Stockholm in winter is dark, cold – and wonderful if you know what to do. Here are our favourites, with a sauna and an ice-hole dip as the highlight.
1. Sauna and an ice-hole dip
The most Nordic thing you can do: warm up in a wood-fired sauna, then climb down into a hole in the ice. At Sjöbastun on Lake Drevviken you walk across the ice to your own private sauna raft, 20 minutes from the city, with English-speaking hosts.
2. Wild ice skating
When the lakes and archipelago freeze, Stockholmers go long-distance skating on natural ice. Never skate alone, carry ice picks and follow local skating clubs' advice on where the ice is safe.
3–8. More winter ideas
- Christmas markets in December – Gamla stan and Skansen are classics.
- Museums on a dark afternoon – the Vasa Museum, Fotografiska and Nationalmuseum.
- Fika with a cinnamon bun, or a semla in late winter.
- A snowy walk on Djurgården or in the Nacka nature reserve.
- Lucia on 13 December – concerts in churches around the city.
- Hot glögg and gingerbread in December.
Tips for winter in Stockholm
- Dress in layers – wool closest to your skin.
- It gets dark early, so plan outdoor activities around midday.
- Bring slippers and a hat to the sauna.
- Check the ice – only go out where it's safe or with someone who knows.
