A Winter Weekend in Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden. It’s home to over 2 million people across 14 separate islands that lay in the Baltic sea. It’s a city rich with Nordic history, over 40 bridges, and the birthplace of the Nobel Prizes.
While Stockholm is the 2nd most traveled to city in the Nordic countries, and is sometimes refered to as the ‘Venice of the North’, it likely isn’t the top destination for most people traveling to Europe. If you do find yourself planning a trip to Stockholm, here is a 2 day itinerary to make the most of your time while there.
Our first trip to Stockholm was in early November 2019. My honest recommendation would be to avoid the city in November. The weather is cold and the days are short. The timing is before the Christmas season has begun, and the holiday markets aren’t yet set up. Even most locals we spoke to commented on the down spirit of this time of the year. However, there are some benefits of a visit in November. The snowy season hasn’t started, so while it’s cold, you can still get around in sneakers and warm clothes without being too bundled up. Overall the city was pretty quiet. It wasn’t overly crowded, we were able to get reservations, or walk in and sit down, to all the bars and restaurants we wanted to try without hassle. Getting an uber when needed was easy without long wait times, and when we needed it, the subway wasn’t packed like sardines.
Day 1
On your first day in Stockholm, depending on the time you have available, I would recommend checking out a few museums. The city has more museums than we were expecting, and we actually went to a few more than we had originally planned.
The Vasa Musuem
🕘time needed: 1-2 hours
The Vasa Museum is a must see while in Stockholm. It, admittedly, is an entire museum about a single ship that sank 20 minutes into its maiden voyage. But the museum does not disappoint. The original ship was excavated?? After sitting on the sea bottom for 300 years, and now is the focal point of the museum. We had anticipated this site to be a little boring, it is just a big old ship after all, but we were wrong. The sheer size, and intricate woodwork on the ship is enough to take your breath away.
Once inside the museum, they offer 20 minute guided tours every so often. I would recommend catching the next available one while there. It’s a quick tour but the guide will explain pieces of history and stories you would not have known by walking around and reading the signs.
There is also a 17 minute movie, that helps to explain and show the history of the Vasa. It’s worth taking a few minutes to watch.
They also have a small gift shop, but be warned, it’s a bit pricey in there. Though most of the Vasa related souvenirs we didn’t see again in other souvenir shops around the city. So if you’re looking for something Vasa specific, be sure to get it while here.
The Vasa Museum is open daily from 8:30-18:00 (June through August) and 10:00 - 17:00 (September through May).
Viking Museum
🕘time needed: ~1 hour
Upon leaving, you can take a short walk to the Viking Museum. We were unsure about going in, as we thought it might be focused for children. After going, I would say it is kid friendly, but is definitely meant for adults as well. Once inside, you’ll go through the entire history of the Vikings, but be forewarned, this museum is much more about reading and hearing stories, than it is about seeing. There aren’t many artifacts on display, so it takes a little imagination.
The space is not that big and depending on how fast you read you can get through it rather quickly. Once you’re at the end of the loop there is a short ride that goes through a typical Viking story (names here).
Before exiting, there is gift shop for souvenirs. The prices weren’t has high as those in the Vasa Museum, and again what we saw here we did not see in other souvenir stores, so if something catches your eye, make sure to pick it up then.
Gamla Stan (Old town)
Time to leave this area and make your way to Gamla Stan (Old Town). We chose to take an Uber since it was raining, but you could make the walk if it’s nice, or take public transportation.
If you’ve traveled to other European cities, Old Town will be exactly what you expect it to be. There are small cobblestone streets filled with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. There are a few other boutique shops mixed in here or there. It’s one of the more lively areas, but mainly for tourists. Local’s we spoke to admitted not visiting that area much. This area of the city is small, and can easily be walked through quickly, but take some time to take it all in, appreciate the past and how far the city has come. Jump into a bar for a quick pint, or grab yourself a traditional Viking feast at Aifur in Gamla Stan.
Albeit it didn’t stand out among other ‘old towns’ in Europe, it does have it’s own unique charm. It’s easy to get lost in the quiet streets, staring at picturesque alleys that hold a certain captivating quality that’s hard to explain. Roaming around these streets without a destination is one of the best activities in Stockholm and will definitely take you back to the Viking Age.
Be sure to make your way to Stockholm’s oldest square, Stortorget. The square is known for being fairly crowded, and if you’re lucky there will be a market, or other town event happening for you to witness. Take a few minutes to stop in one of the cafe’s lining the square for a fika break. Especially if visiting in the winter months, you’ll want a brief respite from the cold.
Day 2
Canal tour
🕘time needed: 3 hours
After a full day of seeing Stockholm by land, it’s time to see the city by water. This vantage point will provide a completely different experience, and is not to be missed. We chose to do the 3 hour tour. The tour will take you past smaller islands, and describe pieces of history you would not have seen or known otherwise. The tour operates most of the year, but has to stop once the water starts to freeze over. We had no problem booking a tour in early November, but if you go any later than that make sure to check ahead of time if tours are running.
If you’re unable to commit to booking ahead of time, the tour does offer a walk-up option. If there is room on the boat, they’ll allow you to buy a ticket at the time of boarding. If this is something you wish to take advantage of, make sure you get to the boat early to get your spot in line.
Pro tips: The boat does leave on time, at the start time of the tour. If you show up even a minute late, there is a good chance the boat will be gone. Make sure to get a seat on the right side of the boat. Most of the sites that are pointed out will be on the right side.
Skinnarviksberget
🕘time needed: 1 hour
As long as the weather isn’t terrible, it’s time to make your way to Södermalm. Make your way to Skinnarviksberget one of the city’s highest and most popular look out points. The lookout is easy to find, either by the signs posted or by the crowds of people going to and from.
I will admit in the cold, gray November air the lookout isn’t as magical as it is said to be in the Summer light.