A late night swim in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

A midnight walk in the soft light of the summernight in Stockholm will make you never forget this city in the far north of Europe. This is the time when the younger habitants of Stockholm take a late night swim at the beaches in the middle of the city. There are two major ones, one at Kungsholmen and one at Långholmen, but many people have their own favourite spots, a little rock to jump from somewhere close to where they live. Stockholm is 30% water, and built around many islands, that forms the different neighbourhoods.

In the morning you will easily find a good café to have your morning breakfast. People in Sweden love their café latte, and that goes well to a classic rye bread sandwich. If you feel like taking a walk, it´s worth while to go to 'Lasse i Parken', a little red cottage with a garden from the 18 century, a leftover from another time trapped by heavy traffic and tall buildings at the end of the island Södermalm. This is known as the bohemian and arty part of Stockholm, so it´s a good idea to stick around here. On Saturday's there is a popular market here called 'Street' where independent artists, and craftsmen sell their works. You can find independent designer clothes, jewelry, vintage, together with a nice mix of interesting people.

When it´s time go downtown, don´t forget to walk over the bridge Västerbron, the Swedish version of Brooklyn bridge. Here you get a perfect view of Stockholm. When you are down town later doing some serious shopping on the commercial streets, where every other store is just another H&M, you might eventually crave for some cultural input. 'Kulturhuset' (The Culture house) is right there, ready to serve you. It´s a huge building by the subway station T-centralen, you can't miss it. Here you always find and interesting exhibit of modern art, it could be Yoko Ono, or photographies by Sally Mann, and some exhibitions are always free. Eating here is also a good idea. On the top floor you get to chose from a decent collection of food, together with a good panorama view of the down town of Stockholm.

Maybe you are an old fan of everything Swedish, then you should visit the the small most typical Swedish museums. Cause what is really the point of going to Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, that could never compare to London's, right? Maybe you like the classics of Strindberg, and know all about the lives of the bohemians in 19 century of Stockholm? Then you should spend the rest of the afternoon at the Strindberg museum, situated at his old apartment on Drottninggatan 85, reconstructed as he once lived with his very own furniture.

If you are a light reader the Astrid Lindgrens museum 'Junibacken' for children might be right choice for you? Play around, on this journey back to your childhood and visit friends like Pippi Longstocking, Emil and Karlsson on the roof. It's also a great gift shop here for all your younger relatives at home. Don't be embarrassed if you are not in the company of children, (or kidnap a blond little Swedish looking tod on the way. He won't mind if you bring him to Junibacken, children love this place).

And now you are in the loved island of Djurgården, the old hunting grounds for the Royal family. These days Djurgården is a huge public green park, where you also find Stockholm's Amusement Park Gröna Lund, and Animal Park Skansen, together with some nice old villas. But the Royal's keep their presence trough the beautiful summer castle Rosendal, definitely worth while the walk there. Afterwards, perhaps it's time for a glass of white wine and a fresh summer dinner at the café/ restaurant 'Blå Porten', unless you are already prepared with your own picknick basket? Blå Porten is a beautiful green garden, a very popular spot, and well kept secret, for people involvled with culture and arts, partly because it is right next to Liljevalls konsthall, who exhibits Swedish artists .

Sit as long as you like and rest before the night calls for some serious partying. If you are interested in the music scene of Stockholm and prefer to wear a torn leatherjacket and trendy outfits from the 80s, the club 'The Debaser' is the place for you. Just take the the subway to Slussen exit at Södemalmstorg and you will see the crowd.

If you are more the fashionable classy kind of guy who likes to show off expensive labels, 'Fredsgatan 12' is the place for the rich and 'almost famous' people in Stockholm. The address is the same as the name of the Club. Anyhow it doesn´t really matter what you wear cause you´re clothes is coming of next. It´s time for the midnight swim, remember?

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For more information on the city, check out our Stockholm Guide