Stockholm is great any season!

Nordic Sea Hotel

Vasaplan 7, Box 884

SE-101 37 Stockholm, Sweden

Reservations: 46 8 5056 3124

Phone: 46 8 5056 3000

Fax: 46 8 5056 3050

info@nordichotels.se

www.nordicseahotel.com

"Love took up the glass of Time, and turned it in his glowing hands; Every moment, lightly shaken, ran itself in golden sands."
Alfred Tennyson

With no doubt Love does deserve the best glass of Time, if the mysterious Love had lived in our days it could have bought this glass in this shop specializing in ceramics and studio glass. Yes, it is blas & knada that I visited just before Christmas and that I would highly recommend on your next trip to Stockholm. I didn’t see this gallery to be mentioned in any of the guidebooks. However, fortunately, before going to the capital of Sweden, I had surfed the web for local art shops and galleries and was lucky to come across this place, not far from Slussen underground station.

From the shop-assistant I learned that "since its inception in 1975 blas & knada established a central position in the fields of craft ceramics and art glass both within the profession and among buyers and collectors." I agree wholeheartedly. Getting up early on a Saturday morning, I strode toward the gallery. I actually felt very satisfied when just approaching the shop windows. They were skillfully decorated with wine-colored apples, nuts and candles of various sizes and shapes. My spirits rose even further as I walked in.

It should be mentioned that blas & knada has the largest collection of contemporary Swedish ceramics and studio glass in the country. The shop houses everyday objects along with unique works of art. The first thing that actually caught my eyes as I walked in was a display of flower-patterned plates on the stand (it is on the photo). I was entranced by the high quality and unusual design, but they were too expensive for me so I went further. "Great!" I nearly shouted in delight, grabbing three green tea cups and a matching teapot. This would make a perfect Christmas present: jasmine tea sipped from these cups would definitely fuel the flames at the onset of winter.

"Blas & Knada is a cooperation association of some 50 professional ceramicists and glassmakers from all parts of Sweden. The members jointly run a gallery and shop in central Stockholm."

There is a wide range of items presented in blas & knada, since it is a gallery showing both Swedish and international glass and ceramics. Here you can find nearly everything from water glasses to flower pots, from classical vases to modern dishes. But don’t worry if you can’t afford any of these goblets, tumblers, brandy, wine or beer glasses; you can still buy the postcards with the images of the handmade items (10 Swedish krona each), and besides, visiting this cozy shop is in itself a good thing.

Entering the gallery, I had put myself in the power of magic; that’s why, not long after that, I found myself buying more and more glasses, cups and candle stands. Glass apples and pears looked so astoundingly natural that I could hardly stand a temptation to bite a piece off.So if you are interested in buying glassware (crystal) or ceramics, do not hesitate to visit this gallery. To end up, blas & knada hosts some 10 solo exhibitions each season, with an opening every third Saturday while major shows of members’ works take place at Christmas and also during the summer. You are really welcome here! .

Not to forget, there is always at least one professional craftsperson at blas & knada who can answer your questions about ceramics and glass. Sometimes there are even two working artists (could be a glassblower and ceramist, as it was when I was there) — both working in the shop and meeting the customers with their warm smiles. If in the childhood you wanted to become a glassblower or ceramist, don’t miss the opportunity to make up for your lost passion. They are pleased to answer all the questions (especially those from children).

Blas & knada is located in the quiet area just opposite Maria Magdalena church, on the cobbled street with art galleries and shops housing glass objects, crystal and ceramics.
It is open 6 days a week:
Tuesday - Friday from 11am until 6pm
Saturday from 11am until 4pm
Sunday from 12am until 4pm

But before going check out blås & knåda web-site

The world famous ABSOLUT ICEBAR STOCKHOLM, located in Nordic Sea Hotel, opened its doors on June 1, 2002.
50 persons at a time can be present in the bar and the maximum stay is 30 minutes. The standard attire for guests is a silver cape and woolen gloves, which keeps you comfortably warm when combined with the special alcohol drink sipped from an ice glass. Crystal-clear ice is the building material for the ceiling, the walls, the bar counter and decorative details. The atmosphere is international and warm, despite the fact that the temperature is below freezing.

Entrance includs first drink from 140 SEK (non alcoholic is 95 SEK), refill is 85 SEK. For those who stay in Nordic Sea Hotel the price is 125 SEK, for others 140 SEK but everybody is welcome.

Icebar Menu
Absolut Torne River
4 CL Absolut Citron
Elderberry juice
Ginger syrup
Lingonberry

Absolut Mary in Ice
4 CL Absolut Peppar
Bloody Mary Mix

Non Alcoholic
Lingonberry juice
Raspberry/blueberry juice
Elderberry juice
Passionfruit juice
Citrus, carrot, orange juice

Check out ABSOLUT ICEBAR STOCKHOLM

Reservations are not necessary but advisable, don’t forget to write down the phone number: +46 8 50563124

Check out Absolut Icebar Jukkasjärvi, Stockholm, London, Milano, Tokyo

NK is situated in the centre, not far from another big store, Aleans, where there are several floors. But what I liked most was the upper one, with a bookshop located there.