Striking architecture, gorgeous islets and neighborhoods, exceptional museums, modern design and vast parks beside the idyllic archipelago. All the reasons to surrender to the distinctive allure of the Swedish capital.
Built on 14 islets between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren,Stockholmis one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan capitals of the European North. A city full of surprises. Its impeccably preserved historic center, lush green parks, museums of contemporary art, architecture and design, islets with hip neighborhoods, and a unique blend of the old with the new lend a special allure to the capital of Sweden. Here are 7 good reasons toadd it to your travel plans.
Stockholms Old Town
Take a journey through Stockholms history with a stroll around its gorgeous Old Town. Gamla Stan is one of the best-preserved medieval districts in Europe. Stockholm was founded here in 1252. The scene of narrow cobbled lanes, little squares and brightly painted historic buildings,will captivate you and you wont stop taking photos. Popular sights in the Old Town include the cathedral and the Royal Palace (Drottningholm), an 18th-century Baroque palace that spans seven floors and houses 600 rooms, museums and exhibition spaces. On the main square, Stortorget, youll also find the famous Nobel Museum, dedicated to the eponymous prize.
The island of the arts
Very close to the Old Town lies Skeppsholmen, the small island of museums, which you reach by crossing the bridge from Blasieholmen. There its worth visiting the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), one of the most important of its kind, housed in a building by the Catalan architect Rafael Moneo and featuring an outstanding collection with works by Swedish and renowned international artists. Also noteworthy are the Museum of Architecture and the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.
Escape to the green islet of Djurgarden
Djurgarden, the green islet in the heart of the city, forms part of Stockholms national park and is ideal for leisurely walks and picnics when the weather is good. Its a vast park with waterside paths, an amusement park, restaurants, a zoo and several interesting museums. Visit the open-air museum Skansen with its recreation of a 19th-century Scandinavian town, the famousVasa Museet with the excellently preserved warship Vasa (it sank on its maiden voyage in 1628), and the ABBA Museum for fans of the legendary Swedish band.
The fascinating Södermalm
Södermalm, the large island to the south of the city, is its most vibrant, modern and interesting side. In its neighborhoods youll find most of the shops with design objects, many galleries and the most intriguing restaurants and bars. At the heart of it all is Nytorget square, with plenty of hangouts for food and drink, boutiques and stores for shopping second hand clothes, jewelry and other aesthetically distinctive objects bearing the stamp of Swedish design. Dont miss a stop atthe amazing museum of modern photography Fotografiska.
From island to island
Stockholm is built on 14 islets between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. You cant visit this city and not enjoy a tour of its canals. Boats depart from the Strömkajen pier for routes under bridges and past historic buildings that will offer you the best views of the city- from medieval Gamla Stan and the City Hall to the island of Södermalm, the new Hammarby Sjöstad district and the lush green expanses of Djurgården. You can also take a day trip to the Stockholm archipelago with its 30,000 islands, to discover little earthly paradises of unspoiled nature and picturesque villages. If you dont have much time, take the ferry to Fjaderholmarna, a group of islands just 20 minutes from the city center.
The most beautiful metro in Europe
The entire Stockholm metro is a sight in itself, as all its stations look like art galleries. T-Centralen, the heart of Stockholms metro where all three lines meet, is one of the most impressive and most photographed stations. The hand-painted rock makes visitors feel as though theyve stepped into a cave, while the beautiful harmonious flower motifs by artist Per Olof Ultvedt have a relaxing effect. A few more great stations for photos are Solna Centrum, Kungsträdgården andRadhuset.
Local flavors
Fresh fish, pickled herring and kottbullar, the meatballs served with various sides, are the flavors that star in the local cuisine. Take a stroll through Östermalms Saluhall, the citys beautiful covered market, where the chefs of the citys fine restaurants shop for local products. Try tunnbrodsrulle (sausage, mashed potatoes, onions and tomato wrapped in flatbread) and sit down for a fika (coffee and something sweet), pairing your coffee with the delicious kanelbullar (buns with sugar and cinnamon).
