What makes the Stockholm Archipelago so incredible is that many of the islands are uninhabited and are true wildernesses. Your email address will not be published. Naturally, the Stockholm Archipelago is best experienced by boat. If youre on a budget, then this is the perfect accompaniment to staying in one of Stockholms best hostels as its free to stroll around or go for a jog. Sandhamn is one of the outer islands of the Stockholm Archipelago, as it meets the open Baltic Sea. The 18th-century Palace Theatre (Drottningholms Slottsteater) is still frequently used for performances and has stage machinery dating back to the reign of Gustavus III. Stockholm Old Town - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Stockholm-based street-style photographer Verona Farrell shares her favorite tips on eating, drinking and shopping in the Swedish capital. Our travel recommendations are based on our personal experiences and research, written by locals and travel experts with deep familiarity with the destination. Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan, or Stockholms domkyrka), the Nobel Prize Museum (Nobelmuseet), and the Royal Palace are all located here and should be high up on any Stockholm sightseeing itinerary. Skansen is also home to a zoo, which features 75 different species and breeds of Scandinavian animals, including wolverines, otters and Scandinavian brown bears, to name a few. Swedes love the outdoors, and the picturesque countryside around Stockholm, with islands, woodlands, lakes, and coastal towns, offers plenty of opportunities for adventures and day trips. Hours, however, vary. The first port of call should be Malm Castles that was built by the Danes in the 16th Century. Excellent road, rail, and ferry links will take you wherever you want to go, and you'll find many of Sweden's top places to visit just a short hop from the city. All you need to do is download an app to paint the tower in whatever colours you desire. Highlights of a visit to Sigtuna include a walk around the ruins of St Olof Church. The most iconic landmark in Helsinki is the rusty-red Uspenski Cathedral. From island-hopping to learning about Viking culture, here are the best day trips from Stockholm Igor Grochev / Shutterstock. 30 BEST Places to Visit in Stockholm - Tripadvisor Heres the best neighbourhood in Stockholm: These are the BEST Places to Visit in Stockholm! 2.11 See Ye Olde Sweden (and cute animals) at Skansen. Both of the Tessins, Nicodemus the Elder as well as the Younger, share credit for the palace's elaborate staircase, with statues and trompe l'oeil embellishments at every turn. Hundreds of years later, the massive, 226-foot-long ship was completely salvaged. visitors can't seem to get enough of. Why its awesome: Long ago, skyscrapers were just grey blocks that made the skyline impressive, but a little colourless. Birka (Vikingastaden), on Birch Island (Bjrk), is only about 30 kilometers west of Stockholm and is another of Sweden's oldest towns to include on your travel itinerary. Written by Andrew Birbeck and Karen Hastings Updated Apr 13, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). Taking a little rowing boat out on the river in Kungsparken is one of the most romantic things you can do in all of Sweden. The banquet is known as a formal dress event and theres a multi-course dinner. But the pinnacle for travelers is touring the Vasa itself. Before you do that, though, youll need to book accommodation and know where the coolest areas in Sweden are. The most unmissable experiences in stunningStockholmThe best things you can do for free (and nearly free) inStockholmThe best neighborhoods inStockholm. Close, https://www.pinterest.com/christinagrayt/. What makes the library so special? Time Out tip: The SL metro card covers a vast public transport network in the Stockholm region, stretching as far as the airport (if you take a bus from Mrsta). The story is that his head rolled down the hill, and where it stopped a spring came up. The largest museum in Stockholm's archipelago, Vaxholm Castle (Vaxholms fstning) also known as Vaxholm Fortress Museum lies on the island of Vax, northeast of Stockholm, in the channel used by ships and boats headed to the capital. Gripsholm Castle is not only incredibly photogenic but is home to a truly unique collection of Swedish artworks and furniture that date back over 400 years. There's also an educational garden specifically for children. Bodies of Water. were amazed at the quality of preservation down to the smallest detail. If you have a hankering for seafood head to Hambergs Fisk, should you want to hang with the cool kids get yourself to Cafe rumment and settle down with a latte or two. A visit to the Jarlabanke Runestones and Jarlabanke Causeway is a great way to get to grips with Viking history and how their rule shaped the lay of the land forever. Once you have taken time to cycle around the incredibly clean streets, sipped coffee at the Uber-trendy coffee shops it is time to starting looking a Sweden as a whole. The name apartments are given to signify a series of state rooms, and there are about four different sets of apartments within the Royal Apartments including the Orders of the Chivalry, Guest, State and Bernadotteapartments the latter of which contains 14 rooms alone. Today, the Hall of State acts as the venue for official functions, but up until 1975 it was the meeting place for parliamentary sessions. You can take a tour of the public rooms and the gardens too. The most unmissable experiences in stunningStockholm, The best things you can do for free (and nearly free) inStockholm, The 7 best European itineraries for an electric-vehicle road trip, Postcard from Stockholm: A local's favorite spots in town, Slow travel: Why London to Stockholm by train is worth the day-long journey. You will pass through dense pine forest, walk alongside perfectly still lakes and out on to rocky plateaus. You should also have a better idea of the coolest neighbourhoods in town and be thinking about where to stay close to some of the best attractions on my list. The best season for ice skating in the Stockholm area of Sweden is between December and March. As well as that, the rooms and salons inside the palace are stunning, with different influences from the 17th century until now! Built in the 16th-Century Drottningholm Palace is a piece of history perfectly preserved in time. You can find 379 Towns & Village in the country of Sweden and Simrishamn is our members favorite Towns & Village in all of Sweden. Gamla Stan is completely free to stroll through and aside from the various businesses that dot the area, is open for exploration 24 hours a day. Stockholm is one of the most environmentally conscious cities on earth and is famed for its innovative use of technology in a bid to become the most sustainable city on earth. 33 Reviews 4 Nils Ericsons Plan, Stockholm 111 64 Sweden 2 minutes from Stockholm Central Station HIGH Bar Stockholm 5 Reviews Vasagatan 1 9th floor in Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, Stockholm 101 24 Sweden 2 minutes from Stockholm Central Station S:ta Clara kyrka 179 Reviews Klarabergsgatan 37, Stockholm 111 21 Sweden You could easily spend your whole break in Stockholm without leaving this area, as its full of Swedish history, historic attractions, great restaurants and bars, and some of the citys top nightlife. The interior was the absolute pinnacle of fashion at the time; it has been restored but remains one of the finest rococo chinoiserie interiors in Europe. Stockholm vacation idea for budget travellers! This graveyard is over 1000 years old and the stories of those who are buried here live on today. Cruise prices include museum admission and a guided tour in English of the settlements burial mounds and fortifications. In Stockholm, travelers don't necessarily need to venture to one of the city's museums to learn about its past. It lies on the island of Lov, roughly 11 kilometers west of Stockholm center a journey of about 45 minutes by boat. If you walk south along the eastern side of the island, you will find a small harbor that's home to smaller local boats. Its one of Swedens largest and most important ancient burial sites, containing 300 mounds from the 6th to 12th centuries. The Nobel Prize Banquet, or Nobelfesten in Swedish, is an annual banquet that takes place in the Blue Hall of City Hall on the 10th of December, after the Nobel Prize ceremony. Control the colours of the Telefonplantower, One of the more unusual things to do in Stockholm. A gift and souvenir shop is located in the visitor center. Here you can take a public ferry to the picturesque Gamla Stan or take a. There's one dedicated to the band ABBA, another to a sunken warship (the Vasa Museum), and of course there's Skansen, the world's first open-air museum. Tourist attractions Top 10 best things to do in Stockholm 2 January 2023 The list of things to do in Stockholm could be made endless and there are more than a hundred attractions to choose from. Many people enjoy taking a visit to the Swedish Railway Museums to see the locomotives of yesteryear, others prefer to take a gentle stroll around Boulogne Skogen City Park which is especially beautiful in autumn. This 6000 sq.m playground has a climbing wall, ninja warrior course and super springy trampolines. The neighborhood is home to some of the city's top attractions, including the Stockholm Cathedral, Parliament, the Nobel Museum (which houses exhibits about the Nobel Peace Prize and its laureates) and the Royal Palace. What to expect on a sleeper train: a guide for first-timers, Exploring Gothenburgs sustainable side: a green weekend itinerary, New high-speed train will connect Paris and Berlin in 7 hours, Getting around in Finland: a beginners guide, The Quiet Parks movement - where to experience pure silence on your travels, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. How to get to Drottningholm Slott:Take the tunnelbana to Brommaplan, then change to the bus to Drottningholm. Stockholm, Sweden Stadsbiblioteket (Stockholm Public Library) The. No need to have ever skated before as the guys and girls who run tours of the ice fields are fantastic teachers and by the end of the day you will feel as if you are ready to trail for the Winter Olympicsmaybe. If you only have a short time in Stockholm, then you should definitely make sure to visit Gamla Stan and walk the cobbled streets, enjoy some good food and marvel at the architecture. Well, theres so much going on in the Royal Djurgrden that Ive hardly got started. In addition to plenty of green spaces, there is an artisanal bakery, farm shop that sells biodynamically grown veggies and a plant shop. All thats left for us now, is to wish you a fantastic holiday! The giant floating fortress was always too ambitious, and problems began even while it was still in construction. Relive Sweden's Seafaring Past at the Vasa Museum Vasa Museum There are plenty of reasons to visit Vaxholm, the most obvious being that this is the closest archipelago island to Stockholm, making it a handy introduction to the region. 69 bus to the Djurgrden stop, walk over the bridge and follow the canal; signs to the gardens will become present. Witness the worlds largest spherical building! THE 10 BEST Parks & Nature Attractions in Stockholm - Tripadvisor Although its their private residence, the palace and the gardens are still open to the public, who can enjoy a Baroque Garden, Chinese Pavilion, and theatre! The island of Djurgrden is situated right next to the city center, accessible via various forms of public transportation (ferries included), as well as on foot thanks to the numerous bridges that connect to it from stermalm. Why its awesome: Youve already seen the Royal Palace, the Royal Familys official residence. Although each generation of the Swedish royal family has left their mark on the palace the 16-century facade remains the same. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! And the dedication to design continues outside in the geometric gardens, which are set at an angle for maximum impact and are worth the trip all by themselves. Read our Privacy Policy. Why its awesome: In a city with a fearsome reputation for being one of the most expensive in Europe (if not the world) any free activity is a bonus. 1. And speaking of the museum's popularity, don't be surprised if you encounter long lines and crowds during Stockholm's peak season (summer). Fall in Love with Photography at Fotografiska 10. So, take a chance on Abba: The Museum and Im sure youll have a great day out! What to do there: If youve got plenty of time to spare, why not take a book and spend the afternoon reading in this welcoming and peaceful setting. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. But don't worry, there are still plenty of spaces to unwind. No matter what time of year, the wild animals that call the museum home are sure to have everyone smiling. Performances held here in summer still use the original 18th-century machinery to create dramatic effects; the wind machine is impressive. Required fields are marked *. All rights reserved. Youll find typical pets in the Childrens Zoo, but more exotic animals in the Our Africa section and aquarium! Visitors were definitely impressed with the magnificent architecture and decor of the palace, and had a few suggestions on how to tackle the massive attraction. This fascinating museum should be high up on your Stockholm itinerary if you want to learn more about the ideas which have previously won this prestigious Prize. No problem! Stockholm is a great escape for the relaxed urban traveler. Gripsholm is sometimes called Gustav Vasa's castle, as the king built it here in 1537. Most of the things to do in Stockholm are easy to explore thanks to the ferries and sightseeing boats that take passengers between the islands. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. There are dozens of natural ice fields that surround Stockholm city centre and you can take your pick as to where you want to explore. This is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Sweden and it is not hard to understand why. You will skate through some mesmerising landscapes, youll never want to skate in a rink again. Take a leisurely stroll along the cobbled streets, Enjoy some of the best places to eat in Stockholm, Celebrate typical Swedish traditions here, Explore over 150 farms and dwellings from all over the country, One of the most distinctive landmarks in Stockholm, The official residence of the Swedish Royal Family, Take a guided tour of the Nobel Prize Museum, Relax afterwards with a coffee or an ice cream, Another of the most important landmarks in Stockholm, Take a guided tour of City Halls grand ceremonial halls, One of the most iconic landmarks in Stockholm, See memorabilia from most successful Swedish band of all time. Sandn, called "Sandhamn" locally, is the furthest island on this list, but thankfully it's well connected to Stockholm via ferry. It is said that Birka was Swedens first city and it can be found on the island of Bjrk or Birch Island. We do not represent World Nomads. On the tour, youll get exclusive viewings of the finest national romanticism artwork and architecture in Scandanavia. Once you have finished in the village head to Restaurant Srimner for a hearty lunch overlooking the sea. It is also the offices of over 300 city council members. Recent visitors were in complete awe of the ship's incredible size andwere amazed at the quality of preservation down to the smallest detail. In the middle lies Stockholm's cleanest lake: Flaten and the popular bathing place Flatenbadet with a large sand beach. A squat, pink castle tops the hill above town, with a royal garden stretching out below it. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass. New in town, or just visiting? One of the best Stockholm vacation ideas if you visit Stockholm in the summer is to take a detour to the Royal Chapel! The Gotland Museum is a must-visit and provides fascinating insights into local history and the regions rich culture. Why its awesome: So, the Royal Familys living quarters arent open to the public but theres still a large chunk of the Royal Palace you can visit and get to know Swedish history better! Stockholm is most famous for the worlds first open-air museum and of course, the Abba museum. This magical castle can be found in the small but perfectly formed town of Mariefred near Lake Mlaren. Most people were cremated, then mounds of earth were piled over the remains, but some Christian coffins and chambered tombs have been found. This charming town sits 100 miles to the north of Stockholm and is famed for being the home of Swedens best chocolate. I think my comprehensive guide probably has shown you not only how the best places to visit in Stockholm, but also how to see the city like a local. It repelled an attack by the Danes in 1612 and the Russians in 1719, among others. Record your own performance and download it! Here you can take a public ferry to the picturesque Gamla Stan or take a leisurely stroll among the relaxing grounds of the lush Djurgrden park island. Swedes love the outdoors, and the picturesque countryside around Stockholm, with islands, woodlands, lakes, and coastal towns, offers plenty of opportunities for adventures and day trips. Created by world-famous architect Gunnar Asplund in 1928, Stockholm Public Library is the perfect place to warm up for a bit in the winter. Within the grounds lie a number of beautiful chapels and a visitor center. Covering 1,140 km Lake Mlaren is the third-largest freshwater lake in the country. From May to September the attraction is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (though closed from June 24th to 26th for Midsummer) and from October to December the garden is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to weather conditions, the gardens are closed to the public from January to April. You can roam the grounds on your own, but it's worth taking a one-hour guided tour (30kr; in English three times daily June to August, weekends rest of year). Its one of the best-preserved historical centres in the whole of Europe and its where Stockholm was founded all the way back in 1252! Whats that though, you dont have a smartphone? 12 Places To Visit In Stockholm In 2023 For A Unique Holiday Take a wander down Mannerheimintie and pop into the National Museum. Uppsala is a charming Swedish university city that has a lot going on. Why go? Gothenburg is one of the most sustainable cities in the world: here's your itinerary for a green city getaway. Address: Kastellet 1, 185 99 Vaxholm, Sweden. Actually, Stockholm is perfect in many ways, from its brilliant attractions to genre-bending. The oldest part of Vaxholm is Norrhamn, just north of the town hall; here youll find a typical 19th-century fishers house among other historic buildings. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. In addition, you can head to the Grna Lund Amusement Park for a fun time! Visitors can stroll through an 18th-century wooden church, a farmstead from northern Sweden and the town quarter, which consists of various 18th- and 19th-century homes and shops as well as period garb-clad historical interpreters who can also showcase traditional activities, such as spinning and knitting, among many others. You'll be in the midst of a true Hanseatic trading city, where gabled shops and warehouses are painted various shades of gold. There is a lot of history to explore in Uppsala, from the Carolina Rediviva library to Skokloster Castle and Uppsala Cathedral. A visit to historic and beautiful Gripsholm Castle (Gripsholms Slott) will immerse you in four hundred years of Swedish history. Keep a lookout for fake marble, fake curtains and papier-mch viewing boxes. But ask yourself this, how many chances are you going to get to see your own design on a skyscraper?! 25 Best Things to Do in Stockholm (Sweden) - The Crazy Tourist But Gamla Stan's charming ambience isn't all the area has going for it. The price of admission is just your train ticket, so get ready to be amazed! This truly is a Stockholm must see! But Gamla Stan's charming ambience isn't all the area has going for it. 2,207. To get a really in-depth perspective of the importance of the museums work, take a tour with a knowledgeable guide, who will really make the exhibits come alive! The fortress was given its present form in 1839, but immediately after the rebuilding, it lost any military significance since its walls couldn't withstand modern artillery. A visit to the Lummelunda Cave is a great way to spend an afternoon and can be accessed by a short boat ride. The metro stations are adorned in contemporary art, sculpture, mosaics, paintings, and installations. Visitors said restaurants are often overpriced, and some were put off by the kitschy shops that catered to tourists. The tiny town of Sigtuna is home to just 8000 people and can be found sitting to the north of Stockholm. A number of bridges and ferries connect these islands, making it easy to get around to see some of the best places to visit in Stockholm! More than 30,000 islands lie in the sprawling archipelago, and many are close enough for a short (or long) day trip. The Vikings were incredible civil engineers and in a visit to the Jarlabanke Runestones you can learn about how their bridge building and road construction changed the world in which they lived. 9.5 miles from Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The most popular of these are Sandhamn near Sigtuna and Mariefred in Strngns. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. If Drottningholm reminds you a little of the Palace of Versaille, youre not far off: it was designed around the same time, by architectural great Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. Begun in 1662, the Renaissance-inspired main palace is home to the royal family for part of the year. 17 reviews. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Broby bro is best experienced with a tour guide for they can bring to life the tales of the Viking heroes that once ruled the land. 1. Several can be seen on a day trip, or you can hop on a round-trip boat to get a look at them from the water. When the winter snows settle on the tumble down medieval church is starts to look almost fairytale like. In the beautiful park, with its terraces and avenues of lime trees, are various bronze sculptures brought back from Denmark and Bohemia as trophies of war. This cool interactive museum allows you not only to find out more about the fantastic foursomes greatest hits and journey to superstardom but also to try your hand at some of the bands greatest songs! All that has changed in recent years, but Colour by Numbers is something really special. In Stockholm, you don't have to travel far to experience the famous Swedish countryside. 13. If you want to get into the gory details, its a good idea to take a tour of the Vasa museum with a friendly and knowledgeable guide. ct intro final View All Trips Free, Cafes, Neighborhood/Area, Sightseeing, Amusement Parks, Museums, Free, Cafes, Parks and Gardens, Neighborhood/Area, Recreation, Historic Homes/Mansions, Sightseeing. Well it isnt as its pretty out of the Subway too, but you get my point! Storkyrkobadet A hidden bathhouse in one of Stockholm's oldest and busiest neighborhoods is open to anyone who can find it. Once you have toured the impressive museums head down to Parliament House or perhaps Kiasma, the citys best loved art gallery. 1. Marrying the old with the new, much like Stockholm in that sense, Uppsala is a versatile city that is a joy to explore. Rosendals Trdgrd is a public garden located on the island of Djurgrden. During the 19th century, this was a favorite summer resort with Stockholmers. Once a dodgy neighbourhood to be avoided at all costs, Hornstull is today a happening hood home to independent shops, cosy cafes, hip hangouts and one of the coolest markets in old town. Lake Malar (Mlaren), Sweden's third largest lake, lies immediately west of Stockholm. Flights from Stockholm to Helsinki fly multiple times daily meaning you can have a flying visit to the Finnish capital should you so wish. You can learn more in the adjoining Gamla Uppsala Museum, or wander on your own; there are informative plaques throughout the site. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission.