“For me, there are two kinds of Stockholm, a summer version where you can spend a lot of time outdoors and another in the winter where you are more bound to be indoors. A bike is a must for me in the spring and summer, but I ride all year round if the asphalt isn't under snow and ice.
I grew up in mid-south Sweden near a dense fir forest but have lived in Stockholm on and off since I was 20 years old. I love the proximity to the water and that the city is based on 14 islands linked by 57 bridges. For more than ten years, I have lived and worked on the south island of Södermalm. Most places below are near to where I have my studio.”
A SPOT OF RETAIL THERAPY
“I mainly like to go shopping for artistic materials. I can't stop spoiling myself with new pens at Pen Store. Konstnärernas Centralköp, however, is where I get most of my supplies. The shop itself is basic, but it's set inside an old building. The area itself is worth a visit just to wander around. Walk through Fiskargatan to Nytorgsgatan 5 to see the tiniest house in Stockholm and a magical view.
If you're up for a sweet treat, go search for homemade caramels at Pärlans Konfektyr, and finally, if you're searching for some local craft, Manos is a genuine ceramic workshop and gift shop.”
FOOD AND DRINK
“For an exciting and fancy meal, I would book a table at Woodstockholm. It's an intimate restaurant which always has a new fun theme for the menu. A great spot for an early spring/summer drink is Bleck in Lilla Blecktornsparken - it's trendy and bursting with people on a hot day. It's set close to a park where one can play ping pong, tennis, or just hang out. Bring your kids and let them run around while you grab yourself a beer.
A very central and classic artist bar is Konstnärsbaren KB on Smålandsgatan 7. It is known as 'the nest of sin, the stronghold of the cultural elite, the stronghold of home cooking'. I don't go here for the food; I go here for the feeling.”
A PLACE FOR ALL CULTURE VULTURES
“Fiberspace is a local gallery on Södermal showcasing unique pieces and limited editions of fabulous fibre art, craft and design. If you are into jazz, visit the legendary jazz club Fasching in the heart of Stockholm. I have created some graphics for them, so buy a souvenir T–shirt with my design!
In summer, there are several outdoor venues where you can enjoy free cultural performances such as dance, theatre, live music, and puppetry. I like the amphitheatre in Vitabergsparken near my studio.
Sven Harrys in Vasastan is a cool art gallery, a golden building in the heart of Vasparken. When passing through Vasaparken, you can imagine the late Astrid Lindgren sitting on one of the benches in the shadow of the trees.
Stop at Tranan on Odenplan for Swedish meatballs and lingonberry jam for lunch or dinner. I lived in this area and spent my 90s weekends in the downstairs bar. While in the area, visit Stockholms stadsbibliotek (the city library). It's a unique building designed by Gunnar Asplund.”
BEST TIME TO VISIT
“I would choose late spring or summer. This is when you will most likely be met with a Swedish smile.”
A SECRET SPOT
“Not far from the hipster area of Nytorget, you can find the greenhouse of Malmgården Vita Bergen. If you're lucky and the gate in the red wooden plank is open, you can enter the greenhouse and have a fika (Swedish word for coffee & cake). If it's not open, have a stroll in the park of Vita Bergen and perhaps have a meal or fika at Kajsas instead, an outdoor restaurant with boule.
If you're looking for a nice jogging route or just a long walk, I would do it along Årstaviken from Skanstull to Hornstull, on the south part of Södermalm. You will pass cute allotment gardens, an outdoor dance course, small marinas, ice cream stands, and boule clubs to name a few.”
WHAT DO YOU FIND UNIQUE ABOUT STOCKHOLM?
“I love that the city is build up of several islands. Even though it is Sweden's capital, the city allows you to quickly and easily get out into nature by bicycle, boat or local transport. The nature and water make the city rich and beautiful. If you're adventurous, I would suggest renting a kayak and exploring the city from the water surface.”
HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR PERFECT WEEKEND?
“I'd go on a bike ride and catch the ferry to Djurgården. This is a real tourist island, but I do love it. You can get there by bus, tram, boat or take a long walk. I'll bring the bike so I can get around the whole island. I will have a coffee at Skroten Café & Skeppshandel.
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde is a favourite spot of mine to sit in their garden to look at the boats passing by, but it's also a beautiful art museum.”
Want to see the art behind the artist? View Hanna’s full collection of designs here.