Stockholm in Four Days: City, Nature and Nordic Hospitality
A travel report written by our colleague Stella from the LCC Headquarters: When our DMC partner Haman Travel Lufthansa City Center invited a small group of Lufthansa City Center colleagues to discover Stockholm, I expected beautiful scenery, great hotels and plenty of inspiration. What I didn't expect was how much variety Sweden's capital and its surroundings could offer in just four days.
Together with Vitalia Bernic (LCC Vertours, Italy), Daniel Plum (LCC Reisebüro Daniel Plum, Germany), Sandra Woytt (LCC Travelworld, Germany), Mirna Fatuta Banjac (LCC Bantel Travel, Croatia), and Nevena Novoselac (LCC Miross, Serbia), I set off to experience Stockholm from multiple angles: from historic streets and world-famous culture to untouched nature, island landscapes and authentic local encounters.
Our journey began at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, where we received a warm welcome from Ulrika Stålberg from Haman Travel Lufthansa City Center.
Before heading into Stockholm, we made our first stop in Sweden's oldest town: Sigtuna. Here, we enjoyed lunch at Sigtunahöjden, a sustainable conference hotel overlooking the surrounding landscape. It was the perfect introduction to a destination where nature, sustainability and quality seem to go hand in hand.
After lunch, we were invited to visit LCC Haman Travel's Stockholm office. Over snacks and drinks, we had the chance to get to know the team, exchange ideas, ask questions and gain valuable insights into their work and the Nordic market.
The day concluded at Haymarket by Scandic, a hotel that beautifully blends historic character with contemporary Nordic design. The building also has a fascinating connection to Swedish cultural history: before becoming a hotel, it was home to the department store where a young Greta Garbo once worked as a sales assistant before being discovered and beginning her acting career.
Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, joined by Jonas Brand Svensson, Lufthansa Group Account Manager for the region, provided the perfect setting to continue our conversations, get to know each other better and ease into the days ahead.
Stockholm is often called the "Venice of the North", and after spending a day exploring the city, it was easy to understand why. Stretching across 14 islands, the Swedish capital effortlessly combines urban life with water, green spaces and history.
Our guided walking tour took us through different districts, each with its own character and story. Along the way, we learned about Stockholm's rich history while discovering how closely everyday life is connected to nature.
One of the highlights was exploring Stockholm through its food culture. At a food hall, we tasted a variety of Swedish specialties, including local cheeses and sausages, e.g. moose sausage. It was a delicious way to experience the destination beyond its landmarks.
Another memorable stop was the museum island Djurgården. Here, we visited the impressive Vasa Museum, home to one of the world's best-preserved 17th-century warships. Standing in front of the enormous vessel was a powerful reminder of Sweden's maritime history.
The afternoon became even sweeter during a traditional Polkagris workshop, where we rolled, twisted and crafted Sweden’s famous candy by hand — opting for a super-sour flavour. Naturally, everyone left with a sugary souvenir.
The day ended far away from the city's busy streets. We ventured into the Swedish wilderness for an outdoor experience that demonstrated just how easily Stockholm combines city life with nature. During a hike around a lake, we picked blueberries and lingonberries, spotted red deer and wild boar, and even learned basic survival skills, including how to make a fire. Sharing a dinner in the middle of nature as the sun slowly disappeared behind the trees was a truly unforgettable experience.
If there is one thing that became clear during this trip, it is how closely Stockholm's identity is connected to water.
A boat journey through the Stockholm archipelago revealed a completely different side of the destination. Thousands of islands, rocky shorelines, forests and picturesque houses create a landscape unlike anywhere else in Europe. With lunch served on board, we had the opportunity to simply slow down, enjoy the scenery and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere.
After returning to the city, we had some free time to explore Stockholm independently - cinnamon rolls included! Whether strolling through the streets, enjoying a coffee or discovering hidden corners, it offered a chance to experience the city at our own pace.
In the afternoon, it was time for another iconic Swedish experience: the ABBA Museum. Learning about and listening to one of the country's most successful cultural exports. Mamma Mia!
Our final evening together was marked by a farewell dinner at Hotel Skeppsholmen, giving us the chance to reflect on the many experiences shared over the previous days and the new connections formed along the way.
As with every great trip, the final morning arrived far too quickly.
On the transfer back to Arlanda Airport, conversations naturally turned to memories, favourite moments and future opportunities. In only a few days, Haman Travel Lufthansa City Center had managed to showcase the remarkable diversity of Stockholm and its surroundings: vibrant city life, world-class culture, authentic culinary experiences, outdoor adventures and breathtaking nature.
Most importantly, however, the trip demonstrated the value of experiencing a destination first-hand and sharing those experiences with colleagues from across the Lufthansa City Center network.
I left Sweden with a deeper appreciation for Stockholm's unique character, countless memories, and, admittedly, a newfound weakness for cinnamon rolls.
