A Swede in Stockholm
If Copenhagen is the sociable, popular, younger sibling, then Stockholm is the classy, quieter, older one who gets the good grades and has a charismatic sense of humor. The people, who are just as stunning, blonde, and lovely as you would hope, are very proud of their country and excited to share it with guests. My name (pronounced La-nay-ah) is actually Swedish! Both my grandmothers were children of Swedish immigrants. The Linnea flower is a small pink flower that grows in the province of Sweden called Smaland from where my family originates. Every province in Sweden has a flower that represents it. The provincial flower for Smaland is the Linnea flower. My family was always very proud of our Swedish heritage. I knew that a visit to my home country had to be on my top list of priorities for this fall.
Stockholm was a very walk-able city, which surprised me after I learned it was built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. A group of friends and I found a free walking tour, and were able to start our tour in the city on a beautiful September morning. We were guided around the city from the Royal Palace to my favorite spot Gamla stan (old town). Gamla stan is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in all of Europe. It feels like you stepped back in time as you walk on the cobblestones streets lined with antique shops and cafes.
Meatballs and Lignonberries
What trip to Sweden isn’t complete without a traditional meal of Swedish Meatballs? Sturehof, located in the southside of Stureplan in Stockholm, served traditional Swedish cuisine, most notably Swedish meatballs and lignonberries. Lignonberries are a staple in Sweden because they can only be grown in the very northern hemisphere. The foodie I am loves the combination of the meatballs, berries, and potatoes together. Definitely a Swedish tradition that cannot be missed.
Finding My Inner Dancing Queen
Stockholm is most notably well known for the VASA museum that has old Viking ships dating back thousands of years ago. However, being the girl I am I could not turn down the ABBA Swedish Pop Music Museum that just opened in May. I couldn’t recommend that museum enough! I was traveling with three people this time, and one of the girls and I really wanted to go. We were so excited being the big ABBA fans that we are. The other guy we were with was a little hesitant-but we eventually talked him into it. End result? When we walked out of the museum he was humming along to “Waterloo” with just as much enthusiasm as we had.
I have never seen a museum that was as interactive as this one! You could honestly sing and dance with ABBA through technology that I never knew existed. The museum traces a chronological history, beginning with their unpromising genesis in the folk parts of 1960’s Sweden, to the rise of all their numerous hits. My favorite part was seeing a piano apparently linked to one in Anderson’s own studio, which will spring into life any time he sits down and plays. Definitely a must-see for any pop music lover!
Just Chillen
It’s been on my bucket list for a long time, but I was finally able to check it off….. I was able to have lignonberry vodka in the Ice Bar in Stockholm! There are a few more ice bars around the world, but the Stockholm ice bar is known as the world’s first permanent ice bar with a temperature at 27°F (-3°C) all year long. The décor and all the interior fixtures, right down to the cocktail glasses themselves, are made of pure, clear ice shipped down from the Torne River in Sweden’s Arctic north.
Not to mention the giant hooded parka with mittens that guests are allowed to borrow while they are there! These fur coats will keep anyone nice and warm, not to mention allow one to imagine what it would be like to be an “ice princess” from Scandinavia. What girl doesn’t love that?
I couldn’t have been more pleased with this city. After a busy day, our first day we took the time to relax on Sunday and see some more of the sights around Stockholm including the changing of the guards at the palace, and we took a walk along the waterway. My favorite part of the day was finding the perfect little café in Gamla Stan after a beautiful day of being out in the sun and shopping. As I was sitting writing postcards, the owner of the café began telling me the story of the shop and his experience growing up in Sweden. I love speaking to people who grew up in Europe. It is so enlightening to get a different perspective of life in other parts of the world, and how the people live. I believe I will never be the same person, and my perspective will forever be broadened. It’s amazing just how much you can learn about a culture just by talking to the people who live there.
Tips and Tricks:
When to Visit: Summer is ideally the best time with the long days and the long list of the festivals that the city holds each year. However, Christmas time, despite the short days, can be just as magical. Saint Lucia Day is a Swedish tradition held on December 13th that is a Christmas Tradition that should not be missed.
Getting Around: Use the metro and transportation in Sweden as much as possible. The metro is very convenient to use and drops you off close to several of the popular destinations around the city. In addition, the inside of the metro looks like an underground cave-something you just have to see to believe. It conjures visions of the beloved Scandinavian Trolls that are found everywhere in their art and folktales.
Playlist: Throw in some Avicii, ATeens, Swedish House Mafia, and ABBA Greatest Hits and you’re ready for an incredible weekend.