🇸🇪 Sweden

If there’s one word to describe our trip to Sweden, it’s whimsical. This Scandinavian gem swept us off our feet with its cobblestone streets, charming cafés, royal history, and endless summer daylight. Over approximately six days, we explored vibrant Stockholm and took a magical day trip to Uppsala — a journey filled with rich culture, unexpected finds, and of course, unforgettable food. 🍽️🌿

---

Day 1: Arrival in Stockholm – Burgers, Bed & a Beautiful Stay 🍔🛌✨

After a long travel day, we finally made it to Stockholm and headed straight to Hotel Reisen, our home base for the trip — and wow, what a find. This luxury boutique hotel sits right on the waterfront in Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town), giving us the perfect mix of historic charm and modern comfort. 🏰💫

Our room had vaulted stone ceilings, a cozy sitting nook, and a direct view of the harbor, where ferries and boats drifted past as the late-night sun lit up the sky (Swedish summer = sunset at 10:30 PM 🌅). The hotel itself is partially built into the 17th-century city wall, and you feel that old-world magic in every hallway.

Bonus: the sauna and spa area was included with our stay — major win after a day of trains. 😌🧖🏽‍♀️

Late Dinner:
With most restaurants closed for the night, we walked just a few minutes to House of Burger for a casual but satisfying meal. Crispy fries, juicy patties, and just what we needed before crashing in our cloud-soft beds. 🍟🍔💤

---

Day 2: Old Town Strolls, Royal Spectacle & Amusement Park Fun 👑🎡

☕ Morning:
We kicked off the day with coffee perfection at Caffellini. This tiny Old Town café delivered one of the best vanilla lattes — 5 stars, easy. The pastries were straight out of an Italian bakery (literally, they get delivered from Italy), and a friendly local tipped us off to some hidden gems in Stockholm. (Love when travel leads to those random but golden convos! 💬)

We wandered through the candy-colored buildings of Gamla Stan, soaking in the storybook vibes. A must-stop: Angusta Larssons, a charming traditional sweets shop. We tried chokladboll (a delicious cocoa-oat ball covered in coconut) and creamy, dreamy Swedish ice cream. Bonus: they support farmers from Northern Sweden — love a shop with a heart! 💚 Let’s just say this was just the first of many stops we made at this place!

🏰 Afternoon Adventures in Gamla Stan
We timed it just right to catch the Changing of the Guard at The Royal Palace (12:30 PM sharp!) — and it felt like stepping into a royal ceremony from the past. This isn’t just a small formality — it’s a grand event with a full marching band, guards in royal uniforms, and horses trotting through the courtyard. Pro tip: Arrive by 12:00 PM to get a good spot in the outer courtyard for the best view. Kids loved the rhythm of the drums and the pomp of the whole affair. It’s free, fun, and such a cool slice of tradition. 🎺🐎👑

After the ceremony, we wandered through some nearby cultural treasures:

⛪ Storkyrkan Cathedral – Also known as the Stockholm Cathedral, this is the oldest church in Gamla Stan (dating back to the 13th century!). It’s a peaceful gothic space with vaulted ceilings, intricate wooden carvings, and a striking statue of St. George and the Dragon. A perfect place for a quiet pause and a peek into Sweden’s spiritual and artistic history.

🏅 Nobel Prize Museum – Don’t miss this one! It’s small but rich with innovation and inspiration. The museum tells the story of Alfred Nobel and showcases the groundbreaking work of past laureates — from peace activists to physicists.

Highlights not to miss:

• ✏️ The Laureates’ Chairs – Look underneath the café chairs; each has a Nobel winner’s autograph!
• 🔍 Interactive Scavenger Hunt – Great for kids! Ours completed the booklet (grab it at the entrance) and earned a small prize at the end.
• 🎥 Short Films & Exhibits – The short videos bring Nobel stories to life in such a moving way.
• 🧪 Mini Science Demos – Check the schedule — sometimes they have live experiments or hands-on displays.

It’s the perfect mix of science, storytelling, and fun — and honestly, even the grown-ups walked away inspired. 🧬✨

🥗 Lunch:
We tried Källarbyn, a cozy vegan restaurant. The tomato soup was rich and flavorful, and I had Swedish pea-based meatballs with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber — a twist on the traditional köttbullar that totally delivered. 🌱✨

🎢 Late Afternoon/Evening: After a full morning of exploring Stockholm’s old town and historical gems, we hopped on a local boat to Djurgården Island — originally planning to visit the ABBA Museum or Skansen. But as we stepped off the boat, the kids spotted a massive rollercoaster in the distance and screamed, “Can we go there instead?!” That’s how we spontaneously ended up spending the rest of the afternoon at Gröna Lund — and honestly, it turned out to be one of the most fun-filled highlights of our Sweden trip. 🛳️🎟️🎡

What is Gröna Lund?
Gröna Lund is Stockholm’s oldest amusement park, founded in 1883, and it sits right on the waterfront with insane views of the city skyline and harbor. It’s got that cool old-timey charm, but with legit modern rides that deliver major thrills. There’s a mix of high-adrenaline rollercoasters (like Insane and Monster), family-friendly rides, carnival games, funhouses, and even live music stages.

We were lucky — since it was a weekday, the crowds were super manageable, and the kids basically walked right onto every single ride. They went on everything at least once and looped their favorites two or three more times! 🎠😅🎢

How does it compare to Disneyland?
While it’s not as sprawling or themed-out as Disneyland in the US, Gröna Lund holds its own with its unique historic charm, intimate layout, and the breathtaking location. It feels more local, more vintage, and way less overwhelming. Think: European fairytale meets oceanside carnival vibes, with shorter lines, beautiful backdrops, and zero stress. No need for Genie+ or waking up at 7 AM to snag a ride pass — just pure, spontaneous fun. 🙌✨

Parents, don’t worry — there are plenty of chill zones, good food options, and shaded sitting areas where you can rest and recharge while the kids run wild. We had such a great time that we ended up staying well into the evening, grabbing snacks and soaking in the playful energy before heading back to Gamla Stan for dinner.

✨ Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online ahead of time to skip the entry line. They also have combo passes if you plan on staying a few days or revisiting.

🍝 Dinner:
We returned to Gamla Stan for dinner at Agaton Ristorante & Pizzeria — WOW!!! I had the asparagus risotto (so creamy!), and the pasta arrabbiata had the perfect spicy kick. The pizza was a miss, but everything else? Bellissimo! 🍷🍨

Oh, and the staff let me step behind the bar and make my husband an espresso martini — talk about five-star service! 💃🏽 The night ended with crème brûlée and a dreamy walk through Old Town’s golden alleys. ✨

---

Day 3: Boats, Cinnamon Rolls & Childhood Games ⛵🌿

We kicked off the day with another local gem: Café Kladdkakan, tucked into the heart of Gamla Stan. This We started our morning in the heart of Gamla Stan at one of our favorite finds: Café Kladdkakan. Cozy, charming, and tucked away like a little fika haven, it quickly became our go-to. We ordered the iconic Swedish cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) and cardamom buns (semla) — and yes, they’re just as good as you’ve heard. Soft, spiced, and buttery, they were the perfect way to ease into the day, especially with a warm latte in hand. ☕🍥

☕🍰 Swedish Buns: A Bite of Fika Heaven

If there’s one flavor memory you take home from Sweden, let it be this: the cinnamon bun and the cardamom bun. These pastries aren’t just treats — they’re part of daily life, and a core part of Swedish fika culture (that beautiful ritual of slowing down for coffee and connection).

The kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) is like a cozy hug. Unlike the sticky-sweet American cinnamon roll, this version is lightly spiced, buttery, and finished with crunchy pearl sugar. It’s chewy, comforting, and just sweet enough to make your morning magical.

Then there’s the cardamom bun — my personal favorite!!! Fragrant, citrusy, and deeply aromatic, the cardamom adds a more grown-up twist. Twisted into beautiful knots, each bite reveals layers of flavor tucked inside the soft dough. If cinnamon is familiar and nostalgic, cardamom is its more adventurous, spiced-up cousin.

No matter which bun you choose, make it part of your morning ritual. Grab a seat by a sunny window, sip a strong Swedish coffee, and savor the art of slowing down — that’s fika bliss. 💛

🚌 Hop-On, Hop-Off: Seeing Stockholm on Wheels

Fueled and ready to go, we hopped aboard the bright red double-decker Hop-On-Hop-Off bus — a fun and flexible way to cover a lot of ground in a big city with kids in tow. The views from the top deck were beautiful, and we loved being able to spot places to come back to later.

🚢 Stop 1: The Vasa Museum – A Shipwreck Time Capsule

We jumped off at Djurgården to visit the legendary Vasa Museum—and wow, it did not disappoint. As you step inside, you’re greeted by the soaring hull of the Vasa ship, brought back from the depths after sinking in 1628. This massive, 64-cannon warship was Sweden’s pride and tragedy—it sank just minutes into its maiden voyage. Can you imagine?

📜 A Ship Frozen in Time

The Vasa was meant to be Sweden’s flagship, lavishly carved and richly decorated—symbols of power meant to intimidate enemies. But a crucial miscalculation (too many cannons, too little ballast) led to its fate. Amazingly, after 333 years underwater, it was raised in 1961 and has since been preserved almost entirely intact. Today, it’s considered the world’s best-preserved 17th-century ship.

🧩 Why It’s a Must-See

• Unforgettable scale: The ship’s full height towers over you — like a giant wooden dinosaur in suspended animation.
• Tales of life onboard: From sailor tools to cannons, it’s a hands-on, immersive peek into seafaring life.
• Intricate carvings galore: The stern is covered with carved figures — lions, tritons, Old Testament scenes – all painted shades of red, gold, and green.
• A miracle of archaeology & conservation: The museum is built around the ship, and the story of its recovery and preservation is just as captivating as the wreck itself.

🕰️ Best Time to Visit

Summer crowds are real — but you can beat them. Visit weekdays from 8:30–10 AM or 4–6 PM for the best experience . A museum insider tip? Arrive early on a weekday afternoon to avoid the cruise ship rush.

🎟️ Tickets & Timing

• Open daily all year (June–August: 8:30–18:00) vasamuseet.se
• Ticket prices (June–Sept): Adults 230 SEK, youth under 18 free. Combo tickets (Vasa + Wrak) 349 SEK
• No need to pre-book — you can buy tickets on-site with card (Visa, Amex, Mastercard)
• Allow 2–3 hours — there’s a lot to explore and time flies when you’re stepping into history.

🧒 Kid-Friendly Highlight

Our crew loved the scale model of the ship and the interactive displays. Hands-on exhibits and short films brought the story to life. We definitely recommend spending a few minutes watching the intro film — it sets the scene beautifully.

Visiting the Vasa Museum felt like standing inside a time capsule. It’s one of those rare attractions that genuinely excites both kids and adults. A perfect blend of mystery, craftsmanship, and legendary seafaring— you absolutely can’t miss it in Stockholm.

🍕 Lunch at Bryggan by the Water

After all that history, we grabbed lunch at Bryggan, a casual eatery right by the water. It had a lovely terrace with harbor views, and it was the perfect pitstop. The kids and hubs went for classic pizzas, while I ordered the “Baked Celeriac” and let me tell you, this dish was next level. Celeriac, also known as celery root, isn’t something I’d normally gravitate toward, but wow am I glad I gave it a shot! The root veggie was roasted to perfection — golden, tender, and full of earthy goodness. It came nestled on a bed of buttery, savory cabbage and potatoes, topped with crispy fried Brussels sprouts (which totally stole the show), and finished off with a generous drizzle of parmesan and truffle dijonaise. The flavors were bold, cozy, and perfectly balanced — creamy, crunchy, and umami-packed in every bite. Seriously, if you’re ever spot this dish on a menu, don’t hesitate. It’s a standout vegetarian option that feels elevated and satisfying without being too heavy.

☕️ Afternoon Chill at Kungsträdgården

Next, we headed toward Kungsträdgården — one of Stockholm’s most beloved parks. On the way, we made a coffee stop at Bröd & Salt, a local chain we kept seeing around the city. The lavender latte hit the spot (my favorite!) and they also had a solid selection of sandwiches and sweet treats if you need a quick bite. 💜🥪🌸

The weather was absolutely perfect, so we let the afternoon unfold with some unstructured play in the garden. Tag, Cops & Robbers, Duck Duck Goose — our entire group of kids (and adults!) got in on the fun. There’s something magical about parks in Europe — they invite you to slow down and just be. ☀️🌳🧒🏽👟

🛴 Scooters, Sunset & Surprise Tacos

As the sun began to dip, we rented electric scooters for the ride back — which turned into its own little adventure! We zipped through cobblestone alleys, across bridges, and back into Old Town, giggling the whole way. (Pro tip: Download the scooter app ahead of time for smoother checkout.)

Dinner that night? A surprising hit: Taco Bar in Gamla Stan 🌮🇲🇽 Not exactly traditional Swedish fare, but this cozy Mexican spot totally delivered — especially for a crew from Arizona. Lots of veggie options, warm queso, and just enough spice to remind us of home! The Margaritas were also pretty good! It was the exact comfort food & drinks that we needed after a long day of exploring.

And of course…

🍦 Dessert Run at Macaron Waffle

Because, as my kids say, “there’s always room for dessert!” We made one last pitstop for ice cream at Macaron Waffle — the perfect sweet ending to a day packed with discovery, laughter, and play.

---

Day 4: Uppsala Day Trip – Vikings, Temples & Thai Surprises 🛤️🛕🚆

After three full days of city energy, we were ready for a change of pace — and what better way to do that than a day trip to Uppsala, one of Sweden’s oldest and most charming university towns. 🏛️✨

🥐 Slow Morning at “Home”

We started the day a little slower — slept in, lingered over a relaxed breakfast at our hotel (Hotel Reisen, which by now truly felt like home). Their cozy dining room, overlooking the water, set the perfect tone for the day ahead. Nothing rushed, just slow sips of coffee, flaky pastries, and good conversation. ☕️🧁🌊

🚆 All Aboard to Uppsala

We took Ubers to Stockholm Central Station, where we caught the direct SJ train to Uppsala — just a quick 40–45-minute ride, and incredibly scenic. The ride itself was smooth and comfortable, giving us just enough time to regroup, read, or take in the Swedish countryside.

🗺️ Private Guided Tour & Historic Highlights

At noon, we met up with our private guide for a walking tour of Uppsala, and it was such a great decision. Even with a few closures (more on that below), we learned so much:

• Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrka) — the tallest church in the Nordic region! Its twin spires and dramatic Gothic interior are simply breathtaking. We took a moment to just soak in the quiet and admire the beauty of this place!
• Uppsala Botanical Garden — peaceful and beautifully curated, with blooms everywhere you turn. The kids loved running down the wide gravel paths and finding little garden nooks.
• The Royal Palace of Uppsala — not as grand as Stockholm’s, but rich in history and charm.
• Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) — this was a major highlight! We walked along the Viking burial mounds, which date back over a thousand years. It’s wild to think how much history is buried in these soft, rolling hills. Our guide shared stories of the Norse gods, Viking rituals, and Uppsala’s once-pivotal role in Viking society. 🛡️⚔️🌾

⚠️ Note: We visited during Sweden’s Midsummer/Summer Solstice season — and while the town was lovely, many shops, restaurants, and attractions were closed or operating on reduced hours. (We booked through GetYourGuide, and they unfortunately didn’t mention this.) It’s something worth checking before your visit! That said, we still had a rich and memorable experience — just a little more low-key than expected.

🌺 Uppsala Botanical Garden – Nature & a Little Zen

Across from the Royal Palace, we visited the beautiful Botaniska Trädgården (Botanical Garden) — a peaceful oasis filled with symmetrical gardens, colorful flower beds, and so many corners to wander.

We strolled through rows of blooming peonies and roses, enjoyed the symmetry of the French Baroque design, and then made our way into the Tropical Greenhouse (Tropiska växthuset) — a hidden gem that surprised us all!

💡 Fun fact: The greenhouse houses exotic plants from around the world and is part of Uppsala University’s biology department, originally founded by Carl Linnaeus himself — the father of modern taxonomy. 🧬🌱

Inside, our guide pointed out a sacred tree brought all the way from India — a Bodhi tree, also known as the “Tree of Enlightenment”, said to be the same species under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It was both beautiful and humbling to see such a meaningful plant so far from its roots, literally. 🪷✨

🍜 Lunch at Koh Phangan – A Thai Surprise!

Our older daughter had a major Thai food craving, so we let her choose our lunch spot — and she nailed it. We landed at Koh Phangan, a vibrant, island-themed Thai restaurant with lanterns, bamboo decor, and even fake thunderstorms! The food? Absolute 5-star flavors. Fresh herbs, spicy curries, and perfectly cooked noodles. Definitely not what we expected to eat in Uppsala, but we left very, very happy (and full).

🍦 Sweet Treats at Glasskiosken Fyris Torg

On our way back to the station, we made a pit stop for what turned out to be the best ice cream of the trip — Glasskiosken Fyris Torg. 🍨 The flavors were so unique and creamy, and you could tell everything was made with quality ingredients. A perfectly sweet moment before heading back to the city.

🚇 Return to Stockholm & Spa Time

We caught the train back to Stockholm in the early evening and decided to relax before dinner. Hotel Reisen has a beautiful spa and sauna, and this was the ideal way to unwind. After a few hours of walking in the sun, that steam room and warm plunge felt like luxury. 🧖‍♀️🧖‍♂️💆‍♀️

🍽️ Dinner in Gamla Stan + a Kid-Friendly Bar? Yes, Really!

For dinner, we stuck close to home and explored a few walk-in spots in Gamla Stan. We ended up at a cozy bistro and then, to our surprise, found ourselves at Mårten Trotzig, a family-friendly bar (yes — in Stockholm, bars can actually welcome kids during dinner hours!). The vibe was relaxed and welcoming, and the drinks were creative and refreshing.

The kids? They were still on their dessert quest — so they ordered more crème brûlées, naturally. They gave this batch a 3.5-star review (not quite as good as the night before, but still solid!).

We capped off the night with some lobby lounge time at the hotel — laughing, sharing highlights from the day, and slowly packing up for the next adventure.

---

Day 5: Stockholm Archipelago, Scooters & Core Memory Moments 🛥️🛴💛

By Day 5, we’d settled into Stockholm’s rhythm — slow mornings, spontaneous adventures, and so many good bites along the way. This was one of those magical days where everything just flowed — the kind you remember years from now and say, “That was the day.”

☕️ Morning Bites & Buns

We started off strong with breakfast at Panem — a spot we had scoped out from earlier in the week. Their coffee is bold, their pastries are flaky perfection, and the overall vibe is cozy yet modern. And since we were technically still in research mode (😉), we also popped into Café Kladdkakan again for our older daughters favorite Macha Latte drink.

🚤 10:30 AM – Stockholm Archipelago Boat Tour

Next up: a highlight of our trip — the Stockholm Archipelago Boat Tour.

• We departed from Skeppsbron, right next to the Gustav III statue. The sun was out, the sky was clear, and the water sparkled like glass.
• As we cruised through the vast archipelago (over 30,000 islands!), our English-speaking guide shared stories about the Swedish royal family, the history of the archipelago, and traditions from generations of islanders.
• Notable sights: Fjäderholmarna and Tegelön, among other breathtaking coastal views.
• The breeze, the sun, the motion of the boat — it was a peaceful contrast to the bustling city streets. Highly, highly recommend booking this tour if you’re in Stockholm. It’s both relaxing and unforgettable.

🥪 Lunch at Panem – Round 2!

We loved Panem so much in the morning, we had to return for lunch — and let’s just say it did not disappoint. The menu was filled with fresh, seasonal items, and everything we tried was flavorful and beautifully plated. The kids were happy, the adults were fueled — it was a win all around. 🥗🥖

🍧 Slushes & Swedish Candy Stops

After lunch, we wandered over to Stortorget, the heart of Gamla Stan, where we grabbed colorful slushes from Casa del Gelato — a big hit with the kiddos.

Meanwhile, I had a personal mission: a stop at the famous Lakrits Roten shop. As a black licorice lover (yes, I’m that person), I was in heaven. I even tried their black licorice ice cream — an intense, salty-sweet experience you won’t forget. 😋🖤

We also stocked up on candies for friends, family, and of course, ourselves. Swedish candy game = next level.

🛍️ Souvenir Shopping & Scooter Adventures

The afternoon turned into the perfect blend of mom‑daughter time and spontaneous fun. After our epic archipelago cruise and lunch, we hit the streets for souvenir shopping. Stockholm is full of charming local boutiques, but one shop truly stole our hearts:

👜 Nyström Stockholm (Västerlånggatan 52)

Tucked into the cobbled alleys of Gamla Stan, Nyström Stockholm is a workshop-and-boutique that crafts beautiful leather bags right in the heart of Stockholm — even supplying to the Swedish Royal Court.

We learned all about founder Magnus Nyström, who studied leather craftsmanship in Florence before returning home in the early 1990s to revive Sweden’s traditional leather working heritage. His blend of Italian leather and minimalist Scandinavian design results in bags that are not only beautiful, but built to last. In fact, Nyström Stockholm is an official purveyor to the Swedish Royal Court, which makes shopping there feel even more special. 👑

We ended up picking out a few handmade, personalized keychains for the girls and our niece — the perfect keepsakes from such a meaningful part of our trip.

🛴 Scooters, Paddle Boats & Core Memories

Post-shopping, the older girls and moms hopped onto electric scooters — a fun, fast way to explore — and we scooted our way back to Djurgården Island. The ride itself was a blast: breezy, scenic, and the perfect way to end a busy day of walking.

Once there, in true “why not?” fashion, we rented paddle boats and glided around the calm harbor waters. Just me and my girl, laughing and paddling under the late-afternoon sun — it was pure core memory material. These spontaneous, unplanned moments often end up being the most magical, and this was definitely one of them. 💛🚣‍♀️

🍽️ Final Dinner at Tre Valv

Back on land and a little sun-kissed from paddle boating, we headed straight to our farewell dinner at Tre Valv, tucked into the heart of Gamla Stan.

• The atmosphere was elegant and cozy.
• The food? Fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully plated.
• The drinks? Unique and surprisingly good — I love when restaurants experiment in a good way. 🍷🍹

This was one of our pricier meals, but it felt right to treat ourselves on the last full night. We toasted to friendship, memories, and this incredible Scandinavian adventure.

🧳 Wind Down & Pack Up

Back at Hotel Reisen, we slowly packed our bags and prepped for our early morning departure. The mood was a little sentimental, a little tired, but mostly grateful. ✨

We ended the night with a quiet moment in the hotel lobby — reflecting, sharing stories, and laughing about all the funny hiccups and perfect surprises that made this trip uniquely ours.

---

Day 6: Departure Day – One Last Bun, One Big Goodbye ✈️💛

As with all great adventures, eventually the final day comes — and this one arrived way too soon. But even in the quiet hum of early morning travel prep, there was something special about closing out our Stockholm chapter with intention, gratitude, and yes… one last cardamom bun. 🥹💫

🛎️ Early Wake-Up & Farewell to Hotel Reisen

We were up before the sun to check out of our beloved Hotel Reisen, which had truly been our cozy haven in Stockholm.

Located in the heart of Gamla Stan, this historic waterfront hotel gave us the perfect mix of charm and comfort. The rooms were beautifully appointed, the views of the harbor were magical at sunrise and sunset, and the service was consistently warm and helpful.

• Bonus tip: If you’re ever staying here, ask about their spa and sauna — it was the perfect place to unwind after long days of walking and sightseeing. 🧖‍♀️✨
• The location was unbeatable for strolling the cobbled streets, popping into cafés, and catching public transportation with ease.

We said goodbye to our rooms, took a final glance out the window, and rolled our bags down to the lobby — a bittersweet moment for sure.

🚖 Smooth Taxi Transfer

Thankfully, we’d pre-booked taxis through the hotel concierge the night before (HIGHLY recommend doing this to avoid morning stress). The drivers were prompt, the ride was smooth, and the city was still asleep as we drove through the quiet streets toward Arlanda Airport. 🛬

🥐 Airport Breakfast – One Last Fika

After checking in and clearing security, we had a little extra time — and you know what that means: one. last. Swedish fika. 😌

We found a cozy airport café and bakery, and treated ourselves to one final round of semlor (Swedish cardamom buns), kanelbullar, and lattes. ☕️✨

It was the perfect “soft landing” for our final hour in Sweden — sharing pastries, replaying memories, and letting the trip sink in just a little deeper.

• The kids were laughing and recapping their favorite rides at Grona Lund 🎢
• We adults traded stories about hidden gems and local finds we’d bring back home — both literally and figuratively.

It felt like a full-circle moment, wrapped in the scent of cinnamon and cardamom.

💛 A Sweet Goodbye

This trip was more than a vacation. It was a week full of new experiences, deepening friendships, spontaneous magic, and unforgettable meals.

And as we boarded the plane, hearts full and phones overflowing with photos, we couldn’t help but whisper one last “hej då” (goodbye) to this beautiful country that welcomed us so warmly.

---

✨ Final Tips for Sweden Travelers:

✅ Stay in Gamla Stan for walkability & charm
✅ Always say yes to fika — the Swedish coffee + pastry ritual
✅ Book museums & transport in advance during holidays
✅ Talk to locals — they have the best tips
✅ Don’t overplan — leave room for surprise magic ✨

🇸🇪 What I Loved Most About Sweden

From the moment we arrived, Sweden swept me off my feet — in the gentlest, most charming way. It was the balance of history and modern living, the calm energy of the people, and how effortlessly everything seemed to work. Stockholm especially felt like a blend of storybook magic and sleek Scandinavian design. Here are a few things that stood out:

Planning a trip to Sweden? Here’s what I recommend bringing — based on our June adventure:

• 🧥 Layers, Always – Even in summer, the weather can change quickly. Pack light jackets, breathable sweaters, and a rain layer just in case.
• 👟 Comfy Walking Shoes – You’ll walk a lot — from cobblestone streets to park strolls and museum-hopping.
• ☀️ Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Yes, even in Sweden! The sun stays up late in summer, and the UV rays can sneak up on you.
• 📱 Download Maps + Transit Apps – Google Maps and local transport apps like SL (for Stockholm) made navigating easy. Scooters and e-bikes are also super popular and fun.
• 📲 Apple Pay FTW – Almost every place took Apple Pay — even street food and ice cream carts! I’d skip converting too much currency. Just bring a little cash for small tips or places that don’t accept cards.
• 📸 Camera or Phone Storage – Between waterfront views, palace stops, and flower-filled gardens, you’ll be snapping photos constantly. Make sure you have enough memory or cloud space.
• 🍬 A Taste for Treats – Leave room in your suitcase (and your stomach) for Swedish candies, cardamom buns, and locally made licorice. You’ll thank me later!

---

🗓️ Sweden Itinerary At a Glance

✈️ Day 1: Arrival in Stockholm

• Evening check-in at Hotel Reisen (Gamla Stan)
• Late-night bite at House of Burger

🏰 Day 2: Old Town & City Highlights

• Coffee & pastries at Caffellini
• Royal Palace + Nobel Prize Museum
• Lunch at Källarbyn (vegan Swedish dishes)
• Afternoon ferry to Djurgården & Gröna Lund theme park
• Dinner at Agaton Ristorante

🚢 Day 3: Museums, Parks & City Fun

• Breakfast at Kladdkakan (try the semla!)
• Visit to Vasa Museum
• Park time at Kungsträdgården + lavender lattes at Bröd & Salt
• Dinner at Taco Bar + dessert from Macaron Waffle

🛤️ Day 4: Day Trip to Uppsala

• Train to Uppsala (~45 mins)
• Guided walking tour: Cathedral, Gardens, Viking burial mounds
• Thai lunch at Koh Phangan + gelato at Glasskiosken
• Back to Stockholm for spa time + dessert at Mårten Trotzig

🌊 Day 5: Archipelago Adventure & Shopping

• Archipelago boat tour (3 hours)
• Brunch & lunch at Panem
• Black licorice ice cream + souvenir shopping
• Spontaneous paddle boating + scooter rides
• Farewell dinner at Tre Valv

👋 Day 6: Departure Day

• Early morning taxi to airport
• One last fika before takeoff ☕️

---

Sweden, tack så mycket (thank you very much)! From regal palaces and ancient Viking mounds to semla-fueled scooter rides and spontaneous paddle boat adventures — this trip gave us joy, connection, and memories we’ll be smiling about for years. 💛🇸🇪