While November can feel dark and dreary, don’t worry – there are plenty of wonderful experiences to brighten up the month. We've gathered some suggestions for things to do in Stockholm in November, all tied to Swedish and local Stockholm traditions. Explore an exhibition on Swedish folk art, see live candles illuminate the UNESCO World Heritage site Skogskyrkogården, enjoy a Swedish fika at a historic café, learn about Stockholm on a boat tour, visit a Christmas market, enjoy a brunch cruise, or start the holiday season with a traditional Christmas buffet. We've got the best tips for when you are visiting Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, in November! At the bottom of the post, you’ll find a map with all the recommendations.
During the month of November many people visit the renowned graveyard of Skogskyrkogården in Stockholm. Take a quiet stroll and watch it come to life in the flickering light from hundreds of lanterns as the evening sets. Skogskyrkogården is a world heritage site and is usually visited by over 50 000 people during the first weekend in November, when many Swedes according to tradition light a candle to remember the dead.
Learn more about Stockholm with popular sightseeing tour Under the Bridges of Stockholm. The tour is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, a perfect amount of time to lean back and relax, enjoy the view and listen to the fascinating facts about Stockholm and it’s history. The tour departs from Strömkajen in central Stockholm and goes past the royal castle, Old Town and through the locks in to Lake Mälaren. You will then pass Södermalm and one of the most famous buildings in Stockholm, the City Hall. There is a café onboard where you can buy tea, coffee, snacks, cakes, beer and wine. The guiding is available in 11 different languages.
The classic Fika has become world-famous and is one of Sweden’s most loved traditions! A fika traditionally consists of coffee and seven different cakes (and preferably a cinnamon bun, too). At well renowned café Vetenkatten, that has been going since 1928, you can sample traditional cakes, buns and baked goods in a unique and cosy environment! Vetekatten was started by a lady called Ester Nordhammar, who had a vision of creating a simple bakery that would serve bread and baked goods of the highest quality. She also insisted on hiring only women (a rather bold statement in those times). She had her way and not a single man was hired until after her death n 1961.
Tip – Do you have a Hop On-Hop Off bus ticket? Get off at stop Icebar. From there, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the charming Vetekatten café!
Enjoy an archipelago cruise with historical ship S/S Stockholm! The Brunch Cruise has become a firm favourite with the locals in Stockholm. Here you can find couples, groups of friends and families that have taken the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy one of the best brunches in Stockholm. The cruise is three hours long and departs from Strandvägen, berth area 16, in central Stockholm. S/S Stockholm was built in 1931 and decorated in classic Art Deco-style! The menu changes according to the season to make room for the best flavours and seasonal produce. There are also plenty of vegetarian dishes.
Another tip for things to do in Stockholm in late November is to visit one of the Christmas markets. The holiday spirit starts spreading as the city's markets open up. It’s the perfect time to enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, and traditional handicrafts while strolling among the festive stalls. Here are a few markets that start in late November:
Another popular Swedish tradition that kicks off in late November is the Christmas buffet. It’s the perfect time to gather with family, friends, or colleagues and enjoy traditional holiday food in a cozy atmosphere. Here are some popular Christmas buffets in Stockholm:
Find tips on things to do when visiting Stockholm in November on the map below.