The Vasa Museum is one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia. It is here that you will find in all its glory, the unique and well preserved warship Vasa from 1628, embellished with hundreds of wooden sculptures.
Sweden: Stockholm – Abba the Museum
The saying ‘when in Rome’ means you should adopt the customs and practices of the place you are visiting. We could have used this as a pretext to visit the ABBA Museum, but none was needed. Before arriving in Stockholm, I had not even thought there would be a museum dedicated to this iconic band, but as soon as we saw the museum being advertised, we instantly knew we’d have to go. We both love ABBA, although I admit back in the day, I was not a fan, but the music has grown on me over the years and strikes a nostalgic note every time I hear one of their songs.
The ABBA Museum is located on the island of Djurgården, an area packed with other museums, including the Vasa Museum which planned to visit later.
The members of the band, Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad (the name ABBA is an acronym of their first names) formed the group in 1972. They had all had previous success in the music industry but decided to get together to form the group. They are one of the most popular and successful musical groups of all time and are one of the best-selling music acts in the history of popular music, topping the charts worldwide from 1974 to 1982, and in 2022. In 1974, ABBA was Sweden’s first winner of the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Waterloo”, which in 2005 was chosen as the best song in the competition’s history as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the contest.
The museum is fun and interactive. They have an audio guide that can be streamed to your mobile phone as you go around. We remembered to bring earphones – not everyone did and played it out loud which was very annoying. The soundtrack of the audio guide is provided by the members of the band, sharing their memories of ABBA. The exhibits start from their pre-ABBA days through to the last days of ABBA using dioramas. It spoke of their upbringing and their journey into music. Agnetha and Björn were a married couple when they started to collaborate with Benny in 1971. A big turning point was when they partnered with Stig Anderson, founder, and owner of Polar Music, who was determined to break into the mainstream international market with music by Andersson and Ulvaeus. In 1973, Stig Anderson, tired of unwieldy names, started to refer to the group privately and publicly as ABBA. Everything was very, very well done, although it was very sad at the end when the group described the pressures on their lives, the failure of the marriages and the breakup of the group.
As well as the exhibits that told the story of ABBA there were some things to do such as the chance to go into a recording booth and sing along to an ABBA song and perform on stage as the fifth member of ABBA alongside a virtual ABBA.
The last section of the museum tells the story of the members of ABBA post-breakup, the production of the Mamma Mia movies, their collection of Gold records and an amazing display of their customers from concerts and videos.
The museum was fabulous, and we were so pleased we decided to visit!
Planning your visit to ABBA the Museum
Public transport:
- Tram nr 7 – stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund
- Bus nr 67 – stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund
- Djurgården Ferry – stop at Allmänna Gränd
- M/S Emelie Ferry – stop at Allmänna Gränd
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.
More to Explore
