Attitude Advertorial: Stockholm in Love
By Will Stroude
Love is in the air! With the historic introduction of equal marriage in the UK this month, we’ve come over all amorous. And what says romance more than a couples’ retreat to one of Europe’s most beautiful and welcoming cities?
The Swedes have been celebrating same-sex marriage since 2009; just one of the many reasons the country’s capital Stockholm has serious gay appeal. Whether you’re getting hitched, making that proposal or simply having a romantic getaway with your nearest and dearest, the so-called Venice of the north has something to offer every couple. As such, we’re bringing you our top tips for how to have the best Scandinavian spree in Stockholm.
The Romantic Weekend
Have a chic Stockholm experience with your other half. Stay at Stockholm’s ultimate Design Hotel, The Nordic Light at the heart of the city. Have your fill of ABBA at the ABBA Museum and take your better half on a Stockholm first date at Brasserie Le Rouge. Dance the night away at Candy or Zipper and emerge from your Swedish night out with a stroll back to the hotel.
nordiclighthotel.se
zippersthlm.com
lerouge.se
lebonpalais.se
abbathemuseum.com
The Proposal: Sealing the Deal
Base yourself at the centrally-located Hotel Hellsten: Walk into town and set the scene for the ultimate proposal, and take sundowners at the gay-owned Mälarpaviljongen right on the water. This could be the perfect spot, especially if you want a coo-ing, trendy audience – and they can probably even set something special up for you at the old boat house. Or what about a night at the Royal Opera, where you could propose in the Royal Box? Or after dinner at the Orangeriet bar? However, you choose to do it, Stockholm offers the perfect backdrop.
hotelhellsten.se
malarpaviljongen.se
operan.se
orangerietbar.se
The Swedish Wedding
Now same-sex marriages in another EU country are recognized as a marriage back here in England Scotland and Wales, why not have your wedding in Stockholm itself? Not only would the pictures be amazing, but everyone knows that the best weddings are all about the party and reception. For something intimate, why not book up the entire Ett Hem hotel? This beautiful, luxurious boutique is the perfect reception venue for you and up to 12 friends. Or perhaps a party with a twist on the rooftop Spa bar of the Clarion Sign. For something more lavish, you go have a garden party on the lawn of the Hotel Skeppsholmen, which sits on a private, heritage island in the heart of the city overlooking the water and old Stockholm. And don’t forget to register your wedding gift list at the divine NK, Stockholm’s temple of retail.
etthem.se
clarionsign.com
hotelskeppsholmen.com
nk.se
The Ultimate Honeymoon
Stockholm is an amazing destination for newlyweds to enjoy the start of married life together. For a trendy time, check-in to the Hotel Rival in the hip Sodermalm district. It’s the epicenter of Stockholm cool with plenty of places to shop ‘til you drop, from independent boutiques to home-grown Swedish labels that have now made it big. Honeymoon time is all about spending time together, so you can walk hand-in-hand through Stockholm’s shrines to culture, the Fotografiska and the Millesgarden. For a little bit of fun and dinner-show experience, check out the Wallmans Nojen across three venues in Stockholm.
rival.se
fotografiska.eu
millesgarden.se
wallmans.se
The ‘Just Because’
Nothing says “I love you” like a little weekend away – just because. With Stockholm just a 2 and a half hour flight away from the UK and offering so much all-year-round, the city is the perfect setting for a surprise city break. The Hilton Slussen and the Sheraton offer amazing deals on rooms for weekend breaks and are perfectly located to explore the city. To get really acquainted with the city, visit the Royal Palace (and the Stockholm City Museum).
stockholm-slussen.hilton.com
sheratonstockholm.com
kungahuset.se
stadsmuseet.stockholm.se
Getting there
The national career SAS flies daily to Stockholm Arlanda Airport. For the latest flight deals to Stockholm, visit flysas.com – you’ll probably know SAS as being the first airline to have a gay wedding on board a flight just a few years ago.
The quickest and easiest way to get into the heart of Stockholm in just 20 minutes is the Arlanda Express. Pre-book your tickets at arlandaexpress.com.
To find out more and get inspired about Stockholm and more great LGBT-welcoming places to stay, visit gaylesbian.visitstockholm.com or join the Facebook page at facebook.com/gaylesbianstockholm