The green guide to visiting Stockholm

One might question why a green guide to visiting Stockholm is even needed. Sweden was recently named the most sustainable country in the world for tourism for the second time in Euromonitor’s Sustainable Travel Index; it also ranked first (again for the second time) in the Good Country Index, which measures how contributions by one nation to others balances against what they take away.

Environmental awareness is in the very bones of the capital, Stockholm, and its people. Take transportation: car usage is kept to a minimum and those who do drive mostly use biofuel, derived from sewage. Most residents and visitors use the excellent public transport system of buses and metro (look out for the amazing underground art). There’s bike and electric scooter hire everywhere, too – with pick up and drop off – while boats provide quick and scenic hops between the islands of this beautiful city archipelago.

Stockholm’s ambitions for the future include being totally fossil-fuel free by 2040. Helping them achieve that, and much more, are many increasingly innovative places to eat, stay and play. Here’s our pick of them.

Eat

Stockholm is at the forefront of foodtech – everything from circular indoor and even underground farming to aquaponic fishtanks.

Restaurants offer local, seasonable produce. One of the best examples is Växthuset, with its cool, creative, vegan fine dining menu (and a great nightclub next door). Or try Garba, with its simple, delicious and sustainable dishes.

Travellers looking for picnic paradise should check out Urban Deli (there are four branches), which has impeccable eco credentials, always putting animals, people and planet first. They also reduce waste with their foodhall/shop/restaurant combination.

Or there’s Östermalms Saluhall, recently reopened after a huge refurbishment. This majestic market dates back to 1888 and is the place to come for plucked-fresh-from-the-sea lobster, prawns and other seafood; fresh bread; and fruit and veg. Or just hang out and have lunch at the excellent Lisa Elmqvist restaurant, one of a few dotted around the hall.

Sopköket (it translates as Garbage Kitchen) uses surplus ingredients from local supermarkets and restaurant suppliers in its tasty dishes, with leftovers are given to those in need.

Incidentally, never opt for mineral water when in Stockholm; the tap water is wonderful and automatically available wherever you go.

Stay

For eco-friendly fun…