Category: Sweden

Vasaloppet classic skiing race or how to ski 90km in a day

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The end of an intense and beautiful journey, like hundreds of thousands skiers before us.

In June 2016 I started my journey to complete a Swedish classic. Nine months later, on a dark morning of February, I was on the starting line of Vasaloppet, a 90km journey where thousands of participants aim to reach Mora from Sälen on nordic skis in one of the most famous classic skiing race in the world. In this article I am sharing my journey to completing Vasaloppet, from beginner to {spoiler alert!} crossing the finish line, along with tips I picked on the way.

Skiing the 90km of Vasaloppet is considered an integral part of being a Swede. It is usually said that either you have completed Vasaloppet, either you are training for it or you think about doing it one day. Since its the first edition in 1922, 550.000 skiers have taken the journey from Salen to Mora, along a 90km trail. located in the middle of Sweden. Cross country skiing is usually regarded as one of the most intense endurance sport and powering yourself on skis for 90km is quite a challenge.

 

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I tried ski touring and this is why you should too

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The wind blowing in our face is getting stronger and stronger the snow starts to fall again, our progression in the powder snow is getting slower.  Off the beaten slopes, I am ecstatic: I am getting my own mini feel for a polar expedition. We are ski touring on the swedish fjall, these old middle mountains with huge plateaux covered in snow, miles away from any living soul (or at least from what we can tell). It is our first time of ski touring but the guy at the ski shop promised it… we will be just fine. How hard can it be?

Off we go – a 360 degrees white of snow landscape

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Is it crazy to visit Stockholm in winter?

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The cold is freezing your hands, the snow is bitting your face, it is lunch time but it is -15°C / 5°F! You are doing this!

You might have stumble upon some of my articles about Stockholm, where I recommend to visit the swedish capital between May and September, but a visit in winter will bring the city under a different lights, that few tourists get to know. In this post, I will tell you what to expect when visiting Stockholm in winter and give you tips to make it a rewarding experience. Gloves and hat on, let’s go!

stokcholm_winter

Yes, you are likely to freeze your ass when visiting Stockholm in winter, but it is worth it!

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Completing a Swedish Classic – “En Svensk Klassiker”

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Biking 300 km, swimming 3km in a river, running for 30km, and skiing across 90km. 4 disciplines, 4 competitions across Sweden. One goal, one year.

I always love the moment you contemplate a challenge and just think “whoooo… that’s crazy” and the second that follows when you think “I should totally try this“. And then, as quickly as that, you are set. And I was. This was in fall 2015, and I found out what will keep me busy for the next 15 months!

What is “A Swedish Classic”?

It is a scary, exciting and fun challenge: four competitions to complete within 12 months that test your endurance at proper viking standards. The “Swedish Classic” (Svensk klassiker) is all about pushing yourself and doing so by completing 4 swedish classic competitions within a year. Continue reading →

Kungsleden, a 7 day trek above the Arctic circle

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Kungsleden, “the royal trail”, is a 450km trail running into the Swedish mountains of Lappland, above the Arctic circle. Thousands of hikers come every year in summer to complete a portion  (or all!) of one of the most beautiful treks on the planet and enjoy full wilderness – not even phone connection! The first part of the trail, between Abisko to Nikkaluokta is a rewarding 5-7 days trek.

kungsleden sweden trek

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A week-end in Kungshamn, on the West Coast of Sweden

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Kungshamn at dusk, Sweden.

Kungshamn at dusk, west coast of Sweden.

Driving 6h across the country on a Thursday evening after several stressful weeks is not exactly what I had in mind when I talked about “spending a relaxing midsummer week-end”.

But going out of town to enjoy life in the family stuga (cottage) is what you are supposed to do for midsummer when you live in Sweden. With no family cottage to crash in, we ended up renting one on the other side of the country (“the right side of Sweden” according to the ones who live there). “It has better worth it!” I mubbled as I packed my bags, annoyed. What I will realise during the week-end is that the great thing about Kungshamn, is that you don’t have to do so much over there.  And just for this reason, it was worth the long drive.

Kungshamn, small town of the west coast is the perfect place to be off for a few days and reconnect with your senses. Here are 5 simple pleasures to experience during a week-end in Kungshamn, Smögen or pretty much anywhere on the Swedish west Coast.

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How to celebrate your very own Swedish Midsummer

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Each year, the Friday between 19 and 25 of June, Sweden stops for 24h. Streets are quiet and Stockholm only full of tourists. Swedes leave the cities to gather with friends and families to celebrate in tradition the longest day of the year.

Midsummer Eve is one of the most (if not the most) important tradition in Sweden and it’s a fantastic experience to discover the Swedish culture and gastronomy. If you have the opportunity to celebrate it with Swedes, just do it! It’s the time of the year where Swedes loosen up, and you will have lots of fun. Difficult to find a part to join? No worries, in this post I will give you some tips to plan your very own Swedish Midsummer.

Credit photo: thenigo.com

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4 nightclubs to party like a local in Stockholm

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Difficult to know where to party when visiting a new city. In this post I suggest 4 places frequented by locals to enjoy Stockholm night life. Pick the place depending on your mood, and dress accordingly!

party_stockholm

Debaser – pop/rock club in Sodermalm, live music for hipsters

Debaser is the rock club of Stockholm. Every weekend the place hosts concerts of international rock/pop groups such as FUN or Imagine dragons as well as local groups such as Panda da panda, First Aid Kit or Urban Cone. After the performance, the club plays top hits until 3am. Debaser is the perfect to dive into the Swedish pop scene and discover upraising international stars.

You can actually party in 2 Debaser clubs in Stockholm, both offering the same experience.

Where: subway Medborgarplatsen / subway Hornstull

Good to know: Opens until 3.00am. Admission fee varies depending on the performances, check the website.

Dress like a local: jean, pop or vintage tee-shirt, sneakers/ flat shoes accepted.

 

Berns – vibrant nightclub on Ostermalm

Unsure where to go? Berns might be your best bet, the night club is a great party spot and its different rooms give you the possibility to choose between different ambiances. In Stora Salongen it’s a huge dance floor, with high ceiling and crystal chandeliers  and a balcony where you can spot people in the crowds. The Terrace plays house music at a lower volume, perfect to engage conversation with your new flirt and your friends. On the lower level, the Gallery focusses on dance music -house and techno. The all place is huge! The nightclub is quite fancy but here you still get a good chance to get in. The main downside of the place: its expensive entrance fee.

Where: Berzelii Park, Ostermlamstorg subway

Good to know: admission fee of 220SEK. Minimum age: 23 years old. The club closes at 3pm but the Gallery at 5pm. Visit the website.
Dress like a local: Smart casual (shirt and nice shoes)

 

Sturecompaniet – Upper Stockholm at its best

With its up beat ambiance, its house and techno sound and its beautiful people, Sturecompaniet is representative of Östermalm nightlife. This complex includes some of the most hyped clubs of Stockholm: Sturecompaniet itself, hell’s kitchen and heaven’s gate (until 5pm), intimate club “V”. Some of them are so select that you will have to queue a second time inside to see if you can join the VIPs. The only trick is to arrive  really early around 10pm if you want to be (almost) sure to get in.

Where: Stureplan, subway Östermalmstorg

Good to know: Got rejected? Head up to Ambassador, similar ambiance with upbeat sounds  but slightly less selective

Dress like a local: To have a chance to get in, dress to impress. Mini dress and high heels for girls, suit up for guys

Fashing – the hidden retreat of jazz and nostalgics

This is the place to be if you want to dance like “back in the days” in an in time ambiance. Fashing is the club for live jazz, folk, groove, world music. After live sessions the place turn out to a night club for 60-70s music where even the shy swedes dance until early morning (until 04.00am on weekends).

Where: T-centralen subway.

Good to know: Check the website for concerts, entrance fee after concerts 100SEK

Dress like a local: Drop the too fancy outfit.

 

General tips for partying in Stockhom

  • Go early. Most of clubs close at 03am and by 01.00am the lines are huge (it’s the time where bars closes). Aim for 12.30am if you don’t like to queue too much.
  • Pack light. In most places you have to pay for the cloakroom have to pay, some even charge extra for handbags.
  • Keep an eye on your budget: on top of the entrance fee, a beer at 55-70SEK, a glass of wine at 60-90SEK and  a drink for 110 – 140SEK, you can spend a lot during the evening.

 

Does the Stockholm card worth it?

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Like lots of touristy cities, Stockholm offers its own city pass the “Stockholm card”, promising the visitor a good deal for his/her trip to the capital of Scandinavia. But does it really worth it?

Well, it depends! I have done the maths for you,  and it’s pretty complicated. But keep reading and let me guide you through the labyrinth of the Stockholm card.

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