A Swedish Guide in Philadelphia
A Swedish
Guide in
Philadelphia
Many major cities have their own “China towns”, “Little Italy”,
“French Quarters”, etc., but how about “Small Sweden”? Here
is your guide to discover some Scandinavian treats located
around Philadelphia. Since “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”,
all you need to do is put on your walking shoes and get going
to feel a Nordic breeze.
9:00 AM Visit to Konditori
9:45 AM
40 S 17th Street
Start your day with freshly brewed coffee at the Swedish-New Yorker
café: Konditori on the corner of Randsted Street. This “go-to neighborhood”
coffeehouse was first established in Brooklyn, New York, by the two
owners: Swedish Per Inglander and Brooklyn born Ronny Kaj. The concept
aims to incorporate the Swedish lifestyle of a traditional European home-
away-from-home coffee shop and marry it with Brooklyn culture. Go for
a “Swedish-Americanized” breakfast consisting of a cup of fresh roasted
coffee and a soft bagel with cream cheese.
After your Swedish awakening, stroll down
Chestnut Street for some window shopping
along the way towards Philadelphia’s historic
district. After about 30 minutes walking you
will be at Philadelphia’s Independence Hall.
Take some time in this area to look at the
Liberty Bell and embrace the city’s history.
Fun fact, Swedes have had some interesting
influence in the Philadelphia region which you can read more about on page 15, about our networking
event celebrating the Swedish settlement in the area: 380 Years and Thriving.
10:45 AM
Continue your walk south, along the Delaware River
During the summer days, this waterfront area comes alive. Spruce Street Harbor Park is one of the most
popular destinations and has been called “one of the world’s best urban beaches”. If you are visiting
during spring, summer or fall chances are that you will be able to enjoy both beer gardens and food trucks
while doing some people watching and relaxing in a hammock. As a Swede, this is a must: enjoying the
outdoors on a late sunny evening. You might even be able to find some Scandinavian beverages such as
Rekorderlig cider at one of the beer gardens.
11:15 AM
After a 30 minute promenade along the waterfront, you will have the
Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church on your right side. This sweet
and petite looking building is classified as the oldest church building in
Pennsylvania and the second-oldest in the United States. It was built
to serve a parish of Swedish settlers who lived along the banks of the
Schuylkill and Delaware rivers. Inside you will find miniature replicas in
wood of the ships that carried Swedish settlers to the region in 1643.
Once a month, the Church offers mass in Swedish and in December
they arrange a Lucia celebration.
Fun fact: Below the organ, on the balcony, are carvings of two angels
dating from the early 1700s. Take a look on the stone floor to see the
same image appear.
page 10