I recently embarked on a solo journey to Sweden, and in this detailed blog post, I’ll walk you through my exciting experiences and discoveries. From arriving in Nyköping to exploring Stockholm and venturing to Runmarö Island, my Swedish trip was filled with unique moments and insights.
My Sweden adventure kicked off with a late arrival in Nyköping airport at 9 pm. Exiting the airport around midnight, I encountered the intriguing situation of Balkan residents that were traveling there. For fellow travellers from the Balkan region, a single police officer handled our entrance to the country, resulting in long lines. Read this other article of mine for details and try to avoid this airport. If you’re not from this region, no worries — this detail won’t affect your journey.
Anticipating my late arrival, I had booked a B&B in Nyköping nearby town. A helpful tip from an Albanian traveler, who had recently made the same trip, guided me to pre-book a bus online to reach town. This proved fortunate since the airport lacked support staff at such a late hour. Thankfully, my swift online booking got me to town within 10 minutes. Upon reaching my B&B, I found myself waiting at the closed check-in, but luck was on my side as they eventually allowed me in. 
Day 1 : From ABBA to Old Town Exploration
The following morning, I checked out from my B&B and headed to the Central Station for a train ride to Stockholm. Unfortunately, finding assistance wasn’t easy, with only a Swedish-language online information machine and a multi-lingual vending machine available. The train journey, however, was a delight, offering scenic views that I cherished. Within an hour, I was at Stockholm’s central station, just an 8-minute walk away from my pre-booked hostel. In a rush to make my ABBA museum time slot, I stored my backpack, paying a fee — a reminder that these kind of services often come at a cost in Sweden. The 72-hour pass I had purchased for buses, subways, and ferries proved worthwhile, granting me convenient travel access. Arriving slightly late for my museum entry, I was pleasantly surprised when allowed to skip the line and enter promptly. The interactive and well-curated museum left a positive impression.
After the museum I took a leisurely walk back to the hostel, using the opportunity to explore the city. After a refreshing nap and lunch, I set out to explore Stockholm’s Old Town. Though it carried a similar touristic charm as other European old towns, the Nobel museum’s square stood out, albeit smaller than my expectations.
Day 2: Thrilling Experiences
My adventure continued with a visit to BodyFlight, an exhilarating experience that involved indoor skydiving. I even flied up the tunnel for a small extra charge and I managed to get a fellow visitor to record a video of my adventure. The high air pressure even required me to remove my nose ring for safety. Another intriguing stop was the Avicii Arena. I tried to book a ride when I was back home, but it was sold out. Kinda glad for that since when I arrived there the ride didn’t quite match my initial excitement. This is the biggest round building in the world.
Next stop was Hornstulls marknad, a weekend-only seaside flea market offering also handmade products and a pleasant atmosphere that I really enjoyed. Note to self: bring cash if shopping here — a rare instance in Sweden where card payments are the norm. A satisfying seafood lunch on a floating restorant by the sea was a treat, reminding me of the country’s fresh culinary offerings.
As evening descended, I marveled at the Stockholm City Hall’s panoramic views from its inner garden — a missed picnic opportunity I regretted. Next I visited Fotografiska museum to see the intriguing architecture. Returning to Old Town, I eagerly awaited the red sunset sky. Yet, Stockholm’s royal palace and cityscape fell somewhat flat compared to Oslo and didn’t impress me even one bit. I’m comparing it to other Scandinavian countries because it doesn’t seem fair to compare it to other countries with rather different cultures.
Day 3: Runmarö Island Race: A Fitting Finale
On my final day, I embarked on a memorable journey to Runmarö Island, situated an hour and a half from Stockholm. The motive behind this adventure was a running race I had enthusiastically signed up for. After checking out and securing my backpack at the central station, I embarked on a bus ride (approx. one hour included in the SL public pass) followed by a ferry trip to reach the island. Though not included in the public transport pass, the ferry ride (around 5€ one-way ticket) offered an opportunity to witness more of Sweden’s natural beauty. The island’s unique charm, an island like no other I have visited before) and the exhilaration of the race made for a memorable experience, even if swimming wasn’t recommended due to the unsuitable environment.
After bidding adieu to Runmarö Island, I retraced my steps to Stockholm via ferry and bus. An exploration of the city and a final lunch preceded my return to Nyköping Airport. Opting for a bus ride that skiped Nyköping’s town center, however it took 30 minutes more than the train. I made it to the airport, only to find my flight delayed by 5 hours. I got a meal voucher of 4€, and literally I couldn’t even by a small macchiato, let alone a meal. This experience prompted me to write “Why Low Cost Airlines turn out Expensive?”.
Final Thoughts and Practical Tips
Reflecting on my Swedish adventure, I gathered some key takeaways:
– Tap water is safe to drink in Sweden.
– Stockholm public transport is very extended, take advantage
– Summertime offers extended daylight hours for sightseeing, take advantage
– Card payments are the norm, but cash might be handy at flea markets.
– Stockholm is not worth visiting only for sightseeing
Activities I consciously chose not to pursue:
– Vasa Museum: Having previously visited a similar museum in Oslo, I decided to explore different facets of Sweden.
– Hiking and Wildlife Spotting: My decision to experience the unique Runmarö Island race led me to prioritize this exhilarating adventure over traditional hiking and wildlife encounters.
I hope my experiences and insights prove valuable to fellow travelers exploring this Scandinavian destination.
