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Stockholm Bear Weekend 2026

Each year bears from the Nordic region and beyond gather together in Stockholm for a weekend of parties, fun and solidarity.

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Highlights

    • Meet and greet
    • Pub crawl
    • Tour of Stockholm
    • Bear parties
    • Special dinner
    • Farewell brunch

Stockholm Bear Weekend 2026

The Stockholm Bear Weekend, “STHLM BEAR WKND” takes place each year in May and marks the beginning of the bear party season Scandinavia.

  • Visiting Stockholm for the bear weekend? Stay in the trendy Södermalm district home to several gay bars and gay-friendly venues or the Gamla Stan, Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world.

The Bear Weekend

  • Next Edition: Friday to Sunday in late May.
  • Each year bears from the Nordic region and beyond gather together in Stockholm for a weekend of parties, fun and solidarity.
  • The event is organised by Bears Together Sweden and Nordic Bears and they focus on creating parties and festivals for bears and friends based in Scandinavia.
  • Events include a meet and greet evening, a daily pub crawl, a guided tour of Stockholm, bear parties, special dinner celebrations and a farewell brunch.
  • Stay at the Hotel Frantz, WorldHotels Crafted, a 4 star hotel rated “Wonderful” by gusts with sleek design and excellent service. 

The Parties

  • Awaiting schdule for the next edition – use the previous year's program as a guide:
  • Friday –  Meet up in Side Track from 7pm. The main party  at SLM kicks off at 8pm until 1am.
  • Saturday – Enjoy the Schlager Final Party from 7pm until 1am. A dinner with large screens, Bar and Dance floor at Spice Garden.
  • Sunday – The event closes with the Closing Dinner at restaurant Patricia / Bar / Dance from 7pm to 11pm.

The Venues

  • Time Bar – the newest hotspot in the trendy Hornstull area with great beer, pizzas DJ and more.
  • Side Track – Stockholm's oldest gay bar with fun music, a mix of guys and reasonable prices.
  • SLM – Stockholm's biggest fetish club for men. Great sound, light, dance floor and atmosphere.
  • Spice Garden – Indian Restaurant in Södermalm
  • Patricia – Set on a restored navy ship, this longtime upscale eatery is known for its steak & seafood dinners. Fun venue!

Nordic Bears

Nordic Bears is an initiative to coordinate, strengthen and promote Bear culture and community in the Nordic region and beyond! The idea is to connect local Nordic Bear groups and associations so that they can work together and help create the feeling of community within and between the Nordic countries and beyond.

Where to stay in Stockholm?

The following Stockholm hotels are close to the city's top attractions and the bear parties:

Nobis Hotel,    Radisson Blu,    Berns Hotel,    Nordic Light Hotel

Gay Map of Stockholm

Being gay is such a non-issue in Sweden that Stockholm doesn’t really have a “gay area” — the gay clubs are everywhere, and gay restaurants and coffee shops are dispersed throughout downtown, old town, and even the suburbs.

Address: Tegelbacken 6, 10123 Stockholm

  • Large central hotel near Tegelbacken and Stockholm Central Station.
  • Close to gay nightlife areas in Gamla Stan and Södermalm.
  • Classic international style with water and City Hall views.
  • Easy walk to bars, restaurants, and late-night transport.
  • Good choice if you want comfort and location over boutique style.
  • Best for city stays where nightlife access matters.
  • Website

Address: Guldgränd 8, 10465 Stockholm

  • Waterfront hotel on Södermalm overlooking the Old Town.
  • Close to gay nightlife in Gamla Stan and Södermalm.
  • Many rooms face Riddarfjärden with wide city views.
  • Large international hotel feel with bar and restaurant.
  • Easy walk to Slussen metro and central nightlife areas.
  • Best for visitors who want views and location over boutique style.
  • Website

Address: Storkyrkobrinken 5, 11128 Stockholm

  • Historic hotel in Gamla Stan beside the Royal Palace.
  • Close to gay nightlife in Gamla Stan and Södermalm.
  • Antique-filled interiors give it a true Old Town character.
  • Smaller, romantic feel compared with modern chain hotels.
  • Easy walk to bars, restaurants, and waterfront routes.
  • Best for travellers who want charm and location over modern design.
  • Website

Address: Storkyrkobrinken 5, 11128 Stockholm

  • Historic hotel in Gamla Stan beside the Royal Palace.
  • Close to gay nightlife in Gamla Stan and Södermalm.
  • Antique-filled interiors give it a true Old Town character.
  • Smaller, romantic feel compared with modern chain hotels.
  • Easy walk to bars, restaurants, and waterfront routes.
  • Best for travellers who want charm and location over modern design.
  • Website

Address: Lilla Nygatan 5, 11128 Stockholm

  • Historic Gamla Stan hotel filled with maritime antiques.
  • Close to gay nightlife in Gamla Stan and Södermalm.
  • Individually styled rooms with a classic Old Town feel.
  • Restaurant and bar on site make pre-night drinks easy.
  • Quiet side street location but central for walking everywhere.
  • Best for travellers who want character over modern minimalism.
  • Website

Address: Västerlånggatan 22, 11129 Stockholm

  • Historic maritime-themed hotel in the heart of Gamla Stan.
  • Close to gay nightlife in Gamla Stan and Södermalm.
  • Narrow building packed with ship antiques and nautical details.
  • Small rooms but strong character and Old Town atmosphere.
  • Rooftop terrace adds quiet views above the busy streets.
  • Best for travellers who want charm and location over space.
  • Website

Address: Stortorget 18, 11129 Stockholm

  • Gay café in Gamla Stan with a long local reputation.
  • Prime Stortorget location makes it easy to find.
  • Known for hot chocolate and classic Swedish fika.
  • Small, cosy space with outdoor square seating.
  • Best for daytime meet-ups before nightlife later.
  • Open: Daily: Winter 10am-10pm, Summer 9am-10pm
  • Website

Address: Norr Mälarstrand 64, 11235 Stockholm

  • Gay summer bar and restaurant on floating pontoons by the water.
  • Norr Mälarstrand setting makes it a classic sunny-day ritual. 
  • Leafy decks, long tables, and a crowd that settles in for hours.
  • Daytime food and fika, then later drinks when it turns more social.
  • Seasonal venue - it shuts for winter and reopens in spring.
  • Open: Apr-Sep: Daily 11am-10pm (weather-dependent)
  • Website

Address: Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 7, 11850 Stockholm

  • Gay basement bar in Södermalm, close to Mariatorget.
  • One of Stockholm’s longest-running gay meeting spots.
  • Small, cosy room that gets packed on weekends.
  • Pop and throwbacks with a friendly, regulars-first feel.
  • Best for chatting and warming up before later plans.
  • Open: Wed-Sat: 6pm-1am
  • Website

Address: Daily: 11am-3am

  • Gay bar, diner, and late-night spot in the heart of Gamla Stan.
  • Courtyard vibe makes it feel hidden even on a busy Old Town night.
  • Works for dinner first, then drinks when the room gets louder.
  • A good choice when you want stay in one place for the night
  • Best on weekends when the crowd turns social and the pace lifts.
  • Open: Daily: 11am-3am
  • Website

Address: Arenavägen 75, 12177 Johanneshov, Stockholm

  • Gay mega-club near Tele2 Arena with a late, high-energy crowd.
  • The long entrance hallway is part of the ritual.
  • Multiple floors and bars keep the night moving.
  • Fridays lean pop and throwbacks, Saturdays is on house and techno.
  • Best for big weekend nights when you want scale, sound
  • Open: Fri-Sat: 11pm-5am
  • Facebook

Address: Söder Mälarstrand Kajplats 19, 11825 Stockholm

  • Party boat nightclub on Söder Mälarstrand with 5am finishes.
  • Gay Sunday nights are the weekly anchor for LGBT visitors.
  • Multiple rooms let you hop between schlagers, and karaoke energy.
  • Water views and ship interiors give it a true Stockholm signature.
  • Best for big weekend groups who want one place all night.
  • Open: Fri-Sun: 8pm-5am
  • Facebook

Address: Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 18, 11850 Stockholm

  • Gay men’s leather and fetish club in Södermalm near Mariatorget.
  • Discreet garage-door entry, then a focused members-only interior.
  • Theme nights pull distinct crowds, with dress codes that matter.
  • Volunteer-run feel keeps it community-led, not corporate nightlife.
  • Best for fetish travellers who want rules, consent culture & purpose.
  • Open: Wed:7pm-11pm, Fri-Sat:10pm-2am
  • Website

Address: Hornsgatan 70, 11821 Stockholm

  • Gay-friendly Södermalm wine bar near Mariatorget.
  • Hornsgatan address makes it a handy pre-night meet-up.
  • Wines and small plates suit long, chatty evenings.
  • Weekend hours stretch late, with DJs and event nights.
  • Best for social starts, not a big-room dancefloor.
  • Open: Tue-Thu: 3pm-11pm, Fri-Sat: 1pm-1am, Sun: 1pm-9pm
  • Instagram

Address: Strandvägskajen 20, 11456 Stockholm

  • Gay waterfront café-bar on Strandvägskajen.
  • Big outdoor seating with Nybroviken views.
  • Best on warm days when the quay is busy.
  • Easy spot for long catch-ups and casual drinks.
  • Weather-dependent, so it can wind down early.
  • Open: Daily: 11am-8pm (weather-dependent)
  • Instagram

Recommended Hotels in Stockholm By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Stockholm that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Nobis Hotel
5 Star, Luxury

Nobis Hotel Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels
Booking.com
  • 5-star, 19th-century buildings, Norrmalmstorg Square.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Climate control, flat-screen TV.
  • Luxurious, modern decor in a historic setting, ideal for exploring Stockholm's shopping district.

Nordic Light Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice

Nordic Light Hotel
Booking.com
  • 4-star, near Stockholm Central Station, modern design.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Free WiFi, tea/coffee facilities.
  • Sleek and contemporary, perfect for business and leisure travelers seeking style and convenience.

Berns Boutique Hotel
4 Star, Great Value

Berns, Historical Boutique Hotel & House of Entertainment since 1863
Booking.com
  • 4-star, historic dining hall, near Nybrokajen Harbour.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Stylish boutique rooms.
  • Combines elegance and entertainment, ideally located for nightlife and cultural attractions.

Radisson Blu
4 Star, Location

Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, Stockholm
Booking.com
  • 4-star, beside Central Station, free gym access.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Air-conditioned, luxury beds.
  • Comfort and convenience with excellent amenities, perfect for enjoying Stockholm's vibrant city.

Video Gay Stockholm

Ravi's guide to the best of Gay Stockholm.

Hotel Skeppsholmen

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