Stockholm: Expectations versus Reality

My Stockholm Adventure continued as I visited several more of Stockholm’s many museums.

The ABBA Museum set a high standard that none of the other museums I visited quite matched. 

I am only going to highlight these four museum visits:

– Museum of Science & Technology
– Avicii Experience
– Vasa Museum
– Spritmuseum 

Stockholm is home to more than 100 museums, castles, and other attractions. I selected my choices based on my interests, the museum’s hours of operation, travel distance and price. 

While a visit to Filmstaden, Sweden’s Hollywood, was on my list, time wasn’t on my side. Skansen, an open-air museum, is another one of the top ten attractions. I decided to skip this museum because of the rainy weather. 

Nevertheless, these attractions, along with the Swedish History Museum and the Stockholm Toy Museum, are on my ‘must-visit’ list should my adventures find me returning to Stockholm,

Now, for the museums I did explore:

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

The Tekniska Museet, or National Museum of Science and Technology, is charged with preserving the Swedish cultural heritage related to technological and industrial history. 

Generally, I enjoy science and technology museums because they seem to focus more on showcasing interactive exhibits. I like museums that encourage visitors to use all five basic human senses. 

I was looking forward to visiting this museum because it boasts interactive and state-of-the-art exhibits. Though the $17 ticket was a bit steep compared to similar museums I’ve visited, I felt I would get my money’s worth. 

Regrettably, the museum fell short of my expectations. While there were a few interesting exhibits and educational areas, they seemed to be geared more towards children.

The lack of clear signage directing visitors to different exhibits was also disappointing. I found myself returning to the entrance twice just to figure out what was on each floor.

Moreover, customer service was practically non-existent. I wondered if I had to pay at all. I saw people walk in and past the reception desk without being stopped or asked to show a ticket. Yes, there were QR scanners at the front entrance to scan tickets, but what good were they when the door was opened for anyone to walk in and not be stopped by a museum representative?

Overall, this place was more of a daycare center than a science museum. It is a decent place for parents to ‘drop off’ their young children and let them play.

AVICII EXPERIENCE

To be honest, I am not a fan of Avicii. In fact, the only song of his I’m familiar with is “Wake Me Up,” featuring Aloe Blacc. However, I was curious and decided to check out the Avicii Experience. I purchased the combo ticket with the ABBA Museum, which saved me $12.

Although the ‘Experience’ is interesting, the entire visit took 30 minutes. I found the studio recreation and the interactive displays particularly interesting. 

However, I didn’t learn much more about Avicii that I couldn’t learn via Wikipedia, even though Wikipedia is not an official source. This ‘Experience’ is a tremendous tribute if you’re a fan. For a non-fan, it isn’t worth the $25 ticket cost. Glad I purchased the combo ticket.

VASA MUSEUM

The Vasa Museum, a unique gem in Scandinavia, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. I found myself initially reluctant to add it to my itinerary for my Stockholm Adventure.

My choice to forgo a visit stemmed from my desire to avoid bustling crowds. Instead, I aimed to explore lesser-known museums and attractions that often go overlooked, seeking a more intimate and personal experience.

Basically, I was trying to stay off the beaten track. However, I had an hour to spare before my scheduled visit to the Spritmuseum, so I decided to visit the Vasa, which was only a six-minute walk from the Spritmuseum.

I’m glad I arrived at least 15 minutes before the doors opened. Firstly, it gave me time to purchase the $20 ticket using my phone. Secondly, by 9:55 a.m., there was a long line at the entrance. I was the third person inside when the doors opened at 10 a.m. 

For those first five minutes, I got a few unobstructed views of the Vasa.

As the crowd slowly filed in, I made my way to other areas for better views and to learn more about the Vasa.

I was genuinely surprised, as there was more to learn and see than just a large warship. Reading the inquest documents was interesting — at least the English translation, as I didn’t understand the Swedish version.  

Seeing the ship adorned with over 700 intricate sculptures and decorations was an extraordinary experience. Each piece was crafted with remarkable attention to detail, showcasing a blend of artistic styles and historical influences. 

Walking to different areas, I marveled at the skilled craftsmanship and creativity that brought these stunning artworks to life. The variety of designs — from ornate figures to intricate patterns — created a rich tapestry that enhanced the ship’s grandeur, making it a truly unforgettable sight.

The miniature models showing the stages of the Vasa’s recovery were quite intriguing. Each detail illustrated the ship’s gradual ascent from the depths and the remarkable teamwork among scientists and engineers. Their collaborative efforts to devise a strategy for raising the ship showcased an impressive blend of ingenuity and a deep appreciation for this invaluable piece of Swedish history.

Afterward, I visited the museum’s gift shop. Nothing tickled my fancy, but the Lego recreation of the Titanic caught my attention. The museum representatives seemed to be subtly highlighting an ironic parallel between the Vasa and the Titanic — two grand vessels hailed as epitomes of luxury and power. 

Despite their majestic designs and the opulence they represented, both ships met tragic fates on their maiden voyages, forever serving as cautionary tales of hubris and ambition. The juxtaposition left me with a sense of awe and contemplation as I considered the lessons history has to offer.

Visiting the Vasa Museum was a truly enriching experience, allowing me to connect with its remarkable history and inspiring stories.

SPRITMUSEUM

Aww, the Museum of Spirits. I was looking forward to exploring this museum. Even though I don’t indulge in alcohol myself, embracing a teetotaler lifestyle, I find immense enjoyment in delving into the rich history and intricate processes behind alcohol production. 

There’s something captivating about uncovering how alcohol played a vibrant role in shaping various cultures and contributed to the economic landscapes of different countries.

This is why I made it a point to visit Stockholm’s Spritmuseum. I was intrigued and looking forward to learning more about the Swedish drinking culture and its evolution. The museum’s enthusiastic advertising sparked a sense of adventure in me, igniting a desire to uncover the unique rituals and historical significance that alcohol has held in Swedish society.

I’ve visited distilleries in other countries, and those experiences have been worthwhile. Each distillery offered its own unique charm and insights into the distillation process. 

My visit to the Jameson Distillery Dublin was the best I’ve explored. The combination of rich history, intricate craftsmanship, and the warm, inviting atmosphere set a high standard for my future distillery visits. This experience has profoundly shaped my expectations whenever I step into a distillery, as I eagerly seek to relive that sense of wonder and appreciation that Jameson ignited in me.

The Spritmuseum was beyond a waste of time. I do not recommend anyone spending any money visiting this place. If you’re granted free entry using the Stockholm Pass, demand a refund. The exhibits lacked depth, and the overall atmosphere was uninspired, leaving me wishing I had chosen a different attraction to explore.

My expectation of exploring the Swedish drinking culture was shattered. Instead of an immersive experience, I encountered what felt more like a tasting gallery adorned with a few historical photographs. The promised ‘smells’ section was disappointingly non-functional, leaving a sense of disconnection. To add to my frustration, the exhibits lacked interactive elements that would have genuinely engaged visitors, making the experience feel somewhat underwhelming.

The so-called “True Crime” exhibition promised to unveil the intriguing tales of Sweden’s prohibition-era smugglers, bootleggers, and moonshine marauders. It was supposed to entice visitors into an immersive experience, inviting them to wander along dimly lit quaysides and through winding, narrow alleys, all the while discovering hidden gems like clandestine medical clinics, dingy restaurants, and shadowy nightclubs. 

Instead, it enticed me to head to the exit and end my misery. What a bloody waste of money and exploration time.

The silver lining of this museum visit? Getting these picturesque views of the waterfront. 

What an uplifting moment following a disappointing museum experience.

HARD ROCK CAFE – STOCKHOLM

The Spritmuseum visit, unfortunately, added to the disappointment of my recent museum visits. I was batting below .500 with museum visits. Frustrated, I realized it was time to take a break from these excursions and reassess my approach.

Instead of heading to the Swedish History Museum, I decided to walk the city and snap photos. I felt exploring the city streets and capturing its essence through my lens would be a more enriching experience than another potentially disappointing museum visit. 

The final attraction visited was a timeless favorite – the Hard Rock Cafe. As always, customer service was phenomenal. My hostess, Nicola, greeted me with a bright smile and genuine enthusiasm, ensuring I felt right at home. She attentively checked in on me throughout my visit, going above and beyond to guarantee an exceptional dining experience.

The decor adhered to the classic Hard Rock style, showcasing an array of memorabilia and vibrant visuals that celebrated music history without overwhelming the senses. Prices aligned with other Hard Rock Cafes — no surprises there, just good value for a delightful meal in a lively setting.

The food was characteristic of the Hard Rock Café, yet it still managed to be both delicious and satisfying. I ordered the New York strip steak, which was grilled to perfection, juicy and tender, accompanied by a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes and fresh, vibrant veggies. Each bite of the steak was a delight, bursting with flavor and cooked precisely to my liking. 

For dessert, I indulged in a warm apple cobbler that was delightful in taste and served in a generous portion, making for a sweet and comforting end to my meal. 

STOCKHOLM ADVENTURE CONCLUDES

My Stockholm Adventure was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, a journey that truly reflected the complexity and diversity of this city. I had set my expectations high, but the reality was indeed a mixed bag. Yes, it was expensive, but I managed to navigate the costs without breaking the bank. However, the high prices weren’t the only factor that influenced my overall experience. 

Simply, there were just too many disappointing museum and attraction visits. For instance, the Museum of Spirits was touted as an exciting experience, but in reality, it was far from captivating and failed to live up to the hype. I only highlighted a few disappointing visits, but at least eight more underwhelming museum visits left me feeling disillusioned rather than inspired.

While this adventure was a ‘one and done’ type for me, I wouldn’t rule out a return to Stockholm entirely. It’s a city that I believe could be more enjoyable with the right company, whether that’s on a group tour or with friends who are eager to explore it. The possibility of a better experience with friends is a promising thought that keeps me open to the idea of revisiting.  

But until then …

HAVE PASSPORT, WILL TRAVEL!