Calendar

What’s On in Stockholm: May 2020

Stockholm is still an unsure place to be this May. There might not be a full lockdown, but events are far from advisable. In light of this, we’re sticking to a calendar of remote events and at-home activities, so you can have fun while social distancing.

Here’s what’s happening remotely in Stockholm this May, from public holiday traditions to enjoy at home to virtual events:

Thursday 21st May

kristi himmelsfärds dag

Traditionally in Sweden on Kristi Himmelsfärds dag, people go into the woods very early in the morning to hear the birds at sunrise, as it’s said to be good luck if a cuckoo is heard. Why not make the most of this national holiday and head into the woods for your social distancing walk?

 
 

Sunday 31st May

Mors dag

Perhaps you’re unable to see your mother this Mother’s Day, but there are plenty of ways to get the message that you appreciate her over to her. Jewelry is always a winner and Stockholm-based TOVEMIKA is now shipping their chic designs. https://www.tovemika.com

 
 


 

Cultural Activities

Brush up on Swedish style

Have you been using this time to clear out your wardrobe or revamp your style? Make sure you’re taking notes from the impossibly chic Swedes by brushing up with our article, full of information about Swedish style and the best Swedish brands.

 
 

Ultimate Scandinavian playlist

Want to spice up a Zoom party? Or just want to brush up on Scandinavian music? Our latest Party in a Post is celebrating Scandi classics and new Nordic hits.

 
 

Slow down with slow tv

Take a tip from our Nordic neighbors and enjoy the anxiety-reducing qualities of Slow TV – a Norwegian phenomenon that’s resulted in 12-hour marathon showings of train journeys, knitting, and wood burning to name but a few.

 
 

Opera Play from The Royal Swedish Opera

The Royal Opera is one of the many establishments rising to the occasion during this unique time of unease. They have made a range of programs available online and free of charge, including ballets and concerts. Some are available for longer than others, so check the website soon to see if your favorite is there!

Polar Bear Cub Livestream from Ouwehand Park in Rhenen, Netherland
Many museums are providing virtual tours at this time; now zoos are getting in on the action. You got us, this isn’t actually in Stockholm, but you can tune in from anywhere in the world for a healthy dose of cuteness. Polar bear cubs!

 
 

Search the Collection at Moderna Museet

While Moderna Museet is temporarily closed due to COVID-19, you are still able to browse the collections online. You can choose from a variety of categories, artists, or just search for a specific item. The online collection is easy to navigate and is free. A great tool to keep you engaged with culture when you may be stuck at home on your couch!

 
 

The Lilian Look Online from the Royal Palace

This exhibit, previously on display at the Royal Palace, has been made available online for free. Go to the website and see about 30 different outfits worn by Princess Lilian. You can click on the garments to enlarge them and click on the signs to learn more.

 


 

The Museum of Antiquities Online from the Royal Palace

In this exhibit, you can virtually view King Gustav III’s collection of stone sculptures. The descriptions for this website are in Swedish, but Google Translate is right at your fingertips!

 
 

Hedvig Eleonora’s State Bedchamber Online from Drottningholms Palace

Drottningholms Palace boasts beauty and elegance, and Hedvig Eleonora’s bedchamber is one of the Palace’s highlights. View the Baroque room online, and learn about the symbols of royal power and the personal messages interwoven into the room.

 
 

Online Tour of the Louvre and other renowned museums

While we love Stockholm, sometimes being told you have to stay in one place makes you want to be anywhere but there. If you’re starting to get itchy feet, don’t fear! The Louvre is one of the many museums offering virtual tours of exhibits, like the Egyptian Antiquities exhibit. In addition to the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, and the Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain also have virtual tours.

 
 


 

Home Activities

It’s time to brush off the reading glasses and get deep into some Swedish classic and contemporary novels. Why not give these a try during lockdown?

 

Simon and the Oaks by Marianne Fredriksson (1985)

This novel is set in the 1940’s in Gothenburg. Simon befriends Isaak, who has fled Germany with his family to avoid persecution.
 
 

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012)

This novel will have you rooting for a grumpy old man, laughing and crying at his situation, and admiring the deep goodness of the protagonist. The book has also been made into a film.
 
 

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson (2009)

Allan Karlsson decides to escape his nursing home and embark on a journey that only begins when he climbs out his window. The story is quirky and spirit-lifting.
 
 

Audible

During this time, Audible has decided to make some of their books available at no cost, including some literary classics. There are books offered in English, as well as a few other languages. Could this be the moment to read Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World?…

 
 

Swedish Shows to Binge Watch

Fallet on Netflix

This Swedish show is worthy of a binge-watching session. A Swedish detective works together with a British colleague to solve a murder. The show is both in Swedish and English. You will need a Netflix account to watch.

 
Our Time is Now on SVT Play
A historical drama, Our Time is Now follows an affluent Stockholm family and their kitchen staff in post-war Sweden. If you feel like absorbing some culture, but you want a break from reading, watching this show can be a fun way to brush up on your Swedish history.

 
 

Swedish recipes to try

Although Easter may look a little different this year, you can still find joy in the rustling up some traditional Swedish dishes.

Janssons Frestelse, a classic comfort dish made with potatoes and cured sprats.

Knäckebröd is a crisp bread that you can have as a side at a dinner, or serve with caviar at breakfast. As a versatile food, it is a great one to learn to make yourself.


 

You can also get baking with this quick and delicious recipe for Swedish Visiting Cake. The story behind it is that if you saw some visitors at the end of your drive, you could throw together this cake and have it ready to be served by the time your visitors were settled in your home.

 
 

Apartment Therapy

If staring at the same 4 walls is starting to get you down, why not check out these six Swedish interior design blogs. Plenty of escapism to be found among the minimalist decoration.

 
 


 

Activities

Staying in doesn’t mean you can’t work out. Check out some of these online fitness classes you can take to make the most of isolation.

 
 

Barry’s Bootcamp on Instagram

The people at Barry’s Bootcamp in the UK are providing online 30-minute classes on their Instagram page. You can keep up with your workouts while maintaining social distancing with these videos!

 
 

Online CorePower Yoga

CorePower is offering free access to a collection of online classes that will help you maintain your yoga if you are no longer able to attend classes at your usual gym. Head over to their website, roll out your yoga mat, and get zen at home.

 
 


 

Shopping

Gram Shoes

Gram Shoes have creative, quirky shoes that are sure to bring a smile to your face and a soaring-quality to your step. We, personally, are loving the Yatfai ballerina shoe!

 
 

Hums Slippers

It’s definitely time to level up your slipper game. Find your next pair from Hums, a Swedish brand so delightful you’ll want to wear them outside. There is free shopping for European orders.

 
 

Filippa K Soft Sport

Even if you are confined to your home, you can still find time to get your body moving! Filippa K offers an elegant sportswear line, Soft Sport, for low-intensity sports like yoga and Pilates. While these clothes are designed for activity, many pieces can be incorporated seamlessly into a greater wardrobe, like the elegant Seam Sweatshirt, that can be dressed up with boots and a necklace for a stroll through the city. If you hadn’t worked out from home prior to COVID-19, you can get all your essentials, like yoga mats, from Filippa K too!

 
 

ARKET

Shop online from ARKET to prepare your spring wardrobe, so you can wow everyone with your fashion after this social distancing! The Hammered Satin Frill Dress will add a touch of spring when you step out, make sure to check out the rest of their exclusive collection.

 
 

L:A BRUKET

With all of the washing vigilance, our hands are beginning to look like a dried-up lakebed. Find the remedy to your dry skin by shopping online at L:A BRUKET, who are offering free shipping on all orders for a limited time. Have more hand soap questions? Check out our guide to the best Scandi hand soaps.

 
 

Dirty Linen

Working remotely means, for some of us, working from bed. We promise not to judge, providing your sheets are 100% linen and from bedding superstars Dirty Linen.

 
 

TOVEMIKA

Shop online for jewelry at TOVEMIKA, based out of Stockholm. The jewelry is handmade, with playful and organic shapes in silver.

 
 


 

If you’re a business or organisation that would like us to add your event to next month’s calendar, please contact us at hello [@] scandinaviastandard [dot] com. Thank you!

 

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Last edited

Vivian Tracy

Vivian Tracy is a recent graduate from Occidental College, currently living in Stockholm. Follow her on Instagram @vivels.