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Nordic tastemakers

My Nordics, as told by journalist Jonna Dagliden Hunt

An insider’s guide to the Nordics with Jonna Dagliden Hunt

One of Sweden’s most accomplished journalists, and someone we’re lucky to call a personal friend, Jonna Dagliden Hunt has carved out an impressive career at the intersection of design, architecture and lifestyle.

Originally from Gothenburg, she moved to London at 18, studying media and communications at Goldsmiths, University of London, and later working at the trend agency The Future Laboratory. After six years in the UK, Dagliden Hunt returned to Sweden with her husband, photographer Christopher Hunt, and began contributing to top-tier publications like Monocle, Wallpaper*, The Guardian and Swedish titles such as Residence, Icon, Fokus and Elle. Today, she’s the editor of interiors magazine The New Era while continuing to write for international outlets.

Though based in Stockholm with their two young sons, Dagliden Hunt and her family divide their time between city life and their country house near Hamburgsund on Sweden’s rugged west coast. In this interview, she invites us into her world, sharing her favourite spots for nature, food, culture and design.

Top photography courtesy of Christopher Hunt

Bohuslän Sweden travel guide

“I love the nature there, with the Bohuslän granite, salty ocean and sparse vegetation.”

In the Nordics, my favourite country is …

Sweden since I haven’t experienced enough to choose another. My favourite part of Sweden is by far the west coast. I love the nature there, with the Bohuslän granite, salty ocean and sparse vegetation.

For a dose of urban pulse, I head to …

Copenhagen, definitely. It has an international feel you don’t find in other Nordic cities. Compared to Stockholm, everything feels so much more genuine. The Meatpacking District has grown organically, and you still have that edgy vibe. In Stockholm, it all feels like a ‘concept’.

Ett Hem Stockholm Sweden

“As a hotel reviewer for Telegraph Travel, I’ve experienced my share of hotels, but I always return to Ett Hem.”

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

… the Valön nature reserve, located just outside Bovallstrand, a small coastal village in Bohuslän on Sweden’s west coast. It offers dramatic cliffs, beaches, rocks for diving into the sea and free-roaming cows. Last year, we walked around the island, and the ocean views were stunning.

For a memorable getaway, I check myself into …

Ett Hem in Stockholm. As a hotel reviewer for Telegraph Travel, I’ve experienced my share of hotels, but I always return to Ett Hem. I love the cosy atmosphere, attention to detail and amazing food. For me, luxury is sitting down with a well-curated book or magazine, sipping a cocktail and simply relaxing in one of their comfy sofas. It’s warm, friendly and genuine.

Photography courtesy of Magnus Mårding and Ett Hem

Cadierbaren Stockholm Sweden bar
Bap Kitchen Stockholm Sweden restaurant review

“It’s a small space, but the food delivers fantastic Korean flavours.”

For a great meal, I go to …

… Bap Kitchen on Timmermansgatan in Södermalm, Stockholm. It’s a small space, but the food delivers fantastic Korean flavours. The Buldak Dup-bap, with pan-fried spicy chicken and multi-grain rice, is delicious. I’ve never been to Korea, but I imagine the food tastes just like this.

For a fun night out, I head to …

… the Cadier Bar at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm – though that’s a tricky question, as I hardly ever go out. I do love a great cocktail and for celebrations, I always order a Negroni.

Photography courtesy of Grand Hôtel and Bap Kitchen

“I’ve cut back on shopping in recent years, especially for clothes …”

For a dose of retail therapy, I shop at …​

… Nordiska Galleriet for furniture and accessories like lamps. I’ve cut back on shopping in recent years, especially for clothes, but I still enjoy browsing interior design at smaller venues like Artilleriet in Gothenburg and Tambur in Stockholm.

For a dose of culture, I head to …

… Kulturhuset in Stockholm. With two small childen, my focus has recently been on cultural experiences for them, and this is the perfect spot. Designed by Peter Celsing in 1966, it offers an amazing library, theatre shows, exhibitions and a craft atelier. I can easily spend a whole day here with the kids.

Photography courtesy of Nordiska Galleriet, Johan Eldrot and Kulturhuset
Shrimp Nordic food
Heestrand Bohuslän Sweden travel guide

“It’s about wild swimming and the bliss of warming up afterwards on smooth, sun-heated granite cliffs.”

For a hidden gem, I recommend …

… Gerlesborg Art Gallery, located south of Bovallstrand on Sweden’s west coast. Set right by the water with stunning ocean views, it features excellent art exhibitions and offers art sessions for both children and adults. In the summertime, there’s also a café to enjoy.

For me, a quintessential Nordic experience is …

… spending a day by the ocean on the Swedish west coast, particularly in Heestrand. It’s about wild swimming and the bliss of warming up afterwards on smooth, sun-heated granite cliffs. To round off the day, I visit the local fish shop in Hamburgsund for some fresh seafood.

Photography courtesy of Per Pixel

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