Sweden: Stockholm – Skogskyrkogården

November 13, 2024
Stockholm
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During our last visit to the city in July I had hoped to go to Skogskyrkogården, which is a cemetery in the city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I love to visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites as often as I can and we both like cemeteries, so it seemed like a winner. Unfortunately, we ran out of time in July, but we were now back in town with some time on our hands.

Skogskyrkogården was not too far from where we were staying, and it was a nice day, so we decided to walk there.
This cemetery is not full of grand tombs like you find in Paris or London, or full of famous people. Its UNESCO status is based on its design elements that became an influence on the creation of other cemeteries all over the world.

Skogskyrkogården was created between 1917 and 1920 by two young architects, Asplund and Lewerentz, on the site of former gravel pits overgrown with pine trees. They took the natural contours of the land and created a cemetery that blends into the landscape.

There are a few buildings in the cemetery but to be honest they are pretty ugly. The beauty here lies in the landscape. Many of the graves are set in groves of trees, with simple headstones to mark their location. It is a truly peaceful setting and a pleasant place to wander around. There is even a nice little coffee shop, which we stopped at for a brew.

Several well-known Swedes are buried here, but the only one we’d heard of was the actress, Ingrid Bergman. We decided to visit her gravesite, which was easy to find. It was more standalone than many of the other graves in the cemetery but was still very simple. Her famous line was “I want to be alone” and here in Skogskyrkogården she gets that peace – apart from the occasional visitor.

Planning your visit to Skogskyrkogården

Skogskyrkogården is located in Enskede in southern Stockholm.

The main entrance to Skogskyrkogården is located at Sockenvägen 492 and is always open for pedestrians and cyclists. There are also smaller entrances:

Minneslundsvägen from the subway (pedestrians and cyclists)

Closed for cars at nights:
Sockenvägen
Bogårdsvägen/Vårsolens väg
Bogårdsvägen/Kapellslingan
Gamla Tyresövägen/Vårhimmelsvägen

The easiest way to go to Skogskyrkogården is by the tube’s green line towards Farsta strand from T-Centralen to Skogskyrkogården, which takes 15 minutes.

Visitors Center with shop, café and introduction room is located in the middle of Skogskyrkogården, about a 15 minute walk from the main entrance.

Visitors Center

Bus 183 is operated during weekends. The circular route departs from tube station Skogskyrkogården and passes several places inside the cemetery. See SL for current timetable.

SL’s website

Different providers. Varying prices and conditions.

At the subway station, Nynäsvägen
Vårhimmelsvägen/Gamla Tyresövägen
At the three-way intersection Skogsfurans väg
Bogårdsvägen/Kapellstigen
Bogårdsvägen/Vårsolens väg

The parking options inside Skogskyrkogården are limited, but there are spaces at the chapels, Visitors Center and Almhöjden/Memorial grove.

Getting around Stockholm

Stockholm Public Transport, SL, is responsible for buses, underground trains, commuter trains, trams, and certain ferry lines in Greater Stockholm.

A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes, costs 42 SEK (26 SEK for senior citizens and children/teenagers/students up to the age of 20), and can be purchased at SL’s customer service shops, through their app, or directly at the turnstiles and on buses using a credit card. It’s also possible to buy 24-hour, 72-hour, 7-day and 30-day tickets. A parent with a stroller gets to ride for free on any of Stockholm’s buses.

It’s not possible to pay cash for tickets on buses in Stockholm. Failure to show a valid ticket during a control will result in a 1500 SEK penalty fee.

Eating out for vegans in Stockholm

There was a time when vegetarian restaurants were few and far between in Stockholm, and ordering the vegetarian option meant getting a meat dish – sans meat. Things have changed.

Today, you’re guaranteed to find exquisite vegetarian and vegan alternatives on any menu. And not only in one of Stockholm’s great plant-based restaurants or cafés.

Delivore – Vegan café and lunch restaurant, serving plant-based snacks, sandwiches, and sweets. Delivore is part of the vegan grocery and food store Goodstore.
Fern & Fika – Plant-based café and lunch restaurant in the Hornstull-area. Has bowls, daily soups and stews, and a variety of sweets, cookies, and cakes.
Växhuset – Växhuset serves a plant-based, seasonal tasting menu. The restaurant is adjacent to the Trädgården/Under Bron nightclub, under the Skanstull bridge on Södermalm.
Mahalo – Breakfast -and lunch restaurant serving plant-based dishes. Bowls, pancakes, sandwiches, chili, and more. Has several locations in Stockholm.
The Green Queen – Seasonal sister restaurant to the popular summer bar Mälarpaviljongen on Kungsholmen. Offers a plant-based menu from late spring/early summer to late summer.

The best time to visit Stockholm

Annual temperatures in Stockholm fluctuate from -5.3°C (22.5°F) in the coldest months to 21.9°C (71.4°F) in the warmest. A closer look at the meteorological data reveals that the highest average temperatures register in July at 21.9°C (71.4°F), followed closely by June and August, reaching highs of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and 20.4°C (68.7°F) respectively. In contrast, the cooler months of January and February record average lows of -5°C (23°F) and -5.3°C (22.5°F).

The patterns of yearly rainfall and number of rainy days in Stockholm consist of moderate to precipitous levels. Starting from 27mm (1.06″) in February to a peak of 65mm (2.56″) in July, the city experiences its highest rainfall during the summer months. The number of rainy days also sees an increment from 6 days a month during April and May, to 10 days a month from November through January.

The best time to visit Stockholm

Ideal visiting conditions in Stockholm prevail from June to August. During this period, temperatures ascend, reaching a comfortable range from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F). Combining these pleasant temperatures with the peak daylight hours ranging from 17 to 18.5 hours and abundant sunlight of up to 9.7 hours, summer offers tourists ample time to explore Stockholm’s charming archipelago and vibrant city life.

Additionally, the sea temperature rises significantly from 7.5°C (45.5°F) in May to 18.8°C (65.8°F) in August, encouraging water-based activities and beach visits. Nevertheless, the visitation during the peak of summer should anticipate higher than average rainfall, with July noted for the year’s highest rainfall of 65mm (2.56″) over nine days.

The worst time to visit Stockholm
For those less resistant to cold, the period of December to February could be a challenging time to visit Stockholm. During this period, average temperatures tumble to a range from -5.3°C (22.5°F) to -0.6°C (30.9°F), accompanied by reduced daylight hours, reaching as low as 6.2 hours during December. Limited sunshine, a scant 1.1 hours in December, further contributes to the stark winter days. Additionally, the sea temperatures drop to a cold 1°C (33.8°F) – 1.9°C (35.4°F), hindering any maritime activities.

Where to stay in Stockholm

1. Mid Range: Queen’s Hotel by First Hotels

On Stockholm’s main shopping street, Drottninggatan, this hotel has rooms with flat-screen TVs. Free tea and coffee are available at the front desk. Stockholm Central Train Station is only a 10-minute walk away.

Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms at Queen’s Hotel. Each room has a writing desk and cable TV, and some also include a sofa and views of the peaceful inner courtyard.

With its crystal chandeliers and antique furniture, the hotel lobby creates a charming atmosphere. Guests can relax on the sofas or use the free internet computers here.

2. Luxury – Hotel Diplomat Stockholm

Set in an impressive 1911-era Art Nouveau building on upscale Strandvägen boulevard, Hotel Diplomat offers great views over Nybroviken Bay, spa and fitness room access and a restaurant with summer terrace. WiFi is free.

Diplomat’s modern interior was designed by renowned architect Per Öberg and combines classic elegance with contemporary design. Each room features blackout curtains, a generous workspace and quality Dux beds with premium linen. All include luxury toiletries and a smart TV with Chromecast.

The in-house restaurant uses fresh, local produce to create classic Swedish dishes with a Mediterranean twist. The waterfront terrace is an ideal spot to take in the waterfront views during summer.

3. Budget -Generator Stockholm

Featuring a hip lounge, several social spaces and a bar with Nordic-inspired cocktail drinks, Generator Stockholm is located in the Norrmalm district of Stockholm. At this hostel, you can choose dormitory rooms or private guest rooms.

Each private guest room features a private bathroom with shower, and dormitory rooms share private bathroom facilities. All rooms have a city view. Free WiFi is available at this hostel.

A restaurant, cafe and 24-hour reception are also featured at Generator Stockholm.

Drottninggatan Shopping Street is a 6-minute walk from the hostel, while Sergels Torg Square is 0.7 mi away. Stockholm Central Station is just a 10-minute walk away.

Sweden: Stockholm – Skogskyrkogården

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