We’d argue that to truly get behind the glitter of your favourite icons and legends, you have to start at the source – the place that shaped their ‘humble beginnings’ before stardom. For ABBA fans, that place is none other than Stockholm.
As far as we are aware, the Swedish capital has no world-famous holy sites – at least, nothing to rival Lourdes or Bodh Gaya in eastern India – and yet each year, thousands descend upon the city with the same tunnel vision and devotion as those in search of the divine. Unlike most faithful, however, these individuals aren’t here to worship at the altar of a god or ancient relic, but rather a four-letter acronym spelt out in glistening rhinestones: ABBA.
This fabulous foursome needs no introduction. From kitchen discos with mum to Pride parades and teary, drunken taxi journeys, ABBA’s music has truly soundtracked the highs and lows of modern existence, transcending generations and travelling farther than any tour itinerary could ever hope to cover (we’d vouch that Dancing Queen has been sung in a remote rainforest tribe at least once by now). But for all their global success, there’s no better place for fans to deep dive into their legacy than the place where it all began, the mothership that is Stockholm.
If you’re visiting the Open City and wish to follow in the platform-booted footsteps of Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid, these are the places to know.
Hotel Rival
Before setting off to explore ABBA’s Stockholm, you’ll need a worthy base, and few addresses fit the bill better than Hotel Rival. Co-owned by Benny Andersson himself, this stylish boutique hotel in Mariatorget carries the same spirit of campness that defined the band’s heyday, with interiors that lie somewhere between cinematic nostalgia and Scandinavian comfort. Once an old cinema, its original theatre has been reborn as a live venue that hosts concerts, comedy nights and film screenings, an irresistible draw for anyone with a soft spot for showbiz.
If you really want to take your ABBA adventure up a notch, Rival’s Executive 705 will do the trick. This penthouse suite ranks among our favourites for its rosy-toned interiors and furnished balcony overlooking Mariatorget.
Just across the water, you’ll find Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, where the band shot several of their most recognisable 1970s promo photos among its cobbled lanes and ochre façades. While you’re there, pause for fika at Chokladkoppen, one of the first establishments in the city to fly the rainbow flag.
Mono Music
Tucked away on the southern side of Skeppsholmen island, Mono Music marks one of Benny Andersson’s most personal chapters. He founded the studio in 1992, and it remains where much of his composing and producing takes place today. Though it’s not open to the public, we think it still deserves a spot on any ABBA itinerary, partly for the setting itself: the calm surroundings and open views of the water offer a glimpse into the kind of environment that continues to inspire the reflective, melodic work Benny has become known for.
If you’d rather stay somewhere that shares that same calm, do yourself a favour and book a room at Hotel Skeppsholmen. This former naval barracks has been transformed into a sleek, design-forward hotel surrounded by greenery in every direction. Its restaurant serves seasonal Swedish fare, and a nearby tennis court makes for an active morning warmup before a day chasing all things ABBA.
Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace is a teensy bit of a commute to get to (it’s about a half-hour drive from Stockholm’s city centre), but trust us when we say it is well worth the journey.
This 17th-century marvel remains the private home of Sweden’s royal family and is one of the country’s most impressive examples of baroque architecture. But beyond its regal appeal, it holds an unexpected place in ABBA’s story, gifting fans a slice of both pop royalty and royalty royalty. You might not be aware of this (not to doubt your ABBA knowledge), but the palace’s breathtaking gardens served as the backdrop for the band’s The Name of the Game single cover, forever linking the site to one of their most iconic eras. Strike a pose and recreate the shot while you’re there – it’s only right!
The park bench from ABBA’s Greatest Hits
Speaking of recreating iconic ABBA moments, here’s another fabulous landmark for you to take a chance on. Near the Ulla Winblad restaurant, on the green island of Djurgården, sits a simple park bench that became world-famous after appearing on the cover of ABBA’s Greatest Hits album – you know, the one where Benny and Frida are making out while Björn and Agnetha avoid eye contact (long-time fans will know why). To this day, Stockholm visitors still track down the bench to sit where the band members once did, and to add another enviable shot to their Stockholm photo roll.
ABBA The Museum
When it’s time to conclude your pop pilgrimage in Stockholm, all roads lead to ABBA The Museum. Part exhibition, part shrine to the gods of pop, this interactive space on Djurgården traces the group’s story from their first encounters and Eurovision triumph in 1974 to the enduring legacy they continue to build today. Inside, visitors can feast their eyes on original costumes as well as recreations of recording studios and dressing rooms.
True to ABBA’s spirit, it’s anything but ‘down to earth’. Instead of simply observing, you can step into a booth to record a track, try on digital versions of their sequined outfits, or take the stage with holograms of the band. There’s even a phone that only the four band members have the number to – and if it rings, you’d better answer! Oh, and before you leave, be sure to stop by the gift shop to take a piece of ABBA (and Stockholm) home with you.
Photography courtesy of ABBA The Museum and Hotel Skeppsholmen
This article is in partnership with StockholmLGBT.
