Are you an older woman who likes to travel? Would you enjoy finding a travel buddy or two? Then join our closed Facebook group, The Ethel On-The-Go, today. You'll love it!
When Americans think of Sweden, they most likely conjure up images of The Northern Lights, ABBA, the Nobel Peace Prize, IKEA and, of course, Swedish meatballs.
For me, Sweden, Europe’s fifth-largest country, has always been a dream destination from my home in Dublin, and it didn’t disappoint! I found it brimming with Nordic wonder. Whether you are seeking natural beauty, history or stylish cities, Sweden offers an abundance of travel possibilities.
If you’re an older woman with time to travel, Sweden might just surprise you. The country has a welcoming and progressive culture and English is widely spoken.
Sweden is a year-round destination, and some would argue that it can be seen at its twinkly best during the winter months, but the cooler temperatures are not for everyone. From December to March the average temperature in Stockholm rarely peaks over 30 degrees. Summer is a great time to visit. From June until August, there’s lots of sunshine and temperatures reach the mid-60s; ideal weather to enjoy the many outdoor cafes and bars.
There are flights from many major American cities to Stockholm, and the Visit Sweden website offers travelers a myriad of accommodation options, from five-star hotels to cozy hostels, or even glamping on an archipelago island! Shoulder season can be a cheaper time to travel, with fewer tourists.
My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this year, and a special celebration deserved a special adventure. We based ourselves in the capital city, Stockholm, which is the ideal destination for a city break, as well as a great base for nearby day trips. It has the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities, so you’ll never be short of things to do, regardless of the weather. Lose yourself in the different neighborhoods, take in the stunning architecture or spend the day in the numerous parks, museums or shops.
Stockholm is spread across 14 islands yet is still compact enough to see most of the major attractions on foot. However, should you need public transport, it’s very easy to navigate. SL Transportation operates all metro, ferry, tram and rail journeys. Most instructions are in English, and you can pay using your contactless card, by mobile or by downloading their app.
Attractions
A great place to start sightseeing in Stockholm is the historic area of Gamla Stan. Here you’ll find the colorful Stortorget, the oldest square in the city and home to The Nobel Prize Museum.
The surrounding cobbled streets are packed with souvenir shops and restaurants. It would be easy to miss Mårten Trotzigs Grand, Stockholm’s narrowest street, just 35 inches wide at its thinnest point. The Royal Palace is well worth a visit. It’s actually three museums in one (and the perfect place to spend a rainy day).
The island of Djurgården is home to several museums. There’s something for all tastes, whether you favor a fun morning in the ABBA Museum, an afternoon learning about Swedish culture in the Nordic Museum, or a visit to the Vasa Warship Museum or Skansen Open Air Museum.
Fotografiska is the contemporary museum of photography, art and culture, found in East Södermalm. It offers seniors discounted tickets on Tuesdays and a free guided tour of the exhibitions. There’s also a discounted coffee and cake buffet.
Restaurants
For me, one of the highlights of any trip is experiencing the local cuisine. Stockholm has a variety of options for all tastes and budgets, but these were my favorites.
No trip to Stockholm would be complete without a visit to Den Gyldene Freden, one of the oldest restaurants in the world, which has been serving traditional Swedish dishes since 1722. If you like seafood, you’ll love Sturehof, a Stockholm institution since 1887, where the people-watching is as good as the menu!
For some traditional Swedish cooking in an art-nouveau-inspired beer hall, try Pelikan in the Södermalm district. Or if you’re seeking something glamorous, consider Brasserie Astoria, an international restaurant in the Östermalm area, complete with its own cocktail bar.
If you do one thing in Sweden, take a Fika break. The Swedish tradition of Fika is about stopping to savor the moment with a coffee and some sort of baked pastry. Swedish favorites include Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and Kardemummabullar (cardamom buns). There are plenty of cafes devoted to Fika; try Fabrique, Under Kastanjen (under the chestnut tree) or Vete-Katten, founded in 1928 by a trailblazing woman called Ester Nordhammar.
Shopping
Nowhere in northern Europe does elegance quite like Sweden. If you’re looking for labels, you’ll find them in abundance here, but you’ll also encounter unique Swedish brands with ethical values as well as all the European high street names.
Most stores are conveniently located close to each other in the Norrmalm area. For old-school luxury, visit the NK department store. Established in 1915, it stocks fashion, jewelry and fine foods from Swedish and international brands. Or try the Sturegallerian mall, home to fashion stores and restaurants, as well as Sturebadet, an exclusive spa and fitness facility open since 1885.
Exploring the Archipelago
While Stockholm has plenty of outdoor spaces, it’s well worth a day trip to the Stockholm archipelago, referred to by locals as the skärgården. There are around 30,000 islands extending out into the Baltic Sea. Popular choices are Fjäderholmarna Grinda, Utö and Vaxholm. Each island has its own unique personality, but all of them offer the opportunity to explore, connect with nature, eat well and be tempted by local arts and crafts.
There are two ferry companies connecting the city center with the great outdoors. Cinderella ferries offer pre-booked trips, whereas Waxholmsbolaget offers a walk-on service where you pay on board.
Whether you spend your time sightseeing, immersing yourself in nature, enjoying the great gastronomy or shopping for some Scandi style, a trip to Sweden will be one you’ll always remember.
Have any of you ever been to Sweden? Did you love it? Let us know in the comments below.
