Relaxing

Sweden is very famous for their fashion designers with brands such as Filippa K, Acne, Cheap Monday (see the Weekday – Cheap Monday article) and H&M achieving international status. I believe that this results from the fact that most Swedes give a long thought about what they wear, thus creating a widespread knowledge and interest in their image. And as an haircut is also part of every-one’s image, it’s no surprise that Swedish hairdressers are also popular. In fact there are around 500 hair salons just inside the small Stockholm Municipality.

And even though there are many good ones, Noir is the spot I pick when it’s time to cut the hair. This is a fairly new place in Stockholm with plenty of extraordinarily talented, fun and young people working there making this salon a relaxed hip place. Also, if you are eager to go out for some drinks or even more serious partying just ask your hairdresser about the hot events for the coming days as they are very updated on Stockholm’s nightlife.

If there are 2 things Swedes love doing, these are hanging out in the sun and drinking beer (OK, maybe they like other things too)! So, when the snow melts and the first sun rays feel lightly warm, you can see all the parks in Stockholm filling up. Vitabergsparken is clearly not an exception.

People come here from all over town to hang out in the sun, relax, have a picnic, make out, read a book, barbecue, listen (and share) music, see and be seen and drink wine or beer! Everything is doable at Vitan. The crowd is usually young and it’s also the natural habitat for the Stockholm hipster during the daylight.

I usually take the newspaper, a book or a friend and grab a beer in Folkungagatan or an ice cream at Nytorget just before hitting for the hill. In fact, if I am looking for something a bit calmer, I just stay at the less flashy Nytorget, typically frequented by families.

Unfortunately sun disappears faster than on the white hill (vita berg). Ah, I almost forgot saying that Vitabergsparken is located above the house level and turned south but then again, is there anyone going there for the sun only?

The Swedish landscape has extremely beautiful lakes, forests and mountains that are used by most Swedes all year round. Even inside Stockholm it is possible to find a green park or a peaceful lake where one can relax in contact with the nature.

Another thing that makes this city special is the archipelago which is just a short boat trip east out of town. Even though it is very popular among locals during summertime, as the temperature of the baltic sea allows summer baths, the archipelago can also be rather spectacular throughout all seasons.

Utö is a traditional destination, which allow for great walks and bathing (the water temperature in the baltic is around 20˚C in the Summer). Another advantage of being in one of the bigger islands (as Utö) is that if you want to socialize during the evening, just head up for the local pub where there will be some partying going on. For a more calm experience just pick any small island next to Utö like Ålö and Rånö.

Most of the boats leave from the centre of town or Nynäshamn and are one hour away from most islands. Take a newspaper, a book and your camera, head out for a day in an island of your choice and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the great archipelago restaurants before coming back. But if you have the time for it, why not staying an extra day at one of the beautiful inns opened all year round?

I’ve been a climber for 10 years; I do climbing, I think climbing and I talk climbing. It’s not a sport, but a lifestyle, just like skateboarding or surfing. If you’ve tried it, you’re probably hooked already and know what I’m talking about.

There is a place on Kungsholmen, Rålambshovsparken, where people gather for picnics, an after work beer or recreation. The latest news is that the city put up two giant boulders for anyone to climb on, free of charge. A great idea for those who don’t have the time to go out of the city for some climbing, or feel for some excersice outdoors. Although Stockholm is a great city for climbing, this place is perfect for some spontaneous play while your other friends relax on the lawn.

There is a plan to put up some more boulders around Tantolunden, Södermalm, another great place to hang out in the summer.

“Glam” Gröndal, Liljeholmen, Aspudden & Midsommarkransen is a collection of suburbs just south of Hornstull, about 10 minutes by subway from the city centre. It also consists of the subway station Telefonplan. This is the home of the old Ericsson factory which is transforming into a modern centre of arts and culture. Telefonplan is constantly evolving and implementing new ideas in schools and companies active in design and fashion. Beautiful functionalist architecture meets raw concrete and classical industrial buildings are replaced by the creative industry.

Some of the very best kept secrets are found in this area, and this is my home. Visit these places and you’ll cover an interesting and beautiful part of southern Stockholm.

Gröndal – Instills a small town feeling with cafés, trams passing by and second hand shopping. Especially one store, Folk & Form ( People & Shape) is worth a visit, featuring retro Swedish furniture designs and more.

Liljeholmen – the subway stop from where to take the tram to Gröndal. Although it’s only a short walk away.

Aspudden – From Gröndal, walk pass Lake Trekanten, then pass Vinterviken and up towards Aspudden.

Midsommarkransen – finish off in Midsommarkransen for a cup of coffee at any café, and some shopping. If it’s time for dinner head towards Restaurant Landet (Telefonplan) or Restaurant Tre Vänner (Midsommarkransen) for a beer and dinner.