Stockholm

Consisting of fourteen islands, Stockholm is often referred to as the Venice of Scandinavia. The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is both beautiful and business minded; the city’s influential place in the IT market has determined its importance within Europe. However Stockholm also has a deep rooted history which is echoed architecturally and culturally throughout the city. Offering both relaxation and a thrilling adventure, modernity alongside tradition, Stockholm provides each visitor with the best of both worlds. Urban existence can be abandoned in a moment by boarding a steamer and heading out into the archipelago, which consists of 24,000 islands. The island of Sodermalm perfectly displays Stockholm’s modernity and trend setting appeal, yet nature is present in abundance on the island of Djurgarden, the world’s first National City Park. Despite being a capital city Stockholm does not cover an extensive amount of land, and thus, in a short amount of time, each visitor can feel that they are in a home away from home.

Attractions

Skansen offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience how Sweden would have been in the past. A microcosm of the entire country, Skansen allows tourists to sample the delights of Sweden in its entirety. The largest open air museum in the world, Skansen presents an extensive collection of historic buildings dating as far back as the Middle Ages. The Town Quarter represents a Swedish town in the mid-19th century and includes a bakery, a pharmacy and a workshop. Visitors can also visit Skansen Zoo, a home for animals such as bears, reindeer and lynx.

Grona Lund is a fantastic theme park, set amidst beautiful park land. The vast array of rides and roller coasters never fail to entertain tourists, who can enjoy the beautiful greenery surrounding them as they speed through the air.

When the Vasa was raised from the depths of the ocean in 1961 it was restored to its original splendour and is today the only 17th century ship in existence. All will enjoy a visit to the Vasa Museum, where would-be sailors and aspirant historians will appreciate the vast array of exhibitions on offer.

The Moderna Museet, or Museum of Modern Art, boasts one of the finest collections of 20th century art in Europe. Housing works by celebrated artists such as Picasso, Dali and Matisse, the Moderna Museet is also home to the late Einar Hylander’s apartment. Another museum worth visiting is The Swedish Museum of Natural History which features extensive collections of fossils, animals and meteorites. Tom Tits Experiment allows visitors to take part in hundreds of interactive experiments dealing with fascinating topics such as illusion, robotics and botany. Other attractions include a planetarium and a workshop where families have the chance to create their own experiments.

The Royal Palace is both a museum and a functioning seat for the current Swedish monarchy. The visitor will feel honoured that they have been given the opportunity to explore the State Apartments in such a beautiful and significant building. Storkyrkan is the cathedral of Stockholm and boasts numerous monumental works of art such as Vadersolstavian, the oldest painting in existence of Stockholm.

Shopping

Whatever your taste there is sure to be a district of Stockholm to suit you. Each has an entirely distinct identity, and thus, each visitor should endeavour to discover which section is their style soul mate. The young and trendy are sure to fall in love with Sodermalm and its enormous assortment of shops; favourites include Sneakers Stuff and Grandpa. Those with an eye for something unusual will enjoy flirting with the boutiques in Gamla Stan, where small, independent shops sell unique Swedish items alongside souvenir vendors. Shoppers with more expensive taste will adore Ostermalm, where classic designer names sell pieces intended to inspire utter lust. Many are clustered together on the Biblioteksgatan, surrounded by art galleries; visitors can view classic works of art whilst contemplating purchasing something beautiful and timeless of their own.

Shopping centres worth seeing include Vastermalmsgallerian, situated on Kungsholmen. Pub is Stockholm’s oldest department store whilst Ahlens is the largest. For a piece of internationally acclaimed Swedish glass, establishments such as Orrefors Kosta Boda are worth visiting, if only to window shop. Souvenirs can be purchased from The Sweden Shop; stock ranges from flags t-shirts to handmade glass and Swedish dolls.

Nightlife and Eating Out

In recent years Stockholm has seen a dramatic increase in the interest assigned to cookery. Thus, many more restaurants have been opened in the city, serving everything from traditional Swedish delicacies to gastronomically enticing items pushing the current boundaries of fine cuisine. Chefs have the ultimate inspiration; Swedish produce. Items such as seafood are delicious, and should be sampled by each visitor of Stockholm. Stallmastaregarden has been serving food since the 17th century and thus is well practised in the art of cookery. With their own smokehouse and rotisserie, Stallmastaregarden serves Swedish food with a dramatic twist; modernity and deep rooted customs are fused together on each plate and served overlooking a picturesque lake. Other restaurants worth sampling are Bla Dorren and Café Lasse i Parken. However, the night need not end at dinnertime; Stockholm is home to hundreds of fantastic bars and nightclubs, all waiting to provide a memorable evening.

Tourist Information

Stockholm Tourist CentreSverigehusetHamngatan 27Entre Kungstradgarden103 27 Stockholm

Tel: +46 8 508 285 08Website: www.stockholmtown.com

Airport

There are three airports around the area of Stockholm serving the city, all of which handle domestic and international flights. Bromma Airport is the closest, situated only 8 km away from the city centre. The principal airport is Arlanda. Served by approximately seventy international airlines and offering flights all around the globe, Arlanda deals with most of the tourism in Stockholm. Skavsta Airport is 100 km south of the city, close to Nykoping. It is worth researching all three in order to find the best deal.