Often called the “Venice of the North”, Stockholm lies on a number of islands and peninsulas at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, which here forms a deep inlet. The charm of its setting lies in the intermingling of land and water – the skerries fringing the coast, the crags rearing up from the sea, the intricate pattern of waterways encompassing the city. The Swedish capital has no less then three distinct UNESCO World Heritage sites: Birka, Drottningholm, and the Woodland Cemetery. In addition, world-class museums, theaters, galleries, and the Nobel Institute await. Getting around couldn’t be easier.
The Royal Palace (Sverige’s Kungahus)
A visit here could be a day out in itself. Located by the water’s edge on the periphery of Gamla Stan, this is the official residence of the King of Sweden. Interestingly, the Queen’s residence lies elsewhere, on the beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site Drottningholm (Queen’s island). A rich taste of the once mighty Swedish Empire, the palace is one of the largest in Europe boasting in excess of 600 rooms and no less than five museums. Dating from the 18th century and baroque in style, the real gems await inside. Here you can see Queen Kristina’s silver throne, visit the Museum of Antiquities, the Armoury, the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Museum, and Treasury. As mentioned previously, visitors can witness the daily changing of the guard.
Djurgården
A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, Djurgården draws tourists and locals alike, particularly during the summer months of long lazy days and short nights. It’s a perfect place for a stroll and picnic as well as being home to several of Stockholm’s top museums and attractions. Scattered about are pleasant cafés, restaurants, snack-bars, and hotels. Visitors can hire bicycles to make their way through the forest trails or, if feeling adventurous, take to the waterways in a canoe. The newly-opened Abba the Museum is located here as is the open-air museum Skansen and Gröna Lund amusement park. A fun way to arrive is by ferry from Gamla Stan or Slussen (both on the T-Bana). Alternatively, jump on a tram from Norrmalmstorg, take the bus, or stroll from the city center (15 minutes). Drop by the Djurgården visitor center for all the information you’ll need.
Fotografiska Museet
Fotografiska is Stockholm’s museum of contemporary photography and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions throughout the year. There’s a restaurant, book, and souvenir store and from the top floor, one of the most enviable views over the city. In recent years, the museum has seen a huge increase in visitor numbers and is now acknowledged as one of the world’s premier photography venues. The Bistro on the top floor is acclaimed as one of the city’s coolest restaurants (weekend brunch is particularly popular with locals) and the gallery hosts cutting-edge live and club music throughout the year.
Boat sightseeing
The sea flows through the arteries of Stockholm, and during the summer months, the city is quite literally awash with boats of all shapes and sizes. Many city-dwellers own summer houses on the islands of the skärgården (archipelago) and spend, if not the entire summer there, then most weekends. It all makes for a Friday evening commute like no other. Bearing all this in mind, to experience Stockholm from the water is surely a must-do for any visitor. Take a trip under the bridges of Stockholm or while away an hour or two on the Royal Canal Tour. There are also hop-on, hop-off options with a valid ticket lasting 24 hours.
Royal National City Park
The right-to-roam (allemansrätten) is an indelible part of the Swedish psyche. The Royal National City Park is a six-mile-long green space surrounding and snaking into Stockholm. This, the world’s first national urban park, is where tourists and locals flock to unwind. The forest harbors moose, foxes, deer, and many winged beauties, including rare birds. Visitors will find plenty of things to see and do, from museums, castles, theaters, and hotels, to sports facilities, and historic homes. Nature lovers will be in heaven exploring wilderness areas with centuries-old oak trees, lakes, streams, bays, marshes, and canals, secluded swimming spots, and rocky hilltops. It truly is hard to believe you’re in the middle of a thriving capital city.
Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Dating from the 1200’s and crammed with must-see sights, attractions, cafés, authentic restaurants and boutique shops, the area of Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a living-breathing museum in its own right. For many this is the first stop on their journey of exploration. Certainly there’s no better way to instantly absorb the feel of Stockholm and get to grips with the city’s culture. Plenty of souvenirs and gifts are available in the Old Town, and visitors will find themselves transported back to medieval times as they meander through a bewildering labyrinth of tiny winding streets. Mysterious vaults and ancient frescoes lurk behind picturesque facades. If visiting in winter, be sure to take in the marvellous Julmarknad (Christmas Market), an experience akin to being in a fairy tale. Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace are all located here and should be high up on any sightseeing itinerary. If visiting the Royal Palace be sure to catch the changing of the guard.
Vasa Museum
The incredible Vasa battleship was intended to be the pride of the Swedish Imperial fleet, yet in a forerunner of the Titanic disaster centuries later, sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. An amazing salvage operation took place in 1961, and now visitors can marvel at this glorious time capsule, 95 percent of which is entirely original. The three masts on the roof of the museum are not just a tourist draw; they were reconstructed to the exact height and specifications of the original masts. This is the most visited museum in Sweden, and rightfully so. More than one million people a year come here to take in ten different exhibitions.
Skansen Open-Air Museum
The oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen, on the island of Djurgården, is a wonderful attraction for families, particularly those with young children. Not only will visitors be treated to an authentic taste of Sweden as it once was, but also the wonderful Stockholm Zoo. More than 150 different buildings and houses were collected from all around the country and reassembled here. There are distinct town districts including, among many others, manor houses, a bakery, the beautiful Seglora timber church, and a pottery. At the zoo are moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, and seals as well as the delightful children’s zoo. For traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord pay a visit to the Solliden Restaurant.
The City Hall (Stadshuset)
Nestled at the water’s edge and topped by three golden crowns, the City Hall is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. Dating from 1923, the hall opened on that most Swedish of dates Midsummer’s Eve. Housed within are assembly rooms, offices, works of art, and the machinery of civil democracy. The prestigious annual Nobel Banquets are held here. Recipients dine first in Blå hallen (The Blue Hall) and then move on to the formal ball in Gyllene salen (The Golden Hall), which has no less than 18 million mosaics adorning its walls. A particular treat is the chance to view the city from the famous tower.
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