10 Things to Do in Stockholm in February

In February, Stockholm offers you an experience that fuses festivities, cultural events and the welcoming essence of Swedish culture. While there are many things to do in Stockholm throughout the year, this month offers a special glimpse into the end of the Nordic winter.

To make sure you don't miss out, 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 a variety of 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.

In February, Stockholm is immersed in a culinary tradition that begins on Fat Tuesday, or Semla Day, which is celebrated the day before the start of Lent. Semla is a sweet wheat roll filled with whipped cream and almond paste, which is sprinkled with icing sugar. If you visit Stockholm during the winter, you can't miss the opportunity to try it with your favourite 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 district 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 visiting the smaller bakeries in the neighbourhoods, such as the Södermalm district, where locals gather to share delicious semla. If the date doesn't coincide with your visit, don't worry, as many bakeries and cafés start making semla as early as January and continue to offer them until the end of March in Stockholm.

There is no doubt that from Fat Tuesday onwards is a good time to take a city tour of Stockholm and sample the wide variety of semla on offer in the city's main bakeries.

The Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair is a must-attend event for interior design and decoration enthusiasts, held every February. It is an event that brings together designers, manufacturers and buyers from all over the world, showcasing the latest innovations in furniture and lighting.

The fair takes place at the Stockholmsmässan exhibition centre, and provides you with the opportunity to explore emerging trends and cutting-edge creations in the field of interior design.

The opening times and dates of the fair vary from year to year, so check the festival's official website for the latest 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.

Interesting facts

• Location: Mässvägen 1, 125 80 Stockholm.
• Days and times: days and times vary from year to year, for more information visit the official event website.
• Ticket price: from €11 per person.

February is an ideal time to get to know the public saunas, which you will find scattered all over the city. These cosy spaces are the perfect way 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 here 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're only in Stockholm for two days. It's also a great opportunity to get to know an important part of the local culture, as it's 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.

In the month of February, Stockholm is a great destination for skiing enthusiasts, as it offers several options to enjoy the 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 early as this is peak season for the sport.

If you're looking to experience cross-country skiing, the Hellasgårdens ski slopes offer both natural snow and groomed trails, while the man-made Gärdet Sports Fields ensure 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 transport system or take a hop on hop off bus from Stockholm at one of the stops.

Before you go, I recommend that you check the conditions of the slopes and the availability of snow, so that you can get the most out 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 Hellasgården Ältavägen 101 131 33 NACKA
• Days and hours: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 9 pm, and weekends from 9 am to 6 pm.
• Admission fee: skate rental from €20 per person.

In the winter month of February, soaking in Stockholm's cold water baths is a revitalising and unique experience, only for the brave. Although it may seem challenging in the extreme cold of the Swedish winter, the 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 water during this month, you will experience a unique connection to the winter season, when the low temperatures intensify the experience. It is traditional to combine cold bathing with sauna bathing, complementing 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 bathing in a stunning natural setting. Please note that this activity requires preparation and a good level of fitness.

One of the most iconic experiences the Swedish capital has to offer in February is ice skating. Kungsträdgården Park, located in the city centre, 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 take part. The cost is quite cheap and the places where you can rent them are located in the immediate vicinity of the rink.

Also, when you want to take a break and recharge your batteries, you can go to one of the various bars and cafés in the vicinity of the rink and enjoy the hot drinks on offer. Kungsträdgården, with its strategic location in the heart of the city, is not only an opportunity for recreational activity, but 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 times: The opening hours of the rink may vary. It usually closes at around 9pm.
• Admission fee: Free of charge.

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 great alternative if you're looking for a cultural and educational experience, which the cold weather invites.

Located in the heart of the city, the Museum of Spirits features an important collection of historical artefacts, old distillers and interactive exhibits. Visiting in February will allow you to explore the less crowded facilities, giving you a more intimate experience at your own pace.

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum often hosts special events and tastings in February where you can delve even deeper into the world of spirits. Exploring this museum is definitely 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.

Useful facts

• Location: Djurgårdsstrand 9, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden.
• Days and hours: daily from 11 am to 6 pm. Closes one hour later on Wednesdays.
• Entry fee: from €15 per person.

In February, taking a food tour of Stockholm allows you to discover the richness of the city 's winter culinary scene. And while temperatures may be cool, several restaurants and cafés keep their outdoor spaces open all year round and offer seasonal meals.

During this month, you can opt to savour a French lunch on a veranda 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 Stockholm's wintry atmosphere.

If you want to join a food tour, many of them offer itineraries tailored to the winter season, so as well as enjoying a wide variety of local flavours, you'll also be able to experience the city's iconic sights. This is definitely one of the best tours to do in Stockholm if you want to savour the winter delights the city has to offer.

The Stockholm Fotografiska Museum is a space that offers a dynamic selection of photographic exhibitions, providing a unique perspective on visual art in a modern setting. During the month of February, the quiet and cosy 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 characterised by its commitment to artistic diversity, presenting 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 a coffee or meal 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 Stockholm's winter temperatures.

Facts and figures

• Location: Stadsgårdshamnen 22 116 45 Stockholm.
• Days and hours: Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm approximately.
• Entry fee: from €18 per person.

Stockholm's Nobel Museum is an interesting experience for you to enjoy in February, when cold temperatures invite you to look for indoor options. Here you can learn about the history of the Nobel laureates in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The smaller number of visitors is ideal for you to appreciate the exhibitions 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 Stockholm's old town, Gamla Stan, and walk through its narrow cobblestone streets to further immerse yourself in the city's rich history and unique architecture.

Useful facts

• Location: Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm.
• Days and hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm approximately.
• Entry fee: from €9 per person.

In February, temperatures in Stockholm are typical for the Nordic region. Daily highs range between 0 and 2 degrees Celsius, while night-time 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 cosy cafés. The city takes on a special serenity, as this is a time when locals retreat indoors.

February is a slower period for tourists in Stockholm compared to the summer months. The city receives fewer visitors, giving you a quieter and more relaxed experience if you choose 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.