The small Swedish bakery chain, Fabrique, has successfully expanded to London and New York for good reasons.

Stylish stores with an industrial look provide the perfect backdrop for traditional baking craftsmanship.

Here, crispy sourdough bread, lovingly topped buns, cinnamon and cardamom rolls, cakes, and cookies are all handmade from natural, fresh ingredients.

The island of Djurgården, a green oasis in the heart of Stockholm, is a wonderful place for daydreaming.

Wandering through Rosendal Trädgård, established by the Swedish Garden Society between 1861 and 1911, to the greenhouses and gardens with the charmingly romantic café, makes for a perfect outing on a long Swedish midsummer day.

Fika, the Swedish coffee break, is deeply woven into daily life here and for us, it’s one of the most beloved rituals of Nordic culture.

Throughout Scandinavia, good filter coffee is a given. The beans tend to be lightly roasted up here, which makes for a smooth, almost fruity brew.

So even though the quick espresso stop at Caffelini feels far more Italian than Swedish, it’s just as welcome - especially on a lively afternoon in Stockholm’s Old Town.