Tapestry Travels - Göteborg & Stockholm

In January 2020, after visiting friends and working from our remote office at BloxHub in Copenhagen, I caught the train north into Sweden for an icy, but brilliant few days - visiting Gothenburg and Stockholm (for a meeting at ArkDes where my book, Underground Urbanism is now included in the library’s collection). If you ever get a chance to visit either of these charming cities, here are some places you might enjoy:

Gothenburg / Göteborg

• With over 10,000 plant species, the Botanical Garden is one of the largest in Europe and forms part of a network of blue / green ecological open spaces within the city. Nearby, in the grounds of the Garden Society of Gothenburg, the Palm House (Palmhuset) is a tranquil haven of tropical plants - inspired by the Crystal Palace that existed in London in the late 1800s, it is comfortable for people and plants year-round.

• The Haga neighbourhood is a low rise, historic neighbourhood consisting mostly of timber buildings, and the perfect spot for mooching between quaint shops and cafes.

• Gothenburg Station is an attractive, human scale terminus – built in 1858 it is (though modified over time), the oldest original station still operating in Sweden. The station also includes a branch of Design Target - great for stocking up on souvenirs for design lovers!

Stockholm

• ArkDes, Sweden’s National Centre for Architecture and Design, is a museum as well as a research centre and event space for architecture and design. The museum is currently closed, but some information on the current exhibition Kiruna Forever (about the relocation and rebuilding of an entire city within the Arctic Circle), is available to view online.  

• Stockholm Metro – more than just a rapid mass transit network, the Stockholm has a staggeringly beautiful, creative and diverse art programme. Each of the 100 stations contains original artworks, integrated into their design.

• Gamla Stan – the historic medieval centre of Stockholm, Gamla Stan has beautiful buildings including the Royal Palace and Nobel Prize Museum lining narrow, cobblestoned streets.

• Hotel Skeppsholman - stay at this lovely former army barracks with a stylish refurbishment, great food and atmosphere. The hotels has water views and is within walking distance of cultural institutions like ArkDes, the Modern Museum and photographic museum, as well as the historic city centre.

• Fabrique Bakery – small chain of stone oven bakeries (@fabriquebakery) serving delicious cardamon buns and croissants to fuel winter walks through the city!

  P.S. if you’re feeling peckish, Fabrique also has several bakeries in London & New York!