June is upon us, and for many lesbian travellers, that means one thing: time to plan the perfect Pride Month vacation. Over the past few years, Stockholm has been climbing to the top of the list, and it’s not hard to see why. The Swedish capital offers something few destinations do: an exuberant mix of culture, nature, and genuine LGBTQ+ acceptance, at a time when many destinations are moving in the opposite direction. There’s room here to relax, explore, celebrate, and connect – whether you’re flying solo, travelling with a partner, or rounding up the chosen family. Here are some of the top reasons why lesbian travellers are choosing Stockholm for their Pride Month escapades.
Safety and acceptance
Feeling safe is a top priority for women travellers, especially those exploring solo. For lesbian travellers, that concern is often twofold, with both misogyny and homophobia shaping the way they experience the world. That’s why finding a destination where you can relax, be yourself, and not have to look over your shoulder matters.
Lesbian travellers who plan on visiting Stockholm this Pride Month will find some relief knowing that Sweden consistently ranks at the top of the LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Index thanks to its strong legal protections, low levels of discrimination, and overall social acceptance. It also has one of the longest-standing records of progress: homosexuality was decriminalised back in 1944, gender transition became legal in 1972, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009.
There’s more to do than party…
When we talk about “LGBTQ+ friendly” cities, the conversation too often feels centred around nightlife. But queer travellers – lesbian travellers included – aren’t one-dimensional. Many of us love to ‘turn up’ on the weekend, sure, but we also crave art, history, connection, and moments of reflection.
Stockholm delivers on all of that, and more. ABBA The Museum is practically a rite of passage: interactive, theatrical, and unashamedly camp, it lets you belt out ‘Waterloo’ in full costume and dive into the band’s legacy – one that’s deeply beloved by the queer community. For something quieter but just as culturally enriching, the Vasa Museum is a must. Less than a 10-minute walk away from ABBA The Museum, it houses a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and sat preserved beneath the sea for centuries.
www.abbathemuseum.com | www.vasamuseet.se/en
But it also has a buzzing queer nightlife seen
Of course, if you are in the mood to dance, flirt, or stay out until sunrise this Pride Month, there a plenty of spaces in Stockholm to do so. After an aperitivo by the water at Mälarpaviljongen – a floating LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant that becomes the unofficial meeting point for queer locals and visitors all summer – head over to Sweden’s biggest lesbian club, Moxy.
For lesbian travellers in Stockholm, Moxy is a name worth knowing. More than just a club night, it’s a roving event series that throws women-focused parties at various venues across the city. From sultry DJ sets to full-blown Pride Month takeovers, Moxy is where the sapphic energy really kicks in. It’s worth following them on Facebook or Instagram if you want to stay in the loop.
www.malarpaviljongen.se | www.klubbmoxy.se
Nature is always within reach
One of Stockholm’s superpowers is how easily it balances city life with access to nature. You can spend your morning museum-hopping or brunching in Södermalm, and by the afternoon, be walking beneath tree canopies or sailing between islands.
Right at the heart of the city, Djurgården offers an easy respite, full of winding trails and green meadows that invite you to slow down. It’s perfect for a solo stroll, a bike ride, or just lying on the grass with some gorgeous Stockholmer you just met with a few pastries from a local bakery. If you’re craving something wilder, you can always get a ferry out into the archipelago to explore some of the 24,000 islands and islets.
The fika culture is fabulous
In Stockholm, taking a break isn’t just encouraged – it’s built into the rhythm of daily life. The Swedish tradition of fika is all about pausing with purpose: sharing a coffee, something sweet, and a moment of connection. For many travellers, especially those used to the pace of bigger cities, it’s a welcome invitation to slow down.
You’ll find great fika spots all over the city, but one in particular holds a special place in queer history. Chokladkoppen, tucked into a colourful square in Gamla Stan, was one of the first establishments in the Swedish Capital to fly the rainbow flag – and has proudly welcomed queer guests since it opened in the late 90’s. It’s a must for lesbian travellers visiting Stockholm this Pride Month.
There’s a (rumoured) queer queen in Swedish history
Long before rainbow flags fluttered over Stockholm’s streets, Sweden had a monarch who defied the norms of her time – and whose legacy continues to inspire conversation and intrigue. Her name was Queen Kristina. Ruling from 1632 to 1654, Kristina never married; she dressed in ways that blurred gender lines, she was fiercely independent, intensely intellectual, and known for her close relationships with women.
Historians continue to debate how she identified (as they do), but many in the LGBTQ+ community see her as an early icon of queerness in power. You can visit her gorgeous silver throne at the Royal Palace, still on display in the Hall of State.