Souvenirs from Stockholm

In March 2022, I fulfilled one of my dearest dreams with my mother: flying to Scandinavia. I chose Stockholm. It seemed like a spontaneous decision, but everything was well planned. My mother isn’t the type to go on an adventure with just a backpack. After a short layover in Amsterdam, we arrived at the Gamla Stan BW Signature hotel, which offers great value for money and the best breakfast of any hotel I’ve ever stayed in. In the morning, the hotel provided a buffet that catered to all tastes, whether vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-intolerant.

By the way, Gamla Stan Island is the best neighborhood to stay in because it is located in the center of Stockholm, with bus lines that allowed us to get anywhere without having to change transport.

A Sweet Swedish Tradition

As soon as we arrived, we went for a fika at Café Nova, which we discovered while strolling around the island. Fika is a very popular practice in Sweden. It’s about taking a real coffee break accompanied by plenty of pastries. It’s nothing like the quick coffee we gulp down in the hallways. No, Swedes truly take the time to relax with their family, friends, or colleagues. It’s a habit my mother and I quickly adopted during our trip.

That same evening, we had dinner at a small local restaurant, Stockholm Gastabud. I tasted the famous meatballs made popular by IKEA. Whenever I travel, the country’s cuisine is always at the top of my to-do list. And I’ve tried quite a few culinary specialties. One morning, I dared to try marinated herring. I didn’t like it at all. It wasn’t about eating fish in the morning—I’m used to that when I go to Thailand. No, it was the ultra-sweet marinade with something my brain considers a savory dish. I also had the opportunity to taste reindeer meat at the Ardbeg Embassy restaurant. The wine sauce was absolutely delicious.

Must-See Attractions

Stockholm was an incredibly enriching experience. There are thirty-one museums to visit, some of which are free. In five days, we had to make choices. The Swedish History Museum was a must if we wanted to learn more about the country’s history. There is a large underground hall displaying Viking-era treasures. The Nationalmuseum, a beautiful equivalent of the Musée d'Orsay, is a paradise for painting enthusiasts.

I received a lesson in humility and humanism at the Nobel Prize Museum. It showcases all the award-winning inventions throughout history. Looking at the Nobel Peace Prize winners, I can tell you we’ve come a long way. The very first was awarded to Henry Dunant for his role in founding the International Committee of the Red Cross. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that in 1905, the prize was awarded to a woman, Bertha von Suttner, for her book Lay Down Your Arms. She was the second woman to receive a Nobel Prize in any category, the first being Marie Curie.

While heading to the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, my mother and I stumbled upon the Toy Museum. It was a chance to relive our childhood and (re)discover some very vintage comic books. Similarly, we traveled back to the Middle Ages at the Medieval History Museum of Sweden.

Saving the Best for Last: Skansen

I’ve saved the best for last: Skansen. It’s an open-air ethnological museum located on the island of Djurgården. It’s like a huge park with Swedish buildings, each representing a specific time period and way of life. Actors dressed in traditional clothing welcome visitors in each house, sharing stories and answering questions. I love places where you lose track of time and space. It’s a feeling I enjoy immensely.

The park also houses animals, making it somewhat of a mini-zoo. I’m not a big fan of zoos because they try to recreate an environment that resembles an animal’s natural habitat but isn’t truly their home. However, Skansen is different. There are many farm animals, and the only wild animals are native to the region, such as bison and moose. I even saw bears—they were so beautiful! That afternoon, my mother and I had lunch by a wood fire in a central square within the park.

A Few Tips

Whenever I visit a new country, I think it’s important to learn at least a little about its customs and traditions to show respect. Stockholm is an incredibly clean city. So clean that I wondered if smoking was even allowed. There are no cigarette butts on the ground, and it seems like smokers hide in small corners to avoid disturbing others. Public restrooms are generally clean, so be sure to maintain these pleasant aspects of the city.

Be courteous, as the locals are very welcoming and kind. There is a truly relaxed and friendly atmosphere. No one gets angry, no one complains. In short, the exact opposite of Paris.

Although we walked a lot, we frequently took the bus and tram to travel across the city. These are the best modes of transport, as they are everywhere and move quickly due to the lack of traffic. The wait time never exceeded five minutes. You can get a rechargeable travel card, similar to London’s Oyster Card, at any 7-Eleven or Pressbyrån store.

Finally, when leaving the airport, the best option is to take a bus ticket for €11.50, which will take you directly to the city center, where you can find all necessary connections.