My Top Tips to Survive January

Christmas is over, the presents have been opened, and maybe things feel a bit dull after New Year’s? No way! My name is Sofie, and I’ve planned the ultimate tour to make the most of January with tons of fun things to do during the darkest part of winter. Royal Djurgården is packed with fantastic activities to keep you busy all month long.

Here are my four absolute favorite spots for an amazing start to the new year, along with my own tips to make each experience extra special!

Explore the world of imagination at the Museum of Etnografiska 

The holidays are a stressful time, so I prefer to wind down in January and fill the month with a little magic. My top recommendation is the Museum of Etnografiska, which is perfect for starting off the new year.

There you can dive into the fascinating new exhibition Sagovärldar. It’s like stepping straight into another world, full of incredible adventures and stories from all around the world. I highly recommend trying to catch one of their storytelling sessions, which are included in the ticket (they run during the holiday from January 2–6). It’s truly the best way to keep your imagination and playfulness alive.

More information about the Sagovärldar exhibition can be found here.

Enjoy the view from one of the many cafés and restaurants

No matter how you choose to spend your time, this is my best tip for maximizing that cozy vibe. January is all about having fun so you can start the year in the best way possible.

That’s why I recommend taking a refreshing walk around the whole of Djurgården. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the crisp winter air, and the timeless calm that Djurgården is known for. The island is full of great places to eat and warm up! My tip is to pick one of the many cozy cafés or restaurants for the perfect ending to your outing. It’s an easy way to combine fun activities with some recovery. 

Click here for more information about food spots on Djurgården.

See what life used to be like in Nordbor

One of my personal favorites for all of us history lovers is a visit to the Nordiska Museum for a deep dive into Swedish culture. I would start with the exhibition Nordbor.

Imagine a timeline stretching across 500 years, from the 1500s all the way to today, filled with fascinating details about how people actually lived throughout the ages. You’ll follow 22 real, filmed historical stories and check out around 4,000 objects that bring each era to life. My best tip? Go through it twice! It’s only in the second round that you notice all the little details you missed the first time. Afterwards, take a break and enjoy the architecture of the impressive grand hall.

Click here for more information about Nordbor.

Enjoy a run around Skansen

To wrap up January in the best possible way, my final tip is one that requires a bit more movement. Set aside the evening of January 31 when it’s time for the awesome Winter Run at Skansen.

Bring your friends and run one or two 5 km laps around Skansen. Besides getting some exercise, you’ll need to think outside the box. It’s a competition in creativity! Put on every light you own; headlamps, glow sticks, LED strips or anything that shines, to compete for great prizes in the “Most Illuminated” category. And for those who feel that 5 km is a bit too far, Skansen also has a 1.3 km kids run for ages 7–11. It’s going to be an incredible, energetic evening lit up from every direction and one you won’t forget anytime soon!

Sign up for the Winter Run here.

Make the most of the start of the year by planning lots of exciting activities on Djurgården!