What is a semla?
The traditional semla is a light wheat bun with a top filled with whipped cream and almond paste. Over the years, it has been joined by many visionary creations. How about semla wrap, coffee semla, Nutella semla, hot dog semla, wiener semla, croissant semla, chocolate ball semla, chia semla, or princess cake semla, a delicious combination of semla and princess cake. Many places also offer organic and vegan semlor.
Find the best semla in Stockholm
In Stockholm, the semla has been around since 1679 and is usually sold from early in the year until Easter, what is called the lenten period. And for those of you who like this super-popular pastry, there is a gigantic selection. To help you find your way in the city’s semla jungle, we have created a guide to Stockholm’s best semla.
Whether you stick to the traditions and only eat semla on Fat Tuesday or wish that you could eat semla all year round, you can definitely find a favorite in the list. There are cafes, patisseries, and bakeries in the inner city as well as the suburban areas to enjoy the next time it’s time for semla! Which will be this year’s number one goodie for you?
Konditori Genuin
Delicious traditional – and innovative – semlas at Konditori Genuin
For “fika,” there are also other coffee breads like cinnamon buns and croissants or pastries such as raspberry tart, Mazarin, and raw food balls (and don’t miss their delicious pralines). You can also have breakfast or lunch at Konditori Genuin and choose from a wide range of fresh wraps, sandwiches, and salads. In addition, you can order fantastic cakes or sandwiches for birthdays and other celebrations or buy homemade bread from the bakery. All are made from scratch with quality ingredients and great passion.
Lindquists konditori
At Lindquist’s konditori, there’s a semla for every taste
Lindquists Konditori is a well-known name in Stockholm, especially when it comes to semlor. Every year, as Lent approaches, semla lovers from all over the city flock to taste Lindquists’ famous semlor, which has rightly become a symbol of the pastry shop’s craftsmanship and quality. At Lindquists they take semlor very seriously, and there is something for every taste. The classic semla, with its fluffy wheat bun, smooth almond paste and plenty of whipped cream, is a timeless favorite that never goes out of style. But for those looking for something different, Lindquists also offers exciting variations that put a modern twist on tradition.
For those who want a smaller version, there is the mini-semla, perfect for those who want to enjoy several flavors at once. Vegans and lactose-intolerant people don’t have to go empty-handed either – Lindquist’s offers a tasty vegan semla with the same love and care as the classic. In addition, there are chocolate, red velvet, Nutella, popcorn and Oreo flavored semlor, just to name a few, if you want to try something new and exciting. Each semla is baked with carefully selected ingredients, and it’s evident in every bite. Whatever semla you choose, you can be sure that you will have a taste experience beyond the ordinary at Lindquists Konditori. For many Stockholmers, a visit to Lindquists during the semmel season is a must, and it is easy to understand why – here tradition and innovation meet in every pastry.
Odengatan 27, Vasastan
Café Pascal
During the semla period, it’s a given stop for those who love semlor in general and coffee in particular. Here they have created the unbeatable combination of semla and coffee – the famous coffee semla, made from the café’s espresso with, among other things, coffee wheat dough, almond filling, and creamy, fluffy coffee cream. No wonder Stockholmers queue for this treat, and a tip is to hurry there and grab one before they sell out. Following the success is the French-scented ‘cremla’, a mix of croissant and semla, which is also a big favorite among the guests.
Skånegatan 76, Södermalm
Magnus Johansson Bageri & Konditori
The focus is genuine craftsmanship and high-quality raw materials, and everything is created with a lot of love. Of course, that includes the semlor, usually long-awaited by customers throughout the city. A slightly more odd but popular variant is the vegan semla in a fantastic pink color – 100% plant-based with beetroot, raspberries, pumpkin, and almonds. And why not surprise your best friend, your mom, your co-workers, or someone else you like with a semla card. The perfect gift for Fat Tuesday!
Gunnarsons Specialkonditori
For those of you who like to avoid almond paste, there’s the vanilla semla which is instead filled with custard. And if you’re a whole bunch of semla fans, the semla cake is your best friend. If you want to enjoy the good stuff on site, there are two floors with genuine Swedish ‘fika’ culture – perfect for a short break from Götgatan’s lively pulse. Bring your best coffee buddy and settle down in the beautiful and classy patisserie.
Vallentuna Stenugnsbageri
Bergstrands Bageri
S:t Paul Bageri
Tössebageriet
But a long history doesn’t mean a lack of modern influences. For example, did you know this bakery invented the successful semla wrap that caught on in Sweden a few years ago? Baked according to a classic recipe, the traditional semla is also a big favorite. These juicy wheat buns with creamy almond filling and delicious freshly whipped cream are repeatedly awarded, are available in several sizes, and every year make people from all over the city head for Karlavägen. If you have coffee on-site, you can enjoy period decor with details that have remained since the beginning, including beautiful ceiling roses and ceramic tiles.
Lillebrors bageri
Lillebrors bageri is a place that leaves nothing to chance; it goes for everything from the raw materials to the design of the premises. The range is a bit smaller than in other places, but on the other hand, it means that the bakery always has freshly baked goodies on the counter. In addition, there is the opportunity to surprise customers with temporary pastries based on the season.
Lundbergs Konditori
In other words, the ambitions are high, so of course, they can deliver one of Stockholm’s best semlor; baked with love from ingredients of the highest quality. Traditional semla, semla in the form of ice cream and croissant, gluten-free semla, lactose-free semla, and vegan semla – at Lundbergs Konditori there’s something for everyone. It’s a given that the queue during the semla period is long with both loyal regulars and new customers.
Besides semla, there are also classic coffee bread, innovative desserts, bread, and everything else you could wish for when you’re in the mood for a delicious ‘fika’. Sit down at one of the tables, admire the checkered floor, and just have a good time.
Vete-Katten
In addition to the original, Vete-Katten has expanded the business with several smaller branches around the city. You can find them at the Central Station, Gallerian, Åhléns, Karolinska Hospital, and more. In other words, you have great opportunities to get one of their coveted semlor.
Enjoy Stockholm’s best semla
There you have our guide to the city’s best semlor. Just to go out on the town and taste your way to Stockholm’s most delicious semla.
Find the semla places on the map