There may be no city that best embodies the description ?winter wonderland? as does Stockholm during the months spanning December through February, when snow dusts the city’s stately waterfront architecture like powdered sugar over cake, regularly layering its streets so thoroughly, it?s not uncommon to witness commuters skiing to work. During the warmer months the glacial-formed archipelago thaws into something glorious, awakening the dormant Scandinavian desire for the outdoors and the activity revolving the inviting landscape. But visiting the Swedish capital during its more frigid months invites a slower pace distilled to Stockholm’s most basic charms. Destinations per day in winter may be limited, but experiences are magnified and every moment feels indeed wondrous. WHERE TO STAY
The winter weather outside may seem frightful, but the rooms within The Strand are indeed warm and delightful. Photo: Gregory Han
If only the walls of The Strand hotel could talk ? a hotel that once played host to a global revolving door of the who’s who who arrived nightly to drink and be merry (reputedly Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman partied at the hotel’s bar with regularity). Originally designed by Ludwig Peterson in preparation for the 1912 Olympic Games, the 170 guest rooms, suites, lobby, restaurant, and bar have only recently been given a modern makeover by Swedish architectural studio WingÃ¥rdhs, now wearing a sedate Scandinavian palette of greys and warm wo...