Stockholm Combines Eco-Friendly Innovation With Scandinavian Charm

For those in search of a place that will leave them inspired for a more eco-friendly future, without leaving historic landmarks behind, there's no better place than this Baltic Sea city.

Given that Sweden is known for art and interior design, it should come as no surprise that its offerings are awe-inspiring. The thing that we love about them in particular? Many have eco-friendly features.

This boutique hotel offers the best of modern Scandinavian living: minimalist and industrial aesthetic, a sustainable approach to living, and trendy events and offerings. They have four room types to pick from (to accommodate a wider budget variety), from modernist suites to smaller, compact bedrooms. Don't miss the lobby bar or rooftop restaurant, both of which blend together local fare and global inspiration taken through the lens of well-being and sustainability. Meaning? You'll see plant-based Mediterranean offerings alongside local beers.

A historic 59-room inn located near the bay of Brunnsviken, this hotel is perfect for those who want a little slice of Old World charm amid lush, natural scenery. The top-rated hotel boasts exquisitely designed rooms, a restaurant that serves organic and local fare, and a garden patio to take in the calm waters of the bay. Take a five-minute walk northwest, and you'll find yourself at the forests and gardens of Royal Haga Park. 

A one-of-a-kind destination, Ett Hem literally means "at home." You'll understand why once you enter its doors. Built within the walls of a 20th-century townhouse mansion, this 12-room guest house feels like you're inhabiting a friend's home (albeit, a very stylish friend). The rooms are warm and welcoming, using antique furnishings, natural fabrics, and woods. Between your excursions, take a moment—or several—to enjoy the hotel's peaceful garden, well-stocked library, and kitchen-style restaurant to break (homemade) bread with the other guests. 

There's much to see and experience in and around Stockholm that can satisfy many interests: 

The city is extremely bike-friendly—thousands of locals use it as their primary means of transportation. Stockholm Adventures offers small group guided bike tours so you can see the sights and get your bearings. In the standard tour, Stockholm At A Glance, you'll see the medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town), Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace), Swedish Parliament, and the Royal Dramatic Theatre. For a more eclectic and art-field tour, opt for the SoFo tour that takes you around the island of Södermalm to marvel at the modern and historical architecture, artisan shops, trendy cafes, and more. 

The city's most famous park, Haga, is an area of the Royal National City Park and should make your list. But for smaller, localish spots, Humlegården and Ivar Los Park won't disappoint. In Sweden they also have what's called "Freedom to Roam," which basically just means a right to access land (exceptions being small, private gardens and the like). This means the natural wonders are open to all. Please just be mindful of their unofficial rule: "Don't disturb—don't destroy." 

The city is located where Lake Mälar and the Baltic Sea meet and is made up of several islands, making a water-led excursion one of the most beautiful ways to experience Stockholm. Solar Boats Stockholm uses a (totally silent!) solar-powered catamaran and is available for group or private tours. If you're looking for something more active, the waters are famously clean and perfect for kayaking (check out Stockholm Adventures for options). For some outside-the-city scenery, take a ferry trip into the Stockholm Archipelago—the islands of Fjäderholmarna, Grinda, and Värmdö are all perfect for a short trip.

For those who partake in spirits, Stockholms Bränneri is the city's first and only gin distillery, which offers tastings, classes, and tours of the campus where they produce the liquor by hand (and it's housed in an old Jaguar workshop). They make organic gin inspired by the Nordic environment—with unique flavor profiles such as Oak Gin (distilled with orange peel in bourbon barrels), Pink Gin (made with rose petals and rhubarb, it's inspired by the Scandinavian summer night sky), and Navy Strength Gin (their classic dry gin, just with a stronger flavor). Stop by for a gin & tonic master class or to sample their craft cocktails. 

Spa culture in Sweden is no joke. For those staying in the city, the Centralbadet is a century-old bathhouse that offers pools, a rooftop terrace, yoga classes, and classic massages. Or head to the island Värmdö to visit Yasuragi, a spa that has gained international recognition for its lush, zen scenery and atmosphere. 

Enjoy nordic cuisine with a fresh twist. 

Often considered the best restaurant in Stockholm, this is the epitome of innovative nordic cuisine. Everything is cooked without gas or electricity—fire, charcoal, and smoke are the chefs' only tools—and made with seasonal ingredients. All of this has earned it a Michelin star. 

Translated to "The Greenhouse," this vegan restaurant offers a small, curated menu that changes depending on the season offerings (they note that depending on the raw materials they are able to receive on a daily basis, the menu can change on short notice). The food is served in a stunning home-like setting. 

If Swedish meatballs feel too on-the-nose for a discerning traveler, trust us, that option will still surprise and delight. They serve a variety of meatballs—both animal meat and vegan options—with nordic sides. But what sets them apart is the high degree of traceability: Each ingredient has precise sourcing down to the local farm. 

Opt for basics that embody that coveted Scandinavian minimalism.

Eco-travel is usually relegated to natural environments, but cityscapes and metropolitans can offer just as much inspiration. Stockholm is proof: The Swedish capital seamlessly blends together urban greenery and environmental architectural updates, without losing the historic sights and artistic roots.