Sweden, and Stockholm specifically, has a lot to offer a first-time visitor. If you only have a short amount of time to spend in this Scandinavian country, I am here to give you a quick 48 hour itinerary. I was lucky enough to spend multiple weeks in Sweden over the course of 2016, but these are my top picks!
Enjoy!
Day 1:
Start the morning with a ticket to the Vasa Museum. For only 130 SEK {which translates to about $15 USD}, you will be thoroughly entertained for at least three hours. And this is coming from someone who normally runs in the other direction when offered an invitation to a museum of any kind.
A brief history before you go {just so you know what you are getting yourself into}: In 1624, Gustav II Adolf demands two shipwrights build the most powerful ship in the Baltic Sea. Despite questionable dimensions, weight, and other concerning factors, the ship is launched into the harbor for its first voyage in 1928. Within minutes, the entire ship sinks to the bottom of the harbor. It wasn’t until 1961 that they were able to dive down and salvage the ship. The ship is now almost fully restored and on display for the public.
And guys, it’s incredible. There is so much history and detail about this ship and historical time period. I know what you’re thinking, “How can one ship be THAT fascinating?” I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed!
After a few hours at the Vasa Museum, head over to old town Stockholm, also known as Gamla Stan. Another location you will find an endless amount of charm, history, and cobblestone to keep you entertained for multiple hours. When I visited Gamla Stan, I took a tour which offered wonderful tidbits about the towns history I would never have known otherwise. And surprisingly, a lot of details about beheadings?
At this point, lets hope your feet aren’t too sore, because your last item of the day includes a walk over to Stockholm’s coolest neighborhood: Södermalm. Reachable by bridge, you will have a stunning view of the entire Stockholm skyline once successfully on the other end. Now it’s time to cozy into a café or find yourself a local bar to sit back, relax, and reward yourself with a refreshing beverage!
Day 2:
After spending all of Day 1 in the city, make the most of your location and feast your eyes on some of Sweden’s countryside. I know this may seem contradictory of a post all about Stockholm, however it is very much worth venturing out of the country’s capital so it must be mentioned. I spent a majority of my time in Sweden on the outskirts of Stockholm and found it most enjoyable.
Gålö, Sweden is about 45 minutes outside of the city by car. It will always hold a very special place in my heart. Despite my own biases, it is most definitely worth a visit!
All around Sweden, you will find Runestones, documenting many of Sweden’s most historical moments. Each has inscriptions, though it is very hard to make out what is being said. It’s especially hard when you don’t speak Swedish… Obviously. Lucky for me, I had some of the finest translators by my side.
There are so many beautiful places outside of Stockholm to hike or walk. Forest, ocean, and mountains. You’ll find them all in Sweden. Take the afternoon to wander through the woods and hunt for yellow mushrooms. They can be difficult to find, but so satisfying once you discover and cook them up for dinner!
If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t forget that Sweden is made up of thousands of islands! Take a trip through the Baltic Sea and explore one of the many tiny pieces of land surrounded by the coldest water I have ever jumped into. You will be surprised at just how many islands surround you.
Most importantly, no visit to Sweden would be complete without an entire night dedicated to eating raw fish, singing traditional songs, and drinking snaps!
And there you have it! 48 hours in Stockholm and beyond. If you happen to be visiting Sweden during their Midsummer celebrations, read my Midsummer Guide here to fully prepare yourself.
Over to you, have you ever been to Sweden?