A Lagom Weekend in Stockholm
Finding Balance in the Home of Lagom
Stockholm, with its effortless blend of history, nature, and design, embodies Lagom—not too little, not too much, just right. My three-day visit was more than just a city break; it was an immersion into a way of life that prioritises balance, mindfulness, and simplicity.
Arrival: A Slow Start & the Swedish Way of Unwinding
I arrived in Stockholm late afternoon, rather than rushing out to explore, I embraced a Lagom approach—taking it slow. I checked into Lydmar Hotel, a stylish boutique stay with a relaxed, intimate feel, elegant but not over the top.
Outside the hotel, the terrace bar was buzzing with locals unwinding after work, sipping drinks and watching the sun dip below the horizon. It was a glimpse into the Swedish way of life—where work and leisure are kept in balance, and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures of the day is just as important as productivity. It set the tone for the days ahead, reminding me that sometimes, slowing down is the best way to experience a place. I enjoyed a relaxed dinner there, soaking up the atmosphere.
Day 1: Savouring the Past and the Present
The next morning, I stepped out into Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, where cobbled streets wind between warm-hued buildings.
No visit to Sweden is complete without fika, the cherished ritual of pausing for coffee and something sweet. I stopped for a cinnamon bun and coffee, savoring the moment in a cosy café. The simplicity of it—the smell of cardamom in the air, the quiet hum of conversation—was a reminder that the best moments are often the simplest.
Next, I visited the Nobel Prize Museum, located in Stortorget Square. The museum celebrates groundbreaking ideas that have shaped our world. Walking through the exhibits, I was struck by how understated the space was , no excess, just a quiet appreciation for knowledge, innovation, and progress.
I wandered into Stockholm Cathedral, a place of quiet beauty, a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets. As the day wound down, I headed to Supper for dinner, enjoying its laid-back yet lively atmosphere and delicious South American-inspired dishes. It was the perfect end to my first day—full but never rushed.
Day 2: Culture, Nature & Finding the Perfect Pace
The day started with a visit to the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s best-preserved 17th-century warship. It’s a fascinating (and humbling) reminder of what happens when ambition overshadows practicality—the ship sank on its maiden voyage due to being too top-heavy. A lesson in excess, perhaps?
In the afternoon, I made my way to Djurgården, a green oasis in the city, where nature and culture coexist in perfect harmony. Lunch at Rosendals Trädgård was a highlight—an organic, garden-to-table café that felt more like a retreat than a restaurant. The fresh, local ingredients, the scent of herbs in the air, and the unhurried pace of the meal made me feel truly present.
That evening, I had the chance to experience something special—a ballet at the Royal Swedish Opera House. The performance featured two pieces: Infra, an emotionally intense contemporary work, followed by A Cup of Coffee, a lighter, more whimsical piece. It was a perfect balance—depth and reflection followed by playful and off beat.
Day 3: From Classical to Pop Culture
For my final morning, I took a peaceful walk along Monteliusvägen, a scenic path with breathtaking views over the city. It was quiet, just the sound of the water below and the occasional cyclist passing by—a perfect moment of stillness before saying farewell to Stockholm.
But before leaving, I couldn’t resist one last cultural stop: the ABBA Museum. After two days of history and refined design, this was something completely different—joyful, colorful, and full of energy. The interactive exhibits, glittering costumes, and infectious music made for an uplifting end to the trip. And maybe that’s part of Lagom too—balancing the serious with the playful, the quiet with the celebratory.
Stockholm had left an impression on me. It wasn’t just the sights, the food, or the culture—it was the way everything seemed to fit together so effortlessly. The city isn’t trying to be too much of anything. It just is. And maybe that’s the true essence of Lagom—not chasing balance, but allowing it to exist naturally.
As I left, I found myself wondering: how can I bring this sense of balance into my everyday life?
