STOCKHOLM CELEBRATES
Several museums, attractions, and events in Stockholm celebrate anniversaries in 2023 and will be commemorated in many ways, both big and small. One of the celebrants is the iconic City Hall (pictured above).
In 1908 it was decided that Stockholm needed a proper City Hall, befitting of a capital. An empty lot on Kungsholmen was chosen as the location, and famed architect Ragnar Östberg was hired to lead the project. Östberg’s most important points of reference were Doge’s Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica, both in Venice. But he also drew inspiration from the Italian renaissance, Islamic art, and Northern Gothic, while adding typical Swedish flourishes like the dark red bricks covering the exterior.
The construction was finished in 1923 and the Stockholm City Hall has since then become one of the prime examples of Swedish Grace in architecture.
The City Hall’s 100-year anniversary will be celebrated in several ways. In the City Hall itself there will be a full week’s worth of events in June, as well as unique tours and exhibitions all year round. Other museums in Stockholm will also mark the anniversary, such as the Stockholm City Museum which opened its new temporary exhibition We Who Built the City Hall.
visitstockholm.com/see-do/activities/ 2023-a-year-of-anniversaries/
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF GASTRONOMY
Stockholm has been appointed European Capital of Gastronomy 2023 and one of many places to catch a glimpse of the culinary scene is the Östermalm Market Hall, which has been an institution ever since it opened in a beautiful brick building on Östermalmstorg in 1888. Stroll around the star- shaped floor plan and visit the counters packed with fresh fish, meat, sweets, and traditional delicacies from traders who have been there for generations. Or have a seat at one of the many restaurants or wine bars for some people watching.
ENJOY A SWEDISH FIKA
Going for a fika at a “fik” is a very Swedish thing. Fika basically means to meet up for a coffee and a piece of cake or pastry, and a fik is slang for a café, bakery or pastry shop. Sweden enjoys a highly developed culture when it comes to baked goods, and everywhere in Stockholm, you’ll find cafés and cake shops brimming with atmosphere, character, and quality, whether traditional or contemporary-creative.
visitstockholm.com/eat-drink/cafes/go-for-a-fika/
DELICIOUS MUSEUMS
Many of Stockholm’s museums have great food options, as memorable as the exhibitions. Fotografiska, one of the world’s largest museums for contemporary photography, has been praised for its organic and vegetarian menu, and the restaurant at Spritmuseum (Museum of Spirits) will guide you through the rich taste, history and crafts of Swedish drinks. At the National Museum of Science and Technology’s restaurant sustainability is key. Besides cultivating its own crops and herbs, the restaurant is transparent with its water and power consumption.
visitstockholm.com/see-do/attractions/ museum-restaurants/
DISCOVER THE STOCKHOLM ARCHIPELAGO
Beautiful nature, great local food, and exciting adventures. Just 20 minutes away from Stockholm a world of 30,000 islands begins. The proximity to nature is reflected in the cuisine of the archipelago, which of course means lots of delicious fish and seafood. Fried herring potato puré, green peas, lingonberry jam, and clarified butter is a must. Or fill your panty with locally produced beer, apple must, cheese, chocolate and much more.
visitstockholm.com/eat-drink/restaurants/ gastronomic-archipelago/
