5 things to experience in gay-friendly Sweden in 2017
By Will Stroude
offers so much to the gay traveller. Being gay in this Scandinavian nation has been legal since 1944, and next May they’ll also be celebrating eight years of equal marriage. So there’s no surprise that it is quite the destination for gay people to visit, despite the amazing landscapes, delicious food, great design and beautiful people, you’ll be sure to be greeted with a welcome across the country, from its cosmopolitan cities on the water, to its picturesque and quaint interiors.
You’ll be surprised just how much there is to explore in Sweden, especially when it comes to culinary pursuits, design and exploring nature. It is arguably the best place in the world to do all three, under one, open-minded sky. To make it easy, we’ve picked the five new reasons to visit…
STAY DESIGNED AT HOBO, STOCKHOLM
If New York City defines New York, the Hobo will define Stockholm – a promise that we eagerly await to be fulfilled for this new hotel rooted deeply in design – come opening day in March. The design philosophy of this oddly named ‘place to stay’ is distinctly Swedish – locally inspired, but globally curated. More than just a hotel, Hobo is a community – a place to stay, work, create and play better together. The hotel will offer 200 rooms and 2 floors of food, drink, shopping, art, work and event space.
hobo.se
GET BACK TO NATURE IN DALSLAND
Baldersnäs Herrgård is a magnificent 200-year old mansion located on a peninsula in Laxsjön, next to the Dalsland Canal – will have 22 brand-new cabins in its grounds ready for next summer each with two bedrooms, sleeping four in total, offering stunning views over Lake Laxsjön.
MEET THE CHAMPIONS IN OYSTER SHUCKING IN GOTHENBURG
In 2017, seafood lovers have another reason to visit Gothenburg – to meet Johan Malm, the World Champion in Oyster Shucking, in his restaurant Gabriel, in the famous Fish Church, (yes it’s real). Johan first won the prestigious title in 2010 and then again in September 2016. He claims the best oysters in the world are found off the coast of Gothenburg, West Sweden – why not visit his restaurant and check out his claim for yourself?
BE PROUD IN MALMÖ
Check out one of the world’s lesser-known Pride festivals in one of the world’s most gay-friendly cities. Malmö is home to one of the most vocal LGBTQ communities in Sweden – perhaps even Europe – considering the city’s size.
STAY IN AN IGLOO IN SWEDISH LAPLAND
Silver Resort has unveiled the third unique design of IGLOOTEL, made entirely of snow and offering 10 sleeping igloos as well as a bar and event area. It is ideally located for unique activities in the area including driving on ice on the Lapland Ice Driving circuit nearby.
The resort offers a range of accommodation as well as the IGLOOTEL, including the luxurious Silver Lodge, located at the peak of Galtispouda looking out over the mountain landscape around Arjeplog.
Thanks to the new flight route between Birmingham and Arvidsjaur, the best kept secrets of the Swedes is now more accessible than ever.
Sweden is on average, about 2 hours and 30 minutes from a UK airport, with great value direct flights from a range of carriers including British Airways, Norwgian, SAS, Easyjet and Ryanair.
For more inspiration on gay and lesbian travel to Sweden, visit VisitSwedenLGBT.com or join the conversation at #SwedenYoureWelcome.
More stories:
Discovering Northern Sweden
Making the Yuletide gay in West Sweden