December 2024
A Modern Nordic Gem with Historic Roots
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After a magical winter escape in Oslo, our Scandinavian journey led us to Stockholm, Sweden’s lively and sophisticated capital. We flew with Norwegian Airlines for this short leg of the trip. The flight cost us approximately 180 euros for two passengers, including one checked bag each. Although our arrival was marked by a minor hiccup where one of our suitcase wheels was completely torn off, it didn’t dim our excitement to explore the city.
We checked into ProfilHotels Nacka, located slightly outside the city center but very well connected. The hotel was an unexpected gem, blending quirky charm with real comfort. Our room was spacious, thoughtfully decorated, and the breakfast buffet was one of the best we had on this entire trip. The spread included everything from warm savory dishes to freshly baked pastries. For the quality of our three-night stay, 400 euros felt like a fair deal considering the warmth of the service and the unique atmosphere of the place.
Stockholm instantly impressed with its balance between modern minimalism and deep-rooted history. Public transportation was seamless thanks to the SL app which allowed us to purchase a 72-hour ticket for unlimited rides on buses, trains, trams, and ferries. This made it easy to reach various corners of the city without the hassle of taxis.
One of our first stops was the Viking Museum which was a must for fans of Norse mythology and history. The immersive exhibits brought Viking life to the present with engaging storytelling, ship reconstructions, and multimedia installations. What made the experience even more memorable was the mead tasting at the end where we tried six varieties of this honey-based drink once beloved by the Norse. It was both educational and surprisingly delicious.
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Another highlight was our visit to the ABBA Museum. As a lifelong fan of the Swedish pop legends it was a joyful and nostalgic experience to wander through their costumes, memorabilia, and even take the stage for a virtual performance. The museum is interactive and lively and it really captures the spirit of ABBA.
We also spent time exploring Djurgården, one of Stockholm’s many islands and a hub for culture and recreation. The blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions like the Nordiska Museet gave us a deeper sense of Swedish identity. The winter chill added to the charm and while we didn’t get snow the crisp air and misty skies gave the city a lovely atmosphere.
No trip to Stockholm would be complete without wandering through Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town. Its cobbled streets, ochre-colored buildings, and fairy tale charm offered some of the best photo opportunities of the trip. We took our time browsing small shops, sipping warm drinks, and enjoying traditional Swedish pastries like the famous Princess Cake.
Our evenings were spent discovering Stockholm’s food scene. One of our favorite meals was at Urban Deli, a buzzing restaurant and market known for its fresh seafood and creative dishes. From beef tartare to oysters and giant prawns, each plate was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. It was a splurge but absolutely worth it.
Cultural exploration continued at Fotografiska, Stockholm’s contemporary photography museum. The exhibitions were thought-provoking and beautifully curated. The museum café with its panoramic view of the city skyline was the perfect place to relax and reflect on our visit.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip came when we ventured to Lake Långsjön in Björklinge for a full day of ice skating. Gliding across a frozen lake surrounded by quiet forests was peaceful, exhilarating, and unlike anything we had done before. This magical day definitely deserves a dedicated story of its own.
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We ended our Stockholm journey with a cruise to Helsinki aboard the Tallink Silja Line’s Symphony. It was our first cruise experience and it completely exceeded expectations. The ship was comfortable and the views across the Baltic Sea were incredible. It was the perfect way to wrap up this leg of our trip.
While we didn’t experience snow in Stockholm like we did in Oslo, the city’s unique character, cultural richness, and welcoming energy made it just as memorable. Stockholm offers so much to every kind of traveler, whether you are into history, food, photography, or simply in search of a peaceful and beautiful winter escape.
Budget for Traveling to Stockholm
• Air Ticket Cost from Oslo to Sweden: Approximately 180 euros. We flew with Norwegian Air, and the experience was fantastic! The tickets were booked directly on their official website.
• Cost in Sweden for Food: We spent around 90-100 euros per meal for both of us, as restaurants tend to be quite pricey.
• Activities in Sweden: Ice Skating on Frozen Lake (300 euros for 2 pax), The Viking Museum including Mead Tasting (approx 70 euros for 2 pax), ABBA Museum (approx 60 euros for 2 pax) and Fotografiska Museum (approx 45 euros for 2 pax)
Overall Cost for 4 days: We spent approximately 600 euros on restaurants and activities during our stay in Stockholm. This covered museum visits, dining experiences, mead tasting, and daily expenses throughout the trip. We didn’t include accommodation in this amount, and no shopping was done as most stores were quite expensive for our travel budget. Careful planning allowed us to enjoy everything Stockholm had to offer without overspending.
Platforms Used for Booking:
• Air Tickets: Norwegian Airlines
• Accommodation: Booking.com
• Activities: Getyourguide.com for Ice Skating, The Viking Museum website, ABBA Museum website and Fotografiska Museum website
• Transportation: SL App