STOCKHOLM FOR FREE

Summer is here. The sun is shining, the trees are green, and the water sparkles enticingly, even though there are no waves in sight. Summer in Stockholm is special, and this year it's expected to be incredibly hot. I want to maximize this time, make the most of every beautiful day, live in the present. I seize the opportunity, squeezing out the best that the city has to offer during this season because I know that most of what I love about this city is not available during the rest of the year. Additionally, I want to contribute to the local well-being in the ways I can, so I am sharing my hidden gems with you. In this series, I present things I love about Stockholm, for residents seeking new adventures as well as tourists who have come to experience the best we have to offer. In this episode, I present some activities that won't cost you more than your valuable time.

Green Kayak

Borrow a kayak and clean up the trash. The absolute best concept since we created our board swap. Green Kayak is an international organization that offers free kayak rentals in exchange for picking up trash along the way. A win-win like no other. Experience Stockholm from the water with family and friends while contributing to making Lake Mälaren and the environment a cleaner place. Best of all? Green Kayak is available in several locations in Sweden and Europe, allowing you to explore new places while doing a service to the world! However, make sure to book in advance and keep an eye on available times, as the concept is popular and kayaks run out quickly.

Learn more about Green Kayak here, and don't forget to protect your belongings from water and your skin from the strong sun rays. 6/5/4 has caps, sunscreen, and waterproof bags for a safe kayaking trip.

Image: greenkayak.org

Rålambshovsparken

If there's one thing we excel at in Stockholm, it's two things: parks and coastal hangouts. Just in the city center, we have a plethora of delightful options waiting to be discovered. Långholmen, Hornsbergsstrand, Årstaviken, Tantolunden, Vasaparken, and Vinterviken—the list is long, but today we're highlighting Rålambshovsparken in Kungsholmen.

In Rålambshovsparken, you'll find playgrounds for the kids, basketball courts for the sporty, and a climbing wall for the restless. In the shade of the small Västerbron bridge, there's a skatepark for those who love skateboarding without overheating. Pack a picnic and fill your cooler with fresh watermelon and icy drinks. During summer, Rålambshovsparken comes alive like never before, and it's not uncommon for various events to be held in the park, such as the Outdoor Cinema of the Film Festival. Under the open sky, Stockholmers gather, spreading their blankets on the lush green grass and looking up at the enormous movie screen. All you need to do is make your way there as the sun sets. However, arriving on time is a hot tip. The park fills up quickly, and if you want a decent view and sound, I recommend being there well before the film starts. Image: Visit stockholm

Allotment Gardens

If you have any kind of interest in plants, there's nothing better than spending a day in one of Stockholm's many allotment gardens. At Kungsholmsstrand, the Karlsberg-bro association offers a mix of old-fashioned small cottages alongside modern, architect-designed houses. Take a look at these small gardens, breathe in the scent of blooming roses, and admire berry bushes and apple trees. Södermalm also has incredible allotment gardens, including Tanto Norra and Tanto Södra, scattered along the hillside above the promenade that stretches between Tantolunden and Skanstull. An escape from the city traffic and crowds of Södermalm, with a beautiful view over Årstaviken. Last but not least, I want to highlight the allotment gardens in Vinterviken. A lush city park that transports you to another world. Put on your sun hat and pack your camera in your bag, as there are plenty of scenic photo opportunities here.

Hitta Ut (Find your way)

Ready to discover new places in a fun and exciting way? Hitta ut (Find Your Way) is the ultimate way to see Stockholm with fresh eyes. An orienteering map in the city center with checkpoints scattered throughout the city, guiding you to places you would never have otherwise found yourself in. It's a fun activity that can be done during a day, allowing you to maximize the number of places you visit. Alternatively, you can see it as a long-term summer activity, gradually exploring different parts of the city bit by bit. Put on your walking shoes, fill your thermos with coffee, and embark on a journey of exploration in new regions or in your own neighborhood!

Högdalen Skatepark

When the ocean is flat and the craving for waves is stronger than ever, we head to Högdalen Skatepark. Stockholm's largest of its kind, a gathering place for wheel enthusiasts of all ages. We bring our Arbor surfskate and practice everything from bottom turns to cutbacks, dreaming of future barrels. Image: Högdalenskate