Independent bookstores are the heart of a community since they’re places where you can find books from local authors, and here, readers can come together and talk about their shared passion for literature. Although some may argue that indie bookshops are on their way out, you can find a lot of successful independent bookstores in Stockholm as there’s a strong reading culture in Sweden. With the average Swede purchasing five books per year, independent shops will continue to thrive and evolve as readers want to preserve the feeling of familiarity and comfort that can only be found in local haunts. For some of the best reads in Swedish, English, and other languages, check out these independent bookstores in Stockholm on your next visit to the city.
Hedengrens Bokhandel – Grev Turegatan 13A, Sturegallerian
Reading is an activity enjoyed by Swedes of all ages. Children, in particular, are discovering a love for reading as the government has introduced a policy which states that preschool children should have more books and fewer screens. As such, independent bookstores such as Hedengrens Bokhandel are stocking a wide array of titles, including books for four year olds, to cater to young readers. If you’re travelling with a child, head on over to this bookshop and watch their face light up as they gaze at all the books in this historic establishment.
This charming indie bookshop situated in the Sturegallerian mall has been around since 1897, making it one of the oldest bookstores in Stockholm. Upon entering the store, you’ll see Swedish paperbacks on display, some newly-released titles, and a small selection of beautiful stationery. Apart from children’s books and picture books, they also have an impressive collection of titles across genres in nine languages. This makes it the perfect place to shop if you’re looking for French, Spanish, English, Italian, German, or Portuguese books. Whether you’re a fan of fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, thrillers, or science fiction, they’ve got it all here, as well as a variety of history, travel, and lifestyle books.
In addition to the books they offer, they also have exhibitions, author meet and greets, signings, and live performances at the shop’s ground floor. This place has a reputation for being the fanciest independent bookstore in Stockholm, and their staff, who have been working with them for decades, are known to be experts in their respective departments. If you have no idea what to get, feel free to consult them to get excellent recommendations. On a tight budget? Consider visiting during the summer months since that’s when the bookshop holds their regular summer sales, so plan accordingly to get big discounts on purchases.
The English Bookshop – Södermannagatan 22, 116 23
If you’re searching for a cosy place where you can shop and have a nice read at the same, look no further than The English Bookshop at 22 Södermannagatan. This establishment has been around since 1995, and while this store is fairly small, it has a good selection of English books in all the major genres, as well as a few titles in Swedish. They also have Swedish books that have been translated to English, so there’s a good chance that you can pick up a translated copy of “The Red Room” or “Kallocain” here.
Want to meet a few locals who share your passion for modern fiction, classics, science fiction, or fantasy books? Consider joining The English Bookshop’s reading groups to enjoy a nice cup of coffee, some cake, and good conversation with fellow bibliophiles. Their queer reading group meets up once a month in their Stockholm and Gothenburg shops, while their feel-good reading group convenes at their Uppsala location.
The Science Fiction Bookstore – Västerlånggatan 48, 111 29
Are you a fan of sci-fi, horror, or fantasy stories? Check out The Science Fiction Bookstore on Västerlånggatan if you want to get your hands on an exciting read. Apart from books in the aforementioned genres, they’ve also got an amazing selection of manga and danmei titles, humor books, art books, and imported books from Japan. They also have roleplaying games, board games, clothes, stationery, and collectibles, so it’s the best place to shop for gifts for your loved ones.
When visiting Stockholm, many travellers often save this independent bookshop for last as they often leave with bags full of books and other items for their personal enjoyment. Keep in mind though that the shop is highly popular among local teens, so if you want to shop without having to brave the crowds, plan on coming in early, ideally before lunchtime.
Independent bookstores are a haven for bibliophiles who want to find unique and amazing reads for their personal collection. Check out these indie bookshops on your next visit to Stockholm, and have a great time while supporting local book sellers.
