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Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sport. Show all posts
National Day Celebration. Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se
Much anticipated, here it comes... my annual calendar of fun events happening in Stockholm with special appeal for visitors. As usual, keep in mind that this is a work in progress and I often add new events as they become known (or I stumble upon them). Not all events are listed, just the larger ones. If you are staying at the Rival Hotel and are looking for more obscure happenings, smaller events or more information on the events listed here, contact me directly and I will see what I can find. While some events listed might not be of interest to you, it is good to know that they are going on as some of them can cause traffic problems (marathon), high occupancy rates at hotels (concerts & matches) and/or closures of businesses (bank holidays). As I write this, several of the event websites aren't up and running yet or haven't been adjusted for 2015. Just check back when we get closer to the actual date.
I have noted the larger arena concerts taking place. There are also many concerts going on all summer long at the Gröna Lund amusement park. Below you will find some of the international artists performing there... but you can check their whole concert schedule with 45+ shows by clicking here (lots of great Swedish artists).

April
May
June
July (generally a slower month event-wise as most Swedes have their vacation then and leave the city)
August
September
October
November
Kastellholmen. Photo by Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Festivals & Events in Stockholm - Spring, Summer and Fall 2015

Posted by zlatin

National Day Celebration. Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se
Much anticipated, here it comes... my annual calendar of fun events happening in Stockholm with special appeal for visitors. As usual, keep in mind that this is a work in progress and I often add new events as they become known (or I stumble upon them). Not all events are listed, just the larger ones. If you are staying at the Rival Hotel and are looking for more obscure happenings, smaller events or more information on the events listed here, contact me directly and I will see what I can find. While some events listed might not be of interest to you, it is good to know that they are going on as some of them can cause traffic problems (marathon), high occupancy rates at hotels (concerts & matches) and/or closures of businesses (bank holidays). As I write this, several of the event websites aren't up and running yet or haven't been adjusted for 2015. Just check back when we get closer to the actual date.
I have noted the larger arena concerts taking place. There are also many concerts going on all summer long at the Gröna Lund amusement park. Below you will find some of the international artists performing there... but you can check their whole concert schedule with 45+ shows by clicking here (lots of great Swedish artists).

April
May
June
July (generally a slower month event-wise as most Swedes have their vacation then and leave the city)
August
September
October
November
Kastellholmen. Photo by Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Mariatorget Square in front of the Rival Hotel.
I am back from my vacation! I thought I would start back on my blog with some inspirational pictures of a snowy Stockholm... in case you are visiting us this winter season. According to the newspapers and weathermen, it is supposed to be colder than normal this winter (after a warmer than normal December). Though we do know that this is not an exact science! Hopefully this means that we will have snow for a few more weeks. But keep your eye on the weather websites to get accurate forecasts for Stockholm.
Stockholm offers many fun winter activities to try out when visiting the city... everything from skiing and ice skating to sauna with ice-hole swimming. Click here for more information. Strömma offers a great Stockholm Winter boat tour which takes you a bit out in the Stockholm archipelago. Otherwise, one of my favorite things to do is to take a long walk and enjoy how beautiful the city is when covered in snow (like on the island of Djurgården). Just be careful! It can get slippery on the sidewalks.


Winter Inspiration!

Posted by zlatin

Mariatorget Square in front of the Rival Hotel.
I am back from my vacation! I thought I would start back on my blog with some inspirational pictures of a snowy Stockholm... in case you are visiting us this winter season. According to the newspapers and weathermen, it is supposed to be colder than normal this winter (after a warmer than normal December). Though we do know that this is not an exact science! Hopefully this means that we will have snow for a few more weeks. But keep your eye on the weather websites to get accurate forecasts for Stockholm.
Stockholm offers many fun winter activities to try out when visiting the city... everything from skiing and ice skating to sauna with ice-hole swimming. Click here for more information. Strömma offers a great Stockholm Winter boat tour which takes you a bit out in the Stockholm archipelago. Otherwise, one of my favorite things to do is to take a long walk and enjoy how beautiful the city is when covered in snow (like on the island of Djurgården). Just be careful! It can get slippery on the sidewalks.


Photo by Yanan Li, Stockholm Visitors Board
Tonight (Saturday, August 16th) is the date for the Midnattsloppet or Midnight Race. This 10 kilometer race has been held annually since 1982 and has gotten more popular each year with thousands of runners and even more spectators. With 41,000+ runners, it is actually Europe's largest 10k run! The race is run through the streets of Södermalm with the home stretch down the street Hornsgatan, half a block from the Rival Hotel. In fact, this year the racers run past the front of the hotel before turning onto Hornsgatan for the final stretch. What makes this race unique is the carnival atmosphere along the route (there is even a costume competition) as well as the late start time... it's a staggered start with the first group starting at 9:20pm and the last group at 11:05pm. There is even a shorter race, earlier in the evening for children (start at 7:30pm). Click here for a map of the course. Be aware that many roads on Södermalm island will be closed to car traffic in the afternoon and evening, so it is best to stick to walking or subways. If you are not participating in the race, then you can always choose a spot along the course, enjoy the atmosphere, and cheer on the racers!

"Midnattsloppet" (10k evening race) is tonight!

Posted by zlatin

Photo by Yanan Li, Stockholm Visitors Board
Tonight (Saturday, August 16th) is the date for the Midnattsloppet or Midnight Race. This 10 kilometer race has been held annually since 1982 and has gotten more popular each year with thousands of runners and even more spectators. With 41,000+ runners, it is actually Europe's largest 10k run! The race is run through the streets of Södermalm with the home stretch down the street Hornsgatan, half a block from the Rival Hotel. In fact, this year the racers run past the front of the hotel before turning onto Hornsgatan for the final stretch. What makes this race unique is the carnival atmosphere along the route (there is even a costume competition) as well as the late start time... it's a staggered start with the first group starting at 9:20pm and the last group at 11:05pm. There is even a shorter race, earlier in the evening for children (start at 7:30pm). Click here for a map of the course. Be aware that many roads on Södermalm island will be closed to car traffic in the afternoon and evening, so it is best to stick to walking or subways. If you are not participating in the race, then you can always choose a spot along the course, enjoy the atmosphere, and cheer on the racers!

The hot weather continues! If swimming at a Stockholm beach sounds too daring but you still want to cool off, then I recommend renting a kayak and paddling around the city. It is quite inexpensive and an active and fun way to spend the day and even do a little sightseeing on your own. I did write a blog article about this way back in 2010... time for a repost!
Kayaking in Stockholm
Photo by Yanan Li, Stockholm's Visitors Board.
Stockholm isn't called the Venice of the North for nothing! Central Stockholm alone is built on about 15 islands, so there is water everywhere. One fun activity to do on a sunny afternoon is to rent a kayak and paddle around the islands. Stockholm is at her most beautiful when seen from the water! Kayaking is fun and you don't need to be an Olympian to do it... good as a family outing. There are several places to rent kayaks by the hour/day and it is generally quite inexpensive. Depending on the place, you are looking at about 100 SEK an hour though it is sometimes cheaper if you take the kayak for half or full day.

When choosing a kayak rental place think about where you want to paddle! Stockholm actually strides the borderline between a lake and the ocean with the Old Town being the borderline. Everything to the east is the Baltic Sea and everything to the west is Lake Mälaren. If you want to paddle in the lake then I recommend Kafé Kajak located in Rålambshovs Park on the island of Kungsholmen. Or else you can head across the bridge to the island of Långholmen where you will find Långholmen Kajak. Not too far from the Rival Hotel! Here you will be able to paddle by a lot of parklands and beaches as well as cliffs where Stockholmers enjoy diving and sunbathing.
Kayaking in the archipelago
Photo by Henrik Trygg, Stockholm's Visitors Board
If you want to paddle in the Baltic Sea area, then I recommend Djurgårdens Sjöcafé located near the bridge leading from Östermalm over to the island of Djurgården. Stay close to the island of Djurgården so you don't stray too far out into the shipping lanes! Lots to see here... beuatiful parks as well as great architecture on Strandvägen and the villas on the southside of the island. Another option is to paddle in the lake called Brunnsviken on the northern outskirts of Stockholm. Haga Park surrounds the lake with lots of interesting things to see like Haga Castle and Stockholm University... you also don't have to worry about larger boats! The place to rent kayaks here is Brunnsvikens Kanotcentral.
Stand Up Paddling is starting to become popular as well!
If you are feeling more adventurous then you can do a full day of kayaking out in the beautiful archipelago. Stockholm Adventures offers tours all summer, Thursdays through Sundays. The price is approximately 1,300 SEK (depends on the day) and includes lunch. You leave Stockholm at about 8:50am and head to the town of Stavsnäs where you will be met by the guide. The experience, all in all, lasts about 11 hours. They also have other options like kayaking with camping or kayaking tours in Stockholm. Some of their websites, that I've linked, are in Swedish so it is better to contact me directly at the hotel for prices and directions on how to get there as well as other practical information. Have fun!

Kayaking in Stockholm

Posted by zlatin

The hot weather continues! If swimming at a Stockholm beach sounds too daring but you still want to cool off, then I recommend renting a kayak and paddling around the city. It is quite inexpensive and an active and fun way to spend the day and even do a little sightseeing on your own. I did write a blog article about this way back in 2010... time for a repost!
Kayaking in Stockholm
Photo by Yanan Li, Stockholm's Visitors Board.
Stockholm isn't called the Venice of the North for nothing! Central Stockholm alone is built on about 15 islands, so there is water everywhere. One fun activity to do on a sunny afternoon is to rent a kayak and paddle around the islands. Stockholm is at her most beautiful when seen from the water! Kayaking is fun and you don't need to be an Olympian to do it... good as a family outing. There are several places to rent kayaks by the hour/day and it is generally quite inexpensive. Depending on the place, you are looking at about 100 SEK an hour though it is sometimes cheaper if you take the kayak for half or full day.

When choosing a kayak rental place think about where you want to paddle! Stockholm actually strides the borderline between a lake and the ocean with the Old Town being the borderline. Everything to the east is the Baltic Sea and everything to the west is Lake Mälaren. If you want to paddle in the lake then I recommend Kafé Kajak located in Rålambshovs Park on the island of Kungsholmen. Or else you can head across the bridge to the island of Långholmen where you will find Långholmen Kajak. Not too far from the Rival Hotel! Here you will be able to paddle by a lot of parklands and beaches as well as cliffs where Stockholmers enjoy diving and sunbathing.
Kayaking in the archipelago
Photo by Henrik Trygg, Stockholm's Visitors Board
If you want to paddle in the Baltic Sea area, then I recommend Djurgårdens Sjöcafé located near the bridge leading from Östermalm over to the island of Djurgården. Stay close to the island of Djurgården so you don't stray too far out into the shipping lanes! Lots to see here... beuatiful parks as well as great architecture on Strandvägen and the villas on the southside of the island. Another option is to paddle in the lake called Brunnsviken on the northern outskirts of Stockholm. Haga Park surrounds the lake with lots of interesting things to see like Haga Castle and Stockholm University... you also don't have to worry about larger boats! The place to rent kayaks here is Brunnsvikens Kanotcentral.
Stand Up Paddling is starting to become popular as well!
If you are feeling more adventurous then you can do a full day of kayaking out in the beautiful archipelago. Stockholm Adventures offers tours all summer, Thursdays through Sundays. The price is approximately 1,300 SEK (depends on the day) and includes lunch. You leave Stockholm at about 8:50am and head to the town of Stavsnäs where you will be met by the guide. The experience, all in all, lasts about 11 hours. They also have other options like kayaking with camping or kayaking tours in Stockholm. Some of their websites, that I've linked, are in Swedish so it is better to contact me directly at the hotel for prices and directions on how to get there as well as other practical information. Have fun!

Activities for runners and spectators outside the Stockholm Central Railway Station.
Photo: Martin Ekequist.
This is a crazy weekend here in Stockholm! Not only do we have a large medical convention taking place at Stockholmsmässan, concerts with Miley Cyrus and Aerosmith, heavy metal music festival and a football match between Sweden and Belgium, it is also the weekend when the annual Stockholm Marathon is held. This year the marathon falls on Saturday, May 31st and it is bigger than ever with over 21,900 runners from 93 countries partaking in the race. The race starts at noon and both the start and finish lines are at Stadion, the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Stadium. The finish line "closes" at 6:10pm and the marathon is comprised of two laps around and through the city. More information!
The start is just outside the Stockholm Olympic Stadium.
Photo: Martin Ekequist. 
If you are running, there are 16 refreshment stands spaced out along the course. If you are planning on being a spectator, then there are plenty of great spots throughout the city to watch the runners. Click here for course map. Actually, it will be hard to avoid seeing the runners on this day if you are visiting Stockholm. Keep in mind that you should avoid driving or taking a bus or taxi during the day as many streets will be closed off. Stick to walking, ferries and/or subways! If you are going to the airport during the day... plan accordingly and give yourself some extra time. Another thing to think about, as a visitor, is that there will be additional security throughout the city and airports.
Runners at “Nybroplan” just in front of the Royal Dramatic Theatre
Photo: Martin Ekequist.
One good thing to know is that, if you are running in the race, you have free access to all subways, commuter trains and busses throughout the day. Just show your running bib or registration card. Getting from the Rival Hotel to the start/finish line at Stadion is very easy... take the subway (red line in the direction of Mörby Centrum) 5 stations to the Stadion station. Good luck runners!

Stockholm Marathon 2014

Posted by zlatin

Activities for runners and spectators outside the Stockholm Central Railway Station.
Photo: Martin Ekequist.
This is a crazy weekend here in Stockholm! Not only do we have a large medical convention taking place at Stockholmsmässan, concerts with Miley Cyrus and Aerosmith, heavy metal music festival and a football match between Sweden and Belgium, it is also the weekend when the annual Stockholm Marathon is held. This year the marathon falls on Saturday, May 31st and it is bigger than ever with over 21,900 runners from 93 countries partaking in the race. The race starts at noon and both the start and finish lines are at Stadion, the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Stadium. The finish line "closes" at 6:10pm and the marathon is comprised of two laps around and through the city. More information!
The start is just outside the Stockholm Olympic Stadium.
Photo: Martin Ekequist. 
If you are running, there are 16 refreshment stands spaced out along the course. If you are planning on being a spectator, then there are plenty of great spots throughout the city to watch the runners. Click here for course map. Actually, it will be hard to avoid seeing the runners on this day if you are visiting Stockholm. Keep in mind that you should avoid driving or taking a bus or taxi during the day as many streets will be closed off. Stick to walking, ferries and/or subways! If you are going to the airport during the day... plan accordingly and give yourself some extra time. Another thing to think about, as a visitor, is that there will be additional security throughout the city and airports.
Runners at “Nybroplan” just in front of the Royal Dramatic Theatre
Photo: Martin Ekequist.
One good thing to know is that, if you are running in the race, you have free access to all subways, commuter trains and busses throughout the day. Just show your running bib or registration card. Getting from the Rival Hotel to the start/finish line at Stadion is very easy... take the subway (red line in the direction of Mörby Centrum) 5 stations to the Stadion station. Good luck runners!

Photo by Jeppe Wikström, Stockholm Visitors Board.
Please keep in mind that this calendar is a work in progress... I will be adding new events as they are announced or I stumble upon them. Summer is a busy time in Stockholm with lots of different festivals, happenings, concerts and sporting events. I have added some happenings in April, May & September as well. Hopefully this calendar will help you plan your trip. Not all events are listed! I try to list events that the average Rival Hotel international guest would find of interest... but if you will be staying at the hotel and are interested in other, perhaps more obscure events, contact me and I will see what I can find! While some events that are going on while you are here might not be of interest to you personally, it is smart to keep in mind that the event might still affect your visit (lots of people in the city, bank holidays, traffic problems, etc;). The Stockholm Marathon is a good example of this. As I write this, a few of the festival websites aren't up and running yet or haven't been adjusted for 2014.

April

  • 12-13th- Medieval Market in Kungsträdgården.
  • 17th-21st- Easter holiday. Keep in mind that both Friday and Monday are bank holidays in Sweden.
  • 22nd- Street Food fair in Kungsträdgården.
  • 26th- Stockholm Culture Night. Over 300 free events throughout the city.
  • 26th- Season premiere for the amusement park Gröna Lund (weekends only in the beginning).
  • 26th- Cherry Blossoms Day in Kungsträdgården.
  • 30th- Walpurgis Eve (Valborgmässoafton) is celebrated throughout the city with bonfires. Skansen is a good place to go this evening.
May
Photo: Peter Backman, Smaka på Stockholm (Taste of Stockholm)

June
July (generally a slower month, event-wise, because many Swedes have vacation and leave the city)
August
September
October
November
December- I will be doing special articles about all of the Christmas and New Year events in the city, but here are some other dates to keep an eye on.
Click here for December dates om importance as well as here for Christmas markets dates. 
Stockholm Marathon. Photo: Martin Ekequist



Festivals & Events in Stockholm- Spring Summer Fall 2014

Posted by zlatin

Photo by Jeppe Wikström, Stockholm Visitors Board.
Please keep in mind that this calendar is a work in progress... I will be adding new events as they are announced or I stumble upon them. Summer is a busy time in Stockholm with lots of different festivals, happenings, concerts and sporting events. I have added some happenings in April, May & September as well. Hopefully this calendar will help you plan your trip. Not all events are listed! I try to list events that the average Rival Hotel international guest would find of interest... but if you will be staying at the hotel and are interested in other, perhaps more obscure events, contact me and I will see what I can find! While some events that are going on while you are here might not be of interest to you personally, it is smart to keep in mind that the event might still affect your visit (lots of people in the city, bank holidays, traffic problems, etc;). The Stockholm Marathon is a good example of this. As I write this, a few of the festival websites aren't up and running yet or haven't been adjusted for 2014.

April

  • 12-13th- Medieval Market in Kungsträdgården.
  • 17th-21st- Easter holiday. Keep in mind that both Friday and Monday are bank holidays in Sweden.
  • 22nd- Street Food fair in Kungsträdgården.
  • 26th- Stockholm Culture Night. Over 300 free events throughout the city.
  • 26th- Season premiere for the amusement park Gröna Lund (weekends only in the beginning).
  • 26th- Cherry Blossoms Day in Kungsträdgården.
  • 30th- Walpurgis Eve (Valborgmässoafton) is celebrated throughout the city with bonfires. Skansen is a good place to go this evening.
May
Photo: Peter Backman, Smaka på Stockholm (Taste of Stockholm)

June
July (generally a slower month, event-wise, because many Swedes have vacation and leave the city)
August
September
October
November
December- I will be doing special articles about all of the Christmas and New Year events in the city, but here are some other dates to keep an eye on.
Click here for December dates om importance as well as here for Christmas markets dates. 
Stockholm Marathon. Photo: Martin Ekequist



Swedish medalists, photo from Swedish Olympic Team.
Well... the Winter Olympics 2014 are officially over and the Sochi Games turned out to be Sweden's most successful winter olympics in history. The team is returning home with 15 medals (2 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze)! If you are in Stockholm tomorrow evening (Monday, February 24th) then a fun thing to do is head down to the park Kungsträdgården and welcome home the Swedish Olympic Team. This tradition of welcoming home athletes from world championships and olympics has become very popular over the past couple of decades... so there should be a large crowd! The party starts at 7pm and besides seeing & hearing from the medal winners, there will be live music and a look back at the best olympic moments (from a Swedish perspective, of course). Even if you don't speak Swedish, it will be a fun festival feel to the evening... just make sure you are wearing blue & yellow! Located in the downtown area, Kungsträdgården is easy to get to from the Rival Hotel. It is either a 20-25 minute walk through Gamla Stan, 3 stations on the subway (T-Centralen, exit to Sergels Torg) or a 5 minute taxi ride.

Olympic Celebration in Kungsträdgården

Posted by zlatin

Swedish medalists, photo from Swedish Olympic Team.
Well... the Winter Olympics 2014 are officially over and the Sochi Games turned out to be Sweden's most successful winter olympics in history. The team is returning home with 15 medals (2 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze)! If you are in Stockholm tomorrow evening (Monday, February 24th) then a fun thing to do is head down to the park Kungsträdgården and welcome home the Swedish Olympic Team. This tradition of welcoming home athletes from world championships and olympics has become very popular over the past couple of decades... so there should be a large crowd! The party starts at 7pm and besides seeing & hearing from the medal winners, there will be live music and a look back at the best olympic moments (from a Swedish perspective, of course). Even if you don't speak Swedish, it will be a fun festival feel to the evening... just make sure you are wearing blue & yellow! Located in the downtown area, Kungsträdgården is easy to get to from the Rival Hotel. It is either a 20-25 minute walk through Gamla Stan, 3 stations on the subway (T-Centralen, exit to Sergels Torg) or a 5 minute taxi ride.

It has been a relatively warm winter so far... with no snow and temperatures well above freezing. Quite unusual! But winter (and the snow) has finally come to Stockholm. We had our first real snowfall this past weekend and the weather reports show more snow and continuing below freezing temperatures in the coming weeks.
Map of Hammarbybacken
www.skistar.com/sv/hammarbybacken/
This all means that the ski slopes around Stockholm can finally open for business! To give you an idea of how warm this winter has been... last year the ski slopes opened on December 13th. The Stockholm region has no mountains, so we are talking smaller slopes. But they still have lifts, multiple runs and the opportunity for the popular "after-ski". You can also rent ski and snowboard equipment there, so you don't have to worry about bringing it with you from home.
Hammarbybacken- open in the evening.
www.skistar.com/sv/hammarbybacken/
The closest slope to Stockholm is Hammarbybacken. In fact, it is so close (located in the southern suburbs) that you have great views of downtown Stockholm from the top. They are busy preparing the slope with snow cannons and plan to open on Saturday (Jan 18th). To get to Hammarbybacken from the Rival Hotel, it is only a 20 minute trip with the subway and street car (Tvärbanan) or by direct bus (#74). Other ski slopes in the Stockholm region that are planning on opening this coming weekend are Ekebyhovsbacken and Flottsbrobacken. These are, however, a bit further away than Hammarbybacken! Full list of nearby ski slopes.
Click here to read my article from last year (with more information).

Winter is Finally Here... Ski Slopes to Open!

Posted by zlatin

It has been a relatively warm winter so far... with no snow and temperatures well above freezing. Quite unusual! But winter (and the snow) has finally come to Stockholm. We had our first real snowfall this past weekend and the weather reports show more snow and continuing below freezing temperatures in the coming weeks.
Map of Hammarbybacken
www.skistar.com/sv/hammarbybacken/
This all means that the ski slopes around Stockholm can finally open for business! To give you an idea of how warm this winter has been... last year the ski slopes opened on December 13th. The Stockholm region has no mountains, so we are talking smaller slopes. But they still have lifts, multiple runs and the opportunity for the popular "after-ski". You can also rent ski and snowboard equipment there, so you don't have to worry about bringing it with you from home.
Hammarbybacken- open in the evening.
www.skistar.com/sv/hammarbybacken/
The closest slope to Stockholm is Hammarbybacken. In fact, it is so close (located in the southern suburbs) that you have great views of downtown Stockholm from the top. They are busy preparing the slope with snow cannons and plan to open on Saturday (Jan 18th). To get to Hammarbybacken from the Rival Hotel, it is only a 20 minute trip with the subway and street car (Tvärbanan) or by direct bus (#74). Other ski slopes in the Stockholm region that are planning on opening this coming weekend are Ekebyhovsbacken and Flottsbrobacken. These are, however, a bit further away than Hammarbybacken! Full list of nearby ski slopes.
Click here to read my article from last year (with more information).

This weekend we are expecting subzero (Celsius) temperatures which means that it is cold enough for the popular outdoor ice skating rink in Kungsträdgården to open for business. A sure sign that winter is not far off! Stockholmers have been skating here since 1962, when the rink first opened for business. It's location in the center of the city makes it a popular activity for both locals and tourists... whether they actually take to the rink or just observe. The downtown shopping district is nearby with the NK department store located right across the street. Starting next Friday (Nov 29th) a Christmas market will open up just adjacent to the rink. This market will be open daily, 11am to 6pm, until December 22nd.
On a snowy evening last winter... no snow yet this year!
The ice skating rink is also open daily: weekdays from 10am to 9pm and weekends from 11am to 9pm. If you don't feel like packing your ice skates when you come to Stockholm... don't worry, they have skates for rent! The cost is 60 SEK for adults and 30 SEK for youth/children under 20 (prices are for one hour rental). Children are required to use a helmet and they have them to borrow- free of charge (even for adults). The rink is lit up in the winter darkness and they have fun music playing over the loudspeakers, so it is worth a visit even if it is just to have a cup of glögg and watch the skaters. It is easy to get to from the Rival Hotel... either a 30 minute walk through Gamla Stan, 3-4 stops on the subway or a 5 minute taxi ride.


Ice Skating Rink at Kungsträdgården is Open for the Season!

Posted by zlatin

This weekend we are expecting subzero (Celsius) temperatures which means that it is cold enough for the popular outdoor ice skating rink in Kungsträdgården to open for business. A sure sign that winter is not far off! Stockholmers have been skating here since 1962, when the rink first opened for business. It's location in the center of the city makes it a popular activity for both locals and tourists... whether they actually take to the rink or just observe. The downtown shopping district is nearby with the NK department store located right across the street. Starting next Friday (Nov 29th) a Christmas market will open up just adjacent to the rink. This market will be open daily, 11am to 6pm, until December 22nd.
On a snowy evening last winter... no snow yet this year!
The ice skating rink is also open daily: weekdays from 10am to 9pm and weekends from 11am to 9pm. If you don't feel like packing your ice skates when you come to Stockholm... don't worry, they have skates for rent! The cost is 60 SEK for adults and 30 SEK for youth/children under 20 (prices are for one hour rental). Children are required to use a helmet and they have them to borrow- free of charge (even for adults). The rink is lit up in the winter darkness and they have fun music playing over the loudspeakers, so it is worth a visit even if it is just to have a cup of glögg and watch the skaters. It is easy to get to from the Rival Hotel... either a 30 minute walk through Gamla Stan, 3-4 stops on the subway or a 5 minute taxi ride.


Last week I was at the premiere of a new restaurant, called Pitcher's, which opened up next door to the Rival Hotel. Welcome to the neighbourhood! This is a combination restaurant, pub and sports bar. In fact, it is part of a Sweden-wide franchise... though this is the first one in Stockholm. It is quite a large locale with two floors and several bars. I talked to a member of the staff on opening night and he explained that they are a "soft" sports bar, which means that, while they do have TVs showing live sporting events, the sound is muted so that diners can still enjoy their meal. He did mention that if there is a big sporting event going on (playoffs, world championships, grand slam, etc;) then they will have the sound on in certain parts of the restaurant. As I mentioned, it is a large locale!
Restaurant area, with booths...
As it was the premiere evening, I didn't have a chance to try the menu, except for the hors d'oeuvres they served... but I had a look at the menu and it seems to be a mix of classic Swedish and American dishes (including several "gourmet" hamburgers). The interior of the newly renovated locale resembles an upscale British golf pub... with brass, leather, dark wood and tartan.
Bar area...
 As a concierge I am happy with the addition of a sports bar in the neighbourhood, even if it is a "soft" sports bar. We do have two sports TV channels at the hotel, but every once in awhile we do get guests who are interested in a sporting event that is not being shown on either Swedish TV or one of the sports channels. For example, a rugby game (not popular in Sweden) or maybe a more obscure Italian Serie A football match. Now our guests don't have to go too far to enjoy the game! There are, of course, many other sports bars and pubs in the city (like the newly opened Tolv Stockholm at Tele2 Arena)... just talk to me, if you are staying at the hotel, and I will give you some options. In the meantime, you can have a look at the list put together by What's Up Sthlm (in Swedish, but with Google translate option in the upper right hand corner).
Click here for more options of restaurants near the Rival Hotel!

Pitcher's Sports Bar & Restaurant

Posted by zlatin

Last week I was at the premiere of a new restaurant, called Pitcher's, which opened up next door to the Rival Hotel. Welcome to the neighbourhood! This is a combination restaurant, pub and sports bar. In fact, it is part of a Sweden-wide franchise... though this is the first one in Stockholm. It is quite a large locale with two floors and several bars. I talked to a member of the staff on opening night and he explained that they are a "soft" sports bar, which means that, while they do have TVs showing live sporting events, the sound is muted so that diners can still enjoy their meal. He did mention that if there is a big sporting event going on (playoffs, world championships, grand slam, etc;) then they will have the sound on in certain parts of the restaurant. As I mentioned, it is a large locale!
Restaurant area, with booths...
As it was the premiere evening, I didn't have a chance to try the menu, except for the hors d'oeuvres they served... but I had a look at the menu and it seems to be a mix of classic Swedish and American dishes (including several "gourmet" hamburgers). The interior of the newly renovated locale resembles an upscale British golf pub... with brass, leather, dark wood and tartan.
Bar area...
 As a concierge I am happy with the addition of a sports bar in the neighbourhood, even if it is a "soft" sports bar. We do have two sports TV channels at the hotel, but every once in awhile we do get guests who are interested in a sporting event that is not being shown on either Swedish TV or one of the sports channels. For example, a rugby game (not popular in Sweden) or maybe a more obscure Italian Serie A football match. Now our guests don't have to go too far to enjoy the game! There are, of course, many other sports bars and pubs in the city (like the newly opened Tolv Stockholm at Tele2 Arena)... just talk to me, if you are staying at the hotel, and I will give you some options. In the meantime, you can have a look at the list put together by What's Up Sthlm (in Swedish, but with Google translate option in the upper right hand corner).
Click here for more options of restaurants near the Rival Hotel!

Exterior of Tele2 Arena.
I was invited yesterday to the premiere of Tolv Stockholm, a collection of restaurants, bars and a nightclub. What makes it even more special is its location... under the newly built Tele2 Arena. Besides being the home arena to two local football/soccer teams (Djurgården & Hammarby), Tele2 will also host other sporting events and function as a concert venue (max capacity of 45,000). The roof of the arena can be closed, making it useable year-round. The arena is located next to the existing Globe Arena as well as the smaller Hovet, Annexet and Söder Stadion venues... creating a huge centre for sport, music and entertainment.
O'Leary's Sports Bar.
As I mentioned, Tolv Stockholm, is a collection of bars and restaurants which compliment the arenas as a place to have a meal or cocktail before or after a concert/match. It also stands alone as a place to visit. For example the sports bar O'Leary's is huge! Here you can eat & drink, watch sporting events as well as play some yourself... with bowling lanes, ping pong tables and (more sedate) racing car simulators in the bar. They even have a Stockholm themed mini-golf course!
Shark themed bowling lanes at O'Leary's.
Other restaurants include Enzo's (Italian), Printz (beer hall and home-made sausage restaurant), Davaj (deli) as well as an ecological salad bar and frozen yoghurt parlour. If you are attending a concert at the arena and feel inspired... try your hand at singing in their karaoke bar. The big news, for many, is the nightclub Solidaritet Arena. It will be able to take up to 1,500 persons with three dance floors and several bars. They will have big name DJ's as well as more intimate live music concerts. It wasn't open last night (premiere tomorrow) but we were given a tour of the locale.
Bar at Enzo's.
"Tolv" is the Swedish word for twelve and refers to the fact that it will be open 12 hours a day, 12 months a year. I am a little unsure of how this will work as it will be hard to fill restaurants on evenings when there aren't any matches or concerts. But I trust that they have that figured out. At any rate, well worth a visit! The Tele2 Arena and Twelve Stockholm are located in the suburb of Johanneshov, just south of Stockholm. It is easy to get there from the Rival Hotel... just take the subway (green line) from nearby Slussen going in the direction of Hagsätra. Exit the subway at the Globen station which is the fourth stop after Slussen.
Gold Bar at Solidaritet Arena Nightclub.
Solidaritet Nightclub... sans guests!

Tolv Stockholm- New Entertainment Centre

Posted by zlatin

Exterior of Tele2 Arena.
I was invited yesterday to the premiere of Tolv Stockholm, a collection of restaurants, bars and a nightclub. What makes it even more special is its location... under the newly built Tele2 Arena. Besides being the home arena to two local football/soccer teams (Djurgården & Hammarby), Tele2 will also host other sporting events and function as a concert venue (max capacity of 45,000). The roof of the arena can be closed, making it useable year-round. The arena is located next to the existing Globe Arena as well as the smaller Hovet, Annexet and Söder Stadion venues... creating a huge centre for sport, music and entertainment.
O'Leary's Sports Bar.
As I mentioned, Tolv Stockholm, is a collection of bars and restaurants which compliment the arenas as a place to have a meal or cocktail before or after a concert/match. It also stands alone as a place to visit. For example the sports bar O'Leary's is huge! Here you can eat & drink, watch sporting events as well as play some yourself... with bowling lanes, ping pong tables and (more sedate) racing car simulators in the bar. They even have a Stockholm themed mini-golf course!
Shark themed bowling lanes at O'Leary's.
Other restaurants include Enzo's (Italian), Printz (beer hall and home-made sausage restaurant), Davaj (deli) as well as an ecological salad bar and frozen yoghurt parlour. If you are attending a concert at the arena and feel inspired... try your hand at singing in their karaoke bar. The big news, for many, is the nightclub Solidaritet Arena. It will be able to take up to 1,500 persons with three dance floors and several bars. They will have big name DJ's as well as more intimate live music concerts. It wasn't open last night (premiere tomorrow) but we were given a tour of the locale.
Bar at Enzo's.
"Tolv" is the Swedish word for twelve and refers to the fact that it will be open 12 hours a day, 12 months a year. I am a little unsure of how this will work as it will be hard to fill restaurants on evenings when there aren't any matches or concerts. But I trust that they have that figured out. At any rate, well worth a visit! The Tele2 Arena and Twelve Stockholm are located in the suburb of Johanneshov, just south of Stockholm. It is easy to get there from the Rival Hotel... just take the subway (green line) from nearby Slussen going in the direction of Hagsätra. Exit the subway at the Globen station which is the fourth stop after Slussen.
Gold Bar at Solidaritet Arena Nightclub.
Solidaritet Nightclub... sans guests!

DN Stockholm Half Marathon, photo by Bengt Aronsson
Another busy weekend in Stockholm! To start off with... The annual DN Stockholm Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, September 14th. Over 17,000 runners from all over the world will be running a course set in the streets of the city. The race starts at 3:30pm at Gustav Adolfs Torg and will take runners on 21.1 kilometers through the western parts of Stockholm, including Södermalm where the Rival Hotel is located. In fact, the course runs along the street St Paulsgatan which is adjacent to the hotel. Nice with a little life in the neighbourhood... but this can mean some traffic troubles: no parking and hard for taxis to get to the door. Stick with walking, ferries and subways and you will be fine! This advice goes for the rest of the city as many streets will be closed off. The finish line is the same as the starting point... Gustav Adolfs Torg.
Race course from www.stockholmhalvmarathon.se 
If that wasn't enough... King Carl XVI Gustaf is celebrating 40 years on the Swedish throne this year and this weekend (September 13th to 15th) is the official jubilee celebrations. On Friday an exhibition on the king's 40 years on the throne will open in the Hall of State in the Royal Palace, located in Gamla Stan. The exhibition will run until February 2nd next year, so plenty of opportunities to visit the exhibit if you are coming to Stockholm later this year. Two official events will be held on Saturday evening. First a celebratory dinner, hosted by the government, will be held at the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet), located on the island of Djurgården, followed by a concert in the Concert Hall (Konserthuset) in the downtown area. What this means for visitors is that the traffic snarls caused by the half marathon in the afternoon will be followed by some minor ones in the evening. But it is not all doom and gloom for visitors... on Sunday the king and City of Stockholm invites the general public to the Royal Palace to celebrate with dance. The festivities start at 3pm and run until 11pm. Music and dancing from around the world (big band, salsa, tango, jazz, folk and more) is the theme with many performances. No entrance fee! There will be a toast for the king at 3pm from the balcony at Lejonsbacken. Click here for a schedule (there is a Google translate option). Otherwise, if you are staying at the Rival Hotel, come talk to me or the Reception for further information.
www.kungahuset.se
And finally... a political demonstration and march planned on Saturday, starting at 1:30pm. They will gather in the park Humlegården and then march to Observatorielunden. Counter demonstrations are planned as well, so it would be best to avoid that area of the city (Norrmalm) during Saturday afternoon.

Royal Celebrations, Half Marathons and More This Weekend!

Posted by zlatin

DN Stockholm Half Marathon, photo by Bengt Aronsson
Another busy weekend in Stockholm! To start off with... The annual DN Stockholm Half Marathon will be held on Saturday, September 14th. Over 17,000 runners from all over the world will be running a course set in the streets of the city. The race starts at 3:30pm at Gustav Adolfs Torg and will take runners on 21.1 kilometers through the western parts of Stockholm, including Södermalm where the Rival Hotel is located. In fact, the course runs along the street St Paulsgatan which is adjacent to the hotel. Nice with a little life in the neighbourhood... but this can mean some traffic troubles: no parking and hard for taxis to get to the door. Stick with walking, ferries and subways and you will be fine! This advice goes for the rest of the city as many streets will be closed off. The finish line is the same as the starting point... Gustav Adolfs Torg.
Race course from www.stockholmhalvmarathon.se 
If that wasn't enough... King Carl XVI Gustaf is celebrating 40 years on the Swedish throne this year and this weekend (September 13th to 15th) is the official jubilee celebrations. On Friday an exhibition on the king's 40 years on the throne will open in the Hall of State in the Royal Palace, located in Gamla Stan. The exhibition will run until February 2nd next year, so plenty of opportunities to visit the exhibit if you are coming to Stockholm later this year. Two official events will be held on Saturday evening. First a celebratory dinner, hosted by the government, will be held at the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet), located on the island of Djurgården, followed by a concert in the Concert Hall (Konserthuset) in the downtown area. What this means for visitors is that the traffic snarls caused by the half marathon in the afternoon will be followed by some minor ones in the evening. But it is not all doom and gloom for visitors... on Sunday the king and City of Stockholm invites the general public to the Royal Palace to celebrate with dance. The festivities start at 3pm and run until 11pm. Music and dancing from around the world (big band, salsa, tango, jazz, folk and more) is the theme with many performances. No entrance fee! There will be a toast for the king at 3pm from the balcony at Lejonsbacken. Click here for a schedule (there is a Google translate option). Otherwise, if you are staying at the Rival Hotel, come talk to me or the Reception for further information.
www.kungahuset.se
And finally... a political demonstration and march planned on Saturday, starting at 1:30pm. They will gather in the park Humlegården and then march to Observatorielunden. Counter demonstrations are planned as well, so it would be best to avoid that area of the city (Norrmalm) during Saturday afternoon.

I am on vacation next week... off to Spain for a friend's birthday. I wanted to leave you with some tips of fun things happening in the city during my absence!
GAT Stage, kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se
First up is the fun Kulturfestivalen (Culture Festival). I am sad to miss this! This festival runs from 13th through the 18th of August and encompasses all things cultural. Best of all... it is all free! No admission fees. It is a little hard to write about since there are so many things going on, but basically the festival takes place in the downtown area around the squares Gustav Adolfs Torg, Brunkebergstorg and Sergels Torg. The program (click here) runs from midday until late in the evenings and you can find something for every taste... cabaret, opera, salsa, literature, street performances, dance, Bollywood, vintage punk reinvented, nightclubbing and much, much more. The best thing is to check the program linked above and pick your favorites. If I was in Stockholm this week, I wouldn't miss disco legends The Pointer Sisters! Side by side with this festival is another one called We Are Sthlm. This one is aimed at the youngsters (13-19 yrs of age) with lots of live music and takes place in Kungsträdgården from the 13th to the 17th of August.
Source: The Pointer Sisters
If cinema is more your cultural cup of tea, then you are in for a treat. The Stockholm Film Festival has their annual Outdoor Summer Movies next week. They will be showing a great movie every evening (August 14th to 18th) under the stars. And it is free! The evening starts with fun activities at 6pm and the movie starts showing at 8:30pm. Popcorn, soda pop and other snacks are sold there... but you can pack your own picnic basket. Be aware that some of the movies have an age limit. Movies include The Fly, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Kids Are All Right. All movies are in English with Swedish subtitles except for A Royal Affair on the 14th (Danish with Swedish subtitles). This all takes place in Rålambhovs Park on Kungsholmen.
Photo by Yanan Li, Stockholm's Visitors Board
Finally... Saturday, August 17th is the date for the annual Midnight Race (Midnattsloppet). This is a late evening 10K race around the island of Södermalm (where the Rival Hotel is located). More than just a run, it always has a festival like atmosphere... with DJ's and Samba & Dixie bands playing along the route. There is a costume competition as well! So, even if you aren't running (36,000 others are!), come down and cheer them on while enjoying some great music and festivities! The main race starts at 9:30pm and ends when it ends... though the finishing line is on the street Hornsgatan. Just a few blocks from the hotel! One word of caution: don't plan on travelling around Södermalm by car or bus this evening as many roads will be cordoned off. Stick to walking or the subway.

Next Week: Culture Festival, Outdoor Cinema & Midnight Run!

Posted by zlatin

I am on vacation next week... off to Spain for a friend's birthday. I wanted to leave you with some tips of fun things happening in the city during my absence!
GAT Stage, kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se
First up is the fun Kulturfestivalen (Culture Festival). I am sad to miss this! This festival runs from 13th through the 18th of August and encompasses all things cultural. Best of all... it is all free! No admission fees. It is a little hard to write about since there are so many things going on, but basically the festival takes place in the downtown area around the squares Gustav Adolfs Torg, Brunkebergstorg and Sergels Torg. The program (click here) runs from midday until late in the evenings and you can find something for every taste... cabaret, opera, salsa, literature, street performances, dance, Bollywood, vintage punk reinvented, nightclubbing and much, much more. The best thing is to check the program linked above and pick your favorites. If I was in Stockholm this week, I wouldn't miss disco legends The Pointer Sisters! Side by side with this festival is another one called We Are Sthlm. This one is aimed at the youngsters (13-19 yrs of age) with lots of live music and takes place in Kungsträdgården from the 13th to the 17th of August.
Source: The Pointer Sisters
If cinema is more your cultural cup of tea, then you are in for a treat. The Stockholm Film Festival has their annual Outdoor Summer Movies next week. They will be showing a great movie every evening (August 14th to 18th) under the stars. And it is free! The evening starts with fun activities at 6pm and the movie starts showing at 8:30pm. Popcorn, soda pop and other snacks are sold there... but you can pack your own picnic basket. Be aware that some of the movies have an age limit. Movies include The Fly, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and The Kids Are All Right. All movies are in English with Swedish subtitles except for A Royal Affair on the 14th (Danish with Swedish subtitles). This all takes place in Rålambhovs Park on Kungsholmen.
Photo by Yanan Li, Stockholm's Visitors Board
Finally... Saturday, August 17th is the date for the annual Midnight Race (Midnattsloppet). This is a late evening 10K race around the island of Södermalm (where the Rival Hotel is located). More than just a run, it always has a festival like atmosphere... with DJ's and Samba & Dixie bands playing along the route. There is a costume competition as well! So, even if you aren't running (36,000 others are!), come down and cheer them on while enjoying some great music and festivities! The main race starts at 9:30pm and ends when it ends... though the finishing line is on the street Hornsgatan. Just a few blocks from the hotel! One word of caution: don't plan on travelling around Södermalm by car or bus this evening as many roads will be cordoned off. Stick to walking or the subway.

After a week of festivals and general craziness... I thought I would slow it down with something a bit different! A happy Rival Hotel guest sent me some pictures of the fish he caught while visiting us a couple of weeks ago, which gave me an idea of a good blog article (and he was nice enough to allow me to publish the pictures- thanks!).
Did you know that you can fish right in downtown Stockholm and that you don't need a fishing licence? Fishermen standing along the Stockholm shores, especially along Strömmen, are a common sight year-round. They catch a wide variety of fish... the most common being perch, bream, whitefish, pike, eel, trout and salmon. The largest salmon caught in Stockholm was over 40lbs. The waters around Stockholm are clean which means you can eat your catch. Just please don't bring them back to the hotel for gutting and de-boning! If you are staying at the hotel: do catch & release.
As I mentioned, you don't need a licence which makes it all much easier for visiting fishing enthusiasts. If you don't have your own fishing equipment with you, there are several fishing stores where you can get all you need. One I recommend is Lundgrens Fiskredskap, which is centrally located in Gamla Stan. They can also give you more practical information! If you want to try a bit more advanced fishing (fly-fishing, archipelago trips, packages, etc;), contact the company Catch & Relax. While the most popular place to fish is around Strömmen, where the waters of Lake Mälaren run swiftly between Gamla Stan and the downtown area, there are other good places to try. In fact, our lucky guest caught his fish near Slussen... just a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

Fishing in Stockholm

Posted by zlatin

After a week of festivals and general craziness... I thought I would slow it down with something a bit different! A happy Rival Hotel guest sent me some pictures of the fish he caught while visiting us a couple of weeks ago, which gave me an idea of a good blog article (and he was nice enough to allow me to publish the pictures- thanks!).
Did you know that you can fish right in downtown Stockholm and that you don't need a fishing licence? Fishermen standing along the Stockholm shores, especially along Strömmen, are a common sight year-round. They catch a wide variety of fish... the most common being perch, bream, whitefish, pike, eel, trout and salmon. The largest salmon caught in Stockholm was over 40lbs. The waters around Stockholm are clean which means you can eat your catch. Just please don't bring them back to the hotel for gutting and de-boning! If you are staying at the hotel: do catch & release.
As I mentioned, you don't need a licence which makes it all much easier for visiting fishing enthusiasts. If you don't have your own fishing equipment with you, there are several fishing stores where you can get all you need. One I recommend is Lundgrens Fiskredskap, which is centrally located in Gamla Stan. They can also give you more practical information! If you want to try a bit more advanced fishing (fly-fishing, archipelago trips, packages, etc;), contact the company Catch & Relax. While the most popular place to fish is around Strömmen, where the waters of Lake Mälaren run swiftly between Gamla Stan and the downtown area, there are other good places to try. In fact, our lucky guest caught his fish near Slussen... just a 10 minute walk from the hotel.

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