City centre rollercoasters and cinnamon buns all over, are just a few things that make a family city break in Stockholm so appealing, as Katie Bowman recently found out.
Grona Lund theme park © Yanan Li
Riding high on a family city break in Stockholm
Not many world capitals can claim to have a theme park in the city centre, but that’s the way Stockholm rolls – or rather, rides – choosing to give prime real estate to Grona Lund in order to keep locals, families and visitors in town, rather than fleeing to the fringes.
Serious riders will love Monster (painted all black, where suspended seats toss and turn) and Insane (in which back-to-front seats go the full 360), while nostalgics will appreciate old-school attractions such as Skeeball and shooting gallery.
We particularly loved Kattingflygaren, where the old-fashioned swings whizz over the water and give great views of surrounding Djurgarden neighbourhood.
Abba® the Museum, city break in Stockholm © Katie Bowman
Gimme, gimme, gimme, Abba, any time
Even those too young to remember Abba’s first number one hit, Waterloo – which won them Eurovision in 1974 and kickstarted a pop-tastic career – still know the words to Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia.
That’s why everyone can’t help but love Abba® the Museum. And thanks to high-tech cinema screen montages, costume displays and Abba waxworks, this is an experience for little kids as well as oldies; in fact, you can even sing on stage with Agnetha and Anni-Frid at a virtual concert and record a hit track in the sound booth.
The Abba Museum is nextdoor to Grona Lund theme park (which closes as late as 10pm), so tick them off on the same day to make the most of a family city break in Stockholm.
Brunch grandeur, Berns, Stockholm © Katie Bowman
Where to eat on a Stockholm city break with kids
Three restaurants were big winners with our family. First up, Griffins Steakhouse, which is near Stockholm Central Station: handy for many hotels and the Arlanda airport train. Beyond its crowd-pleasing steaks, Griffins also serves Swedish pork belly and a farm chicken and fries that kids love – be prepared to visit again for that alone.
Meanwhile, Berns is the best brunch spot in town, with its famous buffet that runs from herring to made-on-the-spot sushi to cinnamon buns and pastries. Book ahead for this one as it’s only open on Saturday and Sunday and dining in its stunning historic ballroom is an experience in itself.
Then – call us predictable – but we loved our trips to Ikea for meatballs; the central location on Hamngatan and the novelty of the Swedish krona prices made it a thrill of a meal.
Sailing Stockholm quaysides in winter © Henrik Trygg
Try messing about on boats, any time of year
A boat ride out to explore the Stockholm archipelago is a must-do, as the Swedish flag flaps in the breeze and the bright sunshine warrants sunglasses, even in January.
Stromma is the city’s shipping company, which sails “Cinderella” boats to the islands May-October. Alight at Grinda, a forested islet where you can rent a kayak or SUP board, go wild swimming, take a hike, or simply order a pear cider in the sunshine and watch the yachts come and go.
In winter, Stromma also runs ice-breaker boat trips, exploring the city’s quaysides and inner archipelago. If you’d like to sit outside on deck they provide pelts and blankets to keep you warm.
The Princess Estelle Sculpture Park © Visit Stockholm
Add extra playtime to your family city break in Stockholm
Literally meaning “animal garden”, Djurgarden is the greenest of Stockholm’s island neighbourhoods and a lovely place to run – or cycle – off steam.
Apart from the obvious attractions of Grona Lund theme park, you’ll find Skansen, which is the world’s oldest outdoor museum and showcases Swedish nature and culture. Go for the farmyard animals, craft days and replica homes where actors introduce visitors to ancient customs such as pottery, baking and reindeer rearing.
When you need fun for free, follow the new trail in Princess Estelle Sculpture Park (named after Princess Estelle of Sweden, currently aged 12), where contemporary installations made from metal, wood, even life-rings, are on display in amazing rural locations.
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The Nobel Museum © Staffan Eliasson
Prove it’s cool to be clever at The Nobel Prize Museum
The Nobel Prize Museum isn’t just for older kids, little ones love it too – especially the historic dress-up costumes and play scenes – so it definitely deserves an hour of your time.
In fact, that’s all you need to absorb this excellent one-room museum, which celebrates the achievements of past Nobel winners. It’s great souvenir territory too, with a gift shop selling children’s books and educational toys, as well as jewellery made from the same metal as the famous medals.
Seek out the story of Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, the youngest ever winner of the Nobel Peace Prize; the museum displays the scarf she wore when speaking before the United Nations aged 16.
Hotel Hasselbacken, Stockholm
Where to stay on your city break in Stockholm
Even if you’re not lucky enough to be checking in, we recommend a trip to Hotel Hasselbacken on leafy island Djurgarden thanks to its outdoor terrace restaurant, where kids can play table tennis or skittles while grown-ups linger over lunch.
The historic hotel is the home of the Hasselbacken potato – baked and sliced fan-style, covered in cheese or butter – so children are always happy to hang around.
Overnight guests can use the hotel sauna, bicycles, or decompress each evening in stylish rooms (with internationally known Svenskt Tenn fabrics), many of which have water views. This is a quintessentially Swedish stay and is family-friendly as hotels get.
Clarion Hotel Sign, Stockholm
Go all out for some designer digs
Looking like a high-tech HQ or a superhero movie location – all black glass, sleek angles and sharp corners – Clarion Hotel Sign is actually an affordable stay in a brilliantly central location (near the station).
The design focus is evident inside too, with pieces of furniture from Scandinavian stars Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen.
This place is suited to families in summer thanks to its outdoor rooftop pool (a rarity in Sweden) and cosy lounges with live music, as well as its never-ending breakfast buffet, make it a winter-must too.
How to plan a city break in Stockholm
How to get there
Direct UK flights to Stockholm from 2 hours, 15 minutes
Where to stay
Hotel Hasselbacken, Junior Suite (2 adults, 2 children) B&B from £315 per night
Clarion Hotel Sign, Family Room (2 adults, 2 children) B&B from £193 per night
Good to know
Hero image: Stockholm old town, winter © Ola Ericson, Stocksholmsfoto
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