A summer adventure in Amazing Stockholm is so easy. Stockholm is my favorite city in Sweden, Europe, and maybe the whole world. I consider Stockholm to be my hometown, even though I always lived in the suburbs. Let me take you on a “virtual” visit to some of my favorite places.
For those of you who may not know anything about Stockholm, it is the capital of Sweden. It is sometimes called “The Venice of the North” as it consists of 14 islands, with 50 bridges that go across. In my eyes, it is the most beautiful city in the world.
I would recommend getting a hop-on/hop-off pass as this will allow you transport on buses, a few boats, and the entrance fees to most places that you would like to visit. Click here for more information.
Our choice of hotel
I usually stay with my family when I visit Stockholm, but last time we decided to stay downtown as we brought some friends with us. We chose hotel Reisen which is located in the old town. The location is perfect for a visit to this beautiful city. Click here for more information.
Gamla Stan – The old town
Gamla Stan, or “Old town” goes back to the 13th century. This part of the city is located on 4 different islands: Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, Stromsborg, and Stadsholmen. Stadsholmen is the main island. You will find medieval alleyways, cobblestoned streets, very old buildings & architecture. The most narrow alley is Mårten Trotzigs gränd, only 35″ wide. A lot of the restaurants & cafes will be located or have a basement, that is the old valve from centuries ago.
The main square on this island is Stortorget (The big square). In the summertime, you can sit at any of the outdoor cafes watching everyone. At Christmas time, this square turns into a Christmas market.
The legend says that the cannonball that is immersed in the facade of the photos is from the Stockholm bloodbath in 1520, when they tried to kill the Danish king, Christian the Tyrant.
A stroll through the old town is a must when you are trying to do “the Beyond Ikea & meatballs – How to have an amazing adventure in Stockholm”-experience.
Stocholms Kungliga Slott – The Royal Palace
Sweden is a Monarchy, which means we have a Royal Family and a Royal Palace. The king has no power, so it is more of a representative duty. The Royal family officially lives in a different palace, Drottningholm Palace and they usually use the Stockholm palace for representative purposes. The Royal Palace is located in the old town. It is open to the public, so you can tour a few of the rooms and the treasury, and of course, you can also watch the changing of the guards.
The Royal Guard has been guarding the palace since 1523. They are the King of Sweden’s cavalry and infantry guards of honor of the Swedish Armed Forces, tasked with the protection of the Swedish Royal Family. My dad had this task once when he was doing his military service.
The original palace – “3 Crowns” was built in the same place, but was destroyed in a fire back in 1697. They started rebuilding the new palace and it was more or less done in 1754. The existing palace consists of 1430 rooms. For more information, click here.
Storkyrkan – The great church
Storkyrkan, also called Stockholm Cathedral is the oldest church in Stockholm. It was built in the 13th century and inaugurated in 1306. The church is located between the Royal Palace and the Big Square.
I always go & spend a few moments in this church when I am in the Old town. It is so peaceful, and a perfect occasion to light a candle for someone who needs some healing thoughts, or spiritual help, or has some challenges.
Fika-Time
The Swedes love their coffee. Enjoying a “Fika” is part of living in Sweden, and you will often meet your family & friends for a Fika. Growing up, when my grandmother prepared Fika, it was a ritual & very advanced. There needed to be a cinnamon bun or a slice of a bun + 7 different types of cookies. Nowadays, one will settle for a couple of choices. The Swedes love their coffee strong. (We have excellent coffee beans and I always replenish our coffee bean supply when we go home to visit).
One of the oldest coffeehouses in Stockholm is called Vetekatten. It opened in 1928 and still serves amazing Fika. Make sure you go and have a Fika when you visit Stockholm & Sweden. It is a must if you truly want to the full spectrum of the “Beyond Ikea & meatballs – How to have an amazing adventure in Stockholm”.
Stockholm City Hall
The Stockholm City hall is a fairly new building, constructed from 1911-to 1923. The inauguration took place on 23 June 1923. It is the building of the Municipal Council for the city of Stockholm. There is a gourmet restaurant in the basement, and the annual Nobel Prize award ceremony & dinner takes place here. On top of the tower, you will find 3 golden crowns. This is the National emblem of Sweden.
The house of Parliament
The House of Parliament was constructed in 1897-1905. It consists of two beautiful buildings located on one of the islands belonging to the old town. You will walk between the 2 buildings when you walk towards the central part of Stockholm.
Riddarhuset / House of Nobility
The House of Nobility is a building that maintains records and acts as an interest group on behalf of the Swedish Nobility. For more about Swedish Nobility, click here.
Riddarholmen Church
The Riddarholmen Church is located on the island of Riddarholmen, close to the Royal Palace. It is the final resting place for most of the Royal family. As one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, part of it dates back to the 13th century. For more information, click here.
Hötorgshallen/ Haymarket
One of my favorite places to visit is Haymarket. There is a fruit & flower market on the square, and an international food hall when you enter the building and take the escalator one floor down. You will be able to find almost anything edible, including groceries as well as restaurants. It is worthwhile a visit.
Restaurants
The second oldest restaurant in the entire world
Restaurant Gyldene Freden / The Golden Peace opened in 1722 and has been in the same building ever since. It was used to attract writers, songwriters, and painters throughout the centuries. The food is very good as well.
”Fem Små Hus”. Five small houses
This is another restaurant that has been in the same place for a long time. It started back in 1694 when the first known restaurant opened here. The owners & names have changed throughout the years, and it got its current name in 1969. Five small houses indicate that this restaurant stretches out along 5 houses underground in 9 different valves.
In the summertime, they have a nice terrace outside where you can eat. They serve Swedish Husmanskost / Home cooked type meals. It was very good, and I can highly recommend a visit.
Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum is one of the most visited museums in Sweden. It contains the actual olden warship “Vasa” that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. She was found in the mid-1950. They worked for a few years planning how to salvage her. On the 24th of April 1961, the first piece was lifted out of the water. For more history and information, click here.
Skansen
Skansen is a very old open-air museum located on the island of Djurgarden, close to the Vasa Museum. It opened in 1891. They display old houses & farmsteads from all areas of Sweden. All buildings are original and were dissembled, shipped, and then rebuilt. In addition, you can see the animals of Sweden. In early December they have an annual Christmas market. It is worth a visit.
Fjäderholmarna
Fjäderholmarna is a group of islands in the Stockholm archipelago, close to downtown Stockholm. They can be reached by taking a boat for approximately 30mins. You can find a few beaches, trails, artisan shops, bars, and restaurants. It is beautiful surroundings for a special dinner. If this island is not your choice, there are approximately another 30000 islands in the archipelago of Stockholm to choose
A summer adventure in Amazing Stockholm
I hope I have inspired you as well as answered some of your questions in regard to “A summer adventure in Amazing Stockholm”. If you do go choose one of the summer months, as the city is so much more beautiful during this time.
This is just some of what Stockholm has to offer. There is so much more. I hope you have enjoyed our virtual tour.
If you would like to read about another Scandinavian city, click here for Copenhagen.
