Tag: Stockholm

  • Story Hotel Stockholm North Review – A Boutique Family Stay Near Stockholm City

    A boutique stay just outside Stockholm city center ~ Story Hotel Stockholm North

    ***
    There are certain hotels that feel like more than just a place to stay – discover Story Hotel Stockholm North with us – a stylish boutique hotel in Sundbyberg with family rooms, great transport links and a relaxed city stay near Stockholm city center.

    In collaboration with Story Hotels we stayed at this urban boutique hotel with design-forward interiors and carefully curated details. It almost felt like stepping into a boutique loft somewhere in New York. And yet, we were just a short ride away from central Stockholm.

    One of the things we appreciated the most during our stay was the location. The hotel is situated in Sundbyberg, a charming area just outside Stockholm city center that offers a more relaxed, local atmosphere compared to the city centre.

    What makes it especially convenient is how easy it is to get around. With both metro and commuter trains right outside the door, reaching central Stockholm takes only about 8-10 minutes. It made it effortless for us to explore the city while still returning to a quieter setting at the end of the day.

    It’s the kind of balance we really value when travelling as a family – having everything within reach, but not being right in the middle of the busiest areas.

    Staying in the Family Duplex Room

    For this stay, we checked into the Family Duplex – their biggest room – and it turned out to be a perfect fit for us.

    The two-level layout creates a sense of space that you don’t often find in standard hotel rooms. It allowed us to separate sleeping and living areas in a way that felt both practical and comfortable, especially when travelling with children. The kids directly claimed the upstairs bedroom as theirs! 🙂

    The design is clean and modern, with that signature boutique feel the hotel is known for, but still warm and inviting. It’s one of those rooms where you instantly feel at home, while still enjoying that elevated hotel experience. We loved the big dining table where we gathered at the evening, eating snacks and playing cards. And I really appreciated the views – this room is on the hotels highest level -because I love watching the world outside from above.

    Breakfast at Story Hotel Stockholm North

    Slow mornings, breakfast moments and dining

    Mornings at the hotel were calm and unhurried – exactly how we like to start our days when travelling. Breakfast offered a selection of fresh and well-prepared options, with the relaxed atmosphere of their restaurant Kitchin. It wasn’t overly busy or rushed, which made the experience feel even more enjoyable.

    These small, quiet moments – coffee in hand, no strict plans – are often the ones we remember the most.

    The hotel’s restaurant Kitchin continues the same design-led, urban feel as the rest of the property – but has a Japanese twist to it! It’s a space that feels both stylish and approachable, whether you’re stopping by for a meal or just soaking in the atmosphere. For us – it was like being carried away to Japanese restaurant alleys (see the pictures – isn’t it cool?) The food is amazing – Asian fusion dishes with a new exiting feel to them.

    Just outside the hotel, you’ll find a variety of cafés, restaurants, grocery stores and small local shops. It has a more laid-back, local and authentic feel compared to central Stockholm, which made it a lovely place to explore at a slower pace.

    Our experience

    Looking back, this stay felt like a perfect combination of style, comfort and location. We loved having a design-focused hotel as our base, while still being able to move easily between calm surroundings and the energy of Stockholm city.

    And perhaps most importantly – it’s a place we would genuinely return to.

    If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm and are looking for something slightly outside the city centre, but still well connected, Story Hotel Stockholm North is a beautiful option to consider. Besides the Family Duplex room – they also have a wide range of other rooms available. Check it our here!

  • Is the Vasa Museum worth visiting with kids? Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

     Vasa Museum - Vasa museet - Vasa Warship - Vasa museet med barn - Vasa Museum with kids - Stockholm with kids

    Visiting the Vasa Museum with Kids – A complete family guide to Stockholm’s most iconic museum

    There are some places that truly leave an impression – and the Vasa Museum is definitely one of them. Standing in front of the massive Vasa ship, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. And afterwards – I couldn’t understand why we waited so long to visit?

    But before visiting, we honestly weren’t sure:

    Is this something kids would actually enjoy?

    After our visit – the answer is a clear yes 🤍

    ***

    What is the Vasa Museum?

    The Vasa Museum is home to the world’s best-preserved 17th-century warship. The ship was built in the early 1600s and tragically sank on its very first voyage in 1628, right in Stockholm’s harbor. It then remained on the seabed for over 300 years before being salvaged in 1961.

    What makes it so unique is how incredibly well preserved it is. Thanks to the cold, low-salt waters of the Baltic Sea – and the absence of shipworms – around 98% of the ship is original.

    The Vasa ship was originally built to be one of the most powerful warships of its time, commissioned by King Gustavus Adolphus to showcase Sweden’s military strength. With over 60 cannons and richly decorated carvings, it was designed to impress as much as to fight.

    However, the ship was built too tall and too narrow, making it unstable. When it set sail in 1628, a gust of wind caused it to tilt – and water quickly rushed in through the open gunports. Within minutes, the Vasa sank, just a short distance from the shore.

    Vasa Museum - Vasa museet - Vasa Warship - Vasa museet med barn - Vasa Museum with kids - Stockholm with kids

    Is the Vasa Museum worth visiting with kids?

    Short answer: Yes – and maybe even more than you expect.

    We thought it might feel a bit too “museum-like” for younger kids, but it turned out to be surprisingly engaging. Our kids was 6 and 9 years at the time and they loved it! Our eldest son was very fascinated!

    What made it work so well:

    The sheer size of the ship (it’s HUGE – and fascinating even for young kids)

    Different viewing levels, so you see it from new angles all the time

    Interactive exhibitions and short films – also a small kid friendly version with the “Vasa-Pig”

    Space to move around (no need to sit still for long periods)

    We would say that this is one of those rare places where history actually comes alive – for the whole family.

    ***

    📝 Practical tips for visiting with kids

    To make your visit as smooth as possible:

    ✔ Plan for about 2 hours

    ✔ Restaurant and café inside the museum

    ✔ Accessible toilets with changing tables for babies

    ✔ Stroller-friendly (ramps and elevators available)

    ✔ Combine with outdoor time nearby if kids need a break

    ✔ Visit earlier in the day and weekdays to avoid crowds (when we left it was CROWDED)

    ***

    Vasa Museum - Vasa museet - Vasa Warship - Vasa museet med barn - Vasa Museum with kids - Stockholm with kids

    📍 Location & how to get there

    The Vasa Museum is located on Djurgården – one of Stockholm’s most beautiful and family-friendly areas.

    Address:
    Galärvarvsvägen 14, Stockholm

    🚶‍♀️ Getting there:

    Tram: Take tram line 7 to Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet (SL card)

    Ferry: A scenic ferry ride from Slussen  (SL card)

    Walk: About 20-30 minutes from central Stockholm

    Car: Parking is available nearby, but public transport is easiest

    ***

    Things to do nearby (perfect with kids)

    One of the best things about visiting the Vasa Museum is that you’re already in the middle of Djurgården — packed with family-friendly spots.

    Here are some great options to combine with your visit:

    🎢 Gröna Lund

    A classic amusement park – perfect for older kids and a fun contrast to the museum.

    🏛 Skansen

    An open-air museum with animals, historic buildings, and lots of space to roam.

    🌳 Djurgården walks & playgrounds

    Perfect for a slow stroll, picnic, or letting the kids run free.

    🚢 Junibacken

    A magical place for younger kids, inspired by Swedish children’s books.

    Vasa Museum - Vasa museet - Vasa Warship - Vasa museet med barn - Vasa Museum with kids - Stockholm with kids

    Our experience

    For us, this wasn’t just a museum visit. It was one of those moments where you pause for a second – look up at something built over 400 years ago – and realize how powerful travel can be when history becomes real.

    And seeing it through the kids’ eyes made it even more special. Our kids where in awe of how big this ship was and we all talked about that the ship was much bigger than we imagined! My eldest son wanted to touch the ship to feel the history of a 400 year old ship. But that is prohibited and impossible as there are fences and distance to the ship. We recommend to watch the movie documentary that is screening at the museum about the ship – why and how it was built, the fatal maiden voyage and how they salvaged the Vasa ship. Also try the interactive exhibit – steer a ship and reel an anchor.

    Final thoughts

    So – is the Vasa Museum worth visiting with kids? Absolutely.

    It’s educational without feeling heavy, impressive without being overwhelming, and one of those rare places that truly works for all ages.

    If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm with kids, this is one stop you don’t want to miss 🤍


    📸 Visited and photographed by Seashell Travels Family
    Slow family travel, hidden gems & meaningful destinations in Sweden and beyond.

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    We recommend check out checking out the Get Your Guide App for all type of tickets and activities when you are visiting Stockholm. In the App you can easily keep track of of your booked activities. Download here. 

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  • Stockholm’s Oldest and Most Magical Christmas Market

    Julmarknad Gamla Stan Christmas Market Old Town Stockholm what do in Stockholm during December (1)

    Experience the magic of Sweden’s oldest Christmas market as Stortorget in Gamla Stan (Old Town) transforms into a glowing winter fairytale filled with tradition, lights, and true Nordic holiday charm.

    Stepping into the Stortorget Christmas Market in Old Town feels like walking straight into a Scandinavian winter fairytale. ✨🎄 This is not only Sweden’s oldest Christmas market – it’s one of the oldest in all of Europe. Historical records show that winter markets were held here as early as the 1300s, and the modern version has been running since 1915.

    Today, it remains one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Stockholm, drawing both locals and visitors to the city’s most historic square.

    Julmarknad Gamla Stan Christmas Market Old Town Stockholm what do in Stockholm during December (1)

    A Christmas Market Filled with Tradition and Nordic Charm

    Every December, Stortorget transforms into a glowing holiday postcard:
    red wooden stalls, the smell of gingerbread and warm glögg drifting through the air, and twinkling lights reflecting off the cobblestone streets. It’s an atmosphere that blends history, culture, and Christmas magic in the most beautiful way.

    Here you’ll find:
    • ✨ Handmade Swedish crafts
    • 🍫 Traditional sweets like polkagrisar, marzipan, chocolate & gingerbread
    • 🕯️ Candles, ceramics, Christmas ornaments and artisan goods
    • 🥨 Classic Swedish holiday treats
    • ☕ Glögg (mulled wine)

    It’s the perfect place to pick up thoughtful gifts or simply enjoy that authentic Nordic holiday feeling.

    Julmarknad Gamla Stan Christmas Market Old Town Stockholm what do in Stockholm during December (1)

    Opening Hours (2024 Season)

    🕚 Daily: 11:00–18:00
    🕖 Fridays & Saturdays: open until 19:00

    The market typically runs from late November until December 23.

    (Update dates once the 2025 schedule is released.)

    Location

    📍 Stortorget, Gamla Stan, Stockholm
    Right in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town – just steps from Gamla Stan metro station.

    Julmarknad Gamla Stan Christmas Market Old Town Stockholm what do in Stockholm during December (1)

    Our Best Tips for Visiting

    ✨ 1. Visit at dusk for the full magic
    When the sky turns deep blue and the lights glow against the historic buildings, the whole square feels like a real-life Christmas postcard.

    ❄️ 2. For fewer crowds: go early or later in the evening
    Midday can be busy, especially on weekends.

    ☕ 3. Warm glögg is a must
    It’s the coziest way to warm up – for both kids and grown ups!

    📷 4. Explore the narrow side streets
    The small alleys around the square (like Prästgatan and Kindstugatan) are perfect if you want extra atmospheric photos away from the crowds.

    🎁 5. Make it a full evening in Gamla Stan
    After the market, wander through the beautifully lit old town, visit the boutiques, or enjoy a cozy dinner nearby.

    A Family-Friendly Christmas Outing

    We visited the market with our kids, and they loved it just as much as we did. Between the lights, the treats, and the festive feeling, it’s truly a place that brings out the magic of Christmas for all ages. It’s one of those timeless winter traditions that you’ll want to come back to year after year.

    If you want to experience Stockholm at its most charming, historical, and festive, this is the place to be. The combination of history, food, crafts, and atmosphere makes it a must-see during the winter season and one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Scandinavia.

  • Citybox Stockholm – a simple, smart and family-friendly hotel

    Citybox Stockholm at Slussen – a budget- and family-friendly stay

    We recently stayed at Citybox Stockholm at Slussen, and it turned out to be such a pleasant surprise. This is one of those hotels that just makes things easy: self-check-in (a lifesaver when you’re arriving with kids and just want to drop your bags!), fast Wi-Fi, self-service laundry and a small shared kitchen where you can heat up a quick snack or prepare something small for the little ones.

    * This blogpost contains affiliate links *

    The rooms have that clean Scandinavian look – modern, bright, and thoughtfully designed. They offer everything you need and nothing unnecessary. You can choose from family rooms, double rooms, or compact “standard box” rooms, and even the windowless ones feel surprisingly airy thanks to high ceilings and smart lighting.

    A picture of Katarinahissen in Slussen and the view of Stockholms rooftops

    Being right next to Slussen in Stockholm also mean that you are close to a lot of things: Gamla Stan, the Royal Castle, the ferries, restaurants, shopping at Götgatan and viewpoints with beautiful city lights at night. From here you can easily walk into the city center or hop on both the Red and Green subway lines for easy access to the rest of the city and beyond.

    We recommend to go to Katarinahissen (The Katarina Elevator) pictured above and go up for beautiful views of the city. The ride is admission free and right by the hotel.

    Citybox Hotels can be found in locations across the Nordics, including Oslo, Bergen, Tallinn, and Helsinki. Their concept is simple: central locations, stylish yet practical rooms, and self-service solutions that keep the stay smooth and the price reasonable. It’s a hotel style that works especially well for families and travelers who prefer to spend their budget on experiences rather than extras.

    Citybox Hotel Stockholm Slussen room overview double room

    Our personal experience – simple moments that made the stay special

    For us, this stay became one of those easy weekends that you remember. First we got a super-friendly welcome with a note and candy/snacks on the room. My boys loved the self-check-in and the food/drink vending machine (anything with a screen is instantly exciting!), and they thought our room felt cool and cozy. I was afraid that I would feel claustrophobic due to no windows but the room was big, with high ceilings and great lightning design. We all appreciated the comfortable beds, the quiet atmosphere, and how everything was so straightforward. I appreciated the desk area with mirror and could sit down and blog a bit when my boys fell asleep for the night. Even though my eldest son came with us with same-day-notice – there where no issue for us to book an extra bed into our room via the chat on the Citybox homepage. Only bummer was that here was no TV but we used my laptop and cozied up in bed to watch TV series together.

    We also went all in on the shared-kitchen experience! My kids choose noodle cups and we enjoyed the tidy kitchen area with fridge (you can add your food there and mark it), microwave oven and cutleries, glasses and plates to borrow. They did not provide it, but I would have loved a toaster for making toasted bread in the morning.

    It was overall a very pleasant stay – very easy and convenient, and close to subway and sightseeing was a big plus!

    Book in good advance for the best prices – either through Expedia or directly on the hotel chain’s own site Citybox Hotels

  • 3 family activities to do on a rainy day in Stockholm


    3 Fun Family Activities to Do on a Rainy Day in Stockholm
    – A Family-Friendly Stockholm Guide –

    Even when the skies turn grey, there’s no need to stay cooped up inside. Stockholm has plenty of family-friendly spots that are perfect for curious little explorers and parents alike. Here are three of our favorite places to visit when it’s raining – fun, educational, and full of adventure!

    1. The Police Museum (Polismuseet)

    If your kids are fascinated by police cars, detectives, or the idea of solving mysteries, this museum will be a hit. The Police Museum offers a hands-on experience where children can dress up as police officers, sit in a real patrol car, and try fun interactive exhibits. Our kids loved sitting in the patrol car and on the police MC, as well as checking fingerprints and trying to solve a case.

    There’s also plenty for adults – from historical exhibitions about Swedish law enforcement to thought-provoking displays about justice and safety in society. It’s both educational and fun, making it a great stop for families with kids of all ages.

    Connected to Police Museum you also find National Museum of Science and Technology which is also a great visit for families!

    📍 Address: Museivägen 7, Djurgården, Stockholm
    🌐 Website: polismuseet.se

    2. Butterfly House Haga (Fjärilshuset Haga Ocean)

    Step into a tropical paradise just minutes from the city center! Inside Fjärilshuset, you’ll find lush greenery, colorful butterflies fluttering around, and even exotic fish and reptiles. The warm, humid air is a lovely escape from chilly weather, and kids will love spotting the butterflies up close. The connected Haga Ocean features fascinating aquariums, including sharks and coral reef species – making it a great mix of nature and adventure in one place. as it’s humid inside, don’t bring to much clothing. Also, strollers are not allowed in, so either come without one or lock the stroller outside the building.

    📍 Address: Haga Trädgård, Hagaparken, Solna
    🌐 Website: fjärilshuset.se

     

    3. The Swedish Museum of Natural History (Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet)

    Perfect for curious minds and future scientists! The Natural History Museum is one of Stockholm’s most beloved family spots, and also our favorite,  filled with fascinating exhibits about animals, space, and the planet. We love the Dinosaur exhibit with fossils!

    Don’t miss Cosmonova, Sweden’s largest IMAX dome theater, where you can watch breathtaking nature documentaries on the big curved screen – a highlight for both kids and adults.
    It’s educational, inspiring, and a great way to spend a full day indoors.

    📍 Address: Frescativägen 40, Stockholm
    🌐 Website: nrm.se

     

    Final Thoughts

    Rainy days don’t have to stop your Stockholm adventures – they can make them even more magical. Each of these places offers something special for families looking to connect, explore, and learn together. All of these venues are reachable by public transport. Check out SL’s homepage for more info. Buy tickets in advance for these venues through their webpages.

  • Pumpkin picking outside Stockholm

    Pumpkin patch paradise just outside Stockholm!🎃🌾

    Nothing says autumn quite like wandering through golden fields, picking the perfect pumpkins to take home. I have been dreaming about those pumpkin patches you see in movies and social media, thinking that maybe one day I would be able to visit one. When I found this place last year it was an American pumpkin-dream being fulfilled!

    Just outside Stockholm, Thorslunda Gård @thorslundgard turns into a true pumpkin patch paradise every autumn – a place where little hands can explore, pumpkin picking are guaranteed, and autumn feels a little more magical ✨ Here you can pick pumpkins (both food and decoration ones), order some fika or food, kids can play and of course take Instagram-worthy pictures.

    📍 Thorslunda Gård, Svartsjö, Stockholm – about 30 min with car from Stockholm.

    ❣️ Good to know: See opening hours on Thorslunda Gårds homepage. You need to book a timeslot as it can get quite crowded during pumpkin season.  Big parking and toilets are available 🧡

    We really recommend an excursion to Thorslunda Gård, not just during pumpkin season, but also during summers when they offer picking or berries, corn, flowers and more.

  • Museum of Natural History – a must visit in Stockholm

    A Fun Day at the Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm

    What we love about this museum is that it’s both fun and educational. It’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours, especially on a rainy day in Stockholm!

    We love spending time at the Swedish Museum of Natural History (Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet). We have been hereseveral times with he kids and we can really recommend this amazing museum!

    A little background – The Swedish Museum of Natural History (Naturhistoriska riksmuseet) was founded in 1819 and is one of Sweden’s oldest museums. Originally part of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, it became an independent institution dedicated to research and education in natural history.

    The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency, a world-class research institution, and at the same time, Sweden’s largest museum with exhibitions and Cosmonova.

    Large scale fossils of T Rex dinosaur

    This museum is perfect for families, curious explorers, and anyone fascinated by nature, science, and history. One of the highlights for us is the dinosaur exhibit, where we get to see fossils and life-sized models of these prehistoric giants. Our kids are always excited about the T. Rex!

     

    We also explored interactive displays about Sweden’s wildlife, fossils, treasures from inner earth, and human evolution. We learned about the human body and climate change. The museum does a fantastic job of making science engaging for all ages with interactive exhibits.

    Another must-see is Cosmonova, Sweden’s largest IMAX dome. We watched the new T. Rex movie, which was fascinating – highly recommended!

    What I love about this museum is that it’s both fun and educational. It’s the perfect place to spend a few hours, especially on a rainy day in Stockholm.

    Click here to go to our Instagram account @seashell_travels and see a video from our visit with more views of the museums wonders! 

    📍 Address: Frescativägen 40, Stockholm

    You can get here by car, subway and bus. Bus and subway is included in the SL public transport ticket/app ticket.

  • 3 Geeky Gems in Old Town, Stockholm

    3 Geeky Gems in Old Town, Stockholm


    Do you like comic books, board games, manga/anime books, science fiction, TV series, trading cards, merch and Japanese things
    – then you should keep reading! 

    Gamla Stan is a really nice district in Stockholm that both Stockholmers and tourists just love! But did you know that there are real classic geek shops here?

    This past weekend we made a spontaneous trip to Gamla Stan with our little boys (5 and 8 years old) and visited all the geek shops. They loved it and we bought, among other things, used manga from the big boy’s currently best favorite series Ramna½ and Pokemon cards during our day. Afterwards we finished with coffee at one of the nice cafes in Gamla Stan. And if you have something with you that doesn’t like geek shops at all, there is something for everyone, because just wandering around the alleys of the old town is something special.

    Here are our favorite stores:

    📍 Science Fiction Bokhandeln

    Västerlånggatan 48

    This store has been in the same location since 1984 and has a huge range for all types of interests when it comes to board games, books, role-playing games, manga, Japanese products, TV series/film-inspired products, merchandise, trading cards, figures, a selected range of T-shirts and more. They cover everything from Fantasy to Science fiction and in between and are a gold mine for those who want to be inspired or find specific products or books. For example, there are things and books from Studio Ghibli (My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service etc.), Pokemon, Harry Potter, Wednesday, nerdy cookbooks etc. as well as a large range of children’s and young adult books. Two floors filled to the brim with things!

    📍 Serieboden

    Sven vintappares gränd 2

    Sweden’s oldest comic book store! This store has been around since 1978 and is a real classic. Here you can find comic books and comic books/collections in all their forms – both new and used. And it’s also possible to sell/trade. Serieboden also has a very wide range of Swedish comics from the 1920s to the present day. Here you can find Bamse, Kalle Anke, Knasen, Tintin and lots of other classic comics. The owner is super nice and chatty! What we liked especially was that the store was divided into two sections – right when you enter there is the cheaper part, the comics that are designated as “reading copies” and the inner part that has more rarities.

    📍 Comics Heaven

    Stora Nygatan 23

    Comics Heaven has also been here for a long time, since 1985. Here you can find lots of comics and many magazines and comic collections, both new and used. There is also a small selection of gadgets, figures and clothes. They also hold events in the store at regular intervals. Here you will find comics in both Swedish and English.

    Bonus tip!

    📍 Handfaste

    Västerlånggatan 73

    Do you love Vikings and Norse mythology? Then the Handfaste store may be worth a visit! Here you will find books, clothes, gadgets, Thor’s hammers, accessories and jewelry for those who are interested in our Viking history.

    Do you like our tips? Please leave a comment and tell us if you will go there or have been to these stores? 😊