10 Things to Do in Stockholm in Winter

If you're someone who isn't afraid of cold weather or who prefers to see cities at their best, then a visit to Stockholm in winter is a must. At this time of year, the Swedish capital's most characteristic season, you can get to know the true idiosyncrasies of this destination, enjoy snow sports and discover beautiful panoramic views.

Some of the best things to do in Stockholm in winter include exploring the city's most famous archipelago on a scenic cruise, sampling the local cuisine, visiting the saunas, ice-skating on the frozen canals, discovering the Northern Lights and taking time out for a fika, a local tradition that allows you to take shelter from the cold during breaks in your journey.

The real prize of visiting Stockholm in winter is discovering the snowy landscapes that transform the city into a winter wonderland. One of the best places to experience this scenery is Tyresta National Park, where snow-covered forests and quiet trails offer an idyllic escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Here you can enjoy walks and contemplate the silence that characterises these spaces.

Gamla Stan, the city's old town, is another of the places that dress in white during the winter. Although it is not a natural setting, its cobbled streets and pastel-coloured, snow-covered buildings are dotted with pointed roofs and cobbled squares that recreate a medieval atmosphere.

In Gamla Stan, you can also take part in some of Stockholm's best tours, find bars and pubs to experience the local nightlife that doesn't let up even during the colder months, and even visit some of the city's most outstanding museums.

Discovering the Stockholm archipelago on a scenic cruise excursion is a unique seascape that offers a broad perspective of the city and its surroundings. During these tours, you'll have the opportunity to sail through the waters that make up the archipelago's network of islands, enjoying panoramic views and the coastal villages, which are particularly beautiful in winter.

The Stockholm archipelago is not only a seductive destination during the day, but also a great place to spot the Northern Lights during the darkest of nights. In winter, when the nights are longer, scenic cruises become the perfect platform to witness this natural phenomenon.

In addition to the fascination of the Northern Lights, the best Stockholm cruises offer the chance to explore picturesque islands, visit seaside cafes and discover the serenity of the seascape at the time of year that best dresses the Swedish capital's scenery.

Tasting Stockholm's winter cuisine is a culinary experience that will give you a taste of the authentic flavours of the season. Whether at street stalls or in the city's restaurants, you can explore a variety of dishes from the Scandinavian peninsula designed to cope with the cold weather.

Köttbullar, Swedish meatballs made with beef or pork and served with creamy gravy and mashed potatoes, is one of the most popular dishes in Swedish cuisine. Gravlax of salmon cured with sugar, salt and dill and served in thin slices is also typical of winter cuisine and is a popular choice in international restaurants as well. This cold dish is popular in Stockholm in January, when the fresh salmon season starts in Sweden.

If you plan to visit Stockholm during Christmas you can try julbord, which is a traditional Swedish feast that includes a variety of dishes such as pickled herring, glazed ham, pâtés and festive desserts that represent the best of the winter season.

Finally, you can't miss artsoppa, a yellow pea soup served with mustard and rye bread. This warming dish is a popular choice to combat the cold and is appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

A typical winter experience in Stockholm is a visit to the saunas, when tradition combines hot baths with the daring practice of plunging into icy lakes. Scandinavians regard saunas as therapeutic havens that provide warmth in the freezing weather, and in the Swedish capital you'll find plenty of alternatives for this activity.

A distinctive feature of Stockholm's sauna culture is the custom of combining moments of intense heat with refreshing baths in the frozen lakes. After enjoying the warmth of the sauna, brave locals go outdoors to plunge into the cold, crystal-clear water. This practice, known as "avanto", is considered revitalising and has become ingrained in everyday winter life.

In the Stockholm archipelago, some establishments offer full sauna and lake bathing experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to participate in this unique tradition. In places further away from the capital, such as Hellasgården, lakeside saunas are among the most popular, allowing visitors to experience the local culture while enjoying the natural beauty of the winter environment.

For one of the most fun winter activities in Stockholm, ice skating on the city's frozen canals is a must. During the colder months of the year, canals such as Strömmen and Djurgårdsbrunn are transformed into natural ice rinks, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to glide smoothly while exploring the city from a different perspective.

For those who want to get started with ice skating, Stockholm is easy to find tours offering introductory lessons in various locations, from parks to dedicated rinks. These lessons are ideal for beginners of all ages and provide a safe and fun environment to learn basic skating skills.

Ice skating on the canals is a perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy, especially if you plan to visit Stockholm with children. The city offers skate rental options in a variety of sizes, allowing even the youngest skaters to participate in this winter adventure safely and comfortably.

Skiing is another popular winter activity in Stockholm, especially from January onwards, when the slopes formally open for the season and prepare to welcome visitors from all over the world.

Among the most popular slopes is Hammarbybacken, a ski hill on the outskirts of Stockholm that offers panoramic views of the city. With several slopes of varying levels of difficulty, it is a popular destination for both beginners and more experienced skiers. Ease of access and well-equipped facilities make this an attractive option for those wishing to enjoy the sport.

Flottsbro, known for its extensive slopes and comprehensive services ranging from equipment rental to cosy huts for resting between skiing sessions, is another of Sweden's most famous slopes. With a variety of terrain, from gentle slopes to challenging descents, Flottsbro is a versatile destination to suit the preferences of skiers of all levels, although it is geared towards professionals.

Outside the city centres, another way to experience winter in Stockholm is to enjoy the scenic views on the hiking trails. One of the iconic sites for this activity is the trail that takes you to the Fjällgatan viewing platform in Södermalm. From this platform you can admire a sweeping panorama of the old town of Gamla Stan and the rooftops of the Swedish capital, creating an image that captures the historic and modern essence of this destination.

Another ideal option is the trail that leads to Skinnarviksberget, Stockholm's highest hill. From the top you can get 360° views of the city, the archipelago and the capital city limits. This vantage point is a popular place to enjoy sunsets and capture the local beauty at different times of the day, even at night in Stockholm.

Tyresta National Park, located just outside the city, also offers hiking trails that allow you to explore unspoilt nature and enjoy panoramic views of the forest and lakes. With well-marked trails and a variety of routes to suit different skill levels, Tyresta is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking to disconnect from the urban hustle and bustle and enjoy Scandinavian serenity.

A stroll through Djurgården is to immerse yourself in the epicentre of winter in Stockholm, where the island is transformed into a white blanket of winter nature and cultural activities. During the colder months, Djurgården offers a variety of unique experiences, from scenic walks through snow-covered trees to participation in winter events and festivals that celebrate the local essence.

One of Djurgården's main attractions in winter is the Vasa Museum, which houses a 17th century ship in its collection that emerged from the depths of the local harbour. Exploring this museum, which is included among the attractions on Stockholm's tourist card, will allow you to learn about Sweden's maritime history while sheltering from the cold outside.

In addition, the park offers ample walking trails to enjoy the serenity of winter, with areas for picnics or just relaxing, making it an ideal place to visit with children in Stockholm.

During the colder months, Djurgården is also the setting for winter events and festivals. From Christmas markets to traditional celebrations, the island comes alive with life and colour, offering visitors and locals alike the opportunity to take part in festive activities and enjoy winter delights, especially during Christmas or St. Knut's Day.

If you're planning to visit Stockholm during the winter, you can't miss the chance to see the Northern Lights during your trip. Although Stockholm is at a more southerly latitude and the Northern Lights are more common in Norway or Finnish Lapland, it is still possible to witness this natural phenomenon on clear nights during the colder months.

One of the best places to look for the Northern Lights in Stockholm is away from the light pollution of the city, such as on the outskirts or in areas with less artificial lighting. The Stockholm archipelago, with its combination of natural scenery and tranquillity, offers favourable conditions for observations. In places such as the islands further away from the city centre, the absence of city lights increases the chances of capturing the phenomenon.

Another option for discovering the Northern Lights is to head to elevated areas, such as hills or viewpoints, for a better field of view and a clearer view of the night sky.

In addition, some tour operators in Stockholm offer specific Northern Lights tours, taking visitors to strategic locations where conditions are optimal. These experiences often include expert guides who share information about this phenomenon typical of the Scandinavian peninsula.

If you are travelling to Stockholm in winter, you may decide to include a stop during your trip for a fika, which is a Swedish tradition that goes far beyond simply having a cup of coffee. The fika is a social ritual that involves taking a break, enjoying a break and sharing relaxed moments with friends or family, especially during the winter when the weather gets very cold.

In Stockholm, fika is an integral part of everyday life. Locals take the time to enjoy this special moment in cafés, parks or even at street stalls. Some of the city's best coffee shops, such as Vete-Katten or Chokladkoppen, offer a picturesque atmosphere and delicious Swedish pastries to complement this traditional experience.

The fika, then, is not only a coffee break, but also an opportunity to bond and strengthen relationships. It is a tradition that reflects the importance of taking time to relax and enjoy each other's company, contributing to the quality of life and sense of community in Stockholm. It also allows you to take a break on sub-zero days during your tour and give yourself a boost for the rest of your visit.

So, if you're in the city, especially in winter when the temperatures are freezing, don't miss the opportunity to take part in this charming tradition and immerse yourself in the idiosyncrasies of everyday Swedish life.

During the winter, temperatures in Stockholm are characteristic of the Nordic cold. Shorter days and longer nights contribute to a frigid atmosphere that transforms the city into a magical snow-covered scene. Daytime temperatures typically range from -5° to 0°, while nighttime temperatures can drop as low as -10°.

This winter weather creates the opportunity for Stockholm's lakes and canals to freeze over, providing unique settings for activities such as ice skating. Despite the cold, in the Swedish capital in winter you can enjoy walks in the snowy parks and even see the Northern Lights.

In winter, due to the cold temperatures, Stockholm experiences less tourism compared to the summer months. However, this is the time of year when the city is at its best, with snowy landscapes, a wide range of cultural offerings including discounted or free admission to the Swedish capital's best museums and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

Although the number of tourists decreases, if you choose to visit Stockholm in winter you will enjoy a quieter and more authentic experience, where you can get to know the local culture and participate in the city's winter traditions.

Prices in Stockholm during the winter can vary, as this is a season that generally experiences a drop in tourist numbers. While some services and accommodation may offer cheaper rates compared to the summer peak season, it is important to note that Stockholm is known to be a relatively expensive city all year round.

However, keep in mind that despite the cold temperatures, Christmas markets and festive events often offer unique experiences without the high costs. You can also save money by booking in advance and choosing to travel during the colder months, such as January in Stockholm.

Winter in Stockholm can be very cold, with sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, so I recommend packing the following:

• Winter coats
• Waterproof and comfortable boots
• Warm socks
• Waterproof and tactile gloves
• Woollen hats
• Woollen scarves
• Mackintosh
• Woollen jumpers
• Fleece trousers
• Thermal fleece