Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: Europe travel

  • ❄️ Chilling Out at Stockholm’s Famous ICEBAR

    ❄️ Chilling Out at Stockholm’s Famous ICEBAR

    There’s just something magical about travel, isn’t there? The thrill of exploring somewhere new, the little surprises tucked into every street corner, and that first sip of a local drink you’ll dream about for years to come. ✈️ I’ve been daydreaming about my next adventure, but until then, I’ve been reminiscing about one of my coolest (literally!) travel experiences — visiting the ICEBAR in Stockholm!

    Sweden stole my heart for so many reasons, but one of the highlights had to be how easy it was to get around. The Stockholm public transportation system is a traveler’s dream — clean, efficient, and super easy to navigate. My friends and I hopped on the metro and followed the map right to Hotel C Stockholm, where the ICEBAR is located. And let me tell you, getting there felt like part of the adventure! If you ever need a hand, the station attendants are kind and helpful, and in my experience, Swedes are some of the friendliest people — especially when you ask with a smile.

    Walking into the hotel, you’ll see signs leading you down a hallway to the bar. That’s where the magic begins. Don’t worry — they’ve got you covered (literally!) with warm coats and gloves before you step inside. Everything, and I mean everything, is made of ice — the walls, the chairs, the glasses, even the bar itself! It’s like walking straight into a frozen fairytale. I chickened out on sitting in the icy “Game of Thrones” throne (I’m from Iowa, but I still have my cold limits! 😂), but I did snap some seriously fun photos.

    Now let’s talk about the drinks. I tried a vodka and elderberry syrup cocktail, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it made my Top 3 Drinks of All Time list. It was crisp, slightly sweet, and the perfect contrast to the chilly atmosphere. I could’ve easily stayed there all night — if not for the freezing temps, of course.

    If you ever find yourself in Stockholm, do yourself a favor and stop by the ICEBAR. It’s such a unique, bucket-list-worthy experience. Whether you go for the photos, the cocktails, or just the novelty of sipping from a glass made of ice, it’s an adventure you won’t forget. I’m already counting down the days until I can go back!

    Have you ever been to the ICEBAR or something like it? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below — let’s share some cozy travel stories together. 💙

  • Reflections from Sweden: My Grandma’s (Mormor) Words and the Vasa Ship

    Reflections from Sweden: My Grandma’s (Mormor) Words and the Vasa Ship

    While in Sweden, I came across one of my grandma’s old diary entries from her own trip decades ago. On a page titled “Comparisons,” she wrote:

    “Comparison:
    In those days, people feared things
    like lion’s faces. We fear things in
    the shape of mushroom clouds — nuclear bombs.”
    ~ June 1986

    She was writing about the Vasa Ship, the 17th-century Swedish warship that famously sank on its maiden voyage and was later recovered and preserved. The “lion’s face” she mentions refers to the carved lion figurehead at the front of the ship — a symbol of courage and power that’s been part of Swedish culture since medieval times.

    Reading her words while visiting the Vasa Museum myself in the summer of 2017 was surreal. It felt like we were sharing a moment across time — her thoughts from 1986 intertwining with my own experiences.

    I remember watching teams of researchers working carefully on the ship, preserving it for future generations. The recreated colors of the Vasa were so vivid and striking — a reminder that history can breathe again when we take the time to care for it.

    Her reflection about fear — how it changes shape across generations — stuck with me. The world she knew was different, yet her words still ring true.

    Maybe that’s the beauty of shared experiences: even when years and oceans separate us, our thoughts and emotions still find a way to connect.

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    VASA
    A picture of the lion I took at the Vasa Museum!

  • ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    ✈️ From Iowa to Sweden: My First Days in Stockholm

    Traveling to Sweden was such an incredible adventure! I left from my hometown airport in Des Moines, Iowa, and made my way all the way to Stockholm and Oskarshamn. This trip was part of a study abroad program with classmates from KTH and Stockholm University — and it was everything I hoped it would be (and more).

    🗓️ Day One: Wheels Up!

    Departure: Des Moines Airport ✈️

    Packed, nervous, and beyond excited, I was finally heading to Sweden! It didn’t really hit me until I was in the air that I was going to be spending the next few weeks living, studying, and exploring abroad.

    🗓️ Day Two: Hello, Stockholm!

    Arrival: Arlanda Airport 🇸🇪
    Check-In: Zinkensdamm Hostel
    1:00 PM – City Tour: Gamla Stan (Old Town)
    6:00 PM – Dinner at a local Irish pub 🍽️

    Once we landed at Arlanda, we hopped on a bus that took us straight to our hostel — and let me tell you, I highly recommend Zinkensdamm Hostel. The breakfast spread was amazing (I still think about those fresh pastries), and the restaurant on-site was great too. It’s also super close to public transportation, which makes exploring Stockholm so easy.

    Now, fair warning — the rooms are definitely on the smaller side. It’s cozy, but you’ll want to pack smart! Oh, and double-check your adapters before you leave. I brought an older one and couldn’t charge my laptop at first (rookie mistake 🙃).

    That evening, our group wandered down the street to a nearby Irish pub for dinner, and I tried the lamb. It was delicious — the perfect cozy meal after a long day of travel.

    🚆 Getting Around Stockholm

    Using public transit in Stockholm is surprisingly easy! The trains are clean, efficient, and simple to navigate. That said, if you’ve got a lot of luggage, I recommend grabbing a taxi or booking a driver service for your first day.

    Since I was there for three weeks, I picked up a train pass — totally worth it. It made it so easy to hop on and off the metro whenever I wanted to explore.

    Sweden instantly felt like a second home — calm, beautiful, and full of charm. This was just the start of an unforgettable trip!✨

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    Buy me a coffee!
  • A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

    A Hidden Gem: Exploring Tallinn, Estonia

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    While studying abroad in Sweden, a group of us decided to hop on a two-day cruise to Tallinn, Estonia — and wow, what a hidden gem! Tallinn felt like stepping straight into a storybook, with its medieval towers, cobblestone streets, and dreamy sea views.

    We took the Baltic Queen (Tallink) cruise ship, which was clean, surprisingly spacious, and served the best mixed drinks. (Seriously, I’m still thinking about that mojito.) Plus, bonus points — they have accessible-friendly rooms, which is always great to see.

    Once we arrived in Estonia, we had a guided tour planned… but about 15 minutes in, we collectively decided, “Nah, let’s do our own thing.” 😂 Best decision ever. We found a cozy café for lunch and wandered through the old streets at our own pace.

    One of my favorite discoveries was a local bookstore filled with international editions of Harry Potter. I love collecting the series in different languages — though my wallet did not approve at the time! I ended up skipping the Estonian version, but I did grab a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Swedish. The cover? Absolutely gorgeous.

    Later that day, a friend and I split off from the group to explore some of Tallinn’s hidden corners — old walls, watchtowers, and postcard-perfect views everywhere we turned. It was the kind of place that feels magical without even trying.

    Tallinn, I’ll definitely be back. 💙