Swedish Socialism Tour

Tour Details

About the Tour

Category: History, Three Days in Stockholm
Duration: 3 hours
Location: Stockholm

Photos & Highlights

Discover lesser known cultural landmarks while understanding Sweden's roots through the lens of the contemporary Stockholm
Led by a local social historian or expert
Hötorget Market and Klara Church

Tour Description

Scandinavian society as a whole is often viewed from the outside as a progressive Utopia. To what extent is that stereotype true? On this Swedish Socialism Tour we critically assess some Swedish stereotypes in the company of a local expert, using the Klara, Stockholm district in the borough of Norrmalm as a backdrop for discussion. The renovation of the district was among the most emphatic in postwar Europe and part of the biggest ever building program in Sweden. Together, we'll discover the architecture of the modern Swedish welfare state, the cultural idea of Sweden, and explore the city through the lens of Sweden today.

Trade Routes, Tracing Roots

Beginning at the epicenter of Stockholm’s transportation network, Central Station, we’ll find ourselves equally so at the hub of the modern-day city. First, we’ll briefly place Stockholm’s history in context, linking the sleek city that we see today with the first trading post settlements of Gamla stan and the suburban expansion to Norrmalm, the district in which today’s Central Station is located. Together, we’ll start to stroll the streets of the old district sometimes known as Klara and peel back the layers of its story.

For a closer look at the city's history, try our Gamla stan Tour, exploring Sweden's Old Town.

Klara, Stockholm

Along the way, we’ll spot landmarks like the Klara Church, the ancient monastery and house of worship which gave this area its nickname. As we take in its medieval Northern architecture, complete with red brick and sharp-spired turrets that pierce the sky, the meaning behind this towering site will guide our discussion of the area’s structural renovation: progressive renewal or disregard of heritage buildings?

Stockholm's Mod Facelift

Moving further through Klara and towards Sergels torg, we’ll see how the church stands alone in this area, one final bastion of visible ancient history. The landscape around us will swiftly progress to the 20th century, giving us the opportunity to examine pervasive external stereotypes about Swedish social systems, governance, and everyday life today. At bustling Sergels torg, bordered by institutions like the Kulturhuset (House of Culture) and the Stockholm City Theater, we’ll stand in this truly modern square and consider how it contrasts with what might once have been, when Stockholm was a waypoint for merchants transporting valuable goods or during its renaissance as a cultural cosmopolitan destination, dating back decades but accelerating towards the 20th century.

Sampling Stockholm's International Side

We’ll also save time for a nibble at Hötorget Saluhall, the site of a market hall that has been providing local producers with a space to offer their wares since the late-19th century. Today, it’s a smorgasbord of cuisines from around the world, and we’ll pass all kinds of vendors. For those ready to taste Stockholm's cuisine, this is the place to sample a local delicacy or two—perhaps smoked salmon, cheese pastry, or one of the three versions of the infamous traditional herring: pickled, with mustard, or simply raw.

Before our walk draws to a close, we will have looked at Norrmalm, and Klara in particular, through the eyes of a local expert who can help us to unlock its stories and secrets: of 1960s-era developers reimagining their city’s mercantile roots as foundation for a glossy commercial district, of architecting urban change on a massive scale, and more broadly, of what insight this can give us into Swedes and their social and cultural values.

Where You'll Start

Tour Experts

Elisabeth

Elisabeth is a sixth-generation Stockholmer with great appreciation and in-depth knowledge of the city. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters of Interpreting from Stockholm University and enjoyed a one-year study-abroad program at the University of Minnesota. Her fields of interest comprise history, architecture, art, literature, film, and politics.

Anna

Anna Håkansson is a former teacher in history and languages, with an additional special interest in art. Although she started her career in tourism by working at the Tourist Office in Stockholm back in the early '90s, today she works as a qualified tourist guide in her beautiful hometown of Stockholm. She also does tours in the Swedish parliament, where she interacts with a mixed bundle of international/national state officials and pupils from Sweden. In her spare time, Anna works with a Swedish public authority, The Living History Forum, which is commissioned to work with issues related to tolerance, democracy and human rights. She has also studied abroad and is fluent in English and Spanish. Anna lives with her partner, a musican, and their two sons on one of the 14 islands that the inner circle of Stockholm is built on.

Lars

Lars is himself a world traveler, but Södermalm in Stockholm is where he feels most at home. He has a passion for Stockholm’s history but very much up-to-date with the city of today. With a love of food, he is sure to know where the best chefs have their restaurants. And as a trained ranger (in South Africa) Lars is also sure to know the city’s parks, flora and fauna.

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7 Reviews – (4.43)

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

I'm so sorry to have to leave a review that is not glowing or at least average. But, the tour felt like we were reading our guide book. Nothing special or interesting was added by the guide. We felt bored and just wanted to go back to our hotel. I'm so sorry.

Adria

Aug. 23, 2019

Lars was so knowledgeable. We wanted to know more about Swedish society. He answered all our questions. We loved him.

Dorothy

Jul. 4, 2019

Lars was an excellent tour guide, knowledgeable, personable and responsive to questions. In all our travels, we never had a better experience on a tour. Thanks!

Trish

Sep. 21, 2018

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