Have you seen the Happiness Report for 2025? Once again, the Nordic countries top the list. Sweden ranks #4 in how happy its citizens feel. If you’re tired of sweating through summer, turn your gaze north. Think cool breezes, bright nights, and the 30,000-island wonder of Stockholm’s archipelago. Just a short ride from the city, these pine-fringed isles offer the perfect reset. Swim, sail, or simply watch the light change over open water. Sweden’s capital Stockholm also attracts people as the country’s creative and cultural engine. Named the European Capital of Culture in 1998, the city continues to live up to the title. Expect festivals, design fairs, and heritage sites that come alive in summer. Curious about life at the top of the happiness list? Find out how to experience Scandinavia in full bloom.

The main attractions

The Swedish concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) encourages locals and visitors alike to explore the outdoors. With high temperatures averaging around 21°C, the city’s residents spend much of the season outdoors. You’ll find them on boats and beaches, hiking trails and rooftop bars. Stockholm’s dynamic neighborhoods, from Gamla Stan (the Old Town) to Sodermalm, each offer a unique way to experience the season. Locals suggest taking in the sunrise and late afternoons, packing a picnic for the park, and trying traditional Swedish summer foods like gravlax, herring, and strawberry cake!

A booked event calendar

In late spring and summer, Stockholm comes alive, transforming into a vibrant stage for festivals, open-air celebrations, and irresistible food-filled holidays. The city buzzes with energy, flavor, and endless reasons to gather and indulge. In late May, locals gather in parks and open spaces to celebrate Walpurgis Night, also known as Valborg. The evening features choral singing and bonfires to mark the end of winter.

Midsommar in June stands out as an iconic summer celebration. It features flower crowns, maypole dancing, and plenty of snaps— a type of aquavit. Also to remember, July features Diggiloo! On July 17, some of the country’s most beloved artists light up Hedens Idrottsplats with the lively vibe of music hits and laughter. Sing along to your favorite tunes with family and friends, enjoying a magical summer night under the open sky. In August, a beloved end-of-summer event takes place: Kraftskiva. Locals don paper hats and bibs, sing traditional songs, and feast on pounds of fresh crayfish.

Checking in

Consider making some of these reputable hotels your home base in Stockholm. Hotel At Six, in Stockholm’s business district, greets guests with an eight-floor-tall marble sculpture in the hotel’s atrium. Rooms mix high-end artwork and amenities with elegant design and a marble rooftop bar. For a more personal stay, Ett Hem in Lärkstaden offers a courtyard garden, an intimate setting, and impeccable design. With 12 rooms, the townhouse-style property feels like staying with stylish friends. A historic five-star, century-old property, Grand Hôtel overlooks Stockholm’s old town and waterfront. For those seeking a blend of old and new, Nobis Hotel combines the best of both styles and is conveniently located in the heart of the shopping district. The hotel features the trend-right Acne Studios flagship!

Shopping & culture

Drottninggatan – the longest shopping street in Sweden – is stretching through the heart of Stockholm with endless stores, cafés, and a local charm. Swedish fashion brands are gaining popularity, from Acne Studios to sustainably crafted Ganni to covetable TOTEME. The street hosts gift shops, cafés, and one of Stockholm’s top department stores, Åhléns City. Located in an old paint factory, Fragfabriken offers an innovative exhibition space for contemporary cultural expressions with an emphasis on art, architecture, and urban development.

Symrise gave early insights into summer travel trends with the rise of “coolcations”—getaways that prioritize calm, culture, and cooler climates. Sweden, with its cultural hub of Stockholm, may be the ideal place to recharge and unwind.

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