Stockholm

Sweden

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Stunning natural beauty, rich history, and progressive social values conspire to make Stockholm one of the desirable travel, and living, destinations in Scandinavia. Built on a series of islands and canals, the city has been dubbed the Venice of the North.

Stunning natural beauty, rich history, and progressive social values conspire to make Stockholm one of the desirable travel, and living, destinations in Scandinavia. Built on a series of islands and canals, the city has been dubbed the Venice of the North. It's cosmopolitan, with a refined dining scene, world-class art galleries, and cultural venues. Best of all, the city is made for walking and cycling across bridges and through neighborhoods that have been largely preserved with architectural styles from as far back as the 1200s.
<h2>1. Get lost in the Royal Palace</h2>
Situated right at the edge of the water, the official residence of the Swedish king is open for tours of the Royal Apartments. The 600-room complex also includes the Armoury, several museums, and the Treasury, where you can view the jewel-encrusted regalia of the royal family. If you want to see where the Queen of Sweden officially resides, visit Drottningholm or Queen's Island, a 45-minute ferry ride from downtown Stockholm.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38299" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_426726232.jpg" alt="Royal Palace In Gamla Stan, In Stockholm, Sweden." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>2. Wander around the Gamla Stan</h2>
If you have time for only one Stockholm attraction, make it Gamla Stan—the city's old town. With colorful buildings that date back to the medieval era, the atmosphere here is like no other. Wander the cobbled streets and discover ancient frescoes and architectural flourishes hidden amidst the tiny shops and cafes. The oldest street is called Köpmangatan, and it's been a site of retail action since the early 1300s. Great place to grab a souvenir or two.

[caption id="attachment_38265" align="alignnone" width="2123"]<img class="size-full wp-image-38265" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/GettyImages-1127859523.jpg" alt="Stortorget square in Stockholm old town, Sweden" width="2123" height="1412" /> <br />Vladislav Zolotov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Take a boat tour of canals and bridges</h2>
Because of its charming harbor, quays, and canals, touring Stockholm by boat is a great way to get a sense of the entire city. You can take a tour of the Royal Canals, which takes you through the leafy green Durgården and past historical buildings like the Vasa Maritime Museum. There are bars and restaurants on board of many sightseeing boats drifting through Stockholm, so choose according to your mood and the weather.

[caption id="attachment_36068" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1098312930.jpg" alt="Diverse boat tours leave from the Strandvagen embankment in Stockholm." width="1200" height="797" /> Vladislav Zolotov / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Ride a bike through the Royal National City Park</h2>
This enormous public space unfurls its greenery right through the center of Stockholm and comprises of three royal parks—Haga, Ulriksdahl and the Djurgården. Bike and canoe rentals are easily accessible, and trails and canals meander through forested areas. The Djurgården has a visitor center, and there are many cafes located throughout the park system for lingering over coffee in the sun.

[caption id="attachment_36069" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/185236087.jpg" alt="Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Stockholm and its 6-mile long National City park system." width="1200" height="798" /> olaser / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Enjoy a traditional Swedish smorgasbord</h2>
This Swedish dining tradition may be familiar to anyone who has shopped at IKEA. The smorgasbord is basically a buffet of cold and hot dishes for grazing and sharing. There are some Stockholm chefs who elevate the tradition with experimental fusion dishes, but the traditional smorgasbord is available everywhere and almost always contains popular dishes such as meatballs with lingonberry jam, gravlax, open-faced sandwiches, and pickled herring. Wash down the goodies with schnapps or aquavit as the Swedes do.

[caption id="attachment_36070" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/1077234960.jpg" alt="Traditional Swedish smörgasbord feast." width="1200" height="832" /> knape / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Explore Skansen</h2>
To help visitors understand how Swedes used to live in the 19th century, the Skansen open-air museum acquired houses and farmsteads from all over the country to create a small village in Durgården Park. This postcard destination is animated by costumed staff and interactive exhibits. A zoo, an aquarium, and several restaurants make Skansen a full day's outing, especially if you've got small kids.

[caption id="attachment_36071" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/178473965.jpg" alt="Traditional Swedish houses in the open air museum of Skansen, Stockholm." width="1200" height="800" /> anshar73 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Cruise high-end design in Ostermalm</h2>
Scandinavian design is revered for its clean lines, minimalist practicality, and use of pristine natural material such as birch and silver. The best place in Stockholm to source Swedish furniture, jewelry, and clothing is the neighborhood of Ostermalm. Posh boutiques, antique emporiums, and gourmet spots to dine are all easy to find in this highly walkable district. There's even fresh produce and fine food market, the Ostermalmhallen.

[caption id="attachment_36072" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/588264484.jpg" alt="Distinctive architectural flourishes on buildings in the Ostermalm district." width="1200" height="800" /> tupungato / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Visit the ABBA museum</h2>
Stockholm's most popular attraction is a draw for dancing queens from all over the world. Part of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, the ABBA museum is dedicated to Sweden's best known musical export. Its exhibits were designed with input from the supergroup and include their gold records, costumes and a number of VR installation and a documentary cinema. You can even recreate a recording session with the band. As the museum says in their marketing materials: walk in, dance out.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-36076" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_500863222.jpg" alt="Exterior of ABBATheMuseum on September 27, 2016 in Stockholm. The ABBA museum has become of Stockholms major tourist attractions." width="1000" height="667" />


<h2>9. Go to the opera</h2>
Natives of Stockholm enjoy some of the best cultural facilities in the world. One of the most beautiful has to be the Royal Swedish Opera House. Built in 1773, the theater is home to the Royal Swedish Ballet and the Royal Swedish Opera and Orchestra. There are daily tours of the reception and backstage areas of red and gold splendor.; if you're lucky, you can even get your hands on a discounted rush seat to watch the ballet or opera.

[caption id="attachment_36073" align="alignnone" width="1200"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/123971697.jpg" alt="Gilt interior of the Royal Opera House, Stockholm." width="1200" height="805" /> count_kert / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Ride the Globe Skyview</h2>
The Ericsson Globe is the world's largest spherical building. Used mostly as a concert venue, this circular structure is also the home arena for the Swedish national hockey team. The Skyview ride consists of 2 glass-domed gondolas that carry visitors to the apex of the Globe for spectacular 360-degree views of Stockholm and beyond. Sunsets are especially popular, with dinner in adjacent restaurants and champagne bars waiting upon your descent.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-38300" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/02/shutterstock_1461303686.jpg" alt="SkyView observation glass gondola close-up on Ericsson Globe or Stockholm Globe Arena. " width="1000" height="667" />

Revel in the Unique Charm of Stockholm

While Sweden is certainly a land of ancient runes, expansive archipelagos, and colorful coastlines, the northerly country is also a hotspot for art, design, and fashion. There are so many things to do in Sweden; it is a true paradise for nature nuts and culture connoisseurs alike.

While Sweden is certainly a land of ancient runes, expansive archipelagos, and colorful coastlines, the northerly country is also a hotspot for art, design, and fashion. There are so many things to do in Sweden; it is a true paradise for those who enjoy hiking and the outdoors. Apart from its natural beauty, Sweden is home to modern and vibrant cities, including Stockholm, Malmö, and Gothenburg. Spend time island hopping and exploring the beautiful old cities. Sample the traditional cuisine and shop Scandinavian fashion brands, too. Sweden is full of rich culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
<h2>1. Explore Stockholm</h2>
The elegant capital of Sweden is full of well-preserved historical landmarks, compelling museums, and contemporary culture. The historic Old Town, Gamla Stan, is the perfect place to start your trip. Meander through the narrow alleys and cobbled streets while enjoying beautiful architecture and quaint shops. Apart from Stockholm’s historical importance, it’s also a forward-looking city leading the way in fashion, design, and art. Check out the contemporary galleries and shop the latest looks from trend-setting boutiques. Another must-visit spot in Stockholm is Skansen, the open-air museum that shows you a miniature version of Sweden, complete with traditional houses, plant life, and industry. While you’re in the area, take a few days to explore the Stockholm archipelago. The city has a fantastic ferry system that will take you to the thousands of islands dotted along the Baltic Sea coastline.

[caption id="attachment_1021218" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/629833878-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/629833878-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/629833878-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/629833878-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/629833878.jpg 1200w" alt="Gamla Stan in Stockholm, Sweden" width="1024" height="683" /> Leonardo Patrizi / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>2. Hike Through Lapland</h2>
Lapland is Sweden's northernmost region, and it covers a quarter of the country. The region shares a border with both Norway and Finland and is the best place to go if you love the outdoors. Hike through the breathtaking northern countryside, stop in small villages, and enjoy incredible views. Apart from hiking, visitors can also ski, canoe, and fish while admiring the Northern Lights. No matter what time of year you visit, you can always find something exciting to do.

[caption id="attachment_1021219" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/908851894-1024x689.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/908851894-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/908851894-300x202.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/908851894-768x517.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/908851894.jpg 1200w" alt="Northern Lights in Lapland, Sweden" width="1024" height="689" /> BeyondImages / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>3. Celebrate Midsummer</h2>
Midsummer is a quintessential Swedish celebration, and you should plan your trip around the festival if you can. Every year on a Friday between the 19th and 25th of June, the country celebrates this summer solstice festival that welcomes the long days, warm weather, and the lush bloom of summer. Join a local gathering to eat pickled herring and new potatoes with dill, drink spiced schnapps, and dance around the maypole. The best festival celebrations occur in the countryside where the residents still celebrate Midsummer the way they have for hundreds of years.

[caption id="attachment_1021220" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901677656-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901677656-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901677656-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901677656-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/901677656.jpg 1200w" alt="Swedish maypole" width="1024" height="683" /> Lightstar59 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Visit Kosterhavet National Park</h2>
Kosterhavet is a marine life national park on the west coast of Sweden. The area has the most marine biodiversity in the country due to a combination of the cold waters of Koster Fjord and the high salinity of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a boat to the small islands that make up the park or get some exercise traveling by canoe or kayak. Visitors can also go swimming and diving to see the fascinating local marine life, including brachiopods, sponges and corals. You can reach the park via one of four entrances: Strömstad, Saltö, Rossö, and Resö.

[caption id="attachment_1021221" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175515967-1024x667.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175515967-1024x667.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175515967-300x196.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175515967-768x500.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175515967.jpg 1200w" alt="Coastline, Sweden" width="1024" height="667" /> Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>5. Explore Gothenburg City and Archipelago</h2>
Although Stockholm is the most popular tourist city, western Gothenburg should not be overlooked. Buy fresh seafood from the Fish Church, ride rollercoasters at the Liseberg amusement park, and enjoy Nordic art at the Gothenburg Museum. Be sure to stroll through the Haga, a charming district full of quaint cafés and boutiques. Before you leave, take a boat to the many islands of Gothenburg’s archipelago. Enjoy pedestrian-only towns and experience the old-world atmosphere of these isolated and serene islands. The Gothenburg archipelagos also have exceptional dining options that include a huge variety of fresh seafood.

[caption id="attachment_1021222" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175418545-1024x680.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175418545-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175418545-300x199.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175418545-768x510.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/175418545.jpg 1200w" alt="Gothenburg archipelago, Sweden" width="1024" height="680" /> Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>6. Partake in Fika</h2>
If you don't know what fika is before your trip, you’ll be an expert on the topic by the time you leave Sweden. Fika is a Swedish tradition that consists of stopping what you're doing to enjoy a coffee and a sweet bun or pastry. If you ask any Swede, they’ll tell you that fika is much more than just a coffee break. It’s a tradition more than a hundred years old, and individuals and large companies alike indulge in fika at least twice a day. Cinnamon and cardamom buns are the usual pastries, served with strong coffee. In the summer months, you can also enjoy strawberry cakes or the marzipan-covered, custard-filled Princess cake.

[caption id="attachment_1021223" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1141850362-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1141850362-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1141850362-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1141850362-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1141850362.jpg 1200w" alt="Fika, Sweden" width="1024" height="683" /> Alexander Farnsworth / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Head to Malmö</h2>
The southern coastal city of Malmö is close to Copenhagen, with a short bridge and tunnel connecting the two. Malmö has a different vibe from the rest of Sweden, providing visitors with an in-your-face contrast of the ancient and the modern. Malmö is the place to go if you want to go out dancing, grab some drinks, or listen to live music. Check out the museums and the Old Town while basking in the city’s progressive attitude.

[caption id="attachment_1021224" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/842894208-1024x672.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/842894208-1024x672.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/842894208-300x197.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/842894208-768x504.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/842894208.jpg 1200w" alt="Malmö, Sweden" width="1024" height="672" /> bbsferrari / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>8. Spend Time at the Museums</h2>
History buffs and lovers of Scandinavian culture will enjoy hopping from one exceptional museum to the other, all over Sweden. Start your tour at the impressive and dramatic Vasa Museum in Stockholm. The museum houses a massive warship from the 1600s. The unfortunately top-heavy ship tipped over and sank as soon as it set off on its maiden voyage. It was recovered from the bottom of Saltsjön and reassembled in the 1970s. Artifacts from the ship were salvaged, along with the remains of the unlucky crew. For contemporary art in Stockholm, head to the Moderna Museet to see the permanent display of modern art and the rotating exhibitions of contemporary painters, sculptors, and performance artists. Be sure to visit the museums in Uppsala, Gothenburg, and Malmö for even more art, history, and culture.

[caption id="attachment_1021226" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/471071443-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/471071443-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/471071443-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/471071443-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/471071443.jpg 1200w" alt="Vasa museum in Stockholm, Sweden" width="1024" height="683" /> aefoto / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>9. Bike Through the Country</h2>
Sweden is a paradise for cyclists, and the entire country is accessible by bike routes that weave through cities, towns, and isolated countryside. If you visit Sweden in the warmer months, grab a bike and explore the country on two wheels. Popular routes include Sydostleden, an inland route that takes you from Småland south to the Baltic Sea coast. The route passes small villages and fishing towns where you can pick up food and souvenirs. The Mälardalen trail takes you from Stockholm to several major Swedish towns including Södertälje and Eskilstuna. An added bonus: the trail starts less than seven miles from Stockholm's Arlanda airport.

[caption id="attachment_1021227" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1048947964-1024x681.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1048947964-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1048947964-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1048947964-768x511.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/1048947964.jpg 1200w" alt="Bicycle in Sweden" width="1024" height="681" /> Photomick / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>10. Spend a Few Days in Gotland</h2>
Take a three-hour ferry ride from Nynasham or Oskarshamn, and you’ll find Gotland, a large Swedish island in the middle of the Baltic Sea. The Vikings used the island as an ancient trading post, and it’s full of ancients ruins, old churches, and countless artifacts. Stop by Visby, the island's largest municipality and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A beautiful medieval wall surrounds Visby, and the remains of medieval churches are dotted throughout the town. Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the area’s natural and man-made beauty. After Visby, head north to Fårö, the smallest, northernmost island and the final resting place of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. The region is also known for its unusual and eerily beautiful sea stacks or rauks.

[caption id="attachment_1021228" align="alignnone" width="1024"]<img class="attachment-large size-large" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/576726146-1024x683.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" srcset="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/576726146-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/576726146-300x200.jpg 300w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/576726146-768x512.jpg 768w, https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2019/04/576726146.jpg 1200w" alt="Visby street Gotland, Sweden" width="1024" height="683" /> Rolf_52 / Getty Images[/caption]

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