Guide to best historical experiences in Stockholm

Tips of activities, food and shopping for history enthusiasts

Do you consider yourself a history buff? Or are you looking for some unexpected activities outside beyond the usual tourist destinations? Then you must try these Stockholm experiences that follow in the footsteps of history! Stay at the oldest hotel in Stockholm, eat classic Swedish cuisine at a restaurant from the 1700’s, enjoy a beer at a historical tavern, shop for antiques, visit Alfred Nobel’s factory and cruise the archipelago with a classic ship. These activities are perfect for anyone interested in history and looking for a unique experience in Stockholm!

Stay at the oldest hotel in Stockholm

Check in to the oldest hotel in Stockholm, Hotel Kung Carl. The hotel was named after King Karl XV who reigned when the hotel opened in 1866. All rooms are decorated in their own unique fashion and are filled with antiques like clocks, mirrors and paintings by famous Swedish artists that have been precured at auctions in Stockholm. Hotel Kung Carl  is located in central Stockholm close to Stureplan and there is a myriad of shops, restaurants, cafes and public transport just outside your door.

Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 21

Classis Swedish cuisine at restaurant Den Gyldene freden

On Österlånggatan in Stockholm’s Old Town you can find restaurant Den Gyldene Freden. It has a unique history and has resided at the same address since 1722. Here you can enjoy classic Swedish cuisine like herring, meatballs with lingonberry jam and a classic almond biscuit with cream for dessert.

Address: Österlånggatan 51

Grab a beer at Kvarnen

Kvarnen is a renowned beer hall located in the trendy neighbourhood of Södermalm and for many years it’s been known as a haunt for the local football supporters. They have recently renovated the premises but they still offer food, good beer and great atmosphere in the Czech-inspired beer hall. You can find it near Medborgarplatsen – a perfect pit stop when you’re exploring Södermalm.

Address: Tjärhovsgatan 4

Visit Alfred Nobel’s factory by Vinterviken

If you hop on the subway (don’t forget your facemask) it takes you 12 minutes to get to Aspudden station, and rom there it’s only a five-minute walk to Vinterviken. Here you can find Alfred Nobel’s old factory that was built in 1891. Until the 1980’s this was used as a base for various industrial functions, but they are currently disused and the building is Grade II-listed. Take a walk in the beautiful surroundings and read about the area’s history on the signs that are dotted around.

Address: Vinterviksvägen 60

Shop for antiques

In the area surrounding Odenplan in the neighbourhood of Vasastan you can find many popular antique stores, like Millqvist Antik & Interiör, Dala Antiktjänst i Stockholm, Domino Antik and Bacchus Antik. The latter two are highly recommended if you are interested in modern antiques as they specialise in items from the 1900’s.

Address: Millqvist Antik och Interiör - Upplandsgatan 23 | Dala Antiktjänst i Stockholm - Dalagatan 36 | Domino Antik - Upplandsgatan 25 | Bacchus Antik - Upplandsgatan 46 |

Visit the largest antique book shop in Stockholm

Rönells Antikvariat is one of the largest antique shops in Stockholm, and possibly even in Scandinavia. They can help you find that special book, help you build a book collection based on a theme or author or find the perfect books to use as interior design – something that has become very popular of late. During the evening they also hold talks and discussions. A gold mine if you love books, located only a few minutes from Stureplan.

Address: Birger Jarlsgatan 32B

Cruise with a historical archipelago ship

Step aboard classic archipelago ship M/S Östanå I, built in 1906, for a 3 hour long guided cruise through the beautiful Stockholm archipelago. During the weekend there is also the option of having brunch onboard. The interiors have been beautifully restored and the atmosphere in the dining room is just as special and wonderful as the views of the archipelago. You can also hop off in Vaxholm, often called the capital of the archipelago. Here you can stroll through the picturesque streets lined with pastel coloured wooden houses dating back to the 1800’s. You can also admire Vaxholm’s Kastell, a historical fortress located on a small island across the bay from the town. During the summer you can take a line ferry across to the island to visit. To get back to Stockholm you can take an SL-bus (which takes around 50 minutes) During the winter the ship may not be able to dock at Vaxholm due to ice, please keep an eye on the website for up to date information.

Address: Strandvägen, berth 15