Swedes are relaxed about getting their kit off, and the city’s many public saunas offer an abundance of choice. The classic smoke sauna is fuelled by fragrant pinewood; there are several examples in Stockholm, although most are modern electricity-powered numbers. Leave your modesty at the door.
Things to do in Stockholm
The smörgåsbord is Sweden’s answer to the Middle Eastern mezze and usually includes a dollop of köttbullar (meatballs), rye bread, herring and cheese. Also worth looking out for is pyttipanna, a dish composed of chopped meat, spices and potatoes, topped with a fried egg and pickled beetroot.
In a city of such style, it is no surprise that Stockholm Concert Hall (tel +468 506 677 88; www.konserthuset.se) - one of Sweden’s most notable landmarks - is so architecturally chic. Neoclassical in design, this beautiful blue building houses the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and plays host to annual Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony. Tours are available.
Stockholm is famous for its coffee culture and the locals regard the ritual of stopping for a slurp of the black stuff (accompanied by a cinnamon bun) with something approaching religious fervour. Known as fika by the Swedes, the experience should also involve at least half an hour of chat.
Home to almost 30,000 islands, Stockholm’s vast archipelago is a slice of the seaside a stone’s throw from the city centre. Although exploring the network of pint-sized islands and teeny islets can be done via organised tours and boat trips, rent a kayak from Dalarö Kajak (tel +46739741034; www.dalarokajak.se) and explore for yourself.
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