Stockholm practically oozes winter wonderland vibes all year round – even in the middle of summer – so by the time winter arrives, you can just imagine what the city looks like. Think bustling markets filled with holiday cheer, stylish Swedes strolling around with steaming cups of glögg (mulled wine) in hand, and snowy scenes so perfect they could fill a holiday card collection. We believe winter in Stockholm is one of those experiences everyone should have at least once in their lifetime. Here’s why:
The Fika culture
While coffee breaks in many cultures can feel rushed, we Swedes treat them as a cherished time to pause, unwind, and connect – a ritual we call fika. As you can imagine, this ritual takes on a cosy, almost magical charm during the colder months, when gathering around warm cups and sweet treats feels like our best line of defence against the winter chill. Just imagine settling in one of the warm cafés on the island of Djurgården with one of Sweden’s world-famous cinnamon buns in one hand and a steaming cup of coffee in the other as snowflakes drift outside your window. We’d say that’s worth hopping on a plane for all on its own!
The archipelago is gorgeous in winter
Just beyond the Open City lies one of Sweden’s most stunning natural wonders: the Stockholm Archipelago. This vast chain of around 30,000 islands and islets stretches into the Baltic Sea, with landscapes that change dramatically with each season. While undeniably beautiful in summer, winter brings a special kind of charm. Scenes of snow-laden forests concealing traditional red cottages, and frosty, glistening waters make it feel like the setting of a Nordic fairytale – and the best thing is it’s easily accessible by ferry from the city.
To truly imbibe the magic of winter in Stockholm after a day of exploring the archipelago, consider lodging at Hotel J. Set on the waterfront at Nacka Strand, this boutique hotel comes with luxurious rooms and suites, spellbinding bay views, and a fabulous restaurant that focuses on fresh seafood and Scandinavian cuisine.
The indoor cultural treasures
If braving the outdoors isn’t quite your style, the city’s indoor cultural treasures have you covered. Wrap up in your most stylish winter assemble and head over to Drottningholm Palace, a Baroque masterpiece and residence of Sweden’s royal family, or the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, one of the largest palaces in Europe. Here, you can get lost in centuries of Swedish history without your ears turning pink! For a taste of Sweden’s maritime legacy, don’t miss the Vasa Museum. This iconic attraction showcases a 17th-century warship that was salvaged from the Stockholm harbour and restored to its former glory. It’s truly a sight to behold – and trust us, pictures do not do it justice.
Swedish comfort food
Swedish cuisine is pretty much custom-built for the cold, focusing on hearty, locally sourced, comforting foods that provide warmth and energy during the long, dark months. Many traditional Swedish recipes and preparation methods even date back to the Viking era, and let’s just say they knew a thing or two about enduring harsh winters.
While Swedish meatballs have earned their global fame (and rightly so), Stockholm’s culinary scene has so much more to offer. For a dining experience that combines tradition with a fresh, modern twist, Restaurant Långa Raden at the historic Hotel Skeppsholmen is a standout. And if you’re drawn to seafood, Sturehof is an essential stop – this beloved restaurant has been a mainstay in Stockholm since the late 19th century.
Winter sports in the Open City
Few things say winter escape quite like lacing up skates for a day at the rink with friends or carving down snowy slopes – and in Stockholm, you can do both. Kungsträdgården Park, or ‘The King’s Garden,’ is one of the city’s most beloved and historic public spaces, and during the colder months, it transforms into a magical outdoor ice rink, open daily and free to use. Skates are also available for rent if you don’t have your own.
If skiing is more up your street, you might be surprised to learn that Stockholm has its own ski field called Hammarbybacken, which is within reach of the city and easily accessible by public transport. This small ski resort comes with a dedicated area for children, a snow park for freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and facilities like equipment rentals, a café, and even a ski school for those wanting to refine their skills. And when you’re ready to thaw out and recharge, nearby Södermalm is home to some stylish and cosy LGBTQ-welcoming lodging options like Hotel Rival and Hellstens Glashus.