Stockholm for Drinks Lovers: Snaps, Spritmuseum and Swedish Drinking Culture

Sweden has one of the most distinctive drinking cultures in Europe: famous vodka, a centuries-old aquavit tradition, drinking songs sung before every shot at midsummer — and a state monopoly that decides where you can buy a bottle. Stockholm is the best place to understand all of it.

Start at the Spritmuseum

On Djurgården, the leafy museum island, the Spritmuseum tells the story of Swedish drinking culture — from farm-distilled brännvin to the modern bar scene. It also houses the Absolut Art Collection, hundreds of artworks built around the vodka bottle, including Andy Warhol’s famous 1986 piece. Allow two hours, and time for the museum bar, which pairs its snaps with herring and Swedish classics.

Snaps, aquavit and the songs

Snaps is the small, cold shot served at festive meals; many are aquavit, flavoured with caraway or dill. The ritual matters as much as the drink: glasses are raised, a short song is sung — “Helan går” is the best known — and only then does anyone drink. Visit around Midsummer (late June) or during a crayfish party in August to see it in full swing.

How buying alcohol works

Supermarkets sell only low-strength beer. Wine, spirits and stronger beer are sold exclusively in Systembolaget stores, which close early in the evening and on Sundays. The selection is excellent and prices are fair — just plan ahead. Bars and restaurants serve normally; expect Nordic prices.

Where to drink well

Stockholm’s cocktail bars regularly appear on international lists, and the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and Södermalm are the easiest areas to explore on foot. Many bars feature Swedish-made gins and aquavits worth trying neat.

Onward to the vodka country

Swedish vodka is made in the south, in Skåne. Our Southern Sweden guide covers Åhus and the countryside that grows the wheat.

Getting around

Arlanda airport connects to the city by express train in about 20 minutes; the city itself is walkable with excellent transit. For evenings out, the metro and night buses do the job — nobody needs a car in Stockholm.

Questions visitors ask

Can tourists buy alcohol at Systembolaget?

Yes, from age 20 with ID. The drinking age in bars is 18.

Is the Spritmuseum worth it if I don’t drink much?

Yes — it’s as much social history and design as it is drink, and the art collection alone is worth the ticket.