Sweden's capital is full of hidden gems for ice cream lovers, but which ones truly stand out? We’ve sampled Stockholm’s most celebrated spots for frozen delights, from classic Italian gelato to trendy soft serve in unexpected flavors. Here are five favorites you won’t want to miss this summer.
When it comes to ice cream in Stockholm, your very much spoiled for choice, with a selection that has become increasingly diverse and refined in recent years. Behind the scoops and cones are passionate enthusiasts who transform raw ingredients into pure indulgence. From artisanal gelato to unusual soft-serve flavors and custom-made ice cream bars, the sheer range on offer is part of the fun.
In truth, it's impossible to limit recommendations to just a few – so Falstaff has chosen to highlight five ice cream parlors that truly bring flavor to define summer. For now, we've focused on the city center – but Stockholm's suburbs likewise have no shortage of artisanal ice cream makers, like Gelato Scarfo in Bromma and Kenny's Gelato in Nacka.
Snö has been serving top-class gelato in Stockholm for over a decade and is more popular than ever. Quality never goes out of style, as the often long queues can attest. Want to avoid the crowds? Come right at opening time.
Made fresh daily from natural, high-quality ingredients, Snö's flavors were developed by Cinzia Lemme and former chef Kenneth Erlandsson, a two-time Swedish gelato champion and teacher at the Gelato University in Bologna. A couple of our absolute favorites are the creamy gelato with milk chocolate, dulce de leche and pecan – a Snö signature – as well as the fresh peach sorbet made with sun-ripened Italian peaches. The flavors are grown-up and sophisticated, yet irresistibly childlike in their deliciousness.
The parlor is located right next to Vasaparken, a green oasis in the middle of Stockholm, where you can sit and enjoy your frozen treat if Snö's outdoor seating is full. You can also find Snö’s freshly made gelato in Kvarnholmen, Täby, and Hornstull.
Snö
Odengatan 92, Stockholm, Sweden
snogelateria.se
At Francis & Francis, soft serve takes center stage – the ice cream here has a rich, deep and unusually flavorful character, often drawing inspiration from Asia to create unexpected and exciting combinations. We tried their coconut and orange ice cream topped with guava-flavored soft serve sorbet, and it turned out to be one of the best experiences of the year. The creamy ice cream paired with the lighter sorbet made for the perfect combo. Next time, we’ll go for their matcha affogato.
Their flavors vary with the seasons and inspiration, but one thing always stays constant: quality. The ice cream is made with organic milk and cream, and there’s always a plant-based option for those who prefer it.
The parlor is currently located in the heart of Södermalm, but previously set up shop in both Vasastan and Kungsholmen. A new, permanent location is on the way – keep an eye on their social media for updates.
Francis & Francis
Krukmakargatan 19, Stockholm, Sweden
instagram.com/francisfrancissoftserve
Run by the same team behind the acclaimed bakery Svedjan located just across the street, the soft serve bar Crème stands out with imaginative and unexpected flavors like mango sticky rice and Mexican tajín spice. But there’s also plenty of more traditional flavors like raspberry, apricot and the modern favorite, matcha.
We went with strawberry/mango and vanilla, topped with pistachios – a combination that turned out to be a real winner. The crunchy nuts remained buttery on the inside, making for the perfect finishing touch to an already exquisite experience. Their milk and cream stem from the award-winning dairy Svedjan Ost in Västerbotten (in the north of Sweden) – a stamp of quality you can taste in every bite.
Crème
Brännkyrkagatan 90, Stockholm, Sweden
instagram.com/cremesthlm
At Aryam, it’s all about maintaining the highest of standards. Behind the counter – and especially in production – you'll find founder Hosanna Amanuel, an award-winning pastry chef with both national and international honors to her name. Her expertise is immediately evident in the flavors: The dark chocolate gelato, in particular, impresses with its intense and balanced profile.
Here you’ll find both gelato and sorbet, with the selection changing daily based on season and availability. A hot tip: keep an eye out for their Swedish rhubarb in early summer, it’s truly special. The ice cream is made fresh daily using natural and organic ingredients, resulting in a crisp and luxurious taste. Aryam is located just a stone’s throw from Slussen, right off Götgatan in a lively part of Södermalm – perfect for a spontaneous ice cream break in the middle of the city.
Aryam
St Paulsgatan 3, Stockholm, Sweden
aryam.se
If you prefer your frozen treats on a stick instead of in cones and cups, Le pop is a must. Their handcrafted paletas, both creamy and sorbet-based, are just the beginning of the wonders that await: Youcan also create your own unique popsicle, with numerous chocolate dips and creative toppings available. It’s playful, personal, and tasty.
There’s something for everyone – including vegans, thanks to several plant-based options. Maybe you’ll go for fresh watermelon and lime sorbet dipped in Belgian chocolate and topped with coconut; or perhaps dulce de leche ice cream with a Belgian chocolate coating and pistachios? We tried strawberry sorbet dipped in dark chocolate with coconut on one side and plenty of hazelnuts on the other – refreshing, fruity, and naturally delicious.
Le pop started as a pop-up (no pun intended) but now has settled down in Ringens Centrum, where you’ll also find several good and affordable lunch options. If you happen to be near picturesque Askersund, you can find them there too.
Le pop
Götgatan 98, Ringens Centrum, Stockholm, Sweden
lepop.se
