Student blogs

Hey everyone!
I would like to introduce you to the neighbourhood I live in, Södermalm!
Södermalm (also sometimes called Söder) is an island located south of the centre of Stockholm, but it is still very central itself. It is definitely known for being more of a ‘hipster’ area, and has lots of cafés, boutique shops and galleries.

Let’s talk cafés

I really love cafés! In fact, I love fika and cafés so much that I started an Instagram account all about Swedish cafés! There are many great cafés in Södermalm, but here are a few of my favourites:

1. Café Pascal
   This was the first café I visited in Sweden, so I might be a little biased! They always have good things to eat, and the coffee is great too.
2. Sebastien på Söder
   This place might be better to take pastries away from and sit outside on a nice sunny day, as there isn’t much seating inside.
3. Fern and fika
   This café serves all things vegan! They have sweet food, lunches, and a wide selection of drinks. It is located at Hornstull so be sure to check out the area whilst you’re there.
4. Gunnarsons Specialkonditori
   I really like this café. There was a huge selection of different cakes and pastries to try, and I can say, having been several times, the cakes I have tried have always been great!
   

Restaurants in Södermalm

1. Falloumi
   Falafel and halloumi – who could want more?!
2. Pelikan
   A restaurant that serves some traditionally ‘Swedish’ dishes. A little pricey, but worth a visit.
3. Hermans
   Hermas is a vegan buffet, with really good food! Before I visited I was a little sceptical, but this buffet definitely delivers! It’s currently closed due to COVID-19, but I recommend a visit when it reopens.
4. Morfar Ginko
   I have never been, but this was a recommendation from a friend. It looks like a nice trendy place to eat, with a nice variety of food.

Places to visit

1. Fotografiska
   This is the largest photography museum in the world! There are 4 museums, in New York, Berlin, Tallinn and, of course, Stockholm. It contains unique photography exhibitions, which change every few months. I would definitely recommend a visit!
2. Sofia Kyrka
   Located on the top of Vita Bergen, Sofia Church is very pretty. Inside, it has a large fresco painted by Hilding Linnqvist, which was painted in 1950.
3. Hornstull
   Known as one of the most ‘up and coming’ areas in Stockholm. There are trendy bars and food trucks here. It is also close to Vasterbron, a high bridge with a nice view.

Nature spots

There are lots of places to relax in nature on Södermalm. As Södermalm is an island, there is a lot of water! There are also parks and beaches to visit too.

1. Tanto park and Tanto strand
   Located very near to Jägargatan, Tanto park is a lovely park by the water, and it also has a beach (Tanto strand). It is a lovely place for a picnic, a swim or just to watch the world go by.
2. Ivar Lo’s park
   This park is loved by many Swedes. It has cute old wooden houses and is located overlooking the water, near to the Monteliusvägen viewpoint.

Viewpoints

Södermalm has a lot of viewpoints! Here are 3 of my favourites:

1. Fjällgatan 
   This is located on a cliff on the north side of Södermalm, and has a lovely view over central Stockholm!
2. Monteliusvägen
   Also located on the north side of Södermalm, 1km or so along from Fjällgatan, this walkway has similar views. It is a lovely place to wander and is especially nice at sunset.
3. Skinnarviksberget
   This is the highest natural point in central Stockholm! It’s a popular place for picnics and also to look across the water at the City Hall, Gamla Stan and other points of interest.

If you have been accepted to study at KI, congratulations! It can be difficult to find housing in Stockholm, so start looking early. I love living in Södermalm, but if you’d like to read more about other lovely places in Stockholm, Helen has written a blog about Kungsholmen, Tina has written a blog about Östermalm, and Fran has written a blog about Vasastan.
Best of luck finding a place to live!