A wellness travel guide to Stockholm: hotels, local resorts and more.

Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden’s capital city with its 14 islands, stunning parks, miles of bike paths and countless architectural delights. The Scandinavian destination has become a favorite among eco-tourists due to the city’s mix of history (it has one of the best medieval city centers in Europe) and green innovation (it was the first city to receive the title of Green Capital in the European Union).

For those looking for a place that inspires a more eco-friendly future, without leaving behind historical landmarks, there is no better place than this Baltic Sea city.

Given that Sweden is known for art and interior design, it’s no surprise that their offerings are so impressive. What we especially love about them? Many of them have environmentally friendly properties.

This boutique hotel offers the best of modern Scandinavian living: minimalist and industrial aesthetics, a sustainable approach to living and contemporary events and offerings. They have four room types to choose from (to accommodate a wide range of budgets), from modern suites to small, compact bedrooms. Don’t miss the lobby bar or rooftop restaurant, both of which combine local fare and global inspiration through the lens of safety and sustainability. Meaning? You’ll find plant-based Mediterranean offerings alongside local beers.

A historic 59-room hotel located by the bay of Brunnsviken, this hotel is perfect for those who want a little piece of old-world charm among the lush, natural landscape. The top-rated hotel features well-designed rooms, a restaurant serving organic and local fare, and a garden to take in the calm waters of the bay. Take a five-minute walk northwest and you’ll find yourself in the woods and gardens of Royal Haga Park.

A one-of-a-kind destination, Et Hem literally means “at home.” You’ll understand why once you walk through the doors. Built into the walls of a 20th-century townhouse, this 12-room guest house will make you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s house (albeit a very nice friend). The rooms are warm and welcoming, using antique furniture, natural fabrics and woods. Between your tours, take a little or a lot to relax in the hotel’s peaceful garden, well-stocked library, and (homemade) restaurant to break bread with other guests.

There is so much to see and experience in and around Stockholm that will satisfy most interests.

The city is extremely bike-friendly – thousands of local residents use it as their main mode of transport. Stockholm Adventures offers small-group guided bike tours so you can see the sights and experience the sights. On the regular tour, you will see Stockholm at a Glance, the medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Kungliga Slotet (Royal Palace), the Swedish Parliament and the Royal Dramatic Theatre. For a more versatile and artistic field trip, choose the Sofo tour that takes you around Södermal Island to marvel at modern and historic architecture, artisan shops, trendy cafes and more.

The city’s most famous park is the Hague Royal National City Park area and make your list. But for smaller local spots, Humlegården and Ivar Los Park do not disappoint. In Sweden they have something called “freedom of movement”, which basically just means the right to land (except for small, private gardens and such). This means that natural wonders are open to all. Please just remember their unofficial policy of “Do Not Disturb—Do Not Disturb.”

The city is where Lake Malar and the Baltic Sea meet and is made up of several islands, making a water guided tour one of the most beautiful ways to experience Stockholm. Solar Boats Stockholm uses (completely quiet!) solar-powered catamarans and is available for group or private tours. If you’re looking for something more active, the water is famously clear and perfect for kayaking (see Stockholm Adventures for options). For some sights outside the city, take a boat trip to the Stockholm Archipelago – the islands of Fjäderholmarna, Grinda and Värmdö are ideal for a short trip.

For those into spirits, Stockholms Brewery is the city’s first and only gin distillery, which offers tastings, lectures and tours of the grounds where it’s hand-crafted (and housed in an old Jaguar workshop). They make organic gin inspired by the Nordic region – with unique flavors such as Oak Gin (aged in bourbon barrels with orange peel), Rose Gin (made with rose petals and rhubarb, inspired by the Scandinavian summer night sky) and Navy Strength Gin (their classic dry gin, with strong Taste only). Stop by for a gin and tonic master class or sample craft cocktails.

Spa culture in Sweden is no joke. For city dwellers, Centralbadet is a century-old bathhouse that offers pools, a rooftop terrace, yoga classes and classic massages. Or head to the island of Varmdo to visit Yasuragi, internationally recognized for its lush, zen landscape and atmosphere.

Enjoy Nordic cuisine in a new way.

Often considered the best restaurant in Stockholm, this is an example of innovative Nordic cuisine. Everything without gas or electricity – fire, charcoal and smoke are the chefs’ only tools – and made with seasonal ingredients. All this earned him a Michelin star.

Translated to “greenhouse”, this vegan restaurant offers a small, curated menu that changes according to what’s in season (you’ll notice that the menu can change at short notice depending on the raw ingredients you can get daily). The food is served in a home-like atmosphere.

If Swedish meatballs feel too on-the-nose for the discerning traveler, trust us, the alternative is still surprising and delicious. They serve a variety of meatballs – both animal meat and vegan options – along with northern sides. But what makes them unique is the high level of traceability: each ingredient has its origins right on the local farm.

Opt for basics that embody Scandinavian minimalism.

Eco-travel is often relegated to natural areas, but cityscapes and metropolitan areas can provide just as much inspiration. Stockholm is proof: Sweden’s capital seamlessly combines urban greenery and local architectural updates without losing sight of its historic sights and artistic roots.