Stockholm has earned the title of "Venice of the North" thanks to its multitude of canals and lakes. The charming capital of Sweden offers more than you would expect from a capital city. It fascinates tourists with beautiful scenic routes and a range of attractions, as well as more than a hundred museums.
Stockholm lies at the point where Lake Malar, the third largest freshwater lake in Sweden, flows into the Baltic Sea. This is precisely why there is a pronounced interaction of water and land, which can be admired through all the layers of the city. The city hides a range of attractions, from world-famous museums to galleries and beautiful green parks, which become lively social hubs in warmer weather. The lively city, where the majority of the population lives in the city center, is a real feast for the eyes in pleasant spring or summer weather, but if you are not afraid of the cold, it is also worth visiting in winter and, according to tradition, take a dip in one of the cold lakes.
When to Stockholm?
We recommend visiting in summer, despite the significant increase in accommodation prices. In summer, the day is longer and the temperatures are much more pleasant than in winter. The highest temperatures rise in mid-July, when the city is filled with tourists from all over the world.
Photo: Unsplash/Andreas MWhat should I see in Stockholm?
To begin with, create yourself in the old city center, whose history goes all the way back to the 13th century. Gamla Stan or the old town is a real open-air museum, and with its cafes, restaurants and boutique shops, a lively part of the city where everyone can find something for themselves.
Venture into the maze of narrow streets that will lead you to the central square, called Stortorget, and take in the colorful facades and charming frescoes as you explore. In the old town you can also find The Nobel Museum, a museum dedicated to Nobel laureates and the royal palace, the latter of which is worth catching the changing of the guard. Sveriges Kungahus, the Swedish royal palace built in the Baroque style, is the official residence of the King of Sweden.
Photo: Unsplash/Mao YuqingIn it, you can admire the rich taste of the Swedish ruler, and the palace is one of the largest in Europe, as it boasts as many as 600 rooms and museums. Interestingly, the Queen's residence is officially located on the island of Drottningholm, which is located 45 minutes by boat from Stockholm and belongs to the UNESCO world heritage.
Something very special is also the calm oasis in the very heart of the city, Djurgården Island, which is part of the Royal City Park and home to one of the most famous museums in the world - the Vasa Museum. In addition to the latter, you can also find the Abbe Museum, dedicated to the famous Swedish band that secured worldwide fame by winning Eurovision, as well as the Gröna Lund amusement park.
Photo: Unsplash/Anna HunkoYour museum
Let's go back to Vasamuseet, the Vasa Museum, whose biggest attraction is the life-size battleship Vasa, which was once the pride of the Swedish navy. She set sail on her first voyage in 1628, but this was also her last, as she ended up at the bottom of the sea.
In 1961, she was pulled ashore and today we can admire the original grandeur of the incredible ship to a greater extent, and in addition to her, the museum also has other historical vessels on display, from an icebreaker to a torpedo. Among the museums worth visiting is Skansen, the oldest open-air museum in the world, which opened its doors in 1891. Here you can see how life used to be in Sweden, and the Skansen Aquarium is also nearby.
Photo: Unsplash/Alexandre van ThuanOne of the most striking buildings in the city is Stockholms stadshus, a city hall dating back to 1923, where Nobel banquets are held every year, and on the walls of the Gyllene salen, the golden salon, you can admire 18 million mosaic stones.
If you get tired of museums, take a walk through the Royal Park, which occupies 27 square kilometers and boasts the title "The First State Urban Park in the World". A large part of the park consists of unspoilt nature with moose, roe deer and foxes at the forefront, while others are landscaped green areas bordering the urban fabric.
Photo: Unsplash/Linus MimietzHow to explore Stockholm?
The best way is public transport, which is quickly accessible and punctual due to its excellent branching. You can choose between the subway, buses, even trams and ferries. Use bicycles for shorter distances and explore the parks, and Stockholm is also a pedestrian-friendly city.
How much is a plane ticket to Stockholm?
From Reka Airport, located on the island of Krk, you can fly to the Swedish capital for just a few euros. The low-cost airline Ryanair has been offering return tickets from 18 euros since March. In the summer months, prices range up to 100 euros, as demand is slightly higher during the main tourist season. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Catalina JohnsonCovid-19 restrictions in Sweden
Sweden already had a reputation for rather lax measures during the epidemic and represented a real counterweight to the rest of Europe. To enter Sweden these days, you need a European digital certificate, which you obtain either by vaccination, passing a disease or a negative test result. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Stockholm
Hotel Castle House Inn
In the heart of the old town, there is a nice hotel with individually furnished rooms. The great advantage of the hotel is its excellent location, as it is only a short walk away from the Royal Palace and the subway. The picturesque Stortorget Square in the Old Town and the Nobel Museum are 250 meters away.
Generator Stockholm
Hostel Generator Stockholm is located in the Norrmalm district of Stockholm. It offers guests a modern lounge and plenty of areas for socializing, as well as an interesting bar with Nordic-colored cocktails. Both dormitories and private rooms are available. All rooms have city views and free Wi-Fi is available.
