Stockholm is one of Europe’s most popular city breaks because there is so much to see and do. A city on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, Stockholm sits where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. Its attractions draw millions of tourists every year, including the Royal Palace, ABBA Museum and Gamla Stan, the world’s oldest open-air museum. Stockholm still has a lot of secrets to discover outside of its best-known sights. We have compiled a list of 10 of the best things to do alternatively in Stockholm. For more information, visit thoresta.se.
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L*Langholmen is a Great Place to Relax
The tiny island of L*Langholmen is the perfect place for Stockholmers to feel like they’re on vacation while still being in the city. Hornstull subway station is just 10 minutes away from this spot. Formerly a prison island in the 18th and 19th centuries, the island is now a peaceful and car-free place where you can relax and admire the views overlooking Riddarfjärden and Gamla Stan. Kayak rentals, stage entertainment, a café, or a swim in the lake are all options available. In the summer, this is a popular beach with Stockholmers. If the beach is crowded, take the eastern path and swim from the rocks instead.
Spritmuseum provides an immersive experience in Swedish drinking culture
At the quirky Spritmuseum, you can learn about Swedish drink culture and taste its unique products. The Spritmuseum is located on Djurg*Rden, in the same area as Skansen and Gröna Lund, which houses an exhibition of Absolut vodka art, a quiz, a restaurant and a bar.
A Swedish drinking song championship is also held at the museum annually and submissions are archived. It is possible to simulate drunkenness and hungoverness using smell, taste, and music. If you want to enhance the experience, buy a box of Swedish shots at the entrance.
Discover the City’s Roofs With a Tour
While most tourists wander Stockholm’s cobblestone streets, from above you can feel like you have the whole city to yourself. Take a look at Stockholm from high on Stockholm’s rooftops on Takvandring, a guided walking tour unlike any other. Snow clearing is performed using rooftop rails that many buildings have for removing winter snow. Participants wear helmets and harnesses. It takes about an hour to ascend the rooftops, where some climbing is necessary, but it’s the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective.
See the Longest Art Exhibit in the World at the Tunnelbana
Stockholm has more than 90 of its 100 metro stations decorated with amazing art installations, statues and murals by more than 250 artists, so you don’t have to shuffle around a gallery. Rather, head underground to explore some of the city’s best art. While some cover entire ceilings, others are hidden on platforms, but they are all worth looking at. The first station with artwork was the T-Centralen, which opened in 1957. The red and blue lines have the best stations and Kungsträdg*Rden, Solna Centrum, and Stadion are particularly impressive. Hop on and off trains to see more art along the way. Find out more about the work and artists by joining a free tour of the metro.
Take a Safari in Sweden
Half an hour outside the city, you can feel as if you are transported to a distant land dotted with Viking rune stones, red houses, and dense forests. Stockholm Adventures will lead you to the best spots for spotting wildlife, so you can go it alone or with them.
The animals emerge at dusk in search of food and water, such as moose, deer, wild boar, hares, beavers and foxes. Spend the rest of your time in the forest eating a traditional Swedish midsummer meal that includes herrings, boiled potatoes, meatballs, sausages, fresh berries, and lingonberry juice.
