The Swedish capital makes a great destination for a wintery weekend. Here’s where to stay and what to see …
With 14 islands and more than 50 bridges along the Baltic Sea, Stockholm’s cobblestone streets, diverse districts and colourful buildings are beautiful year round.
“The vibe and seasons” define its allure for Arket’s Head Chef Martin Berg. As a leading exponent of the New Nordic food movement, focusing on ethically sourced ingredients, he’s well placed to recommend insider places to visit. He moved to Stockholm when he was 17 and has been living in the city for more than 30 years. His apartment in the arty Södermalm district known for its restaurants, cafés and boutiques is where you’ll find the must-visit Ett Hem hotel. It’s exquisitely designed by Ilse Crawford and owner Jeanette Mix with an open plan living room, and great kitchen, library and conservatory. @etthemstockholm
Berg recommends Stockholm Stadshotell, also in Södermalm, a designer den with two acclaimed restaurants. Matsalan on the second floor is in the building’s former chapel which adds to the atmosphere and dining experience. @stockholmstadshotell
“Stockholm’s world class bakeries should be sampled on any trip, in particular the bread scene.”
“For breakfast, my go-to place is a local bakery called Svedjan. They make lovely organic bread and all the dairy products comes from their own farm in northern Sweden. An extra bonus is that my daughter works there on weekends, so it’s nice to stop by and say hi to her. In the bakery, I often order a sandwich as the craftsmanship and quality ingredients make it delicious.” @svedjanbagerisoder
Other spots he recommends for brunch include Bitza Hornstull and, of course, Arket Café. Berg oversaw the opening of Dublin’s Arket Café; a GLOSS team favourite where its popularity is due to his menu. “After coffee, I like to head downtown to the Asian market. I’m very much into seasoning local produce with spices and techniques from abroad. On Saturdays, I also stock up on vegetables at the local farmers’ market. @bitzahornstull
“Another favourite haunt is Djurgården and Rosendals trädgård, an organic garden in the middle of the city. It’s an amazing place to recharge and also has a lovely bakery – one of Stockholm’s true gems! The garden café offers salads, soups, sandwiches and pastries made in the bakery next door. The café uses organic and biodynamic ingredients, a lot of them even come from their own garden.”
In the evening, he recommends Tjoget (@tjoget) for drinks and Bacchanale for dinner (@bacchanale_sthlm). As for tipples, he says, “I have totally fallen in love with a brand called Pentire that makes excellent non-alcoholic distilled coastal botanics. Their Coastal Spritz is amazing. Perfect for those doing Dry January!”
3 Hotel Recommendations
Stockholm’s Östermalm district has many posh boutiques (shop on Biblioteksstan) and cultural sites such as the National Library, one of the world’s largest, and the Östermalmshallen Market Hall which is a classic destination for foodies. Villa Dagmar is immersed in this area, so expect a buzz. Must-visit restaurants in the area include Schmaltz, Doma, Riche and Misshumasshu, and shops like Svensk Tenn, Nordiska Galleriet and All Blues – all a short walk away. @villadagmarsthlm
The island setting makes this hotel extra special – as does its modern, minimalist design. For art buffs, it’s beside the Moderna (Modern Art Museum), the architecture and design centre ArkDes and just a ten-minute walk away from the National Museum. @hotelskeppsholmen
The definition of a hideaway hotel with Tegnérlunden park just outside the front door. (Cherry blossom season is a particularly good time to plan a visit). Elegant rooms and its art collection are two of its attractions for visitors. For bibliophiles, it’s also close to Dalagatan 46 where Swedish author Astrid Lindgren wrote some of her most iconic works, including Pippi Longstocking. @hotelvilladahlia
SEE MORE: Solo Trips On Our List This Year
