Stockholm in 48 Hours…

What do you do if  your business trip includes a weekend in Stockholm?  We recently designed an authentic experience in Stockholm for a client in just such a predicament. This beautiful city is on the Baltic at the mouth of Lake Malaren, built on 14 islands connected by bridges. On sunny summer days, locals revel in the long days of sunlight, over 12 hours of sunshine! Fall doesn’t quite allow as much time in the sun; in fact, it is downright chilly in October!

Stockholm is a great city to walk while learning the history with our private guide; begin by walking past the Synagogue and learn about it’s significance to history of Stockholm, head towards the Royal Palace to ‘Gamla Stan’ the Old Town, where it all began.

Let us take you on a Journey, starting in the cosmopolitan city center and exploring Stockholm’s magical archipelago which comprises approximately 35,000 islands. With over 10,000 residents, many restaurants, cafés, 50,000 holiday homes, island life is a natural part of Swedish life. Begin with a stroll around the beautiful neighborhoods of Stockholm, stopping for a private art tour and tasting at Absolut. Continue onward to the magnificent Vasa Museum with your guide for a private visit to this historic location.

Continue exploring upwards towards the bohemian SoFo area of the city called Södermalm, where many of the cool creative Stockholmers live; peek into the charming shops and stop for the habitual coffee break: officially fika.

Meander to the point in the city to view Stockholm City Hall, the home of the banquet for the annual Nobel Prize. Explore the streets of Södermalm that inspired Stieg Larsson’s Millennium books such as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.

One may think that it is too cold to explore the Swedish Archipelago in autumn; naturally, one might agree, especially when temperatures reach around 8°C. It is most certainly possible and not to be missed. The fall foliage colors in Sweden & Scandinavia are beautiful enough to add to your ‘must see’ list!

Move onward to the harbor and board the luxurious M/Y Rozzo. Meet your Captain and crew, head off to the islands. Your very knowledgeable guide will share the history and culture of Swedish life. You will also learn about the relationship and respect Swedes enjoy with nature and the city.

The yacht will sail into the guest harbor of the island of Grinda where you will grab your baskets and hike through the enchanting forests on the hunt for camouflaged wild berries and mushrooms. The Swedish people enjoy access to all lands under the rule of “Allemansrätten”, which allows the general public to have access to private and publicly owned land for recreation and exercise: The Right to Roam.

Trek back down to your motor yacht, and get ready for a chilling dip or two in the Baltic Sea! A private heated sauna housed on the water in gorgeous tranquil surroundings awaits you. Enjoy the lounge section with some gourmet sauna treats such as Swedish meats, olives and cheeses complimented with a good cold beer or mineral water. Heat up, open up those pores, get the blood flowing, then run outside and dive into the icy Baltic Sea! If you can’t pluck up the courage, your Swedish guide will be right behind you and may even take the first plunge, which will certainly get you going! The most exhilarating and refreshing experience set in a stunning pure environment. Nature at its best!

After the unforgettable ’awakening’ enjoy a traditionally Swedish lunch on the island followed by a vigorous hike while hearing about the history of the island. Your Captain and crew awaits to sail a different route of the archipelago back to Stockholm and if you are still a little hungry, the crew will cook up a few of the mushrooms you picked and prepare it as a snack as you sip on Sweden’s only whiskey, Mackmyra and head for the capital of Sweden, Stockholm.