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A drone image of the Royal Djurgården in Stockholm.
Stockholm
Stockholm, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. The beautiful buildings, the greenery, the fresh air and the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of this city.
Photo credit: Ola Ericson/Stockholmsfoto/imagebank.sweden.se

Stockholm – the capital of Scandinavia

Explore Stockholm's perfect fusion of history and modern urbanity. From cultural gems to green retreats, Sweden's international capital promises a wealth of experiences. Discover the allure of Stockholm – your go-to destination for a seamless blend of past and present.

Stockholm, the largest city in Scandinavia, effortlessly intertwines a rich history and stunning nature with the cultural sophistication, modern architecture, and dynamic attitudes of a thriving metropolis. This unique blend is enhanced by the omnipresence of water, adding an extra layer of charm.

More than just a picturesque city, Stockholm prides itself on being an advocate of tolerance and inclusivity. Hosting the renowned Stockholm Pride festival, the largest in the Nordic region, the city welcomes tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ visitors from around the world every summer.

This visionary city also stands as the epicenter of a thriving tech-innovation community and a growing array of start-ups, rivalling even the density found in Silicon Valley. Stockholm's influence extends globally, with industry giants such as Spotify, the pioneering music streaming service, and Mojang Studios, the creators of the gaming phenomenon Minecraft.

Navigating the city is a breeze, whether you choose to walk, bike, or use public transport. Each district in the city has its own unique personality. For example, Södermalm is known for its creative atmosphere, Östermalm for its elegance, and Norrmalm for its vibrant energy. In between you find the Old Town (Gamla Stan), contributing to the diverse appeal of Stockholm.

Located on Sweden’s southeast coast, the weather in Stockholm changes according to four distinct seasons. Summers are warm – sometimes quite hot – and it rarely gets dark during summer nights. The winters may be mild and rainy but can also be cold and snowy. The colours of autumn are spectacular in the city parks, and spring is welcomed by locals, wrapped in blankets and sipping a drink, at outdoor restaurants and cafés.

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Skeppsbron, Stockholm Old Town

Skeppsbron runs from Slussen down past the Royal Castle. It is the Stockholms oldest dock and was Stockholms most important dock until late 1700's. The buildings along Skeppsbron where built and owned by merchants with the support of the crown to impress incomming visitors.

Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

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Skeppsbron, Stockholm Old Town

Skeppsbron, Stockholm Old Town

Photo: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se

Subway art, Stockholm

Subway art, Stockholm

Photo: Agence Les Conteurs

Aerial view over the Royal Palace and other buildings in Stockholm city. Boats are moored along the harbour.

The Royal Palace of Stockholm

Photo: Jeppe Wikström/Visit Stockholm

Stockholm Pride

Stockholm Pride

Photo: Magnus Liam Karlson/imagebank.sweden.se

The Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum

Photo: Melker Dahlstrand/imagebank.sweden.se

Stockholm – a historical hotspot

Stockholm was officially founded in 1252 by the Swedish statesman Birger Jarl. By the end of the 13th century, it had grown to become Sweden’s biggest city, serving as the country’s political centre and royal residence – facing several sieges over the centuries.

King Gustav Vasa is hailed for reclaiming Stockholm in 1523 from the temporary rule of the Danish King Christian II, also known as "Christian the Tyrant," who invaded Sweden in 1519. Following his coronation the next year, Christian II sought to strengthen his power further by orchestrating the execution of over 80 Swedish nobles. This brutal episode in history is famously known as the "Stockholm Bloodbath" and serves as the inspiration for the 2024 movie sharing the same name.

Also notable from a historical point of view is that it was Gustav Vasa’s grandson, Gustav II, who commissioned the ill-fated Vasa warship in 1625. The vessel sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Today, the remnants can be found at the Vasa Museum, which is one of the most-visited museums in Sweden.

Tours around the imposing Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) and the Royal Palace, the King’s official residence, are equally ideal for learning all about Swedish history.

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The Hallwyl Museum

Exterior of The Hallwyl Museum. In summertime, the courtyard turns into a popular restaurant.

Photo: Hallwylska museet

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The Hallwyl Museum

The Hallwyl Museum

Photo: Hallwylska museet

Hazeliusporten at Skansen, Stockholm, in summer.

Skansen, Stockholm

Photo: Jonathan Lundkvist

Moderna museet, Stockholm

Moderna museet, Stockholm

Photo: Moderna Museet/Åsa Lundén

Nordiska museet, Stockholm

Nordiska museet, Stockholm

Photo: Agence Les Conteurs

Das historische Gebäude, in dem das Nationalmuseum in Stockholm untergebracht ist, vom Wasser aus gesehen.

Nationalmuseum, Stockholm

Photo: Hans Thorwid/Nationalmuseum

Must-see museums in Stockholm

Home to a broad variety of museums, Stockholm captivates even the most culturally discerning visitor. From historical museums, as mentioned above, to more recent cultural establishments like Fotografiska, which offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions in contemporary photography, and the sculpture park Millesgården on the island of Lidingö.

For a more intimate and quirky attraction in central Stockholm, explore the Hallwyl Museum (Hallwylska museet), the former 20th-century home of Count and Countess von Hallwyl.

Top 10 most visited museums in Stockholm

Skansen – The world's oldest open-air museum, blending Sweden's heritage with live wild animals.

Vasa Museum – Houses the resurrected 17th-century Swedish sunken warship.

Nordic Museum – The museum explores life in the Nordic region with a focus on humanity, from the present day back to the 16th century.

Nationalmuseum – The largest museum of art and design in Sweden, it is entrusted with preserving cultural heritage and promoting interest and knowledge in art.

Moderna museet – Stockholm’s museum of contemporary art, housing over 130,000 domestic and international works.

Waldemarsudde – Once home to Prince Eugene, it is now a popular art museum.

Swedish Museum of Natural History – In addition to its extensive collections in biology, geology, and zoology, the museum presents IMAX® format films at its theatre dome, known as Cosmonova.

Hallwyl Museum – Originally a private residence from the early 1900s, it remained occupied until 1930 and has since been transformed into a state-owned museum.

Swedish Museum of Performing Arts – Experience a world of theater, music, and dance, – both onstage and behind the curtain.

Nobel Prize Museum – The Nobel Prize Museum welcomes visitors to explore exhibitions, educational programs, talks, and discussions addressing important contemporary issues.

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Stockholm City Hall

In 2023, Stockholm City Hall will celebrate 100 years by conducting 200 civil wedding ceremonies in one day.

Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Stockholm

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Aerial view of the Stockholm City Hall Tower on a sunny day. Stockholm's Old Town across the water, in the background.

Stockholm City Hall

Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Stockholm

A hall full of people looking at the stage where laureates receive their Nobel Prize.

The 2018 Nobel award ceremony, Stockholm Concert Hall

Photo: Alexander Mahmoud © Nobel Media

Wax sculptures of the members of ABBA, standing on a stage at the ABBA Museum, wearing tight-fitting clothes and boots.

ABBA The Museum

Photo: Pål Allan/ABBA The Museum

Globe-shaped Avicii Arena against a dark evening sky with surrounding houses.

Avicii Arena, Stockholm

Photo: Stockholm Live

Stockholm – from the Nobel Banquet to the music scene

Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) is worth a visit, inaugurated in 1923 and famous for hosting the annual Nobel Banquet. The award ceremony is held at Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthuset), home to the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and a premier venue for classical and diverse musical genres. The Polar Music Prize, founded by ABBA manager Stig Anderson, is also awarded here.

Stockholm boasts multiple references to the legendary pop group, with the ABBA Museum being a must-see for music enthusiasts. The permanent exhibition showcases stage outfits, instruments, gold records, awards, and captivating items. However, it goes beyond a static display, inviting visitors on an interactive journey where they can sing, dance, mix music, and become the fifth member of ABBA.

Stockholm's vibrant concert scene caters to all genres. Discover up-and-coming acts at Debaser, while major artists grace venues like Strawberry Arena (previously Friends Arena), Tele 2 Arena, and the iconic globe-shaped Avicii Arena, currently undergoing renovation, adding to its status as a Stockholm landmark.

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Stockholm archipelago

With over 30 000 islands, the Stockholm Archipelago is the largest of its kind in Sweden. As long as you cause no harm or disturbance, you are free to set up camp virtually anywhere you want, thanks to the Swedish Freedom to Roam.

Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Sweden

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Aerial image of a boat next to an island in the Stockholm archipelago during a summer day.

Stockholm archipelago

Photo: Henrik Trygg/Visit Sweden

A woman is kayaking in the centre of Stockholm on a sunny summer day.

Kayaking, Stockholm

Photo: Yirui Aries/Visit Sweden

Vaxholm, Stockholm archipelago

Vaxholm, Stockholm archipelago

Photo: Agence les Conteurs

The quay at Strandvägen, Stockholm

The quay at Strandvägen, Stockholm

Photo: Agence les Conteurs

Drottningsholm Palace with its garden during summer.

Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm

Photo: Raphael Stecksén/Kungl. Hovstaterna

Enjoy Stockholm’s nature – across water and land

With one-third lush greenery and one-third shimmering waters, Stockholm integrates nature into its urban tapestry, offering abundant ways to enjoy the outdoors.

In the heart of the city, embark on various boat trips, from kayak journeys to paddleboard adventures. Guided boat tours are another great option allowing you to explore the city from a unique perspective.

Venturing to the expansive Stockholm archipelago, Sweden's largest, unveils a captivating world. Hop on a ferry to charming Vaxholm, adorned with traditional wooden houses. Here, the village exudes a welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to explore shops, restaurants, and cafés. During the summer, join the locals by the waterfront for some homemade ice cream.

Discover inner-city beaches for a refreshing dip or simply make them a part of a leisurely walk. For a nature escape within walking distance from downtown, head to Royal Djurgården. Once a 15th-century hunting ground, it now sprawls as a 270-plus-hectare green oasis, providing a perfect retreat from the city's liveliness. Drottningholm Palace and Haga Park, with their royal residences, offer similar possibilities. As does Bergius Botanic Garden (Bergianska Trädgården) – a landscaped haven with a history dating back to the 18th century.

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Sturehof, Stockholm

Sturehof is one of Stockholm's restaurants hailed for the quality of its food as well as its sustainable credentials.

Photo: Svenska Brasserier

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Food on display at the restaurant Sturehof, featuring freshly baked buns and green herbs.

Sturehof, Stockholm

Photo: Svenska Brasserier

The bar at the restaurant Kvarnen.

Kvarnen, Stockholm

Photo: Staffan Eliasson/Visit Stockholm

The exterior of the restaurant Operakällaren on a sunny summer day.

Operakällaren, Stockholm

Photo: Samuel Unéus/Nobis

Exterior of the restaurant Aira by the water in sunny weather.

Aira, Stockholm

Photo: Svenska Brasserier

Explore Stockholm’s vibrant and sustainable restaurant scene

Stockholm is a destination for foodies, offering a wide culinary span from Michelin-starred restaurants to innovative food trucks, with an increasing focus on sustainability. Lilla Ego, Solen, Michelin two-starred Aira, the vegan Hermans and Sturehof are hailed for the quality of their food as well as their sustainable credentials.

If it’s Swedish comfort food (‘husmanskost’) you’re after, head to Bakfickan, part of Operakällaren, in the downtown park of Kungsträdgården. Another option, located in Södermalm, is Kvarnen, a traditional establishment serving up classic Swedish dishes like meatballs, as well as more fancy alternatives such as Biff Rydberg, a delicious blend of meat, fried cubes of potato and onion.

For more tips, see our Stockholm restaurant guide.

Practical information before your trip to Stockholm

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Travelling by boat in Stockholm

Stockholm is built upon 14 islands, and you can go by boat between the islands with a public transport ticket.

Photo: Henrik Trygg/mediabank.visitstockholm.com

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Travelling by boat in Stockholm

Travelling by boat in Stockholm

Photo: Henrik Trygg/mediabank.visitstockholm.com

Fika

Fika

Photo: Tove Freiij/imagebank.sweden.se

Gröna Lund i Stockholm

Gröna Lund i Stockholm

Photo: Werner Nystrand/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

Pippi Longstocking lying on her stomach in front of Villa Villekulla.

Pippi at Junibacken, Stockholm

Photo: Ulf Huett

Young boy in a phone booth at the National Museum of Science and Technology.

National Museum of Science and Technology, Stockholm

Photo: Anna Gerdén, the National Museum of Science and Technology