take a fairytale train ride (ask for narration in English) that crosses miniature fictional landscapes, flies over rooftops and passes through quaint Swedish houses. On the upper floor kids are welcome inside Pippi’s house, Villa Villekulla, where they can dress up like Pippi, slide down the roof and wreak general havoc. Stories by other writers feature, too, and activities include storytelling and visits from some of the storybook characters. For those who are unfamiliar with Swedish children’s books, there’s a very good shop that carries many of the better-known titles in translation.
9) Drottninggatan
Drottninggatan in Stockholm, Sweden is a major pedestrian street. It stretches north from the bridge Riksbron at Norrström, in the district of Norrmalm, to Observatorielunden in the district of Vasastaden. Drottninggatan is known as Sweden’s busiest shopping street but is also good for its street-side and courtyard cafés and restaurants in the summertime.
Popular Swedish shops to check out are Designtorget, NK, PUB and Åhléns.
Stores usually open around 10.00 a.m. and close at 18.00 with later opening hours on Thursday and Friday. Larger stores open on Sunday.
