Out of the Box in Stockholm

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In a city known for clean lines, Stockholms Södermalm district (“Söder” to locals), is surprisingly nonconformist.

A slum in th 18th century, the neighborhood is now home to a mix of clothing and furniture shops; Thai, Greek and Turkish restaurants; historic Falu red cottages, and one famous fictional character, Mikael Blomkvist, the journalist in Stieg Larsson’s best seller The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. Linger at a café along the main square, Medborgarplatsen (citizen square) and take the scene. 081013_Multikulti_Stockholm

Bunk Behind Bars
Linked by a bridge to Södermalm, Långholmen used to house some of Sweden’s most notorious criminals. The island’s 19th-century prison was converted into the Langholmen Hotel in 1989. Visit the museum to learn about such former residents as journalist and novelist Jan Guillou, convicted of espionage in the 1970s. And sit under apple trees in the garden to dine salmon tartar with whitefish roe. 081013_Langholmen_hotel_stockholm

Sips and Snacks
 To take a break, or (in Swedish) to fika, is an integral part of Swedish culture, and many locals escape for cafes at least once a day. The word fika was once slang for kaffi (coffee). But fika is much more than a cup of joe. The ritual often involves pastries or fikabröd, such as kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) and Mazarin (marzipan tarts). Café String serves thin pancakes topped with lingon berries (cranberries ) and ice cream – a classic Swedish meal, not dessert.

Shake it

081013_Cafe_String_Stockholm

 

Since 2002 more than 1500 artists like Bob Dylan, The Strokes, The Soundtrack of our Lives, bob hund, Arcade Fire, Juliette & the Licks, Dizzee Rascal, Marit Bergman, Pete Doherty, Bright Eyes, Pipettes, The Ark, Peaches and Ryan Adams performed at Debaser Slussen. This summer the venue was doomed to close but more than 20,000 persons protested in writing, and it seems like it’s still party time at Slussen.  Check Debaser Slussen’s calendar081013_storascenen_slussen

Timeless fashion
Södermalm has the highest concentration of vintage stores in the city. Stop by any of these three shops for a one-of-a-kind find.

Tjallamalla carries retro clothing as well as items from emerging Swedish designers. Folkungagatan 86. Contact Stockholm: +468-6407847 081013_Tjallamalla_Stockholm

Sivletto. This American shop, café and hairdresser is the place to pick up bespoke denim, bowling shirts, polka dot dresses, seamed stockings, hair pomade, kitsch jewellery and rockabilly music. A one-of-a-kind store that has plenty of character, it’s a must-see for those who love the American 1950s. 081013_Sivletto_Stockholm

Sneakersnstuff stocks vintage and limited-edition Nike, Puma and Adidas shoes. Åsögatan 124
Stockholm 116 24. Telephone: +46 8 743 03 22. Nearest Subway Stop:  Medborgarplatsen metro station (1030 feet),   Skanstull metro station (1969 feet),   Slussen metro station (2354 feet).081013_Sneakersnstuff_Stockholm

Written by the Daily Scandinavian staff.