Famous for its parks, palaces, galleries and museums, Sweden’s capital is a globally important economic center spread across islands of great natural beauty.
Stockholm stands on 14 islands that dot the surface of Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s third-largest lake. Visit the country’s capital, which was established in the 1200s, to discover art galleries, historical museums, palaces and public parks.
Getting around Stockholm is easy on foot since many of the major attractions are within walking distance of the city center. The city also has an efficient public transportation system and over 450 miles (760 kilometers) of bikeways. Rent a bike and explore the historical route through the Royal National City Park or take boat trips on the waterways, which make up 30 percent of the city.
Go to Djurgården to find major Stockholm attractions. See a slice of Sweden’s rural traditions and spot Nordic wildlife at Skansen, one of the world’s oldest open-air museums. At the Vasa Museum, learn about a royal battleship that sank on its maiden voyage. Explore the Nordic Museum to find out why Swedes celebrate Midsummer. Younger visitors will enjoy meeting storybook characters at Junibacken, a children’s museum and entertainment center.
Take a walk around Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest district. Visit Stockholm Royal Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Discover the history of the Nobel Prize at the Nobel Museum. While in this area, stop by the famous Den Gyldene Freden restaurant, which opened in 1722.
Art lovers will appreciate Stockholm’s range of galleries. Spot work by European masters at the Museum of Modern Art and find contemporary photography exhibitions at Fotografiska. Find sculptures by revered Swedish sculptor Carl Eldh in Bellevue Park. Free live events are a big part of the Stockholm arts scene as well. We Are Stockholm is a multi-day August music and sports festival for teens at King’s Garden.
Take a boat trip to the Stockholm archipelago and explore over 20,000 islands. Discover beaches, walking trails and medieval architecture in towns such as Sandhamn and Vaxholm. In the height of summer enjoy a Stockholm sunset at 11 p.m.
