Södermalm

Södermalm is equally a bit weird and a bit cool – in other words, something of a hipster’s dream. Also referred to as just ‘Söder’, this part of Stockholm is relaxed, artsy, and full of little surprises. It’s also a great place for shopping, though your bank account might call it ‘dangerous’ instead. If that isn’t quite your scene, don’t worry – SoFo has plenty of other things to see and do, such as some beautiful viewpoints featured on this trail, and of course, Fotografiska, one of the world's largest photography museum.

Starting point: Fern & Fika | Nearest subway station: Hornstull (red line)

Finishing point: Fotografiska | Nearest subway station: Slussen (red and green lines)

Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes. Quite hilly at times.

Fern & Fika

  • The sign for Fern & Fika on the outside of their café, showing a coffee with a leaf pattern.
  • A matcha latte.
  • The interior of Fern and Fika.

We’re starting off our trail at the lovely Fern & Fika. Previously known as STHLM Raw, this plant-based cafe serves up all kinds of raw-based fika and lunch treats. Even if you’re not plant-based yourself, it’s difficult to deny that their treats look like miniature pieces of artwork. If you’re starting off the day nice and early, you can’t go wrong with one of their classic avocado sandwiches. If you fancy something sturdier, their weekly soup bowls will keep you full. They aim to be sustainable by reducing their use of plastics, and concentrate on using organic and seasonal ingredients.

Address: Fern & Fika, Långholmsgatan 11, 117 33 Stockholm

Directions: Walk south on Långholmsgatan towards Folkskolegatan. Turn left onto Hornsgatan.

Hornsgatan

The cobbled streets at Bellmans Gatan in Södermalm.

Hornsgatan is one of the main roads of Södermalm, stretching from Hornstull to Slussen, just before the connecting bridges over to Gamla Stan. It’s also one of the area’s busiest, and you’ll find plenty of shops, bars, restaurants, cafés, night clubs, and whatever else the whole way down. If you’re into fashion, this’ll be your place to explore – you’ll find everything from the uber contemporary boutique to the specialist vintage store.

Address: Hornsgatan, Stockholm

Directions: continue down Hornsgatan, down to Mariatorget. Turn left onto Torkel Knutssonsgatan. Turn right onto Bastugatan, which will take onto Monteliusvägen on the left. Continue through Olle Adolphsons park to get to Mariaberget.

Monteliusvägen & Mariaberget

  • A bicycle standing under a sign titled 'Söder Mälarstrand'.
  • The view from Mariaberget. A yellow house on a cobbled street, with views leading down to the water and the City Hall on the other side.

Hopefully you aren’t sick of beautiful views just yet, because here’s some more for you. Monteliusvägen offers some spots for a panoramic view over the water and across Stockholm’s skyline. Make sure you’ve got your camera ready!

Address: Monteliusvägen, 118 25 Stockholm | Mariaberget, Monteliusvägen, 118 25 Stockholm, Sweden

Directions: From Monteliusvägen, turn right onto Blecktornsgrändd. Continue walking down to Mariatorget. Turn immediately right, then immediately left onto Swedenborgsgatan.

Bageri Petrus

The interior of Bageri Petrus, showing wooden shelves and stacks of teacups. On the wall are various botanical prints.

If you’re ever looking at the food or travel explore feeds on Instagram, you may well have seen a picture of Bageri Petrus’ cinnamon buns. Topped with pearl sugar and almond flakes, they’re also about fifty percent bigger than the average bakery’s bullar. So, maybe bring a friend? Or don’t, we won’t tell on you…

Address: Bageri Petrus, Swedenborgsgatan 4B, 118 48 Stockholm

Directions: Return north to Sankt Paulsgatan. Continue onto Urvädersgränd. Urvädersgränd will turn to the right and become Mosebacke Torg. Turn left to stay on Mosebacke Torg.

Svartensgatan, Fiskargatan

Lotsgatan in Södermalm. A cobbled street lined with traditional falu-röd (a dark red) wooden houses.

A small detour on the way, just to take you back in time. The cobbled streets and traditional wooden houses give you a glimpse into what Södermalm used to look like, before all the cranes and construction set in. The name for fiskargatan dates all the way back 1646! Most of the houses are from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Address: Svartensgatan, Stockholm

Directions: Walk south on Östgötagatan towards Högbergsgatan. Turn left onto Högbergsgatan.

Katarina Kyrkan

Illustration of Katarina Kyrkan. A yellow church with orante white trim and turrets.

Katarina Kyrkan is named after Princess Catherine, mother of King Charles X of Sweden. The original building was built in 1656–1695. Since then, the church has been reconstructed twice, after being destroyed by fires. If you step off the trail slightly, you’ll find similarly fairy-tale like streets as on Svartensgatan.

Address: Högbergsgatan 13A, 116 20 Stockholm

Directions: walk through the park to Nytorgsgatan, and turn left onto Folkungagatan. This final part will take about half an hour. Continue left on Folkungagatan, and cross the zebra crossing. Stay on the right side, along the water, and you will see Fotografiska on your right.

Fotografiska

Illustration of Fotografiska, from the side. A red and black industrial building.

We end the trail at Fotografiska – the largest photography museum in the world. Normally our philosophy is to let you decide whether you stop at a museum that’s along a trail or not, but we’re making a slight exception to recommend visiting Fotografiska especially. Housed in a former warehouse, the museum features both world-famous and emerging photographers’ work. Exhibitions change regularly, usually with at least three on at any given time. If you’re tuckered out from the walk and the exhbitions, Fotografiska also has a lovely restaurant at the top floor with phenomenal views.

Address: Valhallavägen 113, 114 41 Stockholm

Directions: your next stop is Bullar & Bröd, which lies higher up on Valhallavägen, number 65 on your right.