Stockholm is a city where perfection is normal and where nothing can ever go wrong. It is a city where shopping for luxury is seen as an everyday activity and where giving money to charity is encouraged.
But beyond this absolute aesthetic and social perfection there is a different side of Stockholm once you go into the deep tunnels of the underground.
A sunny day in Stockholm, Sweden
In the underground, you shall find a place where alternative street artists decided to express their soul.
This is the story of Stockholm and the unique underground metro art you shall find here.
Are you ready?
Art in the Metro of Stockholm 01
Stoked by Stockholm: Winter in the Scandinavian Capital
When I arrived to Stockholm at the end of January, the snow was slowly melting away and yet, it was still possible to enjoy some its white awesomeness as it covered the roof of some of the city’s most known landmarks.
The sheer perfection of Stockholm captivated all of my senses since this is a place where the only real danger is getting hit by accident by one of its many cyclists.
Yes, it’s THAT safe.
Inside of the Cathedral of Stockholm
Stockholm also has many green areas (well, white now that is snowy) from where you can enjoy a nice view of the river and reminiscence times of old when Vikings roamed these waters.
And yes, I totally watched the new Vikings Tv Show before visiting Sweden. I mean, of course I HAD to!
Did you know that Vikings were actually civilized folks who specialized in trading goods? They didn’t even wear those horned helmets!
Stockholm and the Winter Frozen Lake
Can you imagine how impractical they would be in a real battle? You just need to hold the horns of your enemy and that would be pretty much the end of it.
But hey, at least the Thor movie revitalized people’s interest in Scandinavian culture and the Norse religion although you probably won’t find anyone in Sweden that actually practices it.
At least not yet.
The Royal Palace of Stockholm
And well, what can I say about the Viking ladies of Sweden? Tall, blonde, beautiful and yes, eager to learn salsa from a Latin Lover like me. Trust me when I say that if it wasn’t for the extremely high cost of living, Stockholm is one of the places where I wouldn’t mind settling down for good.
Plus, did I mention that they have not one but TWO chains of Mexican food? I tried them both (Zócalo and La Neta) and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the chefs are actually Mexicans!
Can someone pinch me now?
Sweden and the Viking connection
The Underground Metro Art of Stockholm
So how about the underground? You see, Stockholm doesn’t really has many street art spots located above in the Old Town so the best way for artists to express their creativity is down below.
Fiery volcanoes, mysterious grottos, futuristic caves, an 8-bit homage to Nintendo, pseudo-archaeological ruins, LSD infused double rainbows, gardens and much more awaits you underneath your feet.
In my opinion, the eccentricity and soul of the Stockholm underground art is a nice contrast to the over the top luxury and glamour of the Moscow underground art.
Art in the Metro of Stockholm 03
Even better is the random conversations that you’ll find in the underground of Stockholm, can you believe I spent three stops discussing the realpolitiks of A Game of Thrones with a 70-year old Swedish man?
Stockholm is home to more than 40 underground stops and more than a half of them include unique underground art.
Art in the Metro of Stockholm 04
What’s best is that you basically only need a single ticket to see them all as long as you don’t step outside of the metro itself.
It’s really hard to believe that the best underground art museum in the world costs only the price of a single underground ticket, right?
Art in the Metro of Stockholm 05
Things you should know before traveling to Stockholm, Sweden
The Old Town of Stockholm is fairly small and accessible by foot but the museums found there are kind of expensive so I definitely recommend you to purchase the Stockholm Card, which includes unlimited transportation (so you can see every single Metro station) plus entrance to most museums.
Places I recommend include the Skansen Open Air Museum for a display of traditional Swedish life, the Vasa Museum which is home to Sweden’s biggest wooden ship, the National Palace where you can find displays of the Swedish Royal Family and the Cathedral of Stockholm for some incredible art and architecture.
Also, make sure to visit at least one IKEA shop in Sweden because why not?
The elegant charm of Stockholm
Where to stay in Stockholm, Sweden
The best accommodation in Stockholm can be found near the train station from which you can explore most of the historical sites.
Here’s a list of my recommendations for all types of budgets: for luxury and boutique hotels, I recommend the Grand Hotel Stockholm and the Hotel Skeppsholmen. When it comes to budget hostels and guest houses my best choices are the City Backpackers Hostel and the Hostel Dalagatan.
You can make a booking for this and more properties via our Booking.com Affiliate Link of Wonders!
Same price for you and a small pocket money commission for this website of yours.
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Inside of the Royal Palace of StockholmI hope you have enjoyed this travel guide to Stockholm’s top attractions. Don’t forget to subscribe in order to get more awesome updates and tips straight to your e-mail!
Have you ever visited Stockholm? Would you like to? Share your thoughts and let me know what you think!
Disclaimer: This article was brought to you in collaboration with Visit Stockholm. Next time you visit Stockholm, be sure to stop by at the Tourist Information office to know all about the current cultural events that you can enjoy in this wonderful city.
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Wow! I love how much art there is around the city and how easily accessible to everyone it is. I’m wondering why I’ve never been to Stockholm yet, time to fix that I guess ;)
I’m sure you’ll love it, Stockholm is one of my favorite European capitals so far!
Your article totally sold it to me …. I’m going to Stockholm! Great advice for budget travellers with the ‘Welcome Stockholm card’ and the free metro art scene, how incredibly brilliant and beautiful!
You’re welcome Steph, I hope you enjoy Stockholm as much as I did!
I love Sweden so much, I would give the world to be living back there, even tho’ our rent in our 2 bed apartment 2880€ (all in) a month (seriously, 360€ each and 8 of us lived there). Oh and our kitchen didn’t work. I still loved our home tho’ :D
I want to visit Stockholm some day, but its definitely some day, I’m definitely a Northern Swedish girl ;)
Damn!! Sharing a house with 8 people? No thanks haha I would rather spend a month in a hostel :D
A great magnificent example of art amalgamated with urban architecture. I really apprise this article for the powerful images used in this article.
Thanks Dewan, glad you enjoyed it!
Haven’t yet been to Stockholm but would love to – I think I would prefer to head to Sweden during summer though lol not too big of a fan of winter destinations :D
I’m looking forwards to visiting Sweden in the summer as well, I really want to see the Midnight Sun!
There is so much art in the metro there! It’s so pretty, and all the more convincing to ride the metro :)
Yes, definitely. The Stockholm Metro sure blew my mind with its amazing art!
The underground art is amazing! What beautiful artwork to admire each day as you travel across the city. I wish that other transit systems looked this great!
Yes, I hope that all major cities followed this route in order to encourage people to avoid littering the metro. I’m looking at you Paris!!!
Damn, I can’t believe I didn’t ride the metro when I was in Stockholm.. Gotta do it next time!
You definitely missed out! Next time for sure!
I love the art and design in Scandinavia. I haven’t made it to Stockholm yet, but it looks awesome! Great photos!
Thanks Jenna, I sure got stoked by Stockholm!
You take such amazing pictures!! Any tips you can share?
http://dianaratemo.com
Hi Diana, I wrote an article here about Travel Photography Tips, hope you enjoy it! https://www.journeywonders.com/travel-photography-tips-beginners-part-1/
I LOVE Scandinavia! I have a real strong desire to visit all of the countries in this part of Europe though as of right now, Denmark is the only place we have visited. You really sold Stockholm with this post and this will prove to be very beneficial when we head there, hopefully sooner rather than later.
Yes, Stockholm is definitely breath-taking!!! You’ll love it for sure!
Oh wow. Wish I had known that Stockholm had such stunning metro art when I was there. As you say, everything was so close that there was no need for public transport.
Yes, to be honest I’m sure that the locals just take the metro for the beautiful art, it’s such a picturesque underground!
Hi Raphael alexander zoren! This is really nice article and I’m really impressed by the way you’ve shared the things here. I believe Travelling as a part of our life. It is an adventure, and I’m sure those are not into this, are missing a whole lot in life.
My vacation was fun filled and I definitely recommend stayaway.com for the new adventure seekers.