Stockholm & Swedish Lapland: A Winter Wonderland Adventure

Stockholm, the “Venice of the North,” truly lives up to its name. This captivating city, built across 14 islands, is a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. In fact, Stockholm is famously known as being 1/3 city, 1/3 land, and 1/3 water! This creates an incredible sense of space and tranquility, even in the heart of the city.

I loved the stunning water views from my room at the Grand Hôtel Stockholm – a truly iconic landmark. Did you know it was the first luxury hotel in the city? And get this – it was the first hotel in the world to offer guests fresh sheets! Talk about a game-changer!

From our luxurious base, we explored Gamla Stan (Old Town), a maze of narrow cobblestone alleys, colorful buildings, and charming squares. Our fabulous local guide, brought the city’s history to life as we wandered past iconic landmarks.

But beyond the historic sites, don’t miss Stockholm’s metro stations! Often called “the world’s longest art gallery,” over 90 of the 100 stations are decorated with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, and installations by over 150 artists. It’s an incredible way to experience art in an unexpected setting.

And speaking of art and music, no trip to Stockholm is complete without a visit to the ABBA The Museum. This interactive museum is a must for any fan of the iconic Swedish pop group. We had a blast singing along to our favorite ABBA hits, trying on virtual costumes, and learning about the band’s incredible journey to stardom.

Pro Tip: Take a private guided tour of ABBA The Museum with Ingmarie, costume assistant and make-up artist for the band. Today she is Creative Dirctor of ABBA The Museum.

And of course, two other spots truly stood out:

• Stockholm City Hall: This magnificent building, with its iconic tower and grand halls, is a symbol of the city. Be sure to climb the tower for panoramic views of Stockholm – a great spot for photos!

• The Vasa Museum: This was a highlight, not just for me, but for any family traveling with kids! Seeing the almost fully intact 17th-century warship, the Vasa, was awe-inspiring. The museum does a fantastic job of bringing history to life, with interactive exhibits and displays that captivated even the youngest members of our group.

  Tip for families: The Vasa Museum is located on the island of Djurgården, which also happens to be home to Gröna Lund, a popular amusement park. It’s the perfect way to combine education and fun!

From Stockholm hop on a quick flight to Lulea to experience Swedish Lapland!

 

Swedish Lapland: Embracing the Winter Spirit

Next, we ventured north to Swedish Lapland, hoping for a winter wonderland. While we were a bit unlucky with the snowfall (it happens!), the magic of Lapland still shone through.

Our stay at the Aurora Safari Camp was a highlight. Imagine this: walking on a frozen lake, the crisp air biting your cheeks, and the vast expanse of the Arctic sky above you.  Braver guests can even take a “polar plunge”! At night, gather around a crackling campfire, gazing at the stars and hoping for a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.

But one of the most memorable experiences was meeting a local Sami reindeer herder. Learning about their unique culture and way of life was fascinating, and we even had the chance to feed a reindeer! It was a truly once in a lifetime experience to connect with this indigenous community and gain a deeper appreciation for their traditions.

Then, it was time for an adventure to the Arctic Circle! While there, we enjoyed a delicious reindeer stew cooked over an open campfire – talk about authentic! After a fun day of outdoor activities (despite the lack of snow!), we relaxed and unwound embracing the concept of “hygge” – that cozy, comforting feeling of contentment. It was the perfect way to end our Lapland adventure.

My trip to Stockholm and Swedish Lapland was a truly unforgettable experience. From the historical charm of Stockholm to the unique beauty of Lapland, Sweden offered a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural wonders. If you’re looking for a winter adventure that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired, I highly recommend exploring these captivating destinations.