Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is not only the largest city on the Scandinavian peninsula, but also a charming city with streets and centuries-old markets. Learn some important facts about this city. Firstly, the capital was founded as a city in 1252 by a Swedish statesman and was a settlement since the Stone Age. Secondly, the city stretches across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea. Thirdly,  Stockholm is connected by 57 bridges and is located on the central coast of eastern Sweden.

Most of the tourists are initially attracted by the bizarre Gamla Stan (Old Town). Above all this abundance of cobbled streets shaded by historic houses, radiates beneath the sumptuous Royal Castle. Here you will find the Swedish kingdom in the 13th-century residence.

The city is home to some of Europe’s top ranking universities. Further, it hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremonies and banquet at the Concert Hall and City Hall. Apart from being Sweden’s capital, Stockholm is home for many national cultural institutions. For example, it is home to three of Sweden’s World Heritage Sites: The Drottningholm Palace, Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery) and Birka. In 1998, Stockholm was named European Capital of Culture.

Museums in Stockholm

Vasa Museum is home for the incredible battle ship with the same name. Certainly, it was supposed to be the most prestigious ship in the Swedish Imperial Fleet, but it sank on its first trip in 1628. However, in 1961, the wreck of the ship was recovered, and today it can be admired in the Vasa Museum. With over one million visitors annually, this is the most visited museum in Sweden.

Skansen Open-Air Museum is the world’s first outdoor museum on the island of Djurgården and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Stockholm. Explore over 150 different buildings, as well as a zoo and lots of delicious Swedish traditional meals. Above all, this museum will take you at least a whole day to visit. There are distinct town districts including, among many others, manor houses, a bakery, the beautiful Seglora Church, and a pottery. In the zoo you can see moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, and seals as well.

Historic attractions in Stockholm

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Stockholm’s Old Town dates back to the 12th century and is full of cozy cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and cobblestone streets that seem to be over. For many tourists who arrive for the first time in the Swedish capital, the historic center is the perfect place to start an adventure through the city. Staying a few hours here, you will discover the culture and the Swedish atmosphere, but also a little of the history of this fascinating metropolis. The medieval center is a true open-air museum, which must be explored.

The Royal Palace (Sverige’s Kungahus)

As you visit Gamla Stan, you must also stop at the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Sweden. Currently, the royal family lives in the Drottningholm Palace, located on Lovön Island, on Lake Mälaren. The Royal Palace in the center of the Swedish capital is used by the king for official purposes, but that does not mean it is not as impressive.

Activities in Stockholm

Exploring Stockholm by ship

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. If you choose this mode of transport, you will have the chance to see the city from a whole new angle.

Stockholm has a humid continental climate. The best time to visit Stockholm is in the summer because the temperatures are warmest with an average of 20–25 °C and daylight lasts the longest. The fall and spring seasons are chillier. Winters in Stockholm tend to be extremely cold with an average of −3 to −1 °C and the daylight is very short with a maximum of 6 hours during December but are ideal for travellers interested in winter sports or a beautiful and unforgettable Christmas.

The list of things you can do or visit in Stockholm is enormous because here are hundreds of tourist attractions that are very interesting and beautiful. Either you are a fashion lover (Stockholm is well known for its fashion reputation and design) or you love museums and art, you go with your family or in a romantic escape, then choose Stockholm and you never forget your fascinating experience!

Stockholm is a city which is easy to get around, so travellers can enjoy a variety of methods to see it throughout their stay there.

By bus: Where the subway line ends, the bus begins. If there is no possibility to go in a certain area by subway, there is always a bus to take you to the area you want to go. Many visitors use a bus to reach Djurgården (although you can walk) because the T-bana (subway) doesn’t go here.

By T-bana (Subway): This is the easiest way you can travel in Stockholm. Get the tickets at stations where vending machines and sometimes cashiers sell them. Subway entrances are marked with a blue “T” on a white background.

By car: If you wish to rent a car for driving around, you can find several parking garages in the city centre as well as on the outskirts.

By taxi: We do not recommend using the taxi because it is very expensive. However, if you want to use it we suggest inquiring the price before you get in.

By ferry: Travelling by local ferries is a fantastic way to experience a city built on islands. Ferries are used by both commuters and tourists wanting to take a better look around. There are ample ferry departures from Nybroviken and Slussen out to the leafy island of Djurgården and Hammarby Sjöstad. An SL Card includes the ferries from Slussen and you can also buy single tickets.

By bicycle: The easiest way for visitors to get around the town is to rent a bike. There are bike paths and bike lanes all over and you can easily get around between the islands and out on Djurgården, an area of outstanding natural beauty.