Stockholm – The Capital of Scandinavia…Not exactly the label that all agree on, but that’s the label it’s been given on the official Swedish Tourism information. It is however the Capital of Sweden.
The city was founded in the 13th Century and lots have changed since then, like being named the European Green Capital of 2010!
Stockholm is hardly a huge city with its 1 million inhabitants. Still, it is a city that is quite spread out with a bit of distance between the different islands, as it is located in the archipelago of Mälaren.
Cycling in Stockholm
Even though there’s a bit of distance between the places, it is still within easy reach. All over the city centre you can find City Bikes. Pick up a card for your stay and you can use them as you need them. Very cheap and handy. Stockholm shouldn’t be seen from the subway, bus or taxi. Ride the bike and walk, that’s the way to do Stockholm.
Seeing the sights whilst avoiding the tourist traps
Start your day in Stockholm by making your way towards the outdoor museum of Skansen. Skansen provides you with the typical architecture of the different parts of Sweden through history and the highlight, the wildlife of the Nordic. Make sure to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to catch the animals when they’re the most active.
Since you’re already on the island of Djurgården, you should take a walk around the island after the visit to Skansen. Consider a visit to the impressive Vasa Museum, with the only preserved ship from the 1600s. Walk along the waterfront and take in the views of Stockholm and enjoy the tranquility of the forests and gardens of Rosendahl. Make your way to the organic café in Rosendahls Trädgård and enjoy a lunch under the apple trees in the garden.
Take a walk back into town along the waterfront of Nybroviken, the place to catch sightseeing boats into the Stockholm archipelago. Continue through the always busy and buzzing Kungsträdgården, with the main Tourist Office, towards the Royal Castle and the Old Town.
Visit the Royal Castle, the official residence of the king and continue through “Gamla Stanâ€, the oldest parts of Stockholm. A real “tourist-trapâ€, but it is still intriguing and interesting to walk the small cobbled streets, alleys and squares of this 800 year old area. Avoid the temptation of taking a “fikaâ€, a cup of coffee, in this area and continue to the Bohemic island of Söder further south.
Relax and enjoy the local ambience in the afternoon & evening
Södermalm, or Söder as the locals refer to it, is the bohemic area of Stockholm as offers an abundance of cafés, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. Take a walk along Götgatan and visit the shops. SkÃ¥negatan is the place for a much needed “fikaâ€. Have a homemade sandwich or cookie with your coffee at Lisas Café. It feels like the time stood still here for many years. Do your shopping at Söder if you don’t like the bid apartment stores. Here you’ll find the small shops with the unusual stuff. Enjoy a cold beer in the Sun at the bustling Medborgarplatsen before you head for a traditional Swedish meal at classic Pelikan.
Round things up with a game of boule or ping-pong and a drink at the underground bar of Boule Hallen or enjoy a drink and the view over Old Town from Södra Teatern. Söder has lots to offer to finish off a wonderful and interesting full day in Stockholm!
By Jeppe, Tripbod in Sweden
To get local information about Stockholm, contact Jeppe directly on www.tripbod.com. He can give you local tips and advice on the best places to go or he can put together a full itinerary.
