Mini Travel Guides

With so many things to do in Sweden, it was hard to choose just 25. Here are our tips for fun things to do in Sweden. We’ve excluded Stockholm, the Swedish capital city, as we already have lots of tips for things to do in Stockholm in our collation post.

Say Hello to the Christmas Goat of Gävle

The Christmas Goat of Gävle is a large, straw Christmas goat and a big tourist attraction. In Sweden, it is a believed that a goat comes on Christmas to deliver presents. Oddly, this attraction is constantly the target of foul play, such as attempted burnings and thefts of the goat.

Image by misterbisson

Click here for the lowest prices on Gavle hotels

Play Swedish Bandy

Swedish Bandy is a Winter game that is basically a cross between soccer and hockey and played on ice. You will need skates, two goals, sticks, an orange ball, and minimal padding to play. It is a very fast paced game and can be hard to keep up. Also, be warned that there are no such thing as casual bandy fans.

A Swedish Bandy Match by Marcus Cederstrom 

Stay at the Tree Hotel

As you can probably guess by the name, the Tree Hotel highlighted in Marcus’ post Unique Hotels in Northern Sweden is constructed in the trees of the beautiful village of Harads in Sweden. This hotel is designed with ecological values in mind as well as a desire to live in harmony with nature.

Tree Hotel under construction by Sixten Brandt

 Stay Cool at the Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel, located in Jukkasjärvi, is a hotel made completely out of snow and ice. Also, an art project, this accommodation shifts forms each season, so depending on what you want to experience (a free-flowing river or a rock solid ice cube) will dictate when you should stay here. While a bit out-there, it is definitely a unique experience that you should try at least once.

Suite at Ice Hotel near Kiruna, Sweden by bjaglin

Click here for availability at the Ice Hotel

Spend Mid Summer in Jarvso

The small town of  Järvsö has less than 2,000 people, so you will definitely experience that small-town feeling which is so nice after spending time in the big cities. It’s a great location in which to spend a traditional Swedish Midsummer; there’s lots of folk dancing and singing. Järvsö Church is also worth a visit. Remnants from the 120o’s have been found at the church, as well as rune stones. Along with the history of the church is the beautiful, peaceful setting of being in rural Sweden on an island in the middle of the Ljusnan River.

Midsummer in Jarvso by Marcus Cederstrom

Explore the Brahehus Castle

Located in Småland, the ruins of Brahehus Castle are a beautiful and free attraction. While in the 1650′s it was an impressive country castle, it burnt down leaving just the walls standing.

Brahehus Castle by Marcus Cederstrom

Visit the Medieval Fortress of Kärnan & the Medieval Church in Helsingborg

Kärnan Fortress, which dates back to the 13th centur has been restored and is a great place to take in the view of the Swedish cities of Helsingborg and Øresund. This tower, which was once part of a Helsingborg Castle stands at 35 meters high and visitors can climb to the top. On a clear day, you will be able to see all the way to Denmark and Kronborg Castle. The Medieval church of Helsingborg was built in 1100 and has an impressive brick exterior. On the inside, take in the reliefs, which are stone faces of which the meaning is still unknown, altarpieces, and frescos that are beginning to fade as the years go on. It is a good lesson in history to be able to take in all of these pieces from the past. And the best part is this history lesson is absolutely free.

Stone faces at Helsingborg Medieval church by Marcus Cederstrom

Click here for lowest hotel prices in Helsingborg

Experience the Cathedral and the Burial Mounds in Uppsala

Uppsala Domkyrka is a 13th century cathedral residing in Uppsala. This beautiful piece of architecture, with its long spires that extend high above the town, has undergone numerous renovations since being built in the 1200′s. Open every day of the week admission-free, patrons can also learn about important historical figures here, such as biologist Carl von Linné, the philosopher Emanuel Swedenborg and Gustav Vasa. There are also the burial mounds of Old Uppsala. Called Gamla Uppsala, the three royal burial mounds from 6th century still dominate the landscape. Many historians believe that Gods used to reside there, and even possibly the old city of Atlantis.

Uppsala Cathedral by Marcus Cederstrom

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Uppsala

Learn Some Swedish History in the Viking Town of Sigtuna

Viking and Medieval history combine in the town of Sigtuna. Explore the viking burial ground, Rune stones, and a viking cemetery for a taste of what this region has to offer.

 Rune stone at Sigtuna by Marcus Cederstrom

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Sigtuna

Visit the Swedish Island of Vaxholm

Full of classic Swedish homes, Vaxholm is a tourist favorite during the summer months. Some highlights of the island include the view, the water, and the 16th century fortress fortress guarding the town. Because it is touristy visiting Vaxholm can be expensive, so an ideal dining option is picnicking on the beach.

Vaxholm by Marcus Cederstrom 

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Visby

Visby, the largest city on the island of Gotland, gives visitors a chance to explore one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Sweden. In fact, it has even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Church ruins, medieval houses, and an intact wall circling the city can be found here. However it’s not all about history here, as there’s a week long party every Summer & plenty of lovely beaches on which to soak up the sun.

Visby by Marcus Cederstrom

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Visby

Ice Skate With Vikings in Vikingarännet

Vikingarännet attracts tourists every February who wish to ice skate the 80 kilometers between Uppsala and Stockholm. The race supposedly follows “an old viking route” on Lake Mälaren which allows athletes to take in Viking sights along the way.

Vikingarnnet by linek

Taste Swedish Cuisine on a Budget

Eating at restaurants in Sweden can become very expensive. That is why everybody who comes to Sweden should learn about dagens lunch (Lunch of the Day). Restaurants in Sweden offer a set menu which usually include salad, bread, a drink, your main entree, and coffee for a reasonable price. Thursday is the best day to enjoy this meal as you will usually find pancakes and pea soup on the menu, a national favorite in Sweden. The thick pea soup filled with chunks of ham is a filling lunch and the pancakes act as a tasty desert. Be prepared to be full for the rest of the day, too, which could you save you money on dinner.

Pea Soup by VirtualEm

Hike Through the Primeval Forest in Tyresta

Tyresta National Park is an ancient forest is full of hiking trails for nature lovers. While 10 years ago a fire devastated about 10% of the woods, it is recovering nicely. Traverse over ancient rock, take in lake views, watch nature revive itself in this unspoilt area of Sweden.

Image by Marcus Cederstrom 

People Watch in Lilla Torg in Malmo

Lilla Torg in Malmö is a small, relaxing square that is great for people watching. This little trade square is filled with restaurants, bars, and  shops, and is the perfect place to relax with a drink and take in the small town charm. If you want to see something out of the ordinary, visit Form/Design Center in the square where you can take in contemporary Scandinavian and Swedish design.

Malmo’s Lila Torg by jerebu

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Malmo

Scoff Semlor (Cream Buns) on Mardi Gras

Semlor are cream filled wheat buns filled with cream eaten by Swedes on Madri Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, the day before the Lent fast begins. They do look rather yummy.

Picture courtesy of ratexla.

Visit the Eketorp Castle in Oland

Eketorp Castle is a great place to visit on the island of Oland. This fort from the Iron Age has been extensively enlarged over the years and is often used for medieval re-enactments. Come here to visit the museum inside the castle which houses artifacts or take a guided tour of this historical place. There are several hotels in Borgholm, the islands main town.

Image by Allie_Caulfield

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Borgholm

Get In Touch With Nature at the Ottenby Naturum

The Ottenby Naturum is also located on Oland and is great for those who love the outdoors, especially birdwatchers. While the park is free to enter, you will pay a fee if you want to go up to the lighthouse where you can take in ocean views. While visiting Ottenby Nataurum you can still see the wall built by King Karl X Gustaf to fence off the deer for hunters.

Contemplate Art at Grafikens Hus

Grafikens Hus is an art gallery located in Mariefred is two floors of exhibitions, conference rooms, collections, workshops, a library, shop, and cafe. Take in some of the professionally made prints or learn the techniques to make your own. Admission is 85 SEK.

 
Image by Erik

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Mariefred

Have Some Fun at Mariebergsskogen

Mariebergsskogen, located in Karlstad, is not only a park, but a playground. Spend time in the playground running through the crazy mirrors or going down the rope slide, take part in an African dance class, get in touch with your inner athlete during a game of beach volleyball or basketball, or wander through peaceful forests and take in your surroundings. There is also an ice rink that is always open to the public.

by Patrik Hamberg

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Karlsbad

Take to the Skies in the Swedish Air Force Museum

The Swedish Air Force Museum is located in Malmslätt that is “a technical and cultural history museum with exhibitions that trace the development of military aviation from the early 20th century to the present”. The museum holds many artifacts including planes, uniforms, engines, and more, as well as literature and personal photographs. An adult admission ticket is 50 SEK however there are student, senior, disability, and Swedish Cultural Heritage Society discounts.

Swedish Air Force Museum by aronsson

Linkoping Cathedral

The Linköping Cathedral is located in Linkoping and is about 800 years old and is the seat for the current bishop in the Church of Sweden Diocese of Linköping. Even before the Cathedral was built there was a church sitting there for over 200 years prior, so there is a lot of history to the site, and there are still remnants from this time. With its 107 metre high spiral, you will be able to find Linköping Cathedral from anywhere in the city.

Linkoping Cathedral by jblyberg

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Linkoping

Sail to the Island of Tjaro

Tjärö is an archipelago and an entire island of preserved park. Hiking through Oak Trees and over giant rocks before taking a dip in the clear water. Because this is an island, many people enjoy coming here to enjoy the fresh seafood. Boat trips are also a popular activity as you get the chance to experience the archipelago from smooth waters.

Tjaro by kajsahartig

See the Old Fishing Huts on Smögen Wooden Pier

The wooden pier in Smögen on Sweden’s west coast is a tourist favorite as visitors get the chance to see some of the old fishing huts. There is an excellent fish market here that sells fresh seafood such as prawns and fish. Cafes, small bars, and shopping can also be found around here, and at night, especially in the summer, enjoy the nightlife on the pier.

Eat Underground at Sala Salivergruva Mines

Sala Silvergruva, in Sala, are some of the most well-preserved mines in the world. Take a guided tour, partake in a cheese tasting, or head over to the Southern end of the mine to take part in a high-wire adventure, complete with zip lines. You can also stay overnight in the mines, as there are both hostel and suite accommodations underground. It is basically a subterranean town, with hotels, restaurants, music and entertainment.

Eating underground by freddie boy

Click here for the lowest hotel prices in Sala

25 Fun Things to Do in Sweden

Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

For an American, Mardi Gras is synonymous with New Orleans.  A non-stop party with plenty of good food, alcohol, and some party beads thrown in for good measure.  Swedes celebrate Mardi Gras too.  They just do it a little differently.

Swedes eat.  Specifically, Swedes eat semlor.  A semla is a delicious baked good smothered in cream.  The pastry itself is a wheat bun, spiced with cardamom.  The top of the bun is cut off (but not thrown away) and hollowed out.  Inserted into the newly hollowed out bun is a dollop of almond paste. Finally, the bun is filled with cream and the cut off (but not thrown away) top acts as a sort of hat to the semla.

Picture courtesy of ratexla. More pictures by ratexla here.

Semlor are traditionally meant to be eaten on Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday in the UK), before the Lent fast begins on Ash Wednesday. However, the Semla starts making an appearance in bakeries and grocery stores throughout the country around the beginning of the year and don’t disappear until Easter.

And it is a good thing, because they are delicious.  Several years ago, Aftonbladet, one of the evening newspapers in Sweden, reported that the average Swedes eats five semlor per year for a grand total of 40 million semlor.

Picture courtesy of Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi. More pictures by Per Ola Wiberg ~ Powi here.

I had initially planned on ranking my favorite semla places, but it’s just not fair. The beauty of Fat Tuesday is sampling your way through several different semlor.  The cafés in Gamla Stan in Stockholm are a great place to start.  If the weather is nice, continue on to Kungsträdgården and grab a seat at one of the outdoor cafés.  Finally, make your way towards Hötorget.  You won’t be disappointed.  You will be full, and if you didn’t pace yourself, borderline sick.  Semlor are rich and heavy and should probably be eaten in moderation.  Of course, it is Fat Tuesday, so enjoy.

If you can’t make your way to Sweden in time to sample a semla, try this recipe here.

Mardi Gras in Sweden with Cream Buns

Browse through our travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

The Swedish capital of Stockholm is a fascinating destination and one we feature regularly here at Europe a la Carte. If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm, then this round-up of our best suggestions for things to do in Stockholm should help you make the most out of your time there.

Podcast of Best of Stockholm Tips

Subscribe to the Europe a la Carte Podcast in itunes or audioboo

Historical Attractions in Stockholm

Stockholm’s most famous museum is the Vasa Museum, home to the 1620s ship which sank and spent 300 years in the Baltic Sea, before being salvaged and becoming the centrepiece of this museum.

The Vasa by Scarygami

Another interesting museum in Stockholm (which has some 70-odd museums!) is the Museum of Medieval Stockholm, which recently underwent extensive renovations. As a whole, Stockholm has a fascinating medieval history and many places to see evidence of it, including the Old Town area known as Gamla Stan.

Gamla Stan by lyng883

Sports fans might like to check out Stockholm’s Olympic Stadium (Stadion), venue for the 1912 Olympics.

For something different, try the House of Nobility in the centre of Stockholm, a historical building which now features the genealogical history of the noble families of Sweden. Alternatively, the Stadshuset (City Hall), home to the Nobel Prize banquet, can be an interesting place to explore, especially if you climb the tower for some great views over Stockholm.

House of Nobility by roger4336

Free Things to Do in Stockholm

A free attraction which Marcus suggests is underrated but very interesting is to visit the Swedish House of Parliament or Riksdag. It’s situated on an island – easily reached via a pedestrian bridge – and offers regular tours, including tours in English, and they’re all free.

The Riksdag by dtsomp

If you’re looking for some interesting exhibitions but are short on cash, then the Kulturhuset (“Culture House”) in Stockholm is a great way to spend your time. It has numerous floors of exhibitions, which might include photography, films and artworks, and most exhibitions will be free to enter.

The Kulturhuset by Anna-Stina

Enjoying the outdoors is possible (but different) in both summer and winter at the Kungstradgarden – it’s also the venue of the fantastic Christmas Market in December.

Kungstradgarden by ollesvensson

Although tours of the Skogskyrkogården World Heritage-listed cemetery are available, Marcus suggests giving yourself a free tour instead.

Palaces and Churches in Stockholm

The Riddarholmskyrkan is a church on a small island in Stockholm which dates back (in part) to the thirteenth century, and is the burial place for a number of Swedish royals.

Riddarholmskyrkan on a grey day by Eoghan OLionnian

An hour out of Stockholm by boat, the Drottningholm Palace is where the Swedish royal family live but the general public can access most of the palace’s grounds.

Drottningholm by tehzeta

Also a short trip out of Stockholm, to the north, you can find the Ulriksdal Palace which used to be the royal family’s summer residence. You can look through the palace buildings during summer and through the grounds at any time of year.

Ulriksdal in winter by lefant

Film, Food and Getting Around in Stockholm

Film buffs might like to time their visit to coincide with the Stockholm International Film Festival in November – it might not be a high profile festival but apparently there are plenty of great films to be seen.

If you’re feeling peckish while wandering Stockholm, then you can stop in to the Hötorgshallen Markets with all kinds of local and international foods to try. To add a great view to your meal or drink, you can try the Mosebacke Etablissement during summer, which has a great outdoor seating area.

Feast from Hotorgshallen Markets by patrikneckman

How you get around Stockholm depends a lot on the season (but the metro, of course, is fine all year!) – in summer, you might want to try the Stockholm City Bikes scheme.

Stockholm City Bikes by bjaglin

Find the Lowest Prices on Stockholm Hotels

Click here to find the best deals on hotels in Stockholm on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Your Stockholm Tips

Are we missing anything? If you have some more ideas on fantastic things to do in Stockholm, please let us know in the comments.

The Best of Stockholm Travel Tips

Browse through our travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Before I even start, I should tell you all, I don’t really like the Millennium books.  I think they are overly detailed, they slog along, and they just seem a bit too stereotypical at times.  Luckily, this isn’t a book review.  Because even if those details can become a bit much, those details also give the reader a good glimpse into Stockholm as a city.

Knowing what café is on what street on what island in Stockholm might not be necessary for moving the plot along, but for those who have been on that island, on that street, at that café, it’s a fun exercise.  It makes for a great travel trip while visiting Stockholm, Sweden.

The Stockholm City Museum seems to agree.  The museum offers walking tours of Stockholm, stopping at places that appear in the Millennium books.  Because of the international popularity of the books, tours are offered in a variety of languages: French, Italian, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Danish, Finnish and Russian.

Picture courtesy of StefanRos. More pictures by StefanRos here.

Of course, they also offer an English language tour, which leaves every Saturday at 11:30 am.  The tour lasts about two hours and tickets can be purchased, for 120 SEK, from a few different places, including the museum itself.

Regardless of your opinion of the book, Södermalm, the island which is host to much of the action in the books, is a beautiful place and well worth wandering.  You’ll be surrounded by great little stores, bars, cafés, restaurants.  Not only that, but the area offers some amazing people watching, as the Stockholmers mill about on a Saturday.  Pick the Saturday after everyone gets paid (usually the 25^th of each month) and you’ll be amazed how the city comes to life.

Picture courtesy of Robin Iversen Rönnlund. More pictures by Robin Iversen Rönnlund here.

Keep in mind you do not meet at the museum! Instead, the meeting point for the tour is Bellmansgatan 1, for Millennium fans, better known as the apartment of Mikael Blomkvist.

Millennium Books Walking Tours: Following the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

The island of Gotland off the eastern coast of Sweden was once a major trading center in European commerce.  During the Middle Ages, Gotland and the German Hanseatic league saw unquestioned economic prosperity.  With this prosperity, and the Christianity which had come to the island just a couple of centuries before, came the need for churches and cathedrals.

The island itself is home to hundreds of churches.  Some are in ruins, others are in use.  All are impressive structures.  In particular, the largest city on the island, Visby, is home to several different ruins.  Climb the still standing medieval city wall and you will be able to look out over the cityscape and pick out the different ruins.

Still standing, and in use, is St. Maria Cathedral, which was built as a church and dedicated as early as 1225 for the German traders in the area. In 1572 it became a cathedral.  While visiting, I stumbled upon a choir practice.  I was not alone.  Several other tourists had made their way to the church and stood around in a semi-circle as the choir rehearsed.

Despite the beauty of St. Maria, I prefer ruins.  It’s the romantic in me and luckily Visby has plenty to offer.  My favorite is probably St. Nicolaus, if only because despite being a ruin, performances are still held every year in the old church.  For the history nerd in me, there are few things better than watching live music in the skeletal ruins of a medieval church.

Considering that Visby, Gotland was quite the European destination nearly 800 years ago, I’d be remiss if I didn’t think it was still one of the best medieval places to visit in all of Europe.

Church Ruins on Gotland

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Last week I wrote about Vikingarännet, an 80 kilometer long distance ice skating race between Uppsala and Stockholm.  It’s perfect for those who want to sweat a little during their European travels.  Of course, some people prefer to be on skis rather than skates and Sweden doesn’t disappoint.

Vasaloppet, a 90 kilometer ski race in Mora, Sweden takes place every February, and has since 1922.  The race is supposed to follow the path that Gustav Vasa took as he raised a rebellion to take the throne from the Danish King back in 1520.  While the route may not be exactly the same, sometimes it’s easier just to play along, like the story of the first marathon.  The course has even been declared a nature reserve meaning that a strip of land 90 kilometers long and 10 meters wide is protected, which I just think is kind of cool.

Vasaloppet is incredibly competitive.  People train year round for this race; you’ll even see people during the summer on cross-country ski equipment designed for asphalt.  Luckily, the race organizers recognize the intensity that may come with having to sprint 90 kilometers on cross country skis.  That’s why they also offer an open class in which you can follow the path of the race, but the Sunday and Monday following the actual race.  Even if you’re not willing to strap on a pair of skis, the race becomes a winter celebration and an event well worth attending.

I’ll be honest, I’ve never entered Vasaloppet.  The closest I have come is having a few cousins finish the race.  Not quite the same, I know, but it’s on the list.  And one of these days, Mora, Sweden will be on my itinerary.

First picture courtesy of mill56.  More pictures by mill56.

Second picture courtesy of AndrewEick.  More pictures by AndrewEick.

Vasaloppet – Cross Country Skiing with Kings in Sweden

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Looking for a little outdoor activity at your next European destination?  Look no further than the Swedish winter then.  Sweden seems to take pride in lengthy outdoor activities in the midst of the cold and dark.  There is Vasaloppet, a cross country ski race covering 90 kilometers and said to follow the route of King Gustav Vasa in 1520.  The race has been held since 1922.

However, a new tradition has come about, harkening back to a time even before Vasa and the 1500s.  Since 1999, Vikingarännet has attracted long distance ice skaters every February who are willing to tackle the 80 kilometers between Uppsala and Stockholm.

The race is skated on Lake Mälaren, a large fresh water lake that, according to the organization, follows “along an old viking route.”  This is of course in reference to the landmarks along the way.  The old Viking town of Sigtuna, for example, is on the shores of Mälaren as well as Drottningholm Palace (not so much a Viking landmark, but an impressively beautiful palace nonetheless).

This year’s race will take place on either the 13^th or 20^th of February depending on ice conditions.  So if you’re the outdoorsy type, the type that thinks it’s not really a vacation unless you sweat a little, head up north to Sweden and taking part in Vikingarännet.

First picture courtesy of linek.  More pictures by linek.

Second picture courtesy of Carles Tomás Martí. More pictures by Carles Tomás Martí.

Vikingarännet – Ice Skating with Vikings in Sweden

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

About two hours north of Stockholm a goat stands in the town of Gävle.  It’s a large goat, a Christmas goat, a straw goat.  This goat is a tourist attraction, it is known, simply, as Gävlebocken.  The Gävle Goat.

A Swedish Christmas tradition accounts for a Christmas goat that also delivered presents.  As a small child, the Christmas goat scared me.  A lot.  It was loud, gruff, and just kind of ugly.  Luckily, the Gävle Goat is less scary and more impressive.

Each year, Gävlebocken is built, and each year, people try to burn it down.  Turns out that a goat made of straw is an inviting target.  This year though, there was a new twist as an attempt was made to steal the goat with a helicopter.  Someone thought it would be a good idea to steal a straw goat that weighs 3.6 tonnes, is 13 meters high and seven meters long.

The chess game between the potential vandals and the protectors of the goat has become a sort of holiday tradition.  Since the first goat was burned down in 1966, 24 subsequent goats have been burned.  So far, the 2010 goat still stands, and would make a perfect day trip from Stockholm for anyone doing some last minute European travel planning.

This goat, as you may imagine when people are trying to burn you and steal you with helicopters, has a story to tell.  That’s why Gävlebocken has a blog, a Twitter account, and even submits itself to a webcamera.  Learn more about the Gävle Goat here.

Picture by plastAnka.  More pictures by plastAnka can be found here.

The Christmas Goat of Gävle, Sweden

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Stockholm is in the midst of another winter.  It happens every year and every year it is dark and cold.  That’s one of the reasons Stockholm isn’t always at the top of the list of best places to visit in Europe during the winter.  Which is a shame.  The city has so much to offer.  Stockholm is amazing shrouded in snow, and the Christmas markets are hard to beat.

But there are so many other things going on in the Swedish winter.  Like sports.  There’s bandy, and ice skating, and skiing.  And hockey.  Of course, hockey.  The Swedish professional hockey league, Elitserien, is one of the best hockey leagues in the world.  The talent pool is deep and is usually home to several NHL prospects or former NHL players.  One year the second division even managed to sign Ed Belfour, a potential Hall of Fame player to play for the season.

The nice thing about ice hockey in Sweden is that you don’t need to be interested in hockey.  The game becomes more of a cultural experience.  The singing, the chanting, the mass of people in black coats preparing to head back into the Swedish winter waiting outside, it all comes together to give a greater understanding of Sweden and a look at a part of life that so many people forget when traveling abroad.

It needs to be experienced in person. It also needs to be noted that if you have small children who speak Swedish, the language can be a bit, well, adult.  Be warned, but enjoy!

Swedish Winter Activities – Ice Hockey Games

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Winter is a surprisingly good time to visit Stockholm.  Or at least December is.  Despite the dark, the Christmas lighting and any snow lying around really brightens up the city.

With all that darkness, brightening up the city is pretty important to most Swedes.  That’s what makes Lucia such a great holiday.  Way back when calendars weren’t always on the same page as they are now, the longest day of the year was said to be the 13th of December, St. Lucy’s day.  Today, that tradition is celebrated in Sweden with candles to light the winter (and plenty of delicious baked goods).

The traditional celebration involves a young woman, chosen as Lucia, leading a procession of stjärngossar, or star boys.  On her head is a wreath of candles, and in her hands she carries lussekatter, or St. Lucy’s Buns, along with coffee.

In the early 1900s, an official Lucia was elected in Stockholm and that has continued to this day.  Every year, voting is held for Lucia, who is then crowned at Skansen and leads a procession on Luciadagen.

This year, the crowning will occur on the 4th of December, the procession will, of course, be held on the 13th of December. Skansen during the Christmas season is an amazing experience.  Coupling that with the Lucia procession is even better and makes for one of the best places to visit in Europe during the holiday season.

If you’re planning a visit to the Swedish capital find the best rates at Stockholm hotels on the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Photo by Bengt Nyman.  More photos by Bengt Nyman here.

St. Lucy’s Day in Stockholm, Sweden

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.