Sweden has never won a FIFA World Cup, but Swedes love soccer, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Stockholm suburb of Johanneshov. This large district is somewhat at odds with the more residential and historic areas to its north. Fans descend on its arenas for soccer and hockey, the favorite sport of the North. Get a taste of what real Stockholmers do for fun by heading across the bridge to visit Johanneshov where you’ll hear mostly Swedish voices among the jubilation accompanying games.
Luckily, soccer and hockey seasons do not overlap, so choosing between sports is not a concern. In summer, join fans of the Hammarby and Djurgården soccer teams at the Tele2 Arena, which was newly built in 2013. In winter, watch hockey, including the country’s national team, in the Ericsson Globe next door. This is also one of the world’s largest spherical buildings. Even if there is no game on the day of your visit, stay at the Globe to browse though the Globen Shopping Mall or ride a gondola up the outside for stunning panoramas from the SkyView.
For participative sports, visit Gokart Stockholm in Johanneshov and learn how to navigate a vehicle down the slick tracks. Spend the night dancing at Slakthuset, a three-floor institution in a former slaughterhouse. Booming techno music provides a perfect end to an evening in the stadium.
Johanneshov is in southern Stockholm, across the bridge from Södermalm Island. A subway line connects the neighborhood to Stockholm’s Central Station in 15 minutes by train or 6 minutes by car. Drive or take public transportation from Arlanda Airport in about 40 minutes. Several parking structures, metered and unmetered, cater to fans that flock to the area arenas. These are extremely crowded on game nights, so check online for schedules. Johanneshov is slightly less pedestrian-friendly than the more urban northern areas.
During a trip south to Johanneshov make the short drive to the UNESCO-listed Skogskyrkogården, a cemetery with astonishing vistas and architecturally fascinating chapels.
