• Island hopping in the city: Stockholm spreads over 14 islands that are connected by more than 50 bridges.
• Historic old town Gamla Stan: Cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and the Royal Palace – this is where the heart of the city beats.
• Fika culture: Stockholm lives for its coffee breaks. Enjoy a cinnamon bun (Kanelbulle) with coffee in one of the many cozy cafés.
• Archipelago paradise at your doorstep: Thousands of islands off the coast invite you to take boat trips and day excursions.
• Modern trend scene: Design, fashion, music – Stockholm is always in tune with the times.

• Population: approx. 980,000 (over 2.4 million in the metropolitan area)
• Area: 188 km²
• Founded: 1252 by Birger Jarl
• Nickname: "Venice of the North" due to its many waterways
• Royal Seat: Stockholm Palace is one of the largest inhabited palaces in Europe
• Subway as an Art Gallery: Over 90 of the 100 stations are artistically designed
• Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Official Language: Swedish (English is widely spoken)
• Highest Point: Skinnarviksberget at 53 meters offers a great view
• Average Annual Temperature: approx. 7°C
• Bright Summers, Dark Winters: In June, nights are hardly dark, while in December there are only a few hours of daylight
• Nobel Prize City: Here, the Nobel Prizes (except the Peace Prize) are awarded every year

Stockholm was founded in 1252 by Birger Jarl to protect Sweden from enemy attacks. The name "Stockholm" translates to "Wood Island" - presumably because the first buildings were constructed on wooden stilts. Due to its strategic location between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, Stockholm quickly became an important trading center.

The Hanseatic City of Stockholm

In the 14th century, Stockholm became a member of the Hanseatic League, which promoted trade with northern Germany and the rest of Europe. German merchants played a significant role in the city's development – many Swedish words therefore have German roots.

From Royal House to Modern Capital

In the 17th century, Stockholm officially became the capital of Sweden. King Gustav II Adolph turned the city into a political and cultural center. In the 20th century, Stockholm grew rapidly, becoming a hub of design, and is now considered one of the most livable cities in the world.

Stockholm is located on the east coast of Sweden, directly at the mouth of Lake Mälaren into the Baltic Sea. The city spans 14 islands and is surrounded by more than 24,000 archipelago islands.

Geographical Highlights

• Neighboring cities: Uppsala (70 km), Västerås (110 km), Norrköping (160 km)
• Distance to other capitals: Helsinki (400 km), Copenhagen (520 km), Oslo (530 km)
• Climate zone: Humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers

Stockholm thus connects urban life with immediate proximity to nature – a perfect mix for an unforgettable trip!

Stockholm is full of impressive sights – from historic buildings to modern attractions. To help you keep track, here’s a selection of the most important landmarks that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.

The Most Famous Sights in Stockholm

• The Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet) – One of the largest palace complexes in Europe with over 600 rooms.
• Gamla Stan – The old town with narrow streets, colorful houses, and the famous Stortorget square.
• The Vasa Museum – The only preserved warship from the 17th century, which sank in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961.
• Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) – The venue for the Nobel Prize banquets with a fantastic view from the tower.
• Skansen – The oldest open-air museum in the world featuring traditional Swedish houses and a zoo.
• The ABBA Museum – An interactive museum telling the story of the legendary Swedish band.
• Drottningholm Palace – The private residence of the Swedish royal family, reminiscent of Versailles.
• Gröna Lund – The amusement park with breathtaking rides and concerts right by the water.

The Royal Palace – In the Heart of the Old Town

The imposing Royal Palace stands in the middle of Gamla Stan and is not only the official workplace of the King, but also one of the most visited attractions in the city. Visitors can tour the lavish apartments, the treasury, and the Royal Armory. A highlight is the daily changing of the guard in the courtyard.

Gamla Stan – The Medieval Heart of Stockholm

The old town is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Here you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and cozy cafés. The central square Stortorget, with its colorful façades, is one of the most photographed spots in Stockholm.

The Vasa Museum – A Unique Warship

The Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården houses the famous Vasa ship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was not brought back to the surface until 333 years later. The enormous, almost fully preserved ship offers a fascinating insight into Swedish history.

City Hall – The Town Hall with Nobel Prize Banquet

The distinctive Stockholm City Hall with its golden tower is not only an architectural highlight but also the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet. From the top of the tower, you have a fantastic panoramic view of the city.

The Perfect Route for a Day in Stockholm

To comfortably explore as many attractions as possible, here’s an ideal route for a sightseeing day in Stockholm:

1. Start the day in Gamla Stan – Stroll through the streets and visit Stortorget square.
2. Visit the Royal Palace – Plan about 1.5 hours for the tour.
3. Take a ferry to Djurgården – The boat ride gives you a great view of Stockholm from the water.
4. Visit the Vasa Museum and Skansen – Two of the most exciting museums in the city.
5. Make a stop at the ABBA Museum – Perfect for fans of Swedish music history.
6. Stroll along Strandvägen – One of the most beautiful promenades in Stockholm.
7. End the day with a view from the City Hall tower – A great way to conclude the day with an amazing view.

💡Tip: Use the Stockholm Pass! If you want to visit multiple attractions, the Stockholm Pass is worth it. It gives you free admission to many attractions and you can use the Hop-On-Hop-Off boats and buses.

Stockholm is a city of water – no wonder it is often referred to as the "Venice of the North." More than 30% of the city’s area consists of water.

The water bodies play a significant role in the cityscape. In the summer, the promenades and waterfront squares are filled with people enjoying the water, while in winter, some bodies of water freeze over and invite ice skating.

Stockholm is not only the political capital of Sweden but also the economic and scientific center of the country. The city is known for its innovative power and is home to many start-ups as well as large international companies.

Population Statistics

• Population (2024): approximately 980,000
• Greater Stockholm: approximately 2.4 million
• Average Age: 39 years
• Population Growth: approximately 1.5% per year
• Internationality: About 25% of the population has a migration background

The Key Industries in Stockholm

Stockholm is an important economic location with a diverse industry. Here are some of the most significant sectors:

• Technology & Start-ups – Spotify, Klarna, and many other tech firms originate from Stockholm.
• Finance – Home to many banks and insurance companies.
• Fashion & Design – Well-known brands like H&M or Acne Studios come from here.
• Tourism & Hospitality – More than 15 million visitors annually.
• Pharma & Medical Technology – Important location for life science companies.

Stockholm is considered one of the most innovative cities in Europe and is known for its high quality of life, advanced infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Stockholm offers a varied program of events year-round – from music festivals to major sporting events to traditional celebrations. Here you can find out which events you shouldn't miss!

The Most Important Events in Stockholm

• Midsummer (June): The most famous Swedish festival is celebrated with flower crowns, folk dances, and picnics.
• Stockholm Pride (July/August): Scandinavia's largest Pride parade with colorful events throughout the city.
• Nobel Prize Ceremony (December): Every year on December 10th, the Nobel Prizes are awarded at the Stockholm Concert Hall.
• Stockholm Jazz Festival (October): One of the oldest jazz festivals in Europe featuring international artists.
• Stockholm Marathon (June): One of the most beautiful marathons in the world, with a route through the old town and along the water.
• Christmas Markets (December): Especially the market in Gamla Stan exudes a festive atmosphere.

🎶 Tip: In addition to the major events, Stockholm has a vibrant cultural scene with concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions. The Opera, the Royal Dramatic Theatre, and the concert halls are definitely worth a visit.

Overview of Major Events in Stockholm

Whether you're visiting as a tourist, couple, single, or family – Stockholm offers the perfect program for everyone. Here are our best tips for your stay.

Five Excursions in Stockholm

1. Drottningholm Palace: The magnificent summer residence of the royal family featuring baroque gardens and a theater hall.
2. Stockholm Archipelago: Take a ferry and explore the idyllic islands just off the city.
3. Monteliusvägen: One of the most beautiful viewpoints overlooking the old town and the water.
4. Djurgården: The green oasis of Stockholm with museums, parks, and recreational opportunities.
5. SkyView at the Ericsson Globe: Ride in a glass sphere to the highest spherical building in the world and enjoy the panoramic view.

3 Recommendations for Couples in Stockholm

1. Romantic Boat Tour: Take a historic steamship through the Stockholm archipelago at sunset.
2. Fika in a Cozy Café: The cafés in Gamla Stan or by the water in Södermalm are particularly charming.
3. SkyView in the Evening: Enjoy the city lights from above together – unforgettable!

3 Recommendations for Singles in Stockholm

1. Going Out in Södermalm: In neighborhoods like SoFo, there are trendy bars, clubs, and live music.
2. Experience Culture at the Fotografiska Museum: One of the best addresses for modern photography.
3. Jogging or Hiking in Djurgården: Perfect for exercising and meeting new people.

3 Recommendations for Families in Stockholm

1. Skansen: The open-air museum with animals and interactive activities is ideal for children.
2. Junibacken: An interactive museum based on Astrid Lindgren's stories.
3. Gröna Lund Amusement Park: Roller coasters, carousels, and live music right by the water.

Three Hotel Recommendations in Stockholm

1. Grand Hôtel Stockholm: A luxurious 5-star hotel with views of the palace.
2. Hotel Rival: A charming boutique hotel in Södermalm owned by Benny Andersson from ABBA.
3. Generator Stockholm: An affordable design hostel with modern rooms and a great location.

Before you plan your trip to Stockholm, there are a few important things to consider – from weather to transportation.

Important Behavior Rules in Stockholm

1. The Swedes place great importance on personal space. Unlike southern European countries, hugs or body contact as a greeting are rather uncommon. Even on public transport or in queues, people consciously keep their distance – as a tourist, you should respect this.
2. In the subway (Tunnelbana), bus, or train, the Swedes usually communicate quietly or not at all. Loud phone calls or group conversations are often considered disruptive.
3. Stockholm (and Sweden in general) is almost a cashless society. Many shops, restaurants, and even small cafés only accept card payments.
4. Besides the fact that alcohol is expensive, strong alcohol (over 3.5%) is only available in state-owned stores called Systembolaget. It is also prohibited to consume it in public spaces such as parks or streets.
5. Stockholm is a safe city, but pickpocketing can occur in popular tourist areas like Gamla Stan, train stations, or shopping streets.

Weather in Stockholm – When is the Best Time to Visit?

Stockholm has a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience.

🎉 Tip: In summer, there can be up to 18 hours of daylight, while in winter there are only 6 hours – this affects your travel planning!

How to Get to Stockholm

Arrival by Plane

Stockholm has three airports:

• Arlanda Airport (ARN) – The largest airport, about 40 km north of the city.
• Bromma Airport (BMA) – Small, close to the center, mainly for domestic flights.
• Skavsta Airport (NYO) – 100 km away, often used for budget airlines (e.g., Ryanair).

From Arlanda Airport, you can reach the center in 20 minutes using the Arlanda Express.

Arrival by Train or Car

• Train: Direct connections are available from Copenhagen and Malmö to Stockholm.
• Car: The E4 runs from southern Sweden to Stockholm, but parking in the city can be expensive.

Public Transport in Stockholm

Stockholm has a well-developed public transport system with subways (Tunnelbana), buses, trams, and ferries. An SL Access card is worthwhile for multiple trips.