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(abbathemuseum.com), a 16,000-foot addition to the Swedish Music Hall of Fame featuring interactive musical exhibitions that capture the essence of the legendary band. The museum gathers the songs, the lyrics, the costumes, and the musicals into one place, the goal of which is to tell the true story of four talented people who met in the early 70s and wrote Swedish music history.
Take a further peak into Sweden’s history and maritime culture with a visit to THE VASA MUSEUM (vasamuseet.se). In 1628, the warship Vasa sank on her maiden voyage less than a mile from shore. The ship had taken over two years to build and was fitted with 64 bronze cannons and ornate appointments made to the strict specifications of King Gustav II Adolf. After laying dormant for over 300 years, the ship was raised and preserved and has been on display for the public to enjoy since 1990.
After a heavy day of touring, travelers inevitably need to rest and refuel. Stockholm has no shortage of satisfying dining and well-appointed lodging. Try crashing at the HOTEL DIPLOMAT (diplomathotel.com), an iconic Art Nouveau abode that combines modern timelessness with an international air. Set along the city’s waterfront, each of its 130 rooms is unique, paying homage to Swedish design and international influences—the property once housed the embassies of Romania, Chile, Persia, Hungary, Italy, and Canada.
Prefer your history a little more modern? Swing by ABBA THE MUSEUM
When you’re ready to refuel, MÄLARPAVILJONGEN (malarpaviljongen.se) is
ABBA. PHOTO BY PÅL ALLAN
a perfect way to experience fresh, local Swedish cuisine in the warmth of the summer sun. The open-air café, like many popular spots, is along the waterfront and serves tasty fare and refreshing cocktails into the wee hours. When your sweet tooth finally kicks in, you’ll be glad you’re in Sweden. FIKA has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon, and while there’s no precise translation of the word, it’s essentially a reason to stop what you’re doing and enjoy coffee and pastries with friends or family. The sweets can range from simple cinnamon rolls to exquisite cakes; the coffee is mandatory.
PHOTO BY JAKOB FRIDHOLM
Stockholm is a historic city with many of its buildings dating back hundreds of years. One of the most impressive, THE ROYAL PALACE (royalcourt.se), was built primarily in the 18th century. With more than 600 rooms, Kungliga Slottet—as it’s known in Swedish—is one of the largest inhabited palaces in the world. Visit some of the state suites and stop by the Royal Armoury, featuring clothing and suits of armour worn by early royals.
THE VASA SHIP. PHOTO BY ALEXANDER DOKUKIN
THE ROYAL CASTLE. PHOTO BY JEPPE WIKSTROM
WERE SCANDINAVIA THE CROWN OF EUROPE, SWEDEN WOULD BE ITS JEWEL. MUCH OF THE COUNTRY’S CULTURE AND HERITAGE CENTERS AROUND HER CAPITAL CITY STOCKHOLM. TEN CENTURIES OF HISTORY HAS LEFT A SWATH OF BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS, INSPIRING MUSEUMS, AND RICH CULINARY TRADITIONS SPREAD ACROSS THE CITY’S FOURTEEN ISLANDS. SO HOP IN YOUR VOLVO AND CRANK UP THE ABBA—WE’RE HEADING TO SVERIGE!
DIPLOMAT PLAZA.
STOCKHOLM