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madelineraeinsweden

Things to Do in Malmö Sweden: A Local’s Perspective

by madelineraeaway July 20, 2020

As a Malmö local, I feel so lucky to live in this beautiful city with seemingly never ending things to do. Not only is Malmö the gateway to the rest of southern Sweden, it is also more than just a day trip from Copenhagen. Spend a few days in Malmö and you’ll surely understand why many locals are to thankful to call this city home. Looking for a local Malmö experience? I’m dishing all my favourite things to do in Malmö here in this Malmö city guide.

13 Things to Do in Malmö

gamla stadan (malmö old town)

Gamla Staden, or Malmö Old Town, is undoubtedly the most charming neighbourhood in Malmö. Narrow streets lined with beautiful old buildings, you’ll find yourself transported back in time and dreaming of what once-was. You’ll find the most picture-perfect alleyways and cobblestone streets in Gamla Vaster Malmö, specifically on Jakob Nilsgatan and Jöns Filsgatan.

lilla torg and stortorget (little square and big square)

Located in the Malmo old town, Lilla Torg and Stortorget are picturesque squares surrounded by restaurants and old buildings. Lilla torg is a great place to grab a drink when the sun in shining, or take in one of Malmo’s festivals. Stortorget is home to Apoteket Lejonet, a beautiful old pharmacy that is worth checking out.

möllevången neighbourhood

This neighbourhood is the multicultural epicentre of Malmö with trendy bars and restaurants, parks, and other cultural activities. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Malmö. Grab a drink at the main square, Möllevångstorget. It is in this square that you will also find a great farmers market during the afternoon, where you can pick up fresh produce.

See Also: A detailed food guide to Malmö.

vastra hamnen (the western harbour)

Vastra Hamnen, or the Western Harbor, is a new development in Malmo and is home to the cities most recognizable landmark: The Turning Torso. This uniquely designed skyscraper cascades over Malmö and really can’t be missed when you’re exploring the city.

While walking from the train station to the Vastra hamnen district, you can’t miss the old lighthouse in the harbor at the head of the canal.

The waterfront in Vastra Hamnen is beautiful! Take some time to walk along the water-side parks, including Daniaparken and Scaniaparken to take in beautiful waterfront views. On a clear day, you can even see the iconic Malmö-Copenhagen Oresund Bridge in the distance. This is the perfect place to watch the beautiful Malmö sunset. And in the summer months, make sure you bring a bathing suit to take a dip off one of the many piers.

malmö canal boat rental

The best way to see Malmö is from the water. You can rent a boat from BookABoat, bring along your own food and drinks, and enjoy Malmö from the canals.

ribersborgsstranden (ribersborg beach)

Looking for the best beach in Malmö? This is your spot to sunbathe and go for a swim right in the city centre.

Here, you’ll also find Ribersborgs kallbadhus, which is a convenient local option if you’re looking traditional Scandinavian baths and saunas in Malmö. It also features a restaurant and patio, with spectacular views of the Oresund Bridge and the Turning Torso.

See Also: A Guide to the best beaches in Sweden.

visit the best parks in malmö

Malmö is full of beautiful green spaces. In fact, when I first moved here I was blown away by how much central city real estate was allocated to park space. The most central parks, Kungsparken and Slottsparken, offer many picturesque walking trails, flower gardens, and lakes. Here you’ll also find Malmö’s iconic windmill, Castle Mill. If you’re stopping by Castle Mill, make sure you also walk through the beautiful gardens next to them.

Other favourite parks include Pildammsparken and the green space along Kungsgatan (where you can also check out the iconic Sankt Pauli’s Church).

folket's park

Folket’s Park deserves its own section because there is so much to do in this quirky park. Here, you’ll find an outdoor stage space where there is often free live music playing. There is all kinds of sculptures and fun playgrounds for children, bars (I’d recommend Moriskan or Far i Hatten), mini golf, street art, and more. It is definitely a unique local place in Malmö that is worth exploring.

malmö stadsbibliotek (city library)

Malmö’s city library is beautiful and features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park next door. It is absolutely worth a quick stop in!

shop in davidshall

Trendy Davidshall features some of Malmö’s coolest shops and loads of Scandinavian design stores. Local favourites include AB Smaland, Grandpa, and Designtorget, but there are also plenty of cool vintage shops and other small boutiques to keep you busy for hours.

eat your heart out at malmö saluhall

Malmö’s indoor food market is a great place to stop for lunch, or to shop local goods. This indoor space is home to a bunch of vendors, with food options ranging from ramen to pizza to local Swedish fare.

fiskehoddorna (fish market)

You can eat local fish at Malmö’s fish market. Here, you can have homemade fish and chips in the garden behind these picturesque fishing huts. It is also a great spot to take photos in Malmö.

hunt for street art

Malmö has all kinds of corners of hidden street art. Wander around and see what you can find! Shown below, the left photo is a piece of art int he Davidshall neighbourhood, and you can find the right quote at Malmö’s Modern Art Museum.

The Best restaurants in Malmö

Check out my blog post all about Where to Eat in Malmö Sweden for details on where to eat, drink, and have the best fika in Malmo.

How to Get to MALMÖ

Copenhagen to Malmö: Most people access the city from Copenhagen, which is a short train ride away [about 30 minutes from Copenhagen Airport or 45 minutes from the Copenhagen city centre].

Malmö Airport: You can also fly into Malmö Airport from select cities. However, based on the location of the airport, it is often more convenient (and cost effective) to fly into Copenhagen.

If you are coming into Malmö from anywhere else in Scandinavia, both train and plane options should be available for a reasonable price.

For more details on train prices and times, download the Skånetrafiken app.

MALMÖ Transportation

Malmö is an incredibly accessible city, with a bunch of transportation options available.

Malmö by foot: One of the reasons I love this city is because you can get virtually anywhere you need to go by foot within 30-40 minutes.

Malmö bike: Get around the city the way the locals do – by bike! In fact, Malmö is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and is very easy to navigate, even for a novice rider. For more information bike rentals, visit Malmö by Bike.

Hire a Malmö scooter: There are no shortage of electric scooters available for rent in the city – they are seriously everywhere. Just make sure you download the Voi and/or Lime apps ahead of time, and finding a scooter is a breeze.

Bus and Train in Malmö: Malmö is extremely accessible by bus, or train. The buses run frequently and cover a significant portion of the city. Just download the Skånetrafiken app to easy view schedules, buy tickets, and more.

Where to Stay in Malmö

Ohboy Hotell: Located in Västra hamnen, this brand new hotel offers affordable loft style hotel rooms and boasts a unique industrial-inspired design. It is designed with sustainability in mind and offers rental bikes to explore the city.

Clarion Malmö Live: This new hotel is very modern and over looks Malmö’s harbour and The Turning Torso. It is centrally located and home to Malmö Kitchen and Table, a restaurant on the top floor that overlooks the city.

MJ’s Hotel: Arguably the more beautiful hotel you’ll find in Malmö, this trendy centrally-located hotel is hotspot for both visitors and locals. It has a chic hotel bar, and greenery-filled restaurant atrium. The rooms are tastefully designed, too.

Day Trips from MALMÖ

There are tons of great day trips you can take from Malmö. Read about all the things you can do outside of Malmö in this Things to do in Skåne Travel Guide.

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July 20, 2020 13 comments

Accomodations Sweden

Talldungen Gårdshotell: A Tuscan-Inspired Hotel in the Swedish Countryside

by madelineraeaway July 11, 2020

Have you ever heard so many wonderful things about a place that you begin to think it is too good to be true? I have received many travel recommendations over the years – and read many glowing reviews – only to be a bit disappointed because the experience was not the same as I imagined it to be. Before visiting Talldungen Gårdshotell Österlen, I had heard the most wonderful things about this hidden gem. That it has some of the best food in Sweden. And that the hotel and service and surroundings would blow you away. And, admittedly, I was skeptical. Can this bed-and-breakfast tucked away in the Österlen countryside really be that perfect? Well, I am here to tell you that Talldungen Gårdshotell is – in fact – that perfect.

Dare I say that this is my favourite spot I have visited in Sweden to date (or, at least among the top). I am going to share with you all the reasons why our little overnight getaway to Talldungen Gårdshotell blew me away.

Please note: This post is not sponsored in any way. We simply loved our experience here so much that I wanted to share the details (and the beautiful photos) of it with you.

WHAT MAKES TALLDUNGAN GÅRDSHOTELL ÖSTERLEN SO SPECIAL?

Have you ever just had that feeling when travelling? The feeling of being at ease. And just genuinely, wholeheartedly happy. This is the feeling I had while we stayed at Talldungen.

Talldungen Gårdshotell Österlen – located in the town of Brösarp – will make you feel like you have been transported to the Italian countryside. The hotel owners, Emma and David, moved from the big city to Österlen to pursue their dream of living in the countryside. They used their culinary skills to open this full service Österlen gårdshotell (farm hotel) with a world-class dining experience that attracts visitors from all over Sweden – and the world.

the hotel facilities

The decor at Talldungen is cosy and retro, with many unique elements that appear to be sourced from local antique shops. Everything about the esthetic is a bit mismatched, a bit eclectic, a bit imperfect. And yet, so charming. I said to Sebastian at least twenty times that I wanted my entire apartment to look like the interior of Talldungen.

Outside, you’ll find a huge patio with views of the surrounding hills and farm life. While we didn’t have an opportunity to sit outside as it rained throughout most of our stay, it gives us a good reason to come back soon to sit on the terrace and enjoy the sunshine with a glass of wine.

Our room was huge, and the bed comfy, with a beautiful window overlooking the hills. We opted to save a bit of money and booked a room that had a private bathroom down the hall, which we didn’t mind at all. The bathroom was brand new and stocked with lovely personal care products.

Talldungen offers a variety of room types suitable for every budget – ranging from rooms with shared bathrooms, to modern ensuites.

talldungen restaurant

As I mentioned above, the owners of Talldungen are experienced chefs, and the hotel offers a rustic five course tasting menu experience that is perfect in every way. Using locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, the dishes blend Italian, French, and Swedish influences. Full disclosure: This is one of my absolute favourite meals that I have had in Sweden.

Our meal started off with fresh bread from their onsite bakery, paired with cured ham and rooster liver pate (I normally do not like pate, but this was so good). Next up was a sweet pepper and mozzarella appetizer, followed by the main course, which offered a pork, fish or vegetarian option. The main course was followed up with some fresh local cheese and three different desserts to share: A meringue with fresh wild strawberries, a lemon curd, and homemade stracciatella ice cream.

The restaurant also has possibly the largest natural wine selection I have ever seen. While many visitors opt for the wine pairing, we decided to share a bottle of red wine instead. Our waiter listened to our requests and suggested the most perfect, unique natural wine catered to our tastebuds.

In the morning, you’ll be welcomed to an expansive breakfast with many homemade and locally-sourced options – including some of the best bread I have ever tasted that had just come straight from their bakery, homemade apple juice, and a delicious yogurt parfait with the fresh perfectly paired seasonal toppings.

The staff went above and beyond the entire weekend to offer a premium culinary experience, and were eager to help us navigate Sebastian’s food allergies. This included whipping him up some homemade bread on a whim when he was allergic to the standard option.

surrounding nature

Talldungen is located right in the centre of Brösarps Backer (Brösarp’s hills). This region offers beautiful nature and many hiking trails. While it rained most of the weekend, we were able to find a two hour window after we checked out to explore the region – and WOW. It is beautiful.

The Skåneleden Trail, which is over 1250 kilometres of hiking trails scattered through southern Sweden, runs through this area. While many people head straight for this path, the staff at Talldungen recommended an alternative walking path for us that combined parts of the Skåneleden Trail (orange trail markers) and Backaleden (yellow trail markers). The Skåneleden portion was mostly through the forest, whereas the Backaleden portion led up the hills through valleys and fields. One of the best things about Sweden is the “right to roam” rule, which gives you permission to hike or camp anywhere as long as you aren’t disturbing nature. This also means many of these trails navigate through private property including animal pastures – so you can count on dodging cow and horse poo through many of the trails. But hiking alongside the animals and beautiful surroundings makes it worth it.

Talldungen Gårdshotell will pack you a picnic or coffee to bring on your hike if you’d like! Make sure you talk to them and plan this for a sunny day.

See Also: The Best Beaches in Skåne.

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Looking for other inspiration to visit Sweden? You can find all my Sweden content here.

July 11, 2020 0 comment

Sweden Travel

The Best Beaches in Sweden: Skåne Edition

by madelineraeaway July 3, 2020

I know what you’re thinking … beaches in Sweden? During my first summer in Sweden, when I mentioned we would be spending warm and sunny days at the beach, my family and friends back home were confused. And while I haven’t travelled north during the summer (yet), I can say with certainty that southern Sweden (also affectionately known as the “Swedish Riviera”) is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, diverse I have ever seen. And it absolutely where you need to visit to experience the best beaches in Sweden.

Here, I am going to highlight the best beaches in Skåne Sweden, the most southern region of the country. However, I hope to explore beaches in more northern regions soon – so stay tuned for that.

HERE'S SOME OF THE BEST BEACHES IN SWEDEN

Sandhammaren beach

Normally they say you should leave the best for last … but I couldn’t wait that long! Easily one of my favourite southern Sweden beaches is Sandhammaren beach. This beach along the southern coastline of Österlen is a popular summer destination for both locals and tourists. What makes this beach so special is that it is home to the most delicate fine grain white sand – similar to the sand you would find on the most beautiful Caribbean beaches.

Sandhammaren beach is also perfectly located in the heart of Österlen, a gorgeous contryside region filled with bed and breakfasts, farm shops, antique stores, and fairy tale-like towns.

skanör-falsterbo beach

If you’re visiting Malmö, a visit to Skanör-Falsterbo is a must! These beach side towns are a popular place for Swedes to buy or rent summer houses. The beachfront is lined with small huts, and in the summers you’ll see the owners sitting beach side, grilling, and enjoying the view. Skanör Beach is a highlight if you want to see these picturesque beach side huts.

On the boardwalk, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars to grab a bite or a drink. I’d highly recommend Badhytten. Or, head into Skanör town to Skanörs Gästgifvaregård for a nice meal. Looking for a Skanör hotel? I highly recommend Hotel Spelabäcken for a lovely bed and breakfast experience in town, a short 10 minute walk to the beach (alternatively, they offer bike rentals too).

While in Skanör-Falsterbo, you should also check out Flommen Naturreservat for some beautiful walking trails and seaside views.

lomma beach

Located close to the university town of Lund, Lomma Beach is a popular beach for locals because it is close to Malmö and Lund – and their respective suburbs. This means that you’ll find this seaside harbor town bustling on warm summer days. If you’re looking for a nice beach close to the city, Lomma is a great option.

While visiting the beach, don’t forget to take some time to walk around the harbor. You’ll notice many people hanging out on their boats, and there are plenty and restaurants and a lovely little ice cream spot called Lomma Glassfabrik.

ven beaches

Ven island, off the coast of Landskrona, is a stunning biodiverse island filled with incredible coastal views. The island is also home to many beach fronts and spots to swim. These spots range from sandy to rocky. If you are looking for a summer day trip from Malmö, Ven island is a great option. You can read my complete guide to Ven here.

For the most picturesque beachfront, head to the area of Möllebäcken. The sand is rocky, but the views from this part of the island are simply gorgeous. If you’re looking for a sandy beach, the beach near Norreborg’s harbor is a great spot.

simrishhamn beach

Another Österlen beach, Simishhamn beach is most notable for its unique orange-hued sand. The seaside town is also very charming, and is a great summer spot to station yourself for spending a few days exploring Österlen.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir in Simrishamn, you should check out local business Simris. The owners are microalgae farmers and you can buy their products.

ribersborg beach

Don’t feel like leaving the city? Ribersborg Beach is the best beach in Malmö. Here, you can find locals taking a dip off the piers during almost any month of the year. Is also has a sandy coastline so you can sit and enjoy the seaside and views of the harbor – and the Turning Torso.

If you’re interested in visiting a traditional Swedish bath house Ribersborg Kallbadhus can be found here, and allows you to take a dip into the chilly Baltic sea and then head into a warm sauna overlooking the Copenhagen skyline in the distance.

klagshamn beach

Located just outside of Malmö, Klagshamn Beach is a quiet spot with walking trails and is close to a quint fishing village. It is a great place for swimming, with piers going out into the sea. And it has beautiful views of the coastline and Oresund bridge in the distance. If you visit Klagshamn, I recommend bringing along something to grill. They have beachside barbeques set up so it’s a great place to gather otherdoors with friends.

Need help finding the best beaches in sweden?
check out the map below.

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July 3, 2020 9 comments

Sweden

Skåne Rapeseed Fields: When to Visit & Where to Go

by madelineraeaway April 26, 2020

Skåne country, the southernmost part of Sweden, can be characterized by a few things. Little white churches, lots of green space, diverse coastlines, and – in the spring – the beautiful Skåne rapeseed fields.

Well, it’s officially rapeseed season in Skåne! The first time I saw these fields last spring I was literally blown away. These beautiful fields quite literally cover the Skåne countryside in a blanket of bright yellow. It’s impossible for drive a minute or two without seeing one. Over the past week or so I noticed they were beginning to bloom, so this weekend the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the clouds were the perfect amount of fluffy, so we set out to visit some of these fields and go for a hike.

After posting a few of the photos on Instagram, I received an outpouring of questions about my little day trip. So here it is… A quick guide to the Skåne rapeseed fields.

(Apologies in advance if it is a bit photo-heavy, I am really happy with how these shots turned out)

When do the Skåne rapeseed fields PEAK?

The Skåne rapeseed fields typically bloom in early May. However, this year (after a mild winter) they bloomed a bit earlier in late April. Generally, you’ll see peak bright yellow tones lasting only about 2-3 weeks.

Good news if that if you’re reading this around time of publish, the fields haven’t fully “peaked” yet – so you still should have a couple weeks to go out and snap some photos.

Where CAN I find the SKÅNE Rapeseed Fields?

The question should be where can’t find them, because they are literally everywhere. However, many of these fields may not be accessible from the main roads, which narrows down options a bit. Even still, if you take a drive through the Skåne countryside, you’ll be sure to quickly find one.

Don’t have a car? There are plenty of bike paths through the countryside and many should be accessible by bike from main cities.

Looking for rapeseed fields near Malmö? My friend Aurélie (Plume D’Aure) mentioned that there are some located near Malmö’s countryside suburb Hyllie (which is easily accessible by bus or train).

want to know where i took the photos in this blog post?
check out this map!

Ready for some more SKÅNE RAPESEED FIELD spam?
Scroll to see a few more of my favourite photos!

And don't forget to check out my other sweden content here!

April 26, 2020 12 comments

Nature Photography Sweden

Social-Distancing Diaries: Easter Sunday at Stenshuvud National Park

by madelineraeaway April 13, 2020

There’s no doubt about the fact that the world is a very weird place right now. With countries across the globe on lockdown, it is hard to know what is right versus wrong. I’ve been struggling to know what to post over the past month. Do I continue business as usual and post some of half-finished travel content I have sitting in my drafts? Do I take a break from writing and sharing altogether? I know what I absolutely don’t want to do is capitalize on the current situation in any way.

But, here’s what I do know: Writing, taking photos, and sharing stories makes me happy. And now more than ever, it’s so important to do the things that made us smile the biggest. So, in the interest of keeping things lighthearted, I thought I would share a quick photo diary from our Easter Sunday adventures at Stenshuvud National Park.

ok, i know what you are thinking...
we were allowed to spend our easter sunday at a national park?!

In short, yes. I’m sure you’ve probably caught the headlines about Sweden circulating around the world. Donald Trump was even recently quoted criticizing the situation in Sweden by saying that “Sweden is suffering very gravely.” Which, of course, accompanied by photos of locals on crowded patios has made international headlines.

Sweden has taken a bit of a different approach to COVID-19. Many restaurants remain open with new social-distancing guidelines. Locals are encouraged to go for walks (while maintaining a safe distance). And yes, Sweden is suffering gravely… But so are many other countries. I am not taking the stance that what Sweden is doing is right, I am just simply describing the situation.

With that being said, we have made a personal choice to not see any friends or family for over a month. We have not gone to any restaurants. We are working from home. Anything non-essential has been completely removed from our routine and social-distancing is in full effect.

And while no one is asking me to justify my decision to spend the day outdoors yesterday, I can’t help but feel like I needed to say all of this before I began sharing photos.

photo diary: stenshuvud national park in april

For Easter Sunday, we decided to take a socially-distanced day trip to Stenshuvud National Park where we hiked through the remote hiking paths, had a picnic by the sea, and enjoyed the 17 degree weather. It was a reset I didn’t even realize I needed and although I would have loved to spend Easter with the people I love, the afternoon turned out to be pretty darn great.

Stenshuvud National Park is beautiful. The April day proved to be the perfect time to visit, as spring flowers were in full bloom and the smell of the sea filled the warm air. Check out some of my favourite photos from our Easter Sunday at the park.

The hiking trails were covered in a never-ending bed of small white flowers, covering the forest floor with the most beautiful green and white carpet.

At the highest point of the park, you can take in this beautiful view of the Baltic Sea.

We found the perfect picnic spot to stop at by the sea and have the lunch we brought with us.

Once we moved past the beach, the coastline was rocky and filled with beautiful orange-speckled cliffs. We teetered our way along the rocks and snapped a few photos.

We opted to take a different route back to the car, and were greeted by this stunning view. The biodiversity in this park really blew me away.

Wanna read more? You can find more sweden blog content here!

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April 13, 2020 4 comments

Sweden Travel

Stockholm in the Winter: What to Do, See & Eat

by madelineraeaway December 21, 2019

it isn’t a secret that Stockholm is traditionally considered a summer city. With long sun-filled days, colourful facades, and mild temperatures that are suitable for roaming the city streets well into the bright evenings. In contrast winter is cold, it’s dark. So why would anyone want to visit Stockholm in the winter?

Well, I happen to think that Stockholm is a great winter city – and I am going to tell you exactly why. The chilly temperatures provide the perfect atmosphere to get cozy. It is significantly less busy compared to summer months, which means you likely won’t be dodging other tourists. And there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy in the event that weather isn’t cooperating.

Bundle up & strap on your most comfortable boots. here's a complete city guide to visiting Stockholm in the winter.

Things to do in stockholm in the winter

(Or in any season, really!)

Visit Stockholm's old town: Gamla Stan

Let’s start with the most obvious spot first: Gamla Stan. Aka, the city’s old town.

Gamla Stan is a beautiful district right in the heart of Stockholm where you can get lost in the maze of streets. Venture away from the main streets and you’ll find the coziest narrow alleyways and beautiful warm-toned facades.

Tucked away in the middle of Gamla Stan you’ll find Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, which is a very narrow staircase alleyway filled with graffiti, and it is worth checking out.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out Stortorget, or “Big Square,” which is the old town’s main square. It is lined with beautiful buildings (and patios in the summer months).

And if you happen to be there around the holidays (like me), Stortorget is home to a charming Christmas market. It is definitely one of the smaller markets I’ve been to, but worth checking out and grabbing a cup of glögg (mulled wine). It is absolutely beautiful see, backed by the colourful buildings around the square.

Explore my favourite neighbourhood: Södermalm

Södermalm, also commonly (and affectionately) known as the “hipster” area of Stockholm, is just plain cool. Think of it as the Brooklyn of Stockholm, hosting all the best restaurants, bars, trendy stores, and coffee shops.

I’d recommend getting off at Medborgarplasen Station, with Götgatan as your starting point, and explore from there. Along Götgatan, you’ll find all kinds of cool shops to browse, which also serve as the perfect escape from the cold if it happens to be chilly outside.

After that, venture through the pretty streets of Katarina-Sofia, where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in the city (more on that below). Another cool stop is Soda Nation, a boutique soda shop with all kinds of unique sodas from all over the world (where I indulged in a “Jul” or “Christmas” soda).

Museum Hop

Okay, so you’ve spent plenty of time roaming around outside and it’s starting to get a bit chilly. Why not take it indoors to one of Stockholm’s many museums.

My personal favourite museum was Fotografiska, a museum that features various photograph exhibits throughout the year. The work we saw was so unique and creative, and this was easily a highlight of my time in Stockholm. It costs 135 SEK (roughly 13 EUR or 14 USD) per person, and is worth every penny. I highly suggest visiting at nighttime (the museum is opened until 11PM on weekdays and 1AM on weekends) and take some time to visit the on-site bar for a drink. They often also host live music and other events – you can find out more details on their event calendar.

Stockholm is filled with many other museums, such as Moderna Museet, the popular Vasa Museet, and the ABBA The Museum for all the Abba lovers out there. We didn’t have time to visit any of these this time, but I guess that just means we’ll need to go back and visit again soon.

step back in time at Skansen

Skansen is the worlds largest open-air museum, home to homesteads, animals, and shops that are supposed to represent the whole of Sweden. Here, you’ll be transported back in time as you walk the grounds of this museum. My personal favourite part: Watching the wolves play! They wrestled around with each other and looked just like the most adorable little pups, and I was just left wishing I could hop in the pen and play with them (even though that is obviously a VERY bad idea).

We visited Skansen during December for their annual Christmas market, which was easily the best Christmas market in Stockholm. There was live Swedish music, glögg, and tons of stalls to browse. They even had a stall where they were brewing beer over an open fire next the the stall – and the beer was delicious (you can see a picture of them stirring the malt below).

Visit Stadsbiblioteket

Stadsbiblioteket, or the Stockholm city library, is a stunning library. In the centre, you’ll find a large round room with a dome-shaped roof and floor-to-ceiling books. It is seriously breathtaking, and I felt like I was living out my childhood dream pretending I am Belle from Beauty and the Beast.

Explore the famous Stockholm Tunnelbana (metro) art

The Stockholm Tunnelbana – the city’s metro system – has gained notoriety all over the world for it’s famed art installations. Since 1957, artists have been commissioned to revitalize many of Stockholm’s oldest metro stations. The results are SO COOL and have become a tourist attraction themselves.

We visited five different stations during our time in Stockholm and my only regret is we didn’t have time to see more. Here’s the five we visited:

T-Centralen

Arguably my favourite, I loved the design of the artwork at T-Centralen (the central station). The station is full of trains and metro lines, and is quite overwhelming. But, just keep your eyes peeled for the Blue Line and make your way toward that to find this masterpiece.

Stadion

Stadion is also on the Blue Line and features a huge rainbow over the metro station, and lots of bright colours. I found this was the most difficult spot to photograph because it happened to be the most busy with other tourists. But can you blame them? Look at it!

Solna Centrum

Solna Centrum was another easy Blue Line favourite for me, with bright red walls and green tree drawings scattered throughout the metro station.

Kungsträdgården

Kungsträdgården was the most unique station we visited. The main colour of this station is green, but it also has really unique checkered/pixelated patterns throughout. Similar to the others, this can also be found on the Blue Line.

Rådhuset

Rådhuset was our final Blue Line stop and it dominates with a bright orange cave-like interior.

You’ll notice all of our stops were along the Blue Line, which makes it easy to hope from one to another. If you were to venture off on other lines, it would take a bit more time. So, if you’re in a time crunch like me, you could hit up these five stations in a short amount of time.

Additional Tips for Exploring The Tunnelbana

When should you visit the Tunnelbana to get the best pictures? Honestly, when I saw everyone posting empty pictures of these spots online, I assumed they were visiting during the early hours of the morning. However, we were taking the metro at all times of the day (morning, evening, mid-afternoon) and there were always breaks in traffic and opportunities to take photos. Just have a little bit of patience, and the opportunity will arise (although I never had to be patient for more than a couple minutes to snag the shot).

Is it difficult to shoot in the dark metro stations? YES. You’ll notice many of my photos are quite grainy. I’ve done my best to edit to remove the grain, but in some cases it was super difficult.

If you’re looking for even more stations to discover, Visit Stockholm highlights fourteen of the most beautiful stations in this article.

Where to Eat in Stockholm

There is not shortage of amazing restaurants in Stockholm. When researching where to eat, and polling friends, the result was a massive list of recommendations, ranging from cheap eats, to traditional Swedish cuisine, to international eats, and everything in between. Below you’ll find where I’ve ate so far. But stay tuned, because this list is bound to keep growing.

Best Affordable Eats in Stockholm: Lådan

Lådan is a quirky little beer and small plates joint close to Stadsbiblioteket. It features really unique craft beers (I had a Cola-flavoured one) and affordable small plate food options that range from sliders to tacos to mac ‘n cheese. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick bite for lunch.

Best Meatballs in Stockholm: Meatballs for the People

If your looking for a spot to try Sweden’s arguably most famous dish, Meatballs for the People is a great spot to do it. They offer all kinds of meatball dishes, ranging from classic with lingonberries and cucumber (which I opted for), to more trendy dishes like “The Hipster” moose meatballs (that Sebastian ordered).

Best Italian in Stockholm: Café Nizza

A cozy Italian joint in Södermalm, Café Nizza offers tasty dishes and a really nice atmosphere. I particularly loved their homemade pastas and mussel appetizer.

Best Unique Dinner in Stockholm: Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen

If you’re looking for a unique spot to have a mid-range dinner in Stockholm, this is the place. Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen is the tiniest (and I mean TINY with only five tables), coziest little restaurant with a menu inspired by New York Jewish delis. If you want to eat here, make a reservation because it’s popular.

Best Fika in Stockholm: Kaffe

I know what you’re thinking – a coffeeshop called “Kaffe” (which translates to “coffee” in English)… how original. BUT, hear me out. Kaffe is a coffeeshop in Södermalm that offers exceptional coffee and treats. The atmosphere is welcoming and offers the perfect atmosphere to grab a window spot, people watch, and enjoy fika. I loved this spot and I am confident that if I lived in Stockholm, I would be a regular here.

Best Cocktail Bar in Stockholm: Tjoget

Tjoget was named to the “2019 Best Bars in the World” list – and I can understand why. I indulged in their award-winning cocktail, affectionately referred to by the bartender as a “Nordic pina colada” with beetroot, ginger, and coconut flavours. It was DELICIOUS.

Best Hotel in Stockholm

Hotel Tegnérlunden

I had the absolute pleasure of staying at this perfect Stockholm city centre hotel and I could not recommend it more. You can find my full Hotel Tegnérlunden review in my blog post here.

Getting Around Stockholm

Typically I prefer to walk everywhere on vacation. I am a firm believer that this is how you see and experience the city in the best way. I’ve walked all over Stockholm (in fact, on my most recent trip I walked over 40,000 steps in two days). And I came across so many hidden gems.

However, if the weather isn’t cooperating during the winter months, Stockholm and extremely well connected by Tunnelbana – Stockholm’s metro system. Despite walking all over the city, we used the metro a lot while visiting in December because it gave us an opportunity to see more in a short 48 hour window (plus, escaping the cold temperatures was an added bonus!). A 24-hour metro pass sets you back 130 SEK per person (roughly 27 USD or 25 EUR). This may seen a bit pricey, but in my experience, it is worth every penny (especially because it gives you the opportunity to see the Tunnelbana art installations that I mentioned above).

If you’re coming into Stockholm via Arlanda airport, you can reach the city centre by Arlanda Express in a quick 20 minutes. The price point is a bit alarming at 579 SEK round-trip per person (that’s roughly 60 USD or 55 EUR), but it is easily the most efficient way to get to/from the city. Plus it uses green energy, which makes it eco-friendly. This is Sweden, after all – which means nothing is cheap.

It's time channel your inner Swede and embrace Stockholm in the Winter

Pack your thermals, and you’ll be all set! There really is a never-ending amount of things to do in Stockholm in the winter, and I very much recommend visiting this time of year (especially in December when the city is lit up with Christmas lights!).

If you’re travelling around Scandinavia, check out my Denmark and Sweden content. And read about all the best things about Sweden while you’re at it to help you get excited for your Scandinavian adventure.

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December 21, 2019 2 comments

madelineraeinsweden

13 Things to Do in Malmö

gamla stadan (malmö old town)

lilla torg and stortorget (little square and big square)

möllevången neighbourhood

vastra hamnen (the western harbour)

malmö canal boat rental

ribersborgsstranden (ribersborg beach)

visit the best parks in malmö

folket's park

malmö stadsbibliotek (city library)

shop in davidshall

eat your heart out at malmö saluhall

fiskehoddorna (fish market)

hunt for street art

The Best restaurants in Malmö

How to Get to MALMÖ

MALMÖ Transportation

Where to Stay in Malmö

Day Trips from MALMÖ

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WHAT MAKES TALLDUNGAN GÅRDSHOTELL ÖSTERLEN SO SPECIAL?

the hotel facilities

talldungen restaurant

surrounding nature

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HERE'S SOME OF THE BEST BEACHES IN SWEDEN

Sandhammaren beach

skanör-falsterbo beach

lomma beach

ven beaches

simrishhamn beach

ribersborg beach

klagshamn beach

Need help finding the best beaches in sweden?check out the map below.

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When do the Skåne rapeseed fields PEAK?

Where CAN I find the SKÅNE Rapeseed Fields?

want to know where i took the photos in this blog post?check out this map!

Ready for some more SKÅNE RAPESEED FIELD spam?Scroll to see a few more of my favourite photos!

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ok, i know what you are thinking...we were allowed to spend our easter sunday at a national park?!

photo diary: stenshuvud national park in april

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Bundle up & strap on your most comfortable boots. here's a complete city guide to visiting Stockholm in the winter.

Things to do in stockholm in the winter

(Or in any season, really!)

Visit Stockholm's old town: Gamla Stan

Explore my favourite neighbourhood: Södermalm

Museum Hop

step back in time at Skansen

Visit Stadsbiblioteket

Explore the famous Stockholm Tunnelbana (metro) art

Where to Eat in Stockholm

Best Affordable Eats in Stockholm: Lådan

Best Meatballs in Stockholm: Meatballs for the People

Best Italian in Stockholm: Café Nizza

Best Unique Dinner in Stockholm: Schmaltz Bar & Delicatessen

Best Fika in Stockholm: Kaffe

Best Cocktail Bar in Stockholm: Tjoget

Best Hotel in Stockholm

Hotel Tegnérlunden

Getting Around Stockholm

It's time channel your inner Swede and embrace Stockholm in the Winter

LIKE WHAT YOU READ? PIN IT BELOW.

Need help finding the best beaches in sweden?
check out the map below.

want to know where i took the photos in this blog post?
check out this map!

Ready for some more SKÅNE RAPESEED FIELD spam?
Scroll to see a few more of my favourite photos!

ok, i know what you are thinking...
we were allowed to spend our easter sunday at a national park?!