What makes Stockholm perfect for kids
The Stockholm Archipelago is a beautiful place in the world that is definitely worthy of a visit. Spread over hundreds of islands, Stockholm is a unique capital city. If you’re considering traveling to Stockholm, how about basing yourself a bit outside of the city and experiencing life on one of the archipelago’s many idyllic islands?
When Caroline and family came to visit us here in Copenhagen for the second time, we knew we wanted to explore further afield in addition to revisiting some CPH favorites. Because we have seven kids between us, we really wanted to avoid the price of another flight, so we decided to take the train to Stockholm, Sweden.
About six hours away by train, Stockholm was a city none of us had been to. As we all know well at this point, wandering around cities and soaking in the ambience isn’t always the favorite activity of any kid, much less a rabid pack of them like we had on our hands.
We decided it would be more fun to stay in a country house on one of the archipelago islands and I’m so glad we did. Our home base became our favorite part of the vacation. Today I’m sharing reasons why you should visit the Stockholm Archipelago. Let’s go!
1. There’s nowhere else quite like it
Of all of my European travels, the Scandinavian countries seem to have a lock on peaceful archipelagos. I’ve seen this particularly in Sweden, having also visited the Gothenburg archipelago some years ago. I think what makes the Stockholm archipelago so special is that you’re combining hundreds of islands with an important European capital. You’ve got an urban city world with lots of European charm meeting pastoral island life in this mix that somehow works. It feels unique, special and like its very own place in the world.
We chose to stay on the island Tynningö, a 45-minute boat ride from Stockholm’s central harbor. It was a great fit for us, with lots of nature and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. There are so many options, but I highly recommend this charming place.
2. Boat transportation is fun, easy and unique
Ferry services from Stockholm out to the islands are plentiful and take the place of sitting in the car for an hour to get into city center. You can also scratch having to worry about parking off your list of concerns. Our 45-minute commutes from our island into the center of Stockholm were a highlight of the trip for every member of our group. Snacks, playing cards, passing cruise ships and water views made each ride exciting. It is honestly just relaxing and invites conversation and fun with your group. We loved it.
Waxholmsbolaget runs boats all over the archipelago, so check their website to plan your journey. Figuring out the right boat took us a few minutes our first day in the city, but once you have the hang of it, it’s easy.
If you’re renting an Airbnb or staying at a bed and breakfast on one of the islands, be sure to ask your host for the boat they would take to get to the home, as different boats stop at different islands. They can offer the best advice.
Information is available at the central docking station in front of the Grand Hotel, but I think it’s always wise to have a local’s understanding. Boat staff were always friendly, so you can also just double check your destination with them and make sure you’re in the right place.
3. Peace, quiet and Swedish charm
With a major European capital just around the corner, it’s hard to believe the peaceful surroundings that exist on the archipelago. You’re instantly put into holiday mode when you step off the boat and meander the idyllic lanes of the islands. Houses have large green spaces, outdoor fire pits, docks backing up to ponds and bikes parked in the driveways.
Trails crisscrossed our island, allowing for leisurely strolls with stops at beaches.
Our favorite evening activities after a day exploring the city were rowing out on the lake behind our house in a proper rowboat. The sun sets late in the evening during the spring and summer months, so that golden northern light bathes green trees and bright wild flowers. It’s just relaxing and refreshing.
4. Easy access to world-class museums
Stockholm has so many interesting things to do, including some truly incredible museums. Djurgården or Museum Island is home to multiple museums exploring Swedish history and culture. A favorite of our group (and many travelers, apparently!) is the Vasa Museum, offering an exploration of a Swedish war ship that sunk in the Stockholm harbor. This museum is kid friendly and offers up close interaction with the massive ship.
There are a host of other museums worthy of exploring if you have the time. Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum allowing visitors to experience Swedish dwellings and culture throughout the ages in a giant park.
In addition to museums and while on the island, take the time to stroll through the Royal Djurgården, a lovely and lively park and a highlight of Stockholm’s many green spaces.
5. Meatballs!
Swedish meatballs are famous for a reason and Stockholm is a great place to dive into this food tradition. You’ll find this dish on many restaurant menus, so try out a few.
We made the trek through the city to Meatballs for the People, which, quite obviously, focuses on meatballs and their appropriate sides. Pick from a variety of interesting and surprising meatball options, pair it with proper mashed potatoes and a Swedish beer and you’re really living.
6. Coffee, bakeries and fika
You’ll find many wonderful bakeries in Stockholm serving up delicious cinnamon and/or cardamom bullar. Make sure to make time each day for a quick stop for a bun or piece of cake and a coffee. The Swedish call this pause in work fika, and it allows time to simply take a break and enjoy the good things in life. A tradition I can gladly get behind.
CC Favorite: Our group’s favorite bakery/coffee stop was Stora Bageriet which offered incredible pastries, coffee and atmosphere. We would have happily stopped here every day if we weren’t so in love with our island.
The quieter archipelago islands (including our own) are home to more mom-and-pop bakery operations. Ours offered a farm stand where you could buy baked goods for a few hours each day. As you explore your island, you’ll notice these kinds of places on the road sides, so be sure to stop by.
7. Stockholm’s incredible energy
Stockholm has a great mix of modern and old world Europe on each street. It’s a great city to wander through and see what happens. Castles, cathedrals and narrow alley-ways meet modern and glamorous hotels on the waterfront.
It’s worth it to wander around for a day, even if you have to bribe kids with baked goods, ice cream or souvenirs, not that we would know.
8. Learning about life near the water
One of the things we love about travel is having the opportunity to experience a bit of what life is like outside of our normal place in the world. The Stockholm Archipelago is a place that exists because of and with water, so embracing that feels like a really genuine way to connect with this city and its surroundings. It’s literally the coolest way to do suburbs.
Depending on boats instead of cars for transportation, seeing the role water plays in the city, with it’s rushing river and water front, understanding the way the city is spread out over many islands, really all serve to connect you with this place. It’s a unique experience that I know you’ll enjoy.
When to visit:
We visited the Stockholm Archipelago in the middle of May and had fantastic weather and long hours of daylight. The sun was so pleasant during the days that several of us braved taking a dip in the FREEZING lake.
It was… memorable… and ended up happening every day of our trip. Evidence of the midsommar celebrations that take place at the summer solstice were evident on our island, so I think June would be a great time to be there. Basically, to really enjoy the outdoors and time on the water, I think spring and summer are ideal.
If you’re thinking of visiting Stockholm, or Sweden in general, give some thought to spending time on the Stockholm Archipelago. You might just love this incredible area as much as we do.
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