Rickard Söderberg: My top 5 inspiring places in Stockholm

Opera singer and artist Rickard Söderberg is one of modern Swedish opera's most acclaimed singers. Besides the many, many, productions he's had significant parts in, Rickard has recorded several innovative Opera albums, directed plays and shows, and on occasion branched out into musicals. He's also an activist for LGBTQ rights and environmental issues.

Born in Halmstad, in south-western Sweden, and with Malmö as his home (with Malmö Opera as his home scene) Rickard regularly visits Stockholm, for work or recreation. For Stockholm Pride's annual parade, he has participated numerous times as one of the parade MCs.

Here are Rickard's 5 top inspiring places in Stockholm, that always give him an energy boost.

Mälarpaviljongen

A floating oasis at Norr Mälarstrand where the rainbow flag waves all year round and where the atmosphere is as generous as the view.

Ulriksdals Palace Theartre Confidencen

Sweden's coolest rococo theatre continues to deliver. This summer, Don Giovanni plunders the virtue of the maids during the Opera Festival, all by candlelight and creaky floors that have seen both court balls and revolutionary gossip.

Herman's grill buffet

Stockholm's best view and a buffet that will make even die-hard meat lovers convert to tofu. Summer evenings, the grill is fired up Thursday–Sunday; I load my plate with jackfruit "ribs" and take in the whole of Stockholm a little from above.

Pride House

During the Nordic region's largest Pride in Stockholm, it is in Pride House that voices from all over the world gather In conversations that touch deeply, it suddenly feels like the world can actually be changed.

Hallwyl Museum

Wilhelmina von Hallwyl was a kind of primordial diva, and her home is a time capsule of splendor, curiosity, and personal freedom. I go there to be reminded that beauty can also be resistance.