Looking for where to find cinnamon buns in Stockholm? The Swedish kanelbullar is one of the city’s most iconic treats and a central part of the beloved fika tradition. On a recent trip to Stockholm, I set out to try cinnamon buns across bakeries, cafés, and even the airport — not to crown a single “best,” but to experience the range of flavors and styles you’ll encounter around the city.
For years, I was teased by those beautifully knotted Swedish cinnamon buns covered in crunchy pearl sugar and scented with warm cardamom. But what I found on my tasting journey was remarkable consistency across Stockholm.
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Why You Don’t Need to Hunt for the “Best” Cinnamon Bun in Stockholm
Unlike many food destinations where one bakery clearly stands above the rest, Stockholm’s cinnamon buns are remarkably consistent. Across historic cafés, local chains, and even the airport, I found the same high standard of baking — lightly sweet dough, balanced spice, and that signature sprinkle of pearl sugar. This means travelers don’t need to go out of their way to chase a single famous bakery — excellent kanelbullar are easy to find throughout the city.
Where to Find Cinnamon Buns in Stockholm (Quick List)
- Sundbergs Konditori — historic café in Gamla Stan
- Stockholm 1897 — waterfront fika stop
- Brunkebergs Bageri — classic city-center bakery
- Gunnarsons — traditional neighborhood spot
- Thelins — long-running local chain
- Bröd & Salt — convenient modern bakery
- Nordic Kitchen — airport farewell fika
Where These Cinnamon Bun Cafés Are Located
The bakeries on this list are spread across several central neighborhoods in Stockholm, including Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm, and Djurgården. Most are easy to reach by metro or on foot while sightseeing.
Most of these neighborhoods are within a 10–15 minute metro ride of each other, making it easy to try several cinnamon buns in Stockholm during a single day of sightseeing.
How I Chose Where to Try Cinnamon Buns in Stockholm
For this tasting journey, I simply went where the mood (and my travel plans) took me. I didn’t focus on hitting any bakeries that are popular on social media. I tried to go to neighborhood bakeries, local chains, and traditional tourist spots in Stockholm…as well as one last bite at the airport!
This approach reflects how most travelers actually experience fika — stopping spontaneously during sightseeing rather than planning a dedicated bakery crawl.
Many bakeries in Stockholm bake cinnamon buns fresh multiple times per day, ensuring they’re almost always served warm or recently cooled.
The Best Cinnamon Buns in Stockholm (Tried and Tested)
Sundbergs Konditori – Cinnamon Buns at Oldest Pastry Shop in Stockholm
Opened in 1785, Sundbergs Konditori is advertised as the city’s oldest operating pastry shop.
Located in the heart of the city’s old town, Gamla Stan, it’s one of the most historic places to try cinnamon buns in Stockholm. The shop has a classic European coffee shop feel, including outdoor seating. In addition to classic Kanelbullar they also have a wide selection of other popular Swedish pastries, including Prinsesstårta, or princess cakes.
Best For: This is an ideal stop if you want to combine sightseeing in Gamla Stan with a classic Swedish fika experience.
Stockholm 1897 – Cozy Fika Stop Between Sightseeing
While I was never looking for “the best,” the Kanelbullar from Stockholm 1897 was undoubtedly the best I ate. I still think about it from time to time.
Turns out I’m not alone in thinking they’re pretty darn good. The bakery’s cinnamon buns were in Thatsup guide’s top three in Sweden for 2025 (and #1 locally for Östermalm and Djurgården).
Enjoy your fika with a view directly on the waterfront at Ladugårdslandsviken.
Brunkebergs Bageri och Bistro – Classic Kanelbullar in the City Center
Located a comfortable distance away from the sightseeing in Gamla Stan in Norrmalm, the business heart of the city, is Brunkebergs Bageri och Bistro. It’s a casual no-fuss cafe and bakery. When I visited, the shop was full of locals socializing and enjoying fika.
Gunnarsons Specialkonditori – A Traditional Take on Swedish Cinnamon Buns
This cozy local bakery has been serving the neighborhood since the mid-1940s. And it’s easy to see why they’ve stayed in business so long. With racks lined with fresh loaves of bread and display cases full of sweets, including adorable marzipan confections, it’s tempting to want more than just a cinnamon bun from Gunnarsons Specialkonditori.
It’s a great stop if you want a classic neighborhood experience while searching for cinnamon buns in Stockholm.
Thelins – Modern Spot for Classic Baked Goods
Since the early 1900s, Thelins have been treating Stockholm to a spot for fika. Today, in their modern and upscale-feeling cafes across the city, you can enjoy light bites and pastries. The one I visited in Norrmalm was a convenient stop after a day of museums and shopping.
Bröd & Salt – A Convenient Spot for Swedish Fika
Bröd & Salt is a popular Stockholm chain of bakeries and cafes; it’s hard to go far in the city without seeing one. They’re a tried and true spot that’s convenient. You can always count on them for a cup of coffee or tea and a quick bite. The one right along the waterfront in Gamla Stan is quite large with an enclosed outdoor area.
Best For: Because of its many locations, this is one of the easiest places to grab cinnamon buns in Stockholm without planning ahead.
Nordic Kitchen – A Final Kanelbullar at the Airport
It was too tempting not to indulge in one last cinnamon bun at the Stockholm Arlanda Airport. And the Kanelbullar at Nordic Kitchen didn’t disappoint. Maybe it was the sadness of leaving the city, but this felt like one of the better Swedish cinnamon buns of the trip.
Nordic Kitchen’s other offerings — like their shrimp sandwiches — were also incredibly fresh and tasty. Their staff was also extremely friendly.
Best For: A quick spot to grab-and-go for a last taste of Stockholm cinnamon buns. Or, a first taste on arrival!
What Is Fika? Understanding Stockholm’s Coffee Culture
In Sweden, fika is extremely popular.
Fika is the classic Swedish tradition of taking a break to recharge, typically with others, with a cup of coffee and a sweet treat — like a cinnamon bun.
Think of it as the equivalent of an afternoon coffee and cake.
Why Cinnamon Buns Are Central to Swedish Fika
Swedish cinnamon buns cemented their star status in Sweden following World War I, when the rationing of butter and sugar was loosened. They became a popular home bake, especially when entertaining friends and family. Cinnamon buns became the epitome of coziness.
In fact, Sweden even celebrates these pastries annually on October 4, known nationwide as Cinnamon Bun Day. Enjoying cinnamon buns in Stockholm is practically a national requirement.
What Makes Swedish Cinnamon Buns Different?
For those familiar with American-style cinnamon buns, the Swedish cinnamon buns in Stockholm are slightly different.
- Less Sweet – Swedish cinnamon buns are less sweet than their American cousins
- Pearl Sugar Instead of Frosting – While American-style buns are frosted, Swedish buns aren’t frosted but are sprinkled with crunchy pearl sugar
- Less Bread-like Texture – Swedish buns aren’t quite as fluffy or bread-like as American-style cinnamon buns
- The Secret Ingredient? Cardamom – Some Swedish cinnamon buns incorporate cardamom into the dough. For a stronger dose of cardamom, try cardamom buns (Kardemummabullar)
There are also other variations on the cinnamon bun, such as blåbärsbullar, which incorporate blueberries.
Best Cafés in Stockholm for Fika
While all of the fika I had were good, the best fika in the city was at Stockholm 1897. With coffee service at the center of the cafe and those large picture windows overlooking the waterfront, the cafe felt both upscale and comfortable. There’s even some outdoor seating in warm weather.
The cafe’s cinnamon buns are ranked among the best in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Slightly chewy and moist, these cinnamon buns stood out (on multiple taste tests!) among a crowd of consistent and similar products.
Cinnamon Buns vs Cinnamon Rolls: What’s the Difference?
Swedish cinnamon buns have a bit of bite and chew, they’re not overly sweet, and they’re sprinkled with a generous helping of pearl sugar and perhaps some sliced almonds.
American-style cinnamon rolls have a fluffy, bread-like texture, tend to be sweeter, and are slathered with frosting.
Are Cinnamon Buns a Must-Eat in Stockholm?
Yes! Swedish cinnamon buns are iconic, so you should have at least one during a visit to the capital city. But be sure to save room: there are plenty of other great Swedish pastries to sample!
FAQs About Cinnamon Buns in Stockholm
Are Swedish cinnamon buns sweet?
Relatively speaking, Swedish cinnamon buns are sweet, but they are not extremely sweet. Compared to American-style cinnamon buns, the Swedish variety is far less sweet.
How much do cinnamon buns cost in Stockholm?
Expect to pay between 30–50 SEK for a cinnamon bun in Stockholm, with coffee or tea typically adding another 30–40 SEK.
Prices are accurate as of 2025–2026.
What is the difference between kanelbullar and kardemummabullar?
Kanelbullar are cinnamon buns; Kardemummabullar are cardamom buns. The two are similar, but each has a different hero flavor.
Is fika expensive in Stockholm?
Fika is a relatively affordable indulgence. Stockholm isn’t an inexpensive city, but you can easily find spots with affordable fika.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying Kanelbullar as Part of Exploring Stockholm
While this “experiment” wasn’t scientific or all-encompassing, I came away with a strong conclusion: all of the cinnamon buns in Stockholm that I ate were good. Sure, some were better than others, but they were all relatively consistent. This speaks volumes to the quality of the city’s bakers and the pride they take in their bakes.
So often when we travel, we want whatever’s gone viral on social media or is declared “the best.” What I found is that you can go into nearly any bakery or pastry shop in Stockholm for a cinnamon bun and not fear you’re missing out. The answer to where to find cinnamon buns in Stockholm is simple: they’re everywhere.
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All photos and opinions are my own.
