Visiting Stockholm in autumn

Sweden’s capital and its attractions are a little less crowded during the autumn months and the parks shine in red, orange and yellow. Autumn in Stockholm is magical and the ideal time to discover its world renowned museums, stroll through the colourful parks and delight in traditions like apple picking and having fika with one of the famous cinnamon buns.

Seek shelter at the museums

Stockholm is home to over 50 museums. They are the perfect spots to seek shelter from a rainy autumn day and there’s something for everyone. On the island of Djurgården, you can get up close with the Pop sensations from ABBA at the ABBA museum and virtually try on the band’s costumes or learn about Swedish history from a different take at the Spritmuseum that is dedicated to the country’s complicated history with alcohol. 

Close by lies the Vasa Museet. The Vasa Museum is Scandinavia’s most visited non-art museum and offers a unique look into the maritime history of Sweden. Discover the Vasa, the 17th century ship that is the centrepiece of the exhibition, as well as archaeological findings from the early 17th century.

The Moderna Museet consists of Sweden’s largest collection of 20th century modern and contemporary art, mainly focusing on modern art from the 20th century as well as photography from the 19th century and onwards. Are you more interested in the works of historic artists? The Nationalmuseum is home to the country’s largest art collection, including 30.000 objects and 16.000 paintings. The collection includes works by distinguished expert such as Rembrandt, Renoir, Frans Hals and Rubens as well as an extensive modern Swedish art collection.

Go apple picking

Apple picking is a popular activity amongst locals and tourists alike in autumn, right when the worldwide renowned Swedish apples are in season. One of the many locations where you can pick your own apples is Rosenhill. The family-run organic farm grows its own delicious apples and vegetables and has a small café attached.

Stroll through the apple tree orchards for a wholesome day in the Swedish countryside, located just outside of Stockholm, making it the perfect activity for a sunny autumn day. Afterwards, you can unwind and enjoy a selection of sandwiches, soup and ice cream as well as cookies at the attached café.

Enjoy your coffee break the Swedish way

The Swedes are known worldwide for their love for fika, a cosy coffee and pastry break. Hence it is no surprise that you’ll notice a sheer endless variety of pastries and bakeries when visiting Stockholm. The most popular buns for fika here are kanellbullar, cinnamon rolls, and kardemummabulle, rolls filled with cardamom. The cinnamon roll even has its own annual theme day: the Kanelbullens dag is celebrated on October 4th each year.

The hunt for the most delicious fika buns in town is certainly a delightful one! One of the most popular bakeries with three shops across town is Vallhallabageriet. Enjoy the fluffy yet packed flavour-packed buns in an authentic bakery atmosphere. Especially the cardamom buns here are a fan favourite here!

Stockholm Ghost Walk

Autumn is the ideal time for a spooky tour through the oldest parts of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, or Södermalm that offers a new perspective on the city’s history. The 90 minutes long Stockholm Ghost Walk takes you on a walk through Stockholm’s equally intriguing and scary history. You will not only learn more about its underground legends and unsolved mysteries, murders, executions, fascinating myths, ghosts and diseases but also get the opportunity to smell, touch and even taste the history!

The Ghost Walk can also be combined with a wine tasting, an extraordinary Psychic Show or even 3-course dinner revolving around a mysterious murder for an even more intense experience. You can also opt for a private historical ghost tour full of gory details – goosebumps guaranteed!

Take a tour through the Swedish parliament

Take a tour through the Riksdag if you want to learn more about Sweden’s past and present political situation, how the Riksdag works and the duties of its members as well as its history. You can either attend a guided tour or witness public hearings and debates – in line with the principle of the Swedish democracy to be open and transparent to the public. 

rom September onwards, there are even free public tours on Saturdays and Sundays. Just arrive in good time before your tour starts, since security controls are carried out for visits to the parliament.  

Stockholm Fringe Festival

In September, the six-day long Stockholm Fringe Festival, also known as STOFF, is the place to be for art lovers! The festival highlights artistic freedom and focuses on alternative and out-of-the-box works that may not have a place in other exhibitions. It features multiple art forms such as performances, installations and anything in between and provides a platform for international as well as local artists.

STOFF not only encourages artists to test out new ideas but also welcomes emerging artists and offers them a platform for collaborating and networking. The festival is further enriched by renowned guest appearances, for example from The Infernal Comedy with John Malkovich or Peaches, to connect the emerging with the established.