Stockholm

I travelled from London Stansted using Ryanair

Date travelled: 29-31 August 2009

Situated on no less than 14 islands, and the self-proclaimed capital of Scandinavia, is Stockholm. The city rightly deserves its accolade of being one of the prettiest cities in the World.

Stockholm is served by four airports, Arlanda, Skavsta, Vasteras and Bromma. All have their own transportation routes into the city. Check out each airports website for more information. From Skavsta airport for example, there is a regular bus service operated by flybycoach.com that operates to and from the airport and Stockholm city centre. Tickets 100 Swedish Krona (about £9) for a single trip taking 90 minutes. I stayed at the Scandic Continental Hotel, which is situated opposite the main railway station, right in the centre of Stockholm.

Despite being situated on several islands, Stockholm is very easy to navigate by foot, but there is also a clean and modern metro system here too for those who don't fancy walking all day. Tourists can get a 24 hour travel pass (100 Swedish Krona).

A good starting point for any trip to Stockholm is the old town. Known locally as Gamla Stan, the old town features parts dating from as early as the 13th century, including its small but pleasant cobbled streets. It is particularly nice here in the mornings, when the streets are quiet and tourist-free.

To enjoy a nice view of Gamla Stan, head to the Katarina Lift, situated in the Slussen district of the city. The lift dates from 1883, and tickets cost 20 Swedish Krona (roughly £1.80) for a return trip up and down.


Katarina Lift

Once at the top, you will get to see the fine view of Gamla Stan.


View over Gamla Stan from Katarina lift

A lovely way to explore the city and the Archipelago is by taking one of the many sightseeing boat services that operate here. Tickets for a hop-on-hop-off tour of Stockholm's most significant sights cost roughly 100 Swedish Krona, and are valid for 24 hours. Most tours start and finish from Gamla Stan area.

If you do take a boat tour, the first sight you will visit after Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet). The palace has been an official residence of the Swedish Royal Family since 1754.


Stockholm Royal Palace

Right next to the Royal Palace is the Great Church of Stockholm (Storkrykan). The church is one of the oldest in the city, and has been the site of many past Royal Coronations, the last being Oscar II in 1873.


Great Church of Stockholm


Standing on the other side of the Royal Palace, on the island of Helgeandsholmen, is the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag). The building dates from the 19th century, and is home to 349 members of Parliament.



Swedish Parliament

No visit to Stockholm would be complete without visiting its most popular tourist attraction. The Vasa museum contains the only fully intact 17th century man-of-war ship that has ever been salvaged. The ship sank on her maiden voyage in the Stockholm Archipelago in 1628, and was salvaged in 1961. Tickets to the museum cost 95 Swedish Krona (£8.50).


Vasa Museum

Stockholm is also lucky enough to have an adventure park right on its doorstep. Gröna Lund Tivoli, originally developed in the 1880s, is also a popular venue for summer concerts. Starts such as Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix have performed here in the past. The adventure park also features one of Europe's tallest free-fall rides.


Gröna Lund Tivoli

Not far from Gröna Lund Tivoli is Skansen, Sweden's first and arguably most famous open-air museum. Originally created in 1891, the museum features exhibits detailing Sweden's past traditions, as well as a zoo containing a wide range of Scandinavian animals.


Skansen

On the opposite island to both Skansen and Gröna Lund Tivoli is the Kastellet, a small citadel overlooking the bay. The original Kastellet was accidently destroyed by an explosion in 1845, with the current incarnation dating soon after. The military ensign of Sweden is hoisted and lowered everyday here, as a symbol that the nation is at peace.


Kastellet

On the other side of Gamla Stan, towards the west of the city, is Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset). The building, dating from 1923, contains offices and conference rooms, as well as ceremonial halls.


Stockholm City Hall (Stadhuset)

The City Hall also features a tower where visitors can climb to the top enjoy views of right across Stockholm. As only 30 people are allowed into tower at any one go, there can be a long queue outside the entrance to the tower. Visitors can use the lift to get half way up the tower, and walk the rest (unfortunately the walk isn't suitable for disabled visitors). Tickets to the top cost 30 Swedish Krona (about £2.70).


View of Stockholm from Stadhuset

One of Stockholm's more unusual sights is the Globen, an ice hockey, theatre and concert hall situated to the south of the city. The building, which also houses a shopping complex, is reputed to be the largest spherical building in the world.


Globen

The heart of modern Stockholm is Sergels Torg, a large multi-level public square. The square features a crystal obelisk dating from 1974. This is a nice place to rest your legs and watch the world go by.


Sergels Torg

In the evenings another of Stockholm's famous tourist attractions comes to life. The Absolut IceBar, is the world's first permanent ice bar. The temperature is kept at a constant -5°C, but warm clothing is provided upon arrival.


Absolut Icebar Stockholm

Visitors can experience the bar for up to 45 minutes at a time for 170 Swedish Krona (£15.25). Included in the price is one free vodka cocktail served in a glass made of 100% ice. Refills are available for 95 Swedish Krona (£8.50). Pre-booking a time slot is essential to avoid disappointment.


A drink at the Absolut Icebar Stockholm

As for other Swedish beers, brands include ABRO, Mariestads, the popular Spendrups and Pripps Blå. Due to Swedish law, the only retail stores where you can purchase alcoholic beverages over 3.5% volume are from the government owned Systembolaget stores. A large beer in a bar in the city costs roughly 50-80 Swedish Krona (£4.50 – £7.20), depending on the location.

Eating out in Stockholm can be expensive (expect to pay at least 200 Swedish Krona (£18) for a main meal in a basic restaurant), so for those looking to sample a traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord (buffet), be prepared. Cheaper alternatives include fast food outlets, buying food from supermarkets or indeed some of the small snacks available in most metro stations are quite appetising.

As with any Scandinavian city, Stockholm isn't the cheapest place in the world to visit. But because of its beautiful natural scenery, and friendly atmosphere, you must visit if you can.