Stockholm in Sweden is a mixture of historic and dynamic modern architecture. Spread over 14 islands, this fascinating city has preserved its Gamla stan historic center, with its winding, cobblestone streets, while the modern part of the city features world-class art galleries and museums displaying everything from Viking treasures to ABBA stage props. The city also hosts Skansen, an open-air museum and zoo on the island of Djurgården. The city has amazing style, with stores selling beautiful textiles, fashions and bags, handmade ceramics and local arts and crafts. Restaurants serve an amazing range of international and local cuisine. Of course, one of the best aspects of Stockholm is that most of the locals speak English, making shopping and dining easier to navigate. With so much to choose from, scroll below to find out what to buy in Stockholm, Sweden. Most are conveniently sized for your flight home!
1. Pärlan’s Konfektyr - Candy and preserves
Pärlan’s Konfektyr is a dream come true for anyone with the proverbial sweet tooth. All candy and fudge on offer are made from handed-down, age-old recipes, using only the most natural ingredients. Taste-test the latest offerings before making your purchase or enjoy the jazz music playing in the store while you queue or relax with a good cup of coffee. There are also tasty preserves and jams to buy.
Pärlan’s Konfektyr
Address: Nytorgsgatan 38 ,Stockholm, Sweden
Website: Pärlan’s Konfektyr
2. Lovikkavantar - Handmade traditional mittens
Lovikkavante is an iconic Swedish handmade mitten which originated from the village of Lovikka in Northern Sweden. The mittens bear the original design and pattern of their creator, Erika Aittamaa, who designed them for the colder climate of Northern Sweden, in 1892. The village itself has a museum which covers the design and history of the cozy and warm mittens. One of the best places to purchase the Lovikkavante is Swedish Handicraft, along with other interesting items.
Swedish Handicraft
Address: Norrlandsgatan 20, 43 Stockholm, Sweden
3. Julbock - Traditional straw Christmas goat
The Julbock is the traditional Christmas straw goat, used ornamentally throughout Scandinavian history. The origin of the goat dates back to ancient Pagan festivals, where the last sheaf of straw taken during the harvest was bundled up for good luck and saved for the festivities. On a visit to Stockholm, you might not want to buy one as large as the Julbock pictured here, but they come in all sizes, perfect as an ornament on your Christmas tree or a pretty addition to a shelf in the home. They are readily available in handcraft shops and Christmas markets in the city.
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4. Cheese slicer
This innovative kitchen tool is available in houseware stores throughout Stockholm. It is a simple, but genius tool that makes it easy to slice cheese for sandwiches. Not only is this a great idea for your own kitchen, but it makes a perfect souvenir to take home to friends and family members who love cheese.
5. Swedish salty licorice
This licorice treat is different from your normal, everyday candy. The confectionary is flavored with Salmiak salt to add a special tang. Most salty licorice pastilles or candy are black or dark brown in color. Many people find the flavor a little strong or “tongue-numbing,” so it’s definitely an acquired taste, but one that should be experienced when visiting Stockholm.
6. Swedish snaps
For those who enjoy shots, Swedish Snaps is a strong alcoholic beverage, drunk in small glasses during a meal. The traditional drink is particularly enjoyed at Easter, Midsummer and Christmas, where families down the drink and shout out “Skål!” which is the Swedish version of cheers. The alcoholic drink can only be bought at System Bolaget, a government-owned chain of liquor stores in Stockholm, as long as you are 20 years of age or older.
System Bolaget
Website: System Bolaget
7. Swedish Butter Knife
This elegantly simple design is perfect when using good Swedish butter. The knife is carved completely from wood and it slides through butter, well, like a knife through butter! The Swedish butter knives are available in all household stores throughout Stockholm. They are the perfect, light and small souvenir to take home for everyone in the family, without paying excess luggage.
8. Hafi Lingonberry Preserves
Hafi Lingonberry Preserves are made from a berry, which is similar to the cranberry. The tart preserve is the perfect, traditional accompaniment to pancakes or the iconic Swedish köttbullar meatballs. The preserves are available from most grocery outlets throughout Stockholm. Take it home to use wherever you would normally use a cranberry preserve, for something a little different.
9. Swedish Dishcloths
Swedish dishcloths are colorful and wonderfully absorbent, ideal to replace regular cloths in the kitchen. The cloths are made from 30 percent cotton and 70 percent cellulose and are fully washable. When you’ve finally finished using them, they can be added to the compost, as they are totally natural. Of course, the colorful design will add a beautifully Scandinavian look to the kitchen. They are available in any store in Stockholm, which sells kitchen and houseware goods.
10. Swedish hand-bound brushes
Swedish hand-bound brushes date back to the late 1900s in Stockholm. Each brush is made by hand by visually impaired craftsmen. All have exclusive designs and are crafted from mostly natural materials. They make the perfect gift to take home for a loved one and are available in Iris Hantverk and other houseware stores throughout Stockholm.
Iris Hantverk
Address: Kungsgatan 55, Stockholm, Sweden
Website: Iris Hantverk
11. Polkagris stick candy
Polkagris is a type of stick candy invented by Amalia Eriksson in Gränna, Sweden in 1859. Traditionally, the candy stick is red and white with a peppermint flavoring, but it does come in various other color variants. The name came from the popular European dance, polka, which was popular around the time the candy was invented. Polkagris can be purchased in any candy store throughout Stockholm.
Shop 'til you drop
Have fun while sampling the wares of the many fascinating stores in Stockholm and take home some of these popular Swedish items for your friends and family.