View of a Local in Stockholm, Sweden

He may write under a peculiar pseudonym, but his blog reveals information valuable to any traveller planning a trip to Sweden.

In this View of a Local interview, The Hairy Swede lets us in on a few secrects about his adopted hometown Stockholm in Sweden.

Briefly, please could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born in Sweden but moved to the US when I was about 6. I lived there ever since. I made trips to Sweden, I even studied in Sweden for a bit, but I became very American. After having graduated from college I decided it was time to move to Sweden. Maybe it’s some sort of identity crisis. Maybe I’m running away from a real job and a real life. Maybe I just needed a change. Hell, it could be all of those things. Either way, here I am in Sweden learning to be a Swede while carrying a lifetime of Americanism in me. We’ll see how it goes.

I write what I see. What I hear. What I experience while in Sweden. Take that for what it is worth. And check out my journey at A Swedish American in Sweden.

How long have you lived in Stockholm and what made you move?

I’ve been in Stockholm since June of 2007. Basically I moved because I needed a change. I had graduated college a year before and wasn’t quite ready to throw myself into the working world in the US. Plus, I have this strange need to connect to my Swedish side.

What do you like most about living in Stockholm?

That I’m living in a foreign city, perfecting my language skills, diving head first into a culture that seems strangely familiar yet at the same time is so very different. Plus, I can fly anywhere in Europe without having to cross 8 time zones.

Is there anything you do not like about living in Stockholm?

The people are inherently shy. If you ask them for help they will help you in a second. If you ask them to be your friend you’ll have to work on it for months. It’s something that you don’t really think about until you find yourself living in the city and realize that very seldom do you make eye contact with anyone.

Why should travellers visit Stockholm?

It is a beautiful city. A big capital that isn’t that big. A metropolitan area that somehow keeps that old world European charm. There are enough museums here to keep you busy for months. Enough history to remind you that the US is relatively new when compared to Europe. Enough water to make you wonder how a city could be built on islands like Stockholm is. And enough culture to make you forget those silly Viking stereotypes.

What do you wish travellers would do or stop doing when they visit Stockholm?

It’s more something I wish they would do BEFORE they visit Stockholm. Learn a little bit about the town. It’s an amazing place filled with beautiful waterways, parks, and history. Don’t come expecting some sort of winter wonderland where polar bears roam the streets. Delve into the culture that is constantly bubbling at the surface of Stockholm.

What are your top 3 insider tips for visitors to Stockholm?

The three things that you have to do if visiting Stockholm for just a short while are pretty easy. Except I’m going to break it up into three categories instead:

History: Check out the Vasa Museum, and walk through Gamla Stan (Old Town).

Food and Drink: Sample some strömming (a delicious fish) from the stand/cart right in front of Slussens subway station. Sample some snaps. Swedish snaps. Akvavit. It’s not what Americans think of when they think of snaps. And it’s amazing. And very alcoholic. So be warned.

Nightlife: Go to Mosebacken in the summer and sit outside. You’ll get to look out over Stockholm, and you’ll see for miles. And for hours into the night since the sun hardly sets in the middle of the summer. And if you’re feeling a little posh check out Stureplan where all the beautiful Swedes go.

Visit The Hairy Swede’s blog

Anni Poulsen: For more tips and photos from Stockholm, visit The Hairy Swede’s blog, A Swedish American in Sweden .

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Our View of a Local series consists of interviews with local people in various towns and cities in different countries.

For more information about how you can take part in our View of a Local series, please go to our View of a Local page >>

TAGS: Stockholm, Sweden, travel, view of a local

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