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My Nordics, as told by chef and restaurateur Pontus Frithiof

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Pontus Frithiof

La Tour, Pontus Frithiof at Bro Hof, La Girafe and most recently Fabriken, to name just a few – chef and restaurateur Pontus Frithiof is, without a doubt, one of Sweden’s most accomplished culinary entrepreneurs. With a portfolio that spans everything from fine dining and champagne bars to casual bistros, exclusive lounges and private jet catering, he has redefined the dining experience across a variety of concepts.

Starting as a chef, he spent 20 years in the kitchen before transitioning to restaurateur and entrepreneur. Today, he’s driven by a passion for building strong teams, championing husmanskost (traditional Swedish cuisine) and advancing sustainability. In addition to his restaurant ventures, Frithiof is one of the initiators behind Husmanskostens Dag, celebrated annually on 28 February, highlighting the importance of preserving and modernising traditional Swedish cuisine.

In this interview, he reveals his favourite Nordic escapes and the experiences that inspire him – on those rare occasions he manages to steal some time off.

Norrbotten Sweden travel guide

“There’s always a more continental vibe there … ”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

… naturally Sweden. It’s an incredibly beautiful country, but also very diverse, with outstanding natural landscapes and almost unbelievably many unique, location-specific experiences to explore from north to south.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

Copenhagen. I try to visit at least once a year, often managing two trips. There’s always a more continental vibe there, which I really appreciate, and if you go in spring, it’s lovely to see how the season has progressed further than in Sweden.

“Truly a powerhouse.”

For the perfect close-to-nature experience, I visit …

… … places I’ve yet to explore. Northern Norway, with destinations like Tromsø and Narvik, is high on my list, as is Riksgränsen in Sweden. The older I get, the more I prioritise nature experiences and make the time to seek them out.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen. I’m a sucker for classic luxury, and for me, this is the most elegant hotel in the Nordics. I love everything about it – it feels personal, luxurious and genuine. It’s like a hybrid of Ett Hem and Grand Hôtel in Stockholm. The breakfast is unforgettable, with warm liver pâté, freshly baked rolls and so many other delights. The rooms are fantastic too. Truly a powerhouse.

Photography courtesy of Hotel d’Angleterre

Aamanns 1921 Copenhagen Denmark restaurant

“They’re absolutely to die for yet still feel fresh and light.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… two places. First, Aamanns 1921 in Copenhagen for their smørrebrød – genuine, beautifully updated and stylishly Scandinavian. They’re absolutely to die for yet still feel fresh and light. Second, Wedholms Fisk in Stockholm, a restaurant that does a cultural service by staying true to its classic focus on fish and seafood.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… Tweed in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. This now-shuttered bar gave me some truly memorable experiences with its outstanding cocktails, relaxed atmosphere and excellent service and hospitality.

Photography courtesy of Aamanns 1921

Floramor Krukatös Gothenburg Sweden store review

“To top it off, there’s Tavolo, Sweden’s only restaurant with a true New York vibe.”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …

… Floramor & Krukatös in Gothenburg. It’s a wonderful flower shop, and the area around it adds to the experience. There are great food trucks nearby and fantastic shops in the neighbourhood, including a lovely little kitchenware store named Artilleriet Kitchen Studio. To top it off, there’s Tavolo, Sweden’s only restaurant with a true New York vibe.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. It’s a place I love returning to – not just for the art but also for the incredible setting, which always gives me so much. Of course, it depends on the exhibition. I was also deeply moved by the Monet exhibition at Artipelag, which was almost entirely digital but beautifully executed. For someone like me, who doesn’t consider culture my strong suit, it was at just the right level.

Photography courtesy of Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Floramor & Krukatös

Fjällnäs Tänndalen Sweden resort review

“I don’t think anything can match the feeling you get after such a physical challenge.”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… Fjellnäs Resort in Fjällnäs, located in the mountainous region of Härjedalen, Sweden’s northwestern corner. It’s beautiful, incredibly genuine and surrounded by stunning nature. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is so relaxing – I absolutely love it. The hospitality from the owning family adds a special touch that elevates the experience as a guest. I always long to return, and it’s one of the few places where you sleep as well as this.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… skiing the Vasaloppet, the world’s longest cross-country ski race, held annually in Dalarna, Sweden. The experience is perfectly rounded off with a sauna afterwards and an ice-cold beer. I don’t think anything can match the feeling you get after such a physical challenge.

Photography courtesy of Fjällnäs

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