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| Ranking Among Int'l Cities/Regions: #18 |
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• The Stockholm archipelago has more than 24,000 islands, islets and skerries
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• Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, dating from 1891
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• The 1628 Vasa warship sailed a mile, then sank 130 yards off shore in Stockholm’s harbor
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• Twenty percent of Swedes live in Stockholm County
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• Mentioned for the first time in 1252, Stockholm became Sweden’s capital in 1523
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‘Scandinavia’s capital’
Stockholm is one of the world’s most beautiful cities. There are two reasons, one natural and one man-made. Sweden’s capital sits on 14 islands, which translates into endless waterside vistas, and those waterside scenes are gorgeous because Stockholm is full of well-preserved medieval buildings plus other newer and even modern buildings that reflect the well-known Swedish penchant for fine design. Stockholmers call their city the “natural capital of Scandinavia” because it is centrally located in the region. It is Scandinavia’s largest city, has the most multinational companies and the largest stock market. Adding cache, it is home to the Nobel Prize.
About Stockholm
Travelers love Stockholm — a smallish city of 783,000 — for its beauty, but they also appreciate that the Swedish people are welcoming. The city is clean and safe, and there is lots to see and do.
Given its location in the land of the Vikings, the greater Stockholm region has a history that — while somewhat romanticized — is fascinating nevertheless. Given the city’s locale well into the north, very short winter days and very long summer evenings offer unique tourist experiences, as well. It is de rigueur to spend time as a traditional sightseer in a place as lovely as Stockholm. This may include walking tours of Gamla Stan (the historic center), tours through one or more historic palaces, visits to key museums. More broadly, sightseeing is a learning experience focused on the city’s past. This aspect may be expanded to include trips outside the city proper to sites with specific Viking ties.
Then, there are the diversions made possible because this is a city of water and islands and a city of parks (about 1,000 total). Getting on the water is a must for every visitor, and options range from steamer sightseeing journeys to kayaking or taking the helm of a sailing vessel — in other words, choices for all personality types. Other activities range from horseback riding or playing golf to windsurfing or whitewater kayaking, from cross-country skiing to ice skating and winter swimming.
Finally, in a country noted for consumer goods that feature smart design and functionality, this is a place for shopping. Countless stores offer high fashion and goods for the home, but glassware and crystal top the list of highly regarded Swedish products. Food is another lure, and these days, that can mean fine dining based on many ethnic traditions. Visitors seek out the staples, too, including local seafood and, of course, the smorgasbord. Stockholm’s city center is compact, which means visitors can see and do many things fairly quickly, often traveling on foot. Average temperatures belie the city’s location. In winter, temperatures range from about 19F to 36F, whereas in summer, they generally range from 68F to 77F.
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• Try your skills at painting porcelain at Gustavsberg’s porcelain museum at the site of the eponymous factory, in a town also called Gustavsberg. At the factory shops, choose a few pieces to take home. Note: Gustavsberg is worth a visit anyway, as one of numerous charming seaside towns in the Stockholm archipelago.
• Overnight at an inn or hostel on one of Stockholm’s countless islands, and spend at least one day kayaking to and from uninhabited islands, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way.
• Rent a sailboat for traveling among the thousands of islands in Stockholm’s archipelago. Drop anchor to visit a few.
• Experience a tandem skydive over Sweden’s capital. Or, for a better sightseeing opportunity, fly over the city in a hot-air balloon.
• Go whitewater kayaking on rapids found right in the heart of Stockholm, between the Royal Palace and the Royal Opera.
• In winter, go speed skating in Stockholm’s archipelago.
• Strap on cleats and climb. There are several types of climbing choices in the Stockholm area, including indoor facilities or, for the advanced, some serious outdoor cliffs.
• For nightlife, Stockholm offers many choices for cafes, bars and nightclubs, but consider Sodermalm, a large district south of the city center noted for its younger and more bohemian ambience.
• Test your mettle with a little winter swimming — and enjoy a sauna.
• Time your visit for the midsummer holiday festivities, occurring on the weekend closest to June 24. The Skansen open-air museum hosts a celebration with dancing, games and Swedish folk music. Many participants show up in traditional folk costumes and wreaths of flowers in their hair. You could do the same.
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• Step back in time with a visit to the Vasa Museum, home to the Vasa warship which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The mighty ship has about a thousand wooden sculptures. Exhibits give you a good idea of what life would have been like on such a vessel. Guided tours are offered.
• Sample the foods Sweden is known for: berries and mushrooms; herring, salmon and other fish, and game.
• Board a boat to island hop in Stockholm’s archipelago. Charter a turn-of-the-last-century steamship for a major event — such as your wedding.
• Buy a Stockholm Card, which grants free entrance to 75 attractions, free sightseeing by boat and free public transportation.
• Plot a walking tour of Gamla Stan, which is the city’s oldest quarter.
• In winter, choose one or more winter activities in the Stockholm area: downhill or cross-country skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowboarding or the slalom.
• For the history buff, seek out Birka, Sweden’s first city, in the archipelago. Boats depart from Stadshuskajen near City Hall. Check for on-site activities that allow visitors to try Viking crafts or sample foods reflective of the Viking era. Another alternative is Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town (from 980). About 150 rune stones from the Viking era can be found in and around town, and the local museum brings to life everyday life in Viking Sweden of the 11th century.
• Use a bicycle as your mode of transportation in the city. Many Stockholmers do. The city is filled with bike paths and bike racks.
• Plan an excursion on horseback in the city, being aware that, at some seasons, there is more demand than horses available to meet it.
• You might want to join the city’s half or full marathon, but consider an unusual alternative: the annual 10 km midnight race. This August event begins at 10 p.m. and involves a fair amount of partying.
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• Lose yourself in Skansen, Stockholm’s open-air museum, with its collection of old homes and farm buildings, plus wild animals such as bear, lynx and wolf. Skansen has Stockholm’s only zoo.
• In a city and country noted for classy and forward-leaning design, go shopping. Include SoFo in your rounds. SoFo, which is south of Folkungagatan and east of Gotgatan on Sodermalm, is known as one of the city’s trendiest shopping areas and for an atmosphere described as hip and laid back.
• Learn about Swedish history at the National Museum of Cultural History. Exhibits tell about traditional customs and practices. The building itself is worth a look. Tour historic royal castles as well, beginning with the Royal Palace in the middle of Stockholm.
• Make yours a Christmas visit to shop in the holiday markets, attend Christmas plays and concerts — plus dig in at a Christmas smorgasbord.
• Take a Sunday brunch cruise — with herring, salmon and all the well-known Swedish specialties — among Stockholm’s island paradise.
• Embark on a Baltic cruise from Stockholm; include a few days in the Swedish capital before or after the sea journey.
• Play golf and tennis. About golf: If you are not a member of one of Stockholm’s 50 or so golf clubs, your best bet is a local concept called Pay and Play golf, with courses that are smaller and more modest than those found at standard golf clubs, but it is an inexpensive way to stay in the swing.
• Go to the races, the harness races, that its, at the Solvalla track.
• Attend the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival in the fall. Learn about beer, whisky and cider in seminars and at tastings. Eat at restaurants offering entire menus of foods prepared with beer.
• Take in fine music at such events as the summertime Baltic Sea Festival and the Music at the Palace concerts.
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For more information, consult Stockholm Visitors Board at www.stockholmtown.com (click on the British flag for English) and VisitSweden at www.visitsweden.com
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