LIFE

A Guide to Stockholm, Courtesy of Victoria’s Secret Angel Elsa Hosk

The Swedish model shares her hometown secrets.

Aug. 26, 2016

When Elsa Hosk was a teenager, she was discovered by model scouts in Stockholm. Shortly after, she modeled for a GUESS Jeans campaign, shot by photographer Ellen Von Unwerth, and a year later, Victoria’s Secret named her an ambassador for their PINK line. Since then, the now 27-year-old has has showed no signs of slowing down. In 2014, Hosk was chosen to be one of the official Victoria’s Secret angels, has appeared on the covers of international magazines, and designed a pair of jeans for the cult denim brand RE/DONE. Even though she’s traveled the world, Stockholm, Sweden, is still home, Here, Hosk shares the best places to eat, shop, and sleep in her hometown, just in time for Swedish Fashion Week.

To Eat Mellqvist Café and Bar My favorite spot for breakfast in Stockholm. It’s complete with neighborhood vibes, great coffee and a mean “kaviar-Macka,” which is a classic Swedish sandwich with eggs, caviar and chives.

To Shop Acne Archive Around the corner from Mellqvist Café is Acne Archive, I prefer this store over the other Acne stores because they sell samples and old collections at discounted prices, which is perfect if you really want to blend in and look like a true Stockholmer!

Lisa Larsson I love vintage shopping in Stockholm. It’s not as expensive as New York City and there are great finds. I’m always surprised to find that the best things in the shop haven’t been sold. The best shops are in the area of Södermalm, all just a couple of blocks away from each other. Lisa Larsson is the oldest little shop, full of dresses, coats and accessories from all different eras.

Smiley Vintage This shop remakes old things into cute tops and dresses. The fabrics are great, and it’s really easy to find something cute here.

Beyond Retro This chain store is more of a hit and miss, but after spending an hour I’m sure to find something I love. It’s jammed packed with clothes but it’s pretty well organized by colors and prints. I’ve found so many of my favorite floral dresses here.

To Sleep Ett Hem Hotel “Ett Hem” means “a home” in Swedish. This place is so special and if you can get a room here, you’re in luck! It’s located in an old townhouse, and has 12 rooms with fireplaces and the most gorgeous bathrooms! It has a private spa, a garden, a library, kitchen and a living room. The food is incredible, and the chef will cook whatever you like, and serve you wherever you want to dine the house. I found so much inspiration here for my renovation, the interior is the perfect combo of contemporary, classic and vintage designer furniture. I always stay here when I get to Stockholm, it’s the perfect home away from home. The only downside is that you won’t want to leave…

To Day Trip Utö Utö is a low key, quiet, slow Island in the archipelago where I spent every summer with my family growing up. The vibe here is unbeatable and to this day my favorite place on earth. Take a boat out here from Nybrokajen, and go for a naked swim at “Persholmen” where you will be alone with the ocean, the flat weathered cliffs and the sun. Rent a bike in the harbor, and make a stop at the little bakery where the cardamom buns are the best you’ll ever have, then go for a beautiful bike-Ride to Ålö, the next island over. It’s about a 50 minute ride, but it’s worth it, I promise. Here you will eat the best smoked fish in the world at the restaurant “Båtshaket.” It’s smoked and fished right next to the restaurant, and served in little wooden trays containing shrimp, cold and hot smoked salmon, “Skagenröra” and smoked eel with house made potato-salad and dips.