With fabulous cuisine, beautiful boutiques and outstanding accommodation, it’s easy to fall in love with the Swedish capital.
When I visited Stockholm, I was lucky enough to be
armed with two local tour-guides – I learnt quickly that it was a city of precision, style and
grace.
It seemed everything they did in Stockholm, they did well. I instantly fell in-love with
Swedish music, their architecture and design and their restaurants. While I have heard
the winters can be tough.
I visited in spring when the sun was out, the days were long,
and the people were happy!
Those with a penchant for the fusion of art and fashion–or who delight in clean, progressive design–will fall in love with local label Whyred. A Swedish staple, Whyred explores the contrast of fabrics and colours in its beautiful collections for both men and women. And the best place to experience said collections is in its flagship store in Stockholm’s bustling Mäster Samuelsgatan. With a classic sandstone shopfront and a stark white interior adorned with books, contemporary lamps, and photos, everything about this boutique oozes inspiration. Roland Hjort considers fashion an expression of art and through collaborations with a diverse mix of artists and musicians Whyred represents modern culture at its best.
Aspiring to give its visitors the best of everything, Sturebadet Spa has something for everyone. Holding the crown of Stockholm’s most exclusive spa, there’s no wonder you feel special the minute you walk through the door. Dating back to 1885, Sturebadet is described as a modern spa in a traditional environment. There are over 50 different treatments on offer, as well as the renowned Turkish bath. Take a morning swim in the Sturebadet pool followed by a shower in the deluxe dressing rooms. Then, pop your bathrobe and slippers on and wander into Restaurant Curman for a nutritious lunch. The afternoon might entail a massage and a manicure followed by a glass of Champagne and a chocolate in the spa lounge.
You would expect the interior of a restaurant at Stockholm’s Grand Hotel to be somewhat ostentatious, so it comes as a welcome surprise that Mathias Dahlgren’s namesake establishment is modest and understated, keeping the focus exactly where it should be – on the incredible plates of award winning food. With a string of Michelin stars under his belt, Swedish culinary genius Dahlgren has been successful in his plight to create a new Swedish identity both through his cuisine and also the restaurant’s design. Offering two varying dining experiences, ‘Matsalen’ (the modern gastronomic restaurant) and ‘Matbaren’ (modern bistro), Dahlgren sources the freshest local and international ingredients for his constantly evolving menu.
Taxis are unregulated in Sweden which means taxi company’s can charge whatever they like! This means there are many taxi scams in Stockholm and other major cities, particularly targeting tourists. Make sure you check the price of your trip upfront, before you enter the vehicle. Prices are usually included on the rear window of the taxi.
Regardless of how cold or warm it is, the Swedes like layers. If you want to look the part here and fit-in on the fashion-circuit, cover up those bare legs! Even on 15 degree days, chances are they will still be in scarves, jumpers and puffa coats.
Heidi Mortlock is an Australian travel and lifestyle writer who has spent the last five years travelling the globe and living in London, San Francisco and Amsterdam. Heidi will share travel stories from across the globe, and some travel gems that will help you navigate your favourite destinations.
Heidi is the Founder and Editor of her own blog, adrift, which chronicles her travels and features stories on inspirational women all over the globe who have at times found themselves on a road less travelled or unforeseen – they are making their mark on the world in disparate ways.
Heidi’s work has been published on a range of topics, including travel, restaurants & bars, architecture, art, design, lifestyle products, food and wine. Follow Heidi on Instagram @heidimortlock.adrift
images, getty, whyred store, matbaren grand hotel, sturebadet spa
