Big city feeling and natural wonders You must know these dreamy retreats in Stockholm
Sven Ziegler
30.3.2025
Stockholm has much more to offer than just the classic tourist hotspots. You should also get to know these dreamy retreats.
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- Stockholm also has a lot to offer away from the tourist hotspots.
- For example, hidden restaurants or island hotspots.
- We reveal which addresses you should make a note of for your trip.
When the endlessly long nights in Sweden come to an end and spring awakens, the atmosphere in Stockholm is magical. It can be snowing, or there can be bright sunshine. If you go to Sweden, there is always a certain risk of precipitation. But: Stockholm combines a city feeling with natural highlights and is one of the few cities that offers the ideal balance between a big city and an oasis of calm. The perfect destination for a "time out".
In contrast to other major cities, Stockholm has fewer than one million inhabitants. There are places everywhere where the authentic Swedish attitude to life is omnipresent. We reveal which addresses you should make a note of for your trip.
Restaurant tips in Stockholm
A visit to Rosendals Trädgård is the perfect way to start the day. The organic café on Djurgården serves fresh dishes made with ingredients from its own garden. Surrounded by greenery, travelers can feast on various delicacies here.
A visit to Mom's Kitchen Nybrogatan is like a trip to the Swedish home kitchen. Traditional dishes reminiscent of cozy family dinners are on the menu here. Highlights include juicy Köttbullar with creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberries, tenderly fried Wallenbergare - a classic veal meatball - and vegetarian cannelloni filled with ricotta and spinach. A place that brings the taste of Sweden to your plate in an authentic and down-to-earth way.
For those who want to experience Stockholm from its traditional side, Restaurant Pelikan is a must. In an imposing Art Nouveau hall on Södermalm, the restaurant has been serving Swedish home cooking in an authentic atmosphere for over a century. High ceilings, dark wood and a timeless atmosphere create the perfect setting for classics such as pickled herring in many variations or tender veal liver with crispy bacon. The experience is best rounded off with a cold beer or a glass of traditional aquavit.
Time out in Stockholm
Nothing screams fika and break like a cinnamon bun with a hot brewed coffee. As a former military bakery, Stora Bageriet once played a central role in supplying the Swedish army. In its heyday, up to 60,000 loaves of bread were baked here every day. Today, the bakery is known for its outstanding sourdough bread, which is one of the best in the city. Whether enjoyed plain or refined with delicious toppings - everyone will find something to their taste here.
At Café Pascal, Scandinavian minimalism meets warm, cozy comfort. The aroma of coffee wafts through the air, while golden-brown cinnamon buns await their grand entrance - crispy, buttery, perfect. Here, even the simplest sandwiches taste like little masterpieces, ideal for an enjoyable break in between.
Sightseeing in Stockholm away from the crowds
Tip number 1: Djurgården
Despite its urban backdrop, nature is omnipresent in Stockholm - nowhere is this more evident than on the island of Djurgården. Admittedly: The park of the same name is not an insider tip; when the weather is good, everyone goes there. But due to its size, it spreads out very well.
This green paradise combines dense deciduous forests, quiet paths and wide meadows to create a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Walks under the tall trees immediately make you forget the metropolis. If you want to explore the entire island, you should hire a bike to really immerse yourself in the landscape. On foot, this quickly turns into a whole day trip, during which nature shows itself from its most beautiful side.
Tip number 2: Island hopping
The archipelago off Stockholm is ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Instead of the overcrowded and expensive island of Fjaderholmarna, the regular boat lines offer real insights into the lives of the locals. They take you past rocky coastlines, wild flower meadows and quiet residential islands - an authentic alternative away from the tourist crowds.
Tip number 3: Bergianska trädgården
Flora and fauna can be so aesthetically pleasing, especially in a green corner near the university. A trip on the subway will take you to one of the most relaxing places around Stockholm: Bergianska trädgården. The botanical garden surprises with an impressive variety of plants from all over the world. Between old trees and flowering meadows, a lake invites you to dip your feet in the water or read on the shore and between flowering trees. In summer you can swim in the lake - in spring it's more like ice bathing.
Shopping tips for Stockholm
Stockholm stands for minimalist design, quality and a penchant for timeless fashion. If you are looking for special fashion finds in the Swedish capital, you will find them in Södermalm - the creative heart of the city.
"Grandpa" in Södermalm combines simple, classic fashion with vintage décor and special accessories. "Beyond Retro" is a paradise for second-hand fans and offers an impressive selection of fashion from different eras in SoFo. Those who like things organized will find what they are looking for at "ettresex" - designer and vintage clothing from Europe, the USA and Japan is perfectly sorted here, especially from the 80s, 90s and early 2000s. "Herr Judit", on the other hand, is the top address for style-conscious men and combines Scandinavian elegance with British vintage charm. All stores stand for high-quality, sustainable fashion with lots of character.
For more tips on Stockholm , visit mycation.ch.