“I have a dream, a fantasy to help me through reality and my destination makes it worth the while.”
That destination is ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, Sweden and it’s a must-visit for any ABBA fan.
The Swedish quartet hasn’t performed together in decades, yet even Gen Z can belt out hits like ‘Dancing Queen’ like there’s no tomorrow. The band’s music endures around the world’s airwaves and its spirit endures in Stockholm.
Here’s your guide to ABBA spots in Sweden to set your ‘Angeleyes’ on.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Laurie Noble. Image Location: Stortoget, Stockholm
The day before you came: FAQs before your ABBA trip
Is ABBA from Sweden?
Yes, the quartet was formed in Sweden in 1972. The Europop group won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their song ‘Waterloo’, giving Sweden its first victory.
Which hotel in Stockholm is owned by ABBA?
No hotel in Stockholm is officially owned by ABBA, but the Backstage Hotel (formerly the Pop House Hotel) is co-owned by ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus. You can also say ‘Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!’ to Hotel Rival, which is owned by ABBA member Benny Andersson.
Image Credit and Location: Hotel Rival, Stockholm
Does ABBA still perform in Sweden?
Sadly, no. ABBA decided to take a break in 1982 and we said, ‘Thank You for the Music’. They no longer perform as a band and rarely perform as individual artists anymore (they’re now in their 70s and not everyone is as down to keep rocking it like 90-year-old Willie Nelson, ya know). However, you can still sort of see them perform: ABBA Voyage in London is a virtual concert created by the band showcasing real musicians playing with ABBA avatars.
Where is the ABBA museum in Sweden?
ABBA The Museum is located at Djurgårdsvägen 68 in Stockholm, a half-hour walk from Stockholm Central train station, though we’d encourage you to the Line 80 ferry from Nybrokajen to Allmänna gränd because (and don’t tell our boss this) Stockholm is best seen by boat.
Is ABBA The Museum worth going to?
Yes, ABBA The Museum is worth visiting when you’re in Stockholm. Super fans can gaze at tons of band memorabilia and chart the history of the band, including seeing replicas of where they lived and worked during their career. If you’re not a super fan but are looking to try something new in this ‘Summer Night City’, you can tour the museum in full within a short two hours.
What can you do at ABBA The Museum?
ABBA The Museum is highly interactive, so much so that it’s just as much of an experience as it is an exhibition space. Pick up an audio guide and hear stories from the band members as you meander through the memorabilia. Take a virtual photo shoot in ABBA’s costumes. Then say ‘I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do’ to singing ABBA karaoke and having the time of your life as the fifth member of ABBA. If you change your mind, we’ll be first in line…
Image Credit: AXL Media/ABBA The Museum
ABBA things to do in Stockholm
There are a handful of ABBA things to do in Stockholm besides visiting ABBA The Museum, staying in Hotel Rival, and listening to the Mamma Mia! soundtrack on an endless loop.
Sail over to Viggsö island to see the ‘songwriting cottage’ where ABBA created many of their hits. You’ll also find Polar Studios, the space used to record ABBA’s last three albums, on Kungsholmen island, though it’s no longer a recording studio.
‘Voulez-Vous’ other ABBA Sweden things to do? Take a chance on Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg. In just under three hours from Stockholm Central station to Gothenburg Central station by FlixTrain, you’ll find the ABBA members’ handprints preserved on a slab of concrete. There’s also a live dinner show called Mamma Mia! The Party hosted at Rondo in Gothenburg this fall that’ll have you belting showtunes while you're treated to a three-course Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Friday night and the lights are low, and you’re looking out for a place to go? Download the Trainline app and instantly purchase train tickets for travel around Sweden.
Header Image Credit: Pål Allan/ABBA The Museum