10 Things to Do in Stockholm in February
A blanket of snow covers Stockholm in February, the coldest month of the year, giving you a unique window into its culture, traditions and winter beauty.
In February, Stockholm offers you an experience that fuses festivities, cultural events and the welcoming essence of Swedish culture. Although there are many things to do in Stockholm throughout the year, this month offers a special vision: the end of the Nordic winter.
To make sure you don't miss out on anything, here's a list of the best things to see and do in Stockholm in February, including sampling the season's gastronomic delights, taking part in various festivals and enjoying unique winter activities such as ice skating and skiing. You'll also find practical tips on how to make the most of your visit, and enjoy the winter magic of the Swedish capital.
1. Taste the winter delights on Fat Tuesday
In February, Stockholm immerses itself in a culinary tradition that begins on Fat Tuesday or Semla Day, which is celebrated one day before the start of Lent. Semla is a sweet wheat roll filled with whipped cream and almond paste, which is sprinkled with powdered sugar. If you visit Stockholm during the winter, you can't miss the opportunity to try it along with your favorite hot drink.
To explore the wide variety of options, you can head to local landmark bakeries, such as Vete-Katten, which is well known for its classic ambience and exceptional versions of Semla. There are many bakeries offering their own interpretation of this traditional treat in the historic neighborhood of Gamla Stan. You can also find gluten-free, vegan and different filling options, as the classic semla recipe has been adapted to suit all tastes in recent years.
To fully enjoy this experience, I recommend you visit the small bakeries in the neighborhoods, such as the Södermalm neighborhood, where locals gather to share delicious semla. If the date does not coincide with your visit, do not worry, as many bakeries and cafes begin to prepare them from the month of January and continue to offer them until the end of March in Stockholm.
No doubt, from Fat Tuesday is a good time to take a city tour of Stockholm and try the wide variety of semla offered in the main bakeries of the city.
2. Explore the design trends at the Furniture Fair.
The Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is a must-attend event for interior design and decoration enthusiasts, held every year in February. It is an event that brings together designers, manufacturers and buyers from around the world, where the latest innovations in furniture and lighting are presented.
The fair is held at the Stockholmsmässan fairgrounds, and provides you with the opportunity to explore emerging trends and cutting-edge creations in the field of interior design.
The times and dates of the fair vary from year to year, so I recommend that you check the festival's official website, where you can read updated information. To make the most of the experience, you can explore the pavilions dedicated to the different design categories, from furniture to lighting. Also, don't miss the various events and talks scheduled during the fair.
The Stockholm Furniture Fair celebrates innovation and creativity in interior design, and the chance to discover new perspectives and connect with industry professionals. If you are a design lover, this event is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of the latest trends and take away inspiration for future projects.
Useful information
- Location: Mässvägen 1, 125 80 Stockholm.
- Days and times: days and times vary from year to year, for more information visit the official website of the event.
- Ticket price: from 11 € per person.
3. Enjoy relaxing in the public saunas
The month of February is an ideal time for you to get to know the public saunas, which you will find scattered all over the city. These cozy spaces are the perfect option to escape the cold and immerse yourself in the comforting warmth of these facilities.
Among the most outstanding options is the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus Sauna, which is located on a pier over the water. From there you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view while being comforted by the warmth of the traditional saunas. You can usually visit these saunas throughout the day, and they make for a super relaxing escape from the winter weather.
Immersing yourself in the public sauna experience is an experience not to be missed, even if you are only in Stockholm for two days. In addition, it is also a great opportunity for you to get to know an important part of the local culture, as it is a Swedish practice that has stood the test of time.
Interesting facts
- Location: Limhamnsvägen Brygga 1 217 59 Malmö Sweden.
- Days and hours: daily from 9 am to 7 pm approximately.
- Admission fee: from 6 €.
4. Have fun on the ski slopes
In the month of February, Stockholm becomes a privileged destination for ski lovers, as it offers several options to enjoy this sport. The best time to ski in Stockholm, due to the availability of snow, is from the second week of February to mid-March, but remember to book in advance because it is high season for this sport.
If you are looking to experience cross-country skiing, the ski slopes of Hellasgårdens offer both natural snow and groomed trails, while the Gärdet Sports Fields, with artificial snow, guarantee ideal conditions. The city's largest ski slope, the 5-piste Flottsbrobacken, is located in the nature reserve at Lake Albysjön. There you can rent equipment, take lessons and eat in the restaurant.
For alpine skiers, the region has six ski areas, such as Hammarbybacken, located in Hammarby Sjöstad. To get there, you can use the public transportation system or take a hop on hop off bus from Stockholm at one of its stops.
Before you go, I recommend that you check the conditions of the slopes and the availability of snow, so you can make the most of the experience. Also, don't forget to properly prepare your equipment and/or rent all the elements you need.
Useful information
- Location: ski slopes Hellasgårdens Hellasgården Ältavägen 101 131 33 NACKA
- Days and hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, and on weekends from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Admission fee: skate rental from 20 € per person.
5. Experience the cold water baths
In the winter month of February, immersing yourself in cold water baths in Stockholm is a revitalizing and unique experience, only for the brave. Although it may seem challenging in the extreme cold of the Swedish winter, this practice has gained popularity due to the great health benefits it brings.
The experience, which combines the thermal contrast of the cold water with the frigid environment, has become very popular in February in Stockholm. By immersing yourself in the cold waters during this month, you will experience a unique connection to the winter season, when low temperatures intensify the experience. It is traditional to combine cold baths with bathing in a sauna, and complement the benefits of both experiences.
If you want to do this activity, a good option is to go to Hellasgården, located in Nacka, which offers cold water baths in a stunning natural setting. Keep in mind that this practice requires preparation and a good physical condition.
6. Ice skating in Kungsträdgården
One of the most iconic experiences the Swedish capital has to offer in February is ice skating. Kungsträdgården Park, located in the center of the city, turns into an outdoor ice rink during the winter months in Stockholm, and is one of the best options for cold season enjoyment in the city.
The atmosphere at Kungsträdgården comes alive especially in the evenings and nights of February, when the winter lights twinkle over the rink. Please note that although access to the ice rink is free, you will need to rent skates to participate. The cost is quite cheap and the places where you can rent them are located in the vicinity of the rink.
Also, when you want to rest a little and recharge your batteries, you can go to one of the various bars and cafes that are in the vicinity of the rink and enjoy the hot drinks they offer. Kungsträdgården, with its strategic location in the heart of the city, not only gives you the opportunity to engage in a recreational activity, but is also a meeting point where you can interact with locals and visitors alike.
Interesting facts
- Location: Jussi Björlings allé, 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Days and hours: The opening hours of the rink may vary. It usually closes at around 9 pm.
- Admission fee: free of charge.
7. Visit the Spirits Museum
In February, a good idea is to explore the Museum of Spirits in Stockholm, where you can learn about the evolution of distillation and fermentation over time. Visiting this museum in February is a very interesting alternative if you are looking for cultural and educational experiences, to which the low temperatures invite you.
Located in the heart of the city, the Museum of Spirits presents an important collection of historical artifacts, old distillers and interactive exhibits. Visiting in February will allow you to explore the less crowded facility, giving you a more intimate, self-paced experience.
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum often hosts special events and tastings in February, where you can delve even deeper into the world of spirits. Without a doubt, exploring this museum is a great option if you want to enrich your knowledge and enjoy a unique perspective on the art and history of spirits in Stockholm. Don't forget to check the museum's agenda and opening hours before you go, so you don't miss anything.
Interesting facts
- Location: Djurgårdsstrand 9, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden.
- Days and hours: daily from 11 am to 6 pm. On Wednesdays it closes one hour later.
- Admission: from 15 € per person.
8. Taste the flavors of winter on a gastronomic tour
In February, taking a culinary tour of Stockholm will allow you to discover the city 's rich winter culinary scene. In addition, even though the temperatures are cool, several restaurants and cafés keep their outdoor spaces open all year round and offer seasonal meals.
During this month, you can opt to savor a French lunch at a gazebo overlooking Lake Mälaren, or indulge in a cup of hot chocolate at Chokladkoppen, which is located in the heart of Gamla Stan, the city's old town. These places offer unique gastronomic experiences that complement the winter atmosphere of Stockholm.
If you wish to participate in a gastronomic tour, keep in mind that many of them offer itineraries adapted to the winter season, so in addition to enjoying a wide variety of local flavors, you will be able to visit emblematic places of the city. Without a doubt, this is one of the best tours you can do in Stockholm, if you want to savor the winter delights that the city has to offer.
9. Explore Stockholm's Museum of Photography
Stockholm Fotografiska Museum is a space that offers a dynamic selection of photographic exhibitions, and provides a unique perspective on visual art in a modern setting. During the month of February, the quiet and cozy atmosphere of the museum lends itself to a more intimate experience, as you can get a deeper insight into the works and better appreciate the creativity of the featured photographers, while being sheltered from the cold winter temperatures.
Fotografiska is known for its commitment to artistic diversity, featuring both established and emerging photographers. In February, you can explore exhibitions that capture the essence of the season or reflect the cultural richness of the community. Interaction with the works is enhanced by an arrangement of elements that encourages reflection and dialogue.
This museum not only offers a window into visual expression, but also provides a relaxed environment ideal for enjoying coffee or lunch in its restaurant with panoramic views of the city. While it's best to check specific opening hours and temporary exhibitions before visiting, February offers the opportunity to explore Fotografiska in a quieter setting, ideal if you're looking for an enriching cultural experience while taking advantage of the winter temperatures in Stockholm.
Interesting facts
- Location: Stadsgårdshamnen 22 116 45 Stockholm.
- Days and hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. approximately.
- Admission fee: from 18 € per person.
10. Shelter from the cold at the Nobel Prize Museum
The Nobel Museum in Stockholm is a very interesting experience for you to enjoy in February, when cold temperatures invite you to look for indoor options. In this museum you can learn about the history of the Nobel Prize laureates in a warm and peaceful atmosphere. The smaller number of visitors is ideal for you to appreciate the exhibits at your own pace and learn about the contributions of outstanding individuals in fields such as literature, science and peace.
The Nobel Museum highlights the historical relevance and significance of the Nobel laureates in its exhibits. The calm of the Swedish winter provides a serene backdrop for you to explore the rooms filled with detailed information about the laureates and their achievements. In addition, you can interact with the multimedia materials and interactive presentations in a less crowded and more intimate setting.
The Nobel Museum in Stockholm also offers an interesting gallery to explore with objects donated by the laureates. To complement the experience, after visiting the museum, you can take the opportunity to tour Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, and walk through its narrow cobblestone streets to further immerse yourself in the city's rich history and unique architecture.
Facts of Interest
- Location: Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm.
- Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. approximately.
- Admission fee: from €9 per person.
Temperatures in Stockholm in February
In February, temperatures in Stockholm are typical for the Nordic region. Daily highs range from 0 to 2 degrees Celsius, while nighttime lows can drop to -5 degrees Celsius or even lower.
This winter period in Stockholm is perfect for seasonal activities such as ice skating on frozen lakes or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate in cozy cafes. The city takes on a special serenity, as it is a time when locals retreat indoors.
Stockholm's February tourist flow
February is a period of lower tourist influx in Stockholm compared to the summer months. The city receives a smaller number of visitors, giving you a quieter and more relaxed experience if you decide to explore during the winter. Tourist attractions and landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum, are more accessible, allowing you to enjoy these sites without the crowds typical of the high season.