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Sweden : Stockholm - December 2008 Country Code: Dial ++46 for Sweden
You’re as likely as not to see snow
in Stockholm in December, adding
gloss to an already beautiful city.
On 13 December the locals will
celebrate Sankta Lucia, with
young girls dressed in white and
wearing crowns of candles
walking in processions in the
streets while everyone else stuffs
themselves with saffron fl avoured
buns and ginger biscuits. Helena
Persbrandt joins the party
Getting around
Airport is 8km west of the city.
Bus: Flygbussarna
buses link the airport
with Stockholm’s
bus/train station,
Cityterminalen. The
journey costs €14/
SEK 130 return and
takes 20 minutes,
with departures
every 20 minutes
at peak times. Taxi: Licensed cabs
are available outside
the terminal. The fare
to the city centre is
about €20/SEK 186. Tourist information: The main office is
at 27 Hamngatan,
with the entrance
on Kungsträdgården
(tel. (0)8 5082 8508,
stockholmtown.com).
GAMLA STAN
This is the island where Stockholm
was founded in the 13th century.
Today Gamla Stan (the old town) is
slightly touristy but stunning and very
romantic, especially in winter.
Sleep soundly – As its name suggests,
the cute Lord Nelson Hotel is a maritime-themed hotel
dedicated to the British admiral.
Culture vultures – Enjoy a traditional
Sankta Lucia concert at the Storkyrkan
(Cathedral, 1 Trångsund) on 12
December at 7pm, 13 December at
4pm and 6pm, or 14 December at 4pm.
On the other side of the Norr Bridge,
Sankt Jacobs Kyrka (St Jacob’s
Church, 2 Västra Trädgårdsgatan)
will hold a Sankta Lucia concert on
11 December at 6pm.
Shop til you drop – Stock up on
Christmas decorations and yuletide
delicacies such as smoked sausages,
candy and glögg (mulled wine) during
the Gamla Stan Christmas Market
(around Gamla Stan), which runs until
23 December.
SKEPPSHOLMEN
The tiny island of Skeppsholmen is
where Stockholmers head when they
want to enjoy high culture.
Sleep soundly – Revel in luxury at the
classically elegant Grand Hôtel, which enjoys beautiful views
over Stockholm’s harbour, just across
Skeppsholmen’s Bridge.
Culture vultures – The excellent
Moderna Muséet (the Modern Art
Museum, Skeppsholmen) runs a highprofile
exhibition on the surrealist
artist Max Ernst until 11 January. Next
door, the Arkitekturmuséet (the
Architecture Museum) is putting on a
show dedicated to Barcelona and
Catalan architecture until 6 January.
Must eat – Tuck into weekend brunch
at the Moderna Muséet’s Restaurant
(tel. (0)8 5195 6291). The food on offer
ranges from herring and cold meats to
scones, bagels and brownies. It’s a
Stockholm institution. Or head
for the serene Café Blom
(in the Architecture
Museum, tel.
(0)8 5195 6291)
for yummy coffee
and pastries.
SÖDERMALM
Historically a working class district,
Södermalm has turned into the place
where stylish Swedes hang out.
Sleep soundly – Budget-conscious
travellers will love The Red Boat, a hostel anchored right
in the heart of Stockholm.
Must drink – Terminally hip H20 and
Eld are both in the basement of beer
hall Kvarnen (4 Tjähovsgatan). Highceilinged
Bar Nada (140 Åsögatan) has
DJs spinning dance and lounge music.
Dance the night away – Debaser (1
Karl Johans Torg) is one of best places
for pop and rock. Head up the hill to
Södra Teatern (1-3 Mosebacke Torg)
for live jazz and world music.
Shop til you drop – Södermalm is full
of vintage clothing shops like Beyond
Retro (144 Åsogatan), Lisa Larssons
Second Hand (48 Bondegatan) and La
Principessa (1 Rosenlundsgatan).
KUNGSHOLMEN
Tucked behind City Hall, Kungsholmen
is a leafy and laid back residential area.
Must eat – For great waterfront views,
head to Restaurang Kungsholmen
(Norr Mälarstrand, 464 Kajplats, tel.
(0)8 50 524450), a food court with
seven kitchens from around the world.
The contemporary Spisa hos Helena
(18 Scheelegatan, tel. (0)8 654 4926)
does modern European food such as
oven-baked salmon with chanterelles
and apple chutney.
Must drink – ‘Stockholm’s pinkest bar’,
Göken (28 Pontonjärsgatan) is popular
with the city’s gay crowd.
Shop til you drop – Visit R.O.O.M (20
Alströmergatan)
for moderately
priced, good quality
Nordic furniture.
Compiled by Helena Persbrandt
Previous issues for Stockholm
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