A few years ago, I joined my husband with our children for a weekend in Stockholm at the end of one of his business trips. Just a two-hour flight from Berlin, the Swedish capital felt like stepping into a city built on water. With bridges, islands, and waterfront views at every turn, it was a place where every walk revealed something new. Even in a short stay, the city offered more than we expected. Here are some of the spots that left the biggest impression on us.๐
A Morning with Fika
Our first morning began in true Stockholm style โ๏ธ with Fika. Fika is the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break, often with something sweet, and sharing the moment with friends, family, or colleagues. My husband had learned about it from his Swedish coworkers and introduced it to us. With steaming coffee and cinnamon rolls, we experienced our first Fika โค๏ธ the perfect way to start the day.
Stockholm City Hall
From there, we walked along the water to Stockholm City Hall, best known as the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet. The guided tour took us through grand halls and glittering mosaics, but what stayed with me was learning about its role as a working seat of politics. Citizens can attend council meetings, and the representatives are divided almost evenly between men and women. It felt like a place where history and modern democracy meet under one roof.
The ABBA Museum
Sweden and ABBA go hand in hand, so the ABBA Museum was high on our list.๐ The exhibits are fun on their own, but the interactive features make it special. You can even step on stage, sing, and dance with the band. One quirky detail caught my eye๐ก a telephone on display that sometimes rings as a surprise, and if you pick it up, you might find yourself speaking directly with one of the members of ABBA. It didnโt happen while we were there, but when you visit, you might just get the chance!๐
Skansen
On a bright, sunny day we explored Skansen, a sprawling open-air museum. Historic houses, traditional crafts, and even a zoo are scattered across its grounds, offering a glimpse into Swedish life in the past. Strolling around felt more like a leisurely day outdoors than a museum visit. With the blue sky overhead and plenty of space to wander, it was one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. And after hours of walking, that cold beer we had later tasted extra good.๐บ๐
The Vasa Museum
One of the most striking places we visited was the Vasa Museum. The 17th-century warship Vasa sank on its maiden voyage, only a few hundred meters from the harbor. Reading through the exhibits explained why: the kingโs demands for more cannons and lavish decorations made the ship top-heavy and unstable. Standing in front of the massive, preserved vessel was breathtaking, but knowing that lives were lost in the disaster gave the experience a sobering weight. Itโs a place that combines spectacle with history in a way you wonโt forget.
Gamla Stan
No trip to Stockholm is complete without wandering Gamla Stan, the old town. Its cobblestone lanes and colorful facades create a storybook atmosphere. Cafรฉs spill into squares, and even an aimless walk offers plenty of charm. This was one of those times when doing nothing in particular felt just right.๐ฉท
A Perfect Ending with Meatballs
We wrapped up the weekend with Swedenโs most iconic dish: meatballs. My husband, who visited Stockholm often for work, took us to his favorite bar-restaurant. The place was bustling, with a line out the door. The appetizers were excellent, but it was the meatballs that stole the show ๐ served with creamy mashed potatoes, tart lingonberries, and a rich, velvety gravy. The combination was perfect, and that sauce is something Iโd love to recreate at home one day.
Reflections
Looking back, our Stockholm weekend brought together everything that makes travel memorable: history, music, nature, everyday culture, and, of course, food!๐ Our trip was packed with unforgettable moments!โ๏ธ
