Plan a trip to Stockholm

Sweden's capital and most populous city, Stockholm spans 14 small islands, offering its visitors culture, nightlife, and great food.

The Stockholm Archipelago is the capital city of Sweden and is made up of fourteen islands (and about 50 bridges). It is the largest archipelago in the country and has gained the moniker “the Venice of the North”.  It is in the southwestern region of Sweden, situated where Lake Mälaren meets up with the Baltic Sea.

The city has riveting and diverse landscapes which were sculpted over the centuries, with modern architecture stretching out between the blue waters of the Baltic Sea and the green lungs scattered across the islands. The beauty of the natural landscape complements the green forests in the perimeter of the city, a city that is known for its cleanliness and stylish modern buildings. Be ready when touring to capture the spectacular views, the quaint towns, the incredible monuments, castles, sculptures and the enchanting sceneries around every corner. A great place to start is on Södermalm Island on the northern cliff, where you can capture a stunning panoramic view of the city from the observation deck on Fjällgatan Street. 

Like many European cities, Stockholm has its very own Old Town (Gamla Stan) which is where Stockholm was founded in the mid-13th century! It is on the island of Stadsholmen and three smaller islands – Helgeandsholmen, Riddarholmen and Strömsborg. 

A labyrinth of narrow cobbled alleys and streets with picturesque houses painted in earthy colors make Stortoget -the main city square - a magnet for tourists. While there, you can visit, within walking distance, both the Baroque style Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) which is Europe’s largest palace, as well as the Gothic style splendid Royal Chapel (Storkyrkan) with the iconic statue of St. George and the dragon.

Not all, but some areas of the palace complex are open to visitors, including the royal apartments and the treasury room which is where the royal family crowns are stored. As well, there are two museums in the palace; the Museum of Antiquities where the assemblage of classical sculptures collected by King Gustav III are on display, then in the basement of the palace visit the Museum Three Crowns (Tre Kronor), devoted to tell the story of the original Kronor Palace before a fire at the end of the 17th century destroyed it. 
For those who love ceremonies, there is the daily, traditional exchanging of the guards at noon. 

The Old Town is very trendy and is packed with cafes, restaurants, galleries, shops and museums, including the Nobel Prize Museum and the Post Office Museum.

You will see some of the most beautiful monuments and statues on one of the smaller islands mentioned above. At Riddarholmskyrkan you have the Statue of St. George, Evert Taube Statue, Birger Jarls, Iron Boy - Boy watching the moon and more. The Riddarholmen Church (1632) is the only preserved medieval abbey in Sweden and is the place for burial of Swedish Kings (with the exception of Queen Christina). If you look opposite the Church there is a magnificent baroque building, the Riddarhuset Knights' Hall, which holds and protects the historical items and artefacts  of the Swedish knights’ families.  

One of the city’s most distinctive landmarks is the building of Stockholm City Hall (Stockholms stadshus).  Besides offices and conference rooms there are ceremonial halls, in particular, the Golden Hallas and the Blue Hall, which is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet. About eight million red bricks were used to construct the building and you can get your “Kodak Moment’ if you get to the top of its 106-meter-tall tower which can be seen from near and far. Especially visible is The Three Crowns on top of the tower, a symbol for Sweden. There is a museum about half way up where you’ll find the blueprints and sketches of the makings of the City Hall. The building was constructed between 1911-1923 and is on the shores of Lake Mälaren. 

Note about the red bricks: The red bricks used are what is called “Monks Bricks” because monasteries and churches were traditionally built from this kind of brick.

On the island of Djurgården you have the “The Vasa (maritime) Museum” which holds its prized treasure - a 17th century 64-gun warship. It was found, rescued and is now on display in all its glory, telling the stories of the ship’s crew!  The island is also home to the Skansen open-air museum. Skansen was founded at the end of the 19th century. Historical buildings were dismantled from different places and then brought to Skansen to reassemble them and create a replica. The people of the town are adorned in period costumes to complete the atmosphere making you feel as if you have travelled back in time!

Enjoy the Swedish way of life and culture on this island, as well as exploring what was once the hunting grounds for the royal family. During the summer get ready to participate in the various workshops, attend concerts and festivals and take time out to have fun at the Grona Lund amusement park, the zoo and aquarium – great adventures for the whole family.  

The Segels Torg Square has lively streets around it as well as the Kulturhuset Cultural House for you to wander around and take a break or go for a fika!
What is “Fika’ you ask?  If you want to “feel Swedish” then get up and get some company to go together for a fika (or a fik). A coffee break? Not just a coffee break – it is more like a traditional ritual - like ‘Afternoon Tea in the UK” or “Japanese tea ceremony”. If you take a coffee break at your desk at work – that is not a Fika! If you are standing outside with a cigarette and a cup of coffee – that is not a Fika. The Swedes feel one has to make time, stop and regroup and socialize. So find a charming café or bakery and be one of the gang!

Stockholm also offers attractions of spectacular nature, embraced by forests adorned with flora and fauna. About 20 km south of Stockholm you will reach Tyresta National Park and Nature Reserve which includes ancient forests, lakes to swim in, berry fields (where you can pick during berry season) and unusual plants and animals. 

A bustling market is held on weekends in the Hornstull neighborhood, which is west of Södermalm Island. The bustling and picturesque market stretches along the promenade next to the beach and you can go window-shopping or buy antiques and Art, second-hand “stuff” and vintage everything in the colorful stalls! As well they offer activities for the whole family including fishing, canoeing, sailing, golfing and island hopping by boat. 

Stockholm, Solna and Lidingo are home to the Royal National City Park (Kungliga nationalstadsparken) and in the Solna district, you have Haga Parken (or just Haga) which has more than the expected forests, expansive greenery and a lake. First of all, the Royal Burial Ground where some ancestors of the Swedish royal family were laid to rest is in Haga since 1922. As well there is the Haga Palace, King Gustav III's Pavilion, the Chinese Pavilion, the Haga Ekoto Temple, the Turkish Kiosk, the Copper Tents and Butterfly House. There is so much to see and experience!

Situated in the midst of Stockholm Archipelago, is the island and islets called Värmdö. In the center of the island is the museum Artipelag, a cultural and artistic center, surrounded by a nature and hiking trail with breathtaking views. The museum exhibits present-day modern art and culture with a waterside restaurant for enjoyment and relaxation. A visit to the museum and a tour of its magical territory is a must.
Note:  Artipelag, is a combination of the word Art and Archipelago. The museum has art exhibits, inspiring workshops and good food!