Summer in Stockholm

The capital of Sweden may not automatically leap into your mind when considering summer destinations, but this is a city that really comes alive during the warmer months.

In this article we share some of the highlights of our recent visit and explain why Stockholm is the place to be in summer.

Light and water

Constructed over a cluster of 14 small islands, Stockholm is a city that is defined by light and water. The low-rise building code seems to somehow bring the sky almost within touching distance, and whichever way you turn you are crossing a bridge or looking out across the water.

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of the city and its surrounds is to jump in a boat and set sail. There are lots of different boating options available to you — an extensive network of ferries that whisk you from one island to another, or there are lots of small charter boats offering expeditions of varying lengths. We opted for something a bit more low-tech and hired small self-drive motor boats — the eco-friendly electric engine gently propelling us around the harbour as we enjoyed the sunshine while slowly exploring the archipelago of islands.

The cafe culture

Stockholm is blessed with quite a lot of green space and small parks and squares. When the sun is out then the locals make the most of being able to relax outdoors. There’s also a strong cafe culture in this city — particularly on the island of Södermalm. The locals like to think that this neighbourhood feels a bit like Brooklyn, but to me it’s a lot more interesting than that. Great independent stores, boutique fashion and homewares, and a laid-back vibe that’s hard to resist.

My favourite cafe here is the Urban Deli — part grocery store, part bar, part cafe, part restaurant, part movement for political change — but there are a wealth of cool cafes, bars and restaurants to choose from as you wander the streets.

Museums and galleries

There’s a lot more to Stockholm than just a lot of tall, blond, gorgeous people (not that we’re complaining) — check out some of the exciting culture options on offer.

The Nobel Museum is worth checking out if you want to feel humbled by the genius of others, or for something a bit lighter then there’s the Abba Museum. Created by the fab four themselves, the Abba Museum is surprisingly interactive — you get to sing, you get to dance, you get to live out your Abba fantasies.

If you’re into photography, then there’s a great photography museum that showcases the work of some of the world’s leading photographers, or the Thiele museum presents a unique insight into Nordic and Scandinavian art. If you’re a history buff then you’ll love the Vasa Museum — the home of an ancient war ship that sunk on its maiden voyage, preserved and restored.

Stockholm is a modern, stylish city that is great to visit at any time of year, but if you have the luxury of choosing your season then summer is definitely the highlight.

Photos by Gareth Johnson