Fall in Stockholm is a superb time to visit, in spite of what some might say about Sweden in the fall - mainly about its chilly weather! It’s true that Stockholm weather in September, October, and November can be a little bit gray and cool, but there’s a raft of seasonal activities to do over this time.
If you’re unsure of what to do in Stockholm in fall, you should think about getting outdoors and experiencing one of the more unusual things to do in Stockholm like apple and mushroom picking - not what you would do on every city break - explore the fall markets and even film festivals.
There are dozens of things to do in Stockholm in the fall, and with the added benefit of fewer crowds, and famous Stockholm fall foliage, it may just be one of the most underrated of Stockholm seasons.
Shop at the fall markets
Sweden’s popular open-air museum and zoo Skansen is primarily thought of as a space for children, but during the fall in Stockholm, it takes on a decidedly different feel with its famous fall markets.
The market will allow you to time travel back to the 1900s, where stalls sell a wide selection of seasonal goods; everything from fruits and vegetables, to fresh bread and marmalades, are on offer.
There are also several activities for the whole family, and if the Stockholm weather in October gets a little bit too cold, you can escape into one of the taverns. In all, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Stockholm in the fall for the whole family.
Go apple picking
Fall in Sweden is apple picking season, and one of the best outdoor activities you can do during this time is to head out for a bit of apple picking! Over the course of the season, you’ll find bakeries and restaurants incorporating the fruit into various dishes, including the popular äppelsmulpaj, or Swedish apple crumble.
Even if you’re not a particularly big fan of apples, the orchards are beautiful and it’s a great activity if you’re unsure of what to do in Stockholm in fall. The two most popular apple orchards close to the city open for picking are Rosenhill in Ekerö or Edeby Gård in Drottningholm.
Forage for mushrooms
Another popular food to go looking for during the fall in Stockholm is mushrooms. Mushrooms are one of the most popular items in Swedish dishes throughout the year, and there are few better ways to get out into the beautiful fall colors than by embarking on a morning or afternoon of foraging.
If you’re looking for particularly scenic surroundings to find some mushrooms, head to the islands located in Lake Mälaren. Although if you’re planning on going alone, be sure to know which mushrooms are safe to eat, otherwise sign up for a day of foraging with experts.
Seek shelter in a museum or explore underground graffiti
The Stockholm weather in November can often turn a little cold, and if you find yourself needing a respite from the encroaching winter there’s no better option but to head indoors at one of the city’s popular art galleries and museums.
But if you’re up for a more adventurous exploration of the city’s art, wrap up warmly and head out on a tour of Stockholm’s street art and graffiti scene. The city is full of some stunning murals and artworks, including several below ground - the city’s famous art on the metro - and it’s a great way to get a sense of the city’s edgier side.
Take a free tour of the Swedish parliament
If you’re interested to learn more about Sweden’s past and present political situation then you simply have to schedule in a visit to the city’s Riksdag. The good news is also that, over the course of fall and into early spring, visits to the notable building are free of charge.
Each day between September and June there are free tours for 28 people. The tours are in English and start at 1:30 - be sure to get there a little while before to secure your spot.
Visit the book haven of Stockholm’s Stadsbibliotek
Fans of literature will be pleased to know that Stockholm’s famous Stadsbibliotek, or public library, is another fantastic free attraction in the city.
The library is a stunning building to explore and is home to impressive reading rooms and dozens of noteworthy artworks.
Stockholm in October is often a little cold, and a quick visit to the beautiful library will warm you up and leave you inspired to read even more.
Watch some tennis at the Stockholm Open
If ball sports are your thing, then plan your visit to Stockholm in October. The Stockholm Open takes place in October each year, and it’s a great showcase of tennis.
It all happens indoors on hard courts, and it forms part of the ATP World Tour 250 series. In 2022 the tournament will take place from the 17th to 23rd of October, and you can purchase tickets or find out more info on the Stockholm Open website.
Learn more about the arctic in a stunning new exhibition
In September 2022, the Nordiska Museet is hosting a stunning and alarming exhibition called The Arctic – while the ice is melting. It will allow visitors to meet people from many of the coldest places in the world, many of which are facing dramatic changes in the face of climate change.
The fascinating exhibit will showcase everyday life in these dramatic locations, with an overall highlight of a giant block of ice. The Arctic – while the ice is melting opens on 13th September 2022, and runs up until the end of December 2022.
Experience the fascinating Stockholm Fringe Festival
The annual Stockholm Fringe Festival is an annual six-day art festival that features some of the most intriguing acts from Sweden and abroad. The multidisciplinary event features everything from performance art to installations, and there’s a strong emphasis on the quirky and unusual.
It’s a superb showcase of art that doesn’t fit into the normal definitions, and so if you’re intrigued by more alternative art you’d do well to book a ticket to the capital over this time. In 2022, the event will run between the 13th to 17th of September at venues around the city.
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