Stockholm: A Weekend Itinerary
I booked to go on my first-ever Yoga retreat amidst the chaos of lockdown. The uncertainty of daily life at the time had me craving an escape from the confines of the new highly regulated “normal” life. I was yearning to get away from all the noise and controlled panic and dive into activities that I knew always make me feel great - stretching my body, connecting to my deepest thoughts, sharing new experiences with like-minded individuals, and cold water swimming. I headed on a plane to Stockholm on my own and had a day either side of the retreat in this incredible city.
The retreat was nestled away in a magical place called Shambala - a 3.5-hour train ride from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg. As the train chugged into the station, I felt like I had stepped into an old Wes Anderson film, with the idyllic, pastel-coloured abandoned train station that emulated a perfectly symmetrical image onto the Scandinavian towering trees behind. It was such a relief to be traveling and out of my comfort zone again, into the excitement and liberating freedom of the unknown.
The retreat itself was a magical weekend, dropping into a sacred daily routine of morning vinyasa and breath, a silent breakfast to be fully present and aware of your food, surroundings, and nourishment. Waiting until after breakfast at 11 am to open your mouth for the first time in the day is something that anyone who knows me well will confirm - is very out of the ordinary for me! I took a lot from this small ritual once I got over the discomfort and clunky awkwardness of the first two days.
The retreat was situated in a rural area, on a peaceful lake that glistened in the morning dewy glow. There was a wooden pontoon sticking out into the water, with a wood-fired sauna perched on the end. We spent the days full of intention - flowing, writing, swimming, sharing, expressing, feeling, walking, nourishing, grounding - all of the magic a retreat is in the purpose. The purpose of switching off from the external chaotic world that surrounds us, and dialing into our internal mind. Taking the time to listen to our own thoughts, feelings, desires, and frustrations that we often deny ourselves the time to process and listen to. I came away from the retreat feeling like if I had a meter reading of my energy levels and internal awareness, it had shifted from close to zero to spilling full over the top, full of my own love and genuine presence.
A huge part of why I enjoyed this trip was also the two days I had on either side of the retreat in Stockholm. Being in new surroundings is always something that truly replenishes my energy and reignites my passion for life (as cheesy as that sounds!). I’ve written a little about my time in Stockholm for anyone who might be interested in visiting for the first time.
I hope you enjoy!
Areas to Explore in Stockholm
Gamla Stan: The Old Town of Stockholm, while touristy, is undeniably charming. Wander through its narrow, cobblestone streets and enjoy the views of the towering historical buildings, including the Royal Palace. When I’m in a new city I find there’s nothing better than spending a day wandering around and taking it all in, plus there’s some great stalls if you want to pick up some cute souvenirs.
Sodermalm: Known as the trendy part of Stockholm, Sodermalm is brimming with cool cafes, vintage shops, and vibrant street art. It's the hipster hub of the city and offers an array of excellent dining options and some more great shopping.
Ostermalm: This district has a more polished, city-centre feel but is still lovely to explore. Take a scenic walk along the water's edge all the way to the ocean. Ostermalm is also where you can find the Saluhall, a fantastic food market where you can sample local delicacies.
Where to Stay
Hobo Hotel: I picked this modern, quirky hotel is situated in the heart of Stockholm on recommendation, and it was great for what I needed. It’s got cool interiors and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. They also have movie nights on the rooftop which was a lovely way to spend an evening.
Where to Eat
Nytorget 6: A cool, local eatery, Nytorget 6 offers excellent food and a lively atmosphere. It's a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I went here for classic Swedish meatballs (pictured below!) and it was unbelievably delicious.
Woodstockholm: Located on a beautiful square, this restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience. Though it’s on the pricier side, the quality of the food and the ambiance looked incredible!
Drop Coffee: Any fellow pastry lovers, head to Drop Coffee. Don’t miss out on their delicious cardamom buns - a quintessential Swedish treat.
Where to Enjoy Drinks
Pier in Ostermalm: This spot is perfect for a relaxing drink by the water. Enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail while soaking in the views. Don’t be surprised at paying more for the water front view.
Mosebacke: Known for its lovely terrace, Mosebacke is an excellent place to unwind.
Nosh and Chow: For those looking for a sophisticated cocktail experience, Nosh and Chow is the place to be.
Hobo Hotel Rooftop: If you’re staying at the Hobo Hotel or just passing by, the rooftop bar is a great place to enjoy a drink too!
To round up my thoughts, Stockholm was a pleasant surprise. I went seeking an escape, a way to reconnect with myself and my positivity. The whole city radiates a positive energy that really resonated with where I was at during this time. I definitely hadn’t done enough research before arriving, as I had no idea Stockholm was a city full of canals and waterways, so that wherever you are, you’re never far from water’s edge. I loved my fleeting visit to Stockholm, and am grateful for the retreat experience and everything it taught me. I look forward to going back one day to explore further.
