Whilst the Swedish are well known for their dreamy interiors, fabulous fashion and clean aesthetic – what is not so commonly recognised is their love and appreciation of all things health and wellness. For Swedes – living well, eating clean and working out is no unattainable feat, but a way of life for the majority who reside in this beautiful country. Last week, the Hip & Healthy team took a weekend trip to Stockholm to uncover the best spots to dine, relax, workout and explore. Read on for the lowdown…

EAT

Matapoteket

A sweet little cafe on the outskirts of our favourite suburb in Stockholm, Matapoteket is the perfect spot for those seeking delicious raw food at its best. The menu is filled with vegan tapas, raw pizzas and the most delicious range of guilt-free sweets – the mint and cacao energy balls are a must try!

Bondegatan 6, 116 23 Stockholm

Urban Deli

One of our favourite Stockholm finds – Urban Deli is a must-go for health conscious and artisanal foodie lovers alike. Featuring a deli and restaurant, this Hip & Healthy favourite boasts an impressive range of traditional foods from mostly small local producers – we loved the range of salads that we enjoyed daily accompanied by the most delicious and dark fresh rye bread – our favourite Swedish staple!

Nytorget 4, 116 40 Stockholm

Doctor Salad

Hungry from a day of travelling, we arrived at Doctor Salad eager to see what it had to offer. Treated to a selection of colourful salads, we decided to go with the raw vegan ceaser featuring an assortment of raw veggies and the most incredible cashew cheese. Other highlights include the raw strawberry cheesecake and ‘green’ chia pudding – our favourite breakfast whilst in Stockholm.

Sibyllegatan 29, 114 42 Stockholm

Paradiset

Stockholm’s version of Wholefoods – Paradiset is the place to go for all your healthy and organic goods. If you’re staying in town for a few days – be sure to stock up on fruit, veg and healthy snacks from the enormous selection of organic produce available at this double story paradise! If you’re weary from your Stockholm wanderings, be sure to treat yourself to an organic ice cream from stikkinikki upstairs. With options for vegans too, the ‘feel good ice cream made from love’ on offer will get you pepped up for more exploring! We love!

Brännkyrkagatan, 62-64, Stockholm, Södermalm

EXPLORE

Swimming in Lake Mälaren

Often described as one of the most romantic baths in the city – this clear freshwater lake is just outside Stockholms city centre. If you’re worried about water pollution, fear not. Lake Malaren is cleaner than the sea! The perfect day retreat right in the heart of Stockholm, during the Summer, Lake Malaren is awash with swimmers cooling off in its idyllic waters. True bliss!

Cycling in the city

Our favourite way to sightsee – some cities are best taken in on two wheels and Stockholm is definitely one of them! Visit the Rent A Bike shed at berth 25 at Ångbåtsbryggan and get excited to tour the city in true Scandinavian style.

Ångbåtsbryggan, Strandvägen 18

RESTORE & REJUVENATE

Yoogaia

Whilst there are some fantastic places to workout within the capital, when your travelling it’s always nice to be in charge of your own schedule, especially when you’re visiting somewhere new and have a never-ending list of places to see and things to do! With this in mind, we tried out Yoogaia, an online yoga studio that you can take with you on your holiday. Whilst our days were choc-full of moving and exploring, we always woke up to one of their live morning flow sessions and finished our day with a relaxing yoga stretch class. Holiday goers – we highly recommend.

Sturebadet Spa

We could have spent our entire weekend away in this luxurious 17th century pool and wellness centre. Featuring a luxurious day spa where you can book in to a whole host of pampering treatments, this opulent destination features pools, saunas and an impressive gym so you can get your move on before your pampering session.

Sturegallerian, 114 46 Stockholm

By Zsa Zsa Vella 

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