STOCKHOLM Through Empty Nester Eyes: A Family Reunion in the Venice of the North
Zeke and Terri at the botanical gardens (Bergianska trädgården) in Stockholm Sweden (October 2024)
When our youngest chose Stockholm for their junior year abroad, we didn't just gain a reason to visit Sweden, we discovered a city that would capture our hearts and have us dreaming of return visits. Our October adventure in Stockholm turned into a perfect blend of family reconnection and Nordic exploration, proving why this stunning capital deserves its reputation as one of Europe's most livable cities.
Part 1: First Impressions and Historic Charms Our Stockholm journey began with the efficient Arlanda Express whisking us from the airport to the city center, where we settled into the quirky and historic Hotel Frantz in Södermalm. Between hunting down Stockholm's only laundromat (a true adventure!) and exploring the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, we quickly fell into the rhythm of city life.
The historic old town (Gamla Stan) offered more than just tourist shops and Swedish meatballs. We discovered quiet corners of Stockholm Cathedral, explored the Royal Palace without the usual crowds, and caught a breathtaking sunset at Monteliusvagen with our youngest. Even our attempt at embracing local culture through a salted licorice taste test proved memorable, if not entirely successful!
Our museum adventures took us through the modern art collections at Moderna Museet, where we discovered why Stockholm takes its art scene seriously. The city's efficient public transportation system made it easy to explore from the sophisticated Östermalm neighborhood to the peaceful trails of Årsta Forest Nature Preserve.
Part 2: Deep Diving into local life as our comfort with the city grew, so did our adventures. The Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren) provided fascinating insights into Swedish royal history, while the Bergius Botanic Garden ((Bergianska trädgården) showed off Stockholm's stunning fall colors. But it was our floating sauna experience followed by a brave plunge into the Baltic Sea that truly made us feel like honorary Stockholmers!
The Vasa Museum left us in awe with its perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, while Fotografiska's contemporary photography exhibitions proved why Stockholm remains a cultural powerhouse. Between museum visits, we embraced the Swedish tradition of fika (coffee breaks), discovered charming neighborhoods, and used the extensive ferry system to explore the archipelago.
Key Takeaways for Fellow Empty Nesters:
Stockholm's public transportation system makes city exploration effortless
Mix tourist highlights with local experiences for the most authentic visit
Don't skip the museums – they're world-class and uniquely engaging
Embrace local traditions like fika and sauna culture
Consider visiting in fall for smaller crowds and beautiful colors
Our time in Stockholm wasn't just about visiting our study abroad student…it became an unexpected journey of discovery for us as empty nesters. The city's blend of historic charm and modern efficiency, combined with its commitment to work-life balance and outdoor living, showed us a different way of life that resonated deeply.
For empty nesters planning their own Stockholm adventure, whether visiting a study abroad student or simply exploring this Nordic gem, we discovered that Stockholm offers the perfect mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and cozy moments that make travel at our stage of life so rewarding.
Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue exploring the world, one city at a time!
P.S. We loved Stockholm so much we are planning a follow-up visit in the fall of 2025 to not just Stockholm, but to Norway, Denmark, Finland, and maybe Iceland. What should we add to our list of places and activities that we can’t miss and what can we skip?