For other places with the same name, see Stockholm (disambiguation).

Stockholm is Sweden's capital and largest city, with nearly a million inhabitants in the city proper, and 2.3 million within Stockholm County. The inner city is made up of 14 islands across Lake Mälaren and three streams into the brackish Baltic Sea, with the Stockholm archipelago with some 24,000 islands, islets and skerries. Over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways, and another 30% is made up of green areas. Air and water are said to be the freshest of any European capital.

Stockholm is the hub of most Swedish rail and bus traffic and has two of the country's busiest airports nearby, so it is a good starting point for visiting other parts of Sweden.

See also our topic articles on Stockholm: Stockholm environmentalist tour, Stockholm history tour, and LGBT Stockholm.

Districts

Stockholm's suburbs sprawl out across most of Stockholm County. Stockholm's administrative division may be perplexing - municipal borders might cut right through neighbourhoods.

This article describes areas that are geographically close and easy to visit together as districts; the administrative borders of districts and municipalities may differ. The outer parts of the county consist of Norrtälje, Sigtuna, Norrort, Stockholm Archipelago, Södertörn and Södertälje.

Districts of Stockholm

Norrmalm (including Skeppsholmen) The central business district, also known as City, contains several museums, hotels, restaurants, shopping venues, a casino, the Royal Opera, the Concert Hall and other performance stages, and the central rail and bus station. It includes Skeppsholmen, an island known for its museum.

Vasastan and Hagastaden (Vasastan, Hagastaden, Karlberg) Vasastaden contains the Stockholm Public Library, the Stockholm Observatory, and several second-hand stores for records, clothing and nostalgia items. Hagastaden is a neighbourhood under construction, dominated by the Karolinska University Hospital.

Östermalm (including Gärdet, Norra Djurgården, Värtahamnen) A borough with urban boulevards, the National City Park and the Stockholm Harbour with several cruise ship terminals, the Stureplan square with upmarket shopping and nightlife, as well as Stockholm University, the Royal Institute of Technology, and several museums.

Djurgården A park island with venues such as the Skansen open air museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park, the Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum and the Rosendal Palace.

Gamla Stan (including Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen) The Old Town; an island dominated by the Royal Palace and the Swedish Parliament. The rest of the island is a picturesque collection of old buildings and narrow cobblestone streets. The adjacent island, Riddarholmen has an important church and several historic government buildings.

Södermalm (including Reimersholme, Långholmen) A rugged island with buildings of all ages, with several viewpoints for the inner city. The more or less bohemian area nicknamed SoFo (south of Folkungagatan) has many restaurants and pubs, as well as specialist shops and boutiques. The major north-south street Götgatan, has many bars and shops, especially around the Medborgarplatsen square. Our Södermalm article also includes some areas immediately south of it, featuring the Eurovision venue Globen, plus the mainland part of Nacka.

Kungsholmen (including Stora Essingen, Lilla Essingen) An island in the western inner city, with the Stockholm City Hall at its eastern edge. Further west, a collection of relaxed neighbourhood bars and restaurants can be found. West of the Fridhemsplan transport hub, the island is more suburban. There are several parks and beaches.

Västerort, Solna and Sundbyberg (Bromma, Kista etc) The western suburbs are dominated by Stockholm-Bromma Airport. Vällingby, founded in the 1950s, is one of Europe's first planned suburbs. Solvalla is a horse-race stadium. Kista, a center of information technology, contains Stockholm's only two skyscrapers. Solna and Sundbyberg, just north of Stockholm, two cities in their own right. Solna is the home of the 50,000-seat Friends Arena, the Royal park Hagaparken, and the Karolinska Institute, a medical institution.

Söderort The southern districts of Stockholm municipality contains Stockholm International Fairs and the Woodland Cemetery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lidingö (including Fjäderholmarna) A suburban island just east of Stockholm, containing the Millesgården sculpture museum; the Ekholmsnäs ski slope; and Elfvik: a farmland with an array of conference hotels.

Understand

See also: Nordic history

The Royal Guard on parade at the Royal Palace

Due to post-glacial rebound, much of today's Stockholm used to be under water. Mälaren was a bay of the Baltic Sea throughout the Viking Age of the 9th and 10th centuries; today's Stockholm was the waterway for the first Swedish cities; Birka, Uppsala, and Sigtuna. As Sigtuna was sacked by pirates in AD 1187, the Swedes needed to fortify the strait.

As the rising land cut off Mälaren from the sea in the 13th century, Stockholm became an important trading post. The city is said to be founded by Birger jarl (jarl is a title corresponding to British earl), who had a fortress built on an island later known as Gamla Stan. The first known written records that mention Stockholm date from 1252; this is the considered year of foundation. In the 15th century Stockholm replaced Uppsala as the effective capital. Stockholm was an associate of the Hanseatic League, and since its liberation from Denmark by King Gustavus Vasa in 1523, Stockholm has remained Sweden's most important center of commerce, although Gothenburg later became the largest international port. During the 17th century, Stockholm was the base of the Swedish Empire, with a land area twice the country's current size, nearly encircling the Baltic Sea.

Much of the inner city plan was laid out in the 19th century, and the inner city still contains buildings from all ages since the 15th century. Like the rest of Sweden, Stockholm was largely untouched by the World Wars, but, particularly between 1955 and 1975, hundreds of old buildings in Norrmalm were demolished in a large-scale modernization process, emulating similar projects in other European cities.

Since 1901, Stockholm has hosted the annual Nobel Prize ceremony for all categories except the peace prize, which is handed out in Oslo. In the 20th century, metropolitan Stockholm sprawled out across most of Stockholm County, with the development of the Stockholm Metro, famous for its contemporary art. 1950s suburbs such as Vällingby became a model for suburban development in other cities. While most of the attractions are in the inner city, a majority of the citizens live in the suburbs.

Otherwise a safe and calm city, Stockholm is also known for the term Stockholm Syndrome, which was coined to describe a hostage's sympathy for a captor during a bank robbery in Norrmalm in 1973.

Sustainable technology

As of the 21st century, Stockholm struggles to become a world leading city in sustainable engineering, including waste management, clean air and water, carbon-free public transportation, and energy efficiency. Lake water is safe for bathing, and in practice for drinking (though not recommended).

Some new neighborhoods with state-of-the-art technology in this field are Hammarby Sjöstad, Norra Djurgårdsstaden and Hagastaden.

Climate

Stockholm
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       39     −1 −5       27     −1 −5       26     3 −3       30     9 1       30     16 6       45     21 11       72     22 13       66     20 13       55     15 9       50     10 5       53     5 1       46     1 −3 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Average conditions for Stockholm
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       1.5     31 23       1.1     31 22       1     37 27       1.2     47 34       1.2     60 43       1.8     69 52       2.8     71 56       2.6     69 55       2.2     59 48       2     50 42       2.1     40 33       1.8     34 26 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Despite its northern location, Stockholm has fairly mild temperatures throughout the year. The city sees a dramatic seasonal variation in sunlight, from more than 18 hours of daylight around Midsummer, to around 6 hours of daylight around Christmas. Stockholm has an average of nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. Average yearly precipitation is 539 mm (21.2"), with July and August slightly the wettest months. Snowfall can occur from late November to early April, but the amount of snowfall and snow on the ground varies greatly from year to year, and through the winter. No date is a safe bet for snow in Stockholm; for real Scandinavian winter, visit Dalarna or Norrland.

In other words, May to September tend to have the most comfortable weather. From Midsummer to the end of July, most inhabitants leave the city, and some venues close for summer, making the city more dominated by tourists.

Tourist information

• Stockholm Tourist Center, Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg 3-5 103 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-508 28 508, touristinfo@stockholm.se. Open M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-16:00, Su 10:00-16:00. The official tourist center has a lot of information in several languages and helpful staff. They also sell local transport cards and tickets to museums and sightseeing tours. 

Get in

By plane

Stockholm (STO  ^IATA) is served by several international airports; Stockholm-Arlanda airport (near Sigtuna) being the dominant one. Stockholm-Bromma is the only airport within the city proper. The airports in Skavsta (near Nyköping) and Västerås also receive some international flights.

With the simple decor, geometric shape, generous use of wood and glass and a slightly last-century style, Arlanda welcomes you with everything you would expect of Stockholm

Arlanda Airport

See Stockholm Arlanda Airport for details on the airport.

1 Arlanda Airport (ARN ^IATA) 40 km north of the city is Sweden's largest airport, and the destination for most flights to Sweden. It consists of four terminals under the same roof. There are several means of traveling between Stockholm and Arlanda:

Arlanda Express is by far the fastest transfer to central Stockholm, though airport coaches and regular trains are cheaper.

By rail
The dedicated Arlanda Express Train leaves from the basement level of each terminal (Arlanda South/Södra and Arlanda North/Norra) and runs non-stop to Stockholm Central Station in 20 minutes, departing every 15 minutes during daytime. Tickets are sold at kiosks at the platform or on-line (100 kr surcharge for ticket purchase on board). One-way tickets cost 280 kr for adults, 140 kr for students, 150 kr for youths <26. Two-way tickets cost 540 kr for adults, 280 kr for students, 300 kr for youths <26. Discounted weekend return tickets are available on-line. The trains have free Wi-Fi.

Regular trains serve the airport through a third station, Arlanda Central, beneath Sky City between terminal 4 and 5. Commuter trains (pendeltåg) in Stockholm County are run by the public transport company SL (see also the #Get around) section. Line J38 of the commuter train from Uppsala C via Stockholm Central Station to Älvsjö (with Stockholm International Fairs) calling at all stations between, with peak hour services continuing to Huddinge and Tumba. The train runs twice an hour and takes 38 minutes to Stockholm Central Station. Tickets can be used and bought at the entrance to the station, though everyone over the age of 18 has to pay the Arlanda passage supplement fee of 75 kr for passing between the trains and the airport terminal at Arlanda. A one-way ticket including the Arlanda passage supplement fee to Stockholm city costs 125 kr (110 kr for people under 20 or over 65). For 210 kr (or 90 kr for youth) you get a 24-hour travel card (this is reduced to 190 kr for adults and 70 kr for youth if you already have an SL Access card). These prices all include the Arlanda passage supplement fee. See SL's web page for local transport tickets.

There are faster regional trains on the Linköping - Stockholm - Gävle route, which cost 278 kr (2nd class) to central Stockholm if bought on the spot, though if booked approximately 45 days in advance, they can be as cheap as 95 kr. They take 20 minutes, like the Arlanda Express, but only operate hourly (with several strange gaps). Also, many inter-city trains bound for cities such as Umeå, Mora or Östersund, call at Arlanda. It is not, however, permitted to use these trains to travel from the airport to central Stockholm. See SJ's web page for regional/intercity rail tickets.

By local bus and rail
The cheapest ride between the airport and the central bus station is flixbus. They are going 2-4 times per hour in either direction between roughly 5 am and 11 pm, travel time about 50 minutes, and prices starting at 3,90€ (about $4,50). Schedule and tickets via their app, using the free airport wifi if needed.

The second cheapest and usually slowest ride between Arlanda and Stockholm is by SL bus to Märsta, and changing to commuter train. Local bus 583 (from outside the terminals) connects the airport to Märsta railway station, connecting with frequent commuter trains (line J36 which arrives on platforms 15/16) to central Stockholm in 65 minutes, for a regular public transport fare, which is 60 kr for a one-way trip. Several kinds of discounted tickets can be purchased at the airport, making this route the cheapest, but the slowest, way to get to and from Arlanda; the pre-paid SL Access cards are valid for the whole journey. See Stockholm County#Public transit for more details on the SL services and ticketing system.

By airport coach
Flygbussarna company run frequent bus service between airport terminals 5, 4 and 2 (terminal 3 via terminal 2) and City Terminal (Cityterminalen), just next to the Central Station in 45 minutes. Adult single ticket cost 119 kr (99 kr for people under 25), and adult return ticket cost 215 kr (179 kr for people under 25) if purchased on-the-spot. There is a discount if you purchase your ticket online or with your smartphone (some devices have a smartphone-friendly ticket). Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the stops at T5, T4 and T2, and in the arrivals halls at T5 and T4 and from some 7-Eleven shops. You can't buy tickets with cash on board, but credit cards are accepted and during normal hours agents sell tickets at the airport stop. They stop elsewhere in Solna (Ulriksdal/Järva Krog, Frösunda, Haga Norra, Haga Södra), and Vasastan (Norra Stationsgatan and Sankt Eriksplan) before arriving at Cityterminalen. Flixbus follows the same route, but is considerably cheaper.

By taxi
Major taxi companies operate on a fixed price basis between Arlanda and central Stockholm. Prices at the taxi stands range from 450 kr (Transfer Taxi) to 520 kr. Generally, you can freely choose among the waiting taxis, or ask the operator for a specific company. Beware of the smaller, expensive, taxi companies. Each taxi has a yellow and white price tag (per 10 km and 15 minutes) on the right rear window; prefer cabs where the price is no more than 350 kr. A taxi ride to central Stockholm takes approximately 40 minutes. With some companies, you can get a lower price if you pre-book your ride. See the Taxi section below for some general advice on taxi travel in Stockholm.

By car
See the airport's webpage for information on car rental at Arlanda Airport.

Bromma Airport

In operation since 1936, Bromma is a very small airport by today's standards

2 Bromma Airport, (BMA  ^IATA) (see Västerort for amenities) is a smaller airport 8 km west of central Stockholm, mainly used for domestic flights, but also Aarhus, Helsinki and Brussels.

From Bromma, airport coaches get you to the City Terminal at 79 kr, taking 20 min. Alternatively local bus 152 to Sundbyberg station, and from there a commuter train to Stockholm Central (25 min in total), for a basic public-transport fare.

Expect no-frills conditions at Skavsta

Skavsta Airport

3 Skavsta Airport (NYO ^IATA) is 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Stockholm, at the outskirts of Nyköping, making this airport's branded name "Stockholm-Skavsta" rather far-fetched. The airport is mostly used by Ryanair and Wizzair, with flights from cities such as Belgrade, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Dublin, Edinburgh, London, Madrid, Rome, Tallinn, Vilnius, and Warsaw. Budget air travellers landing here might find the transfer costing more time and money than the flight.

The most practical option is Airport coaches to/from the City Terminal in Stockholm. Adults 139 kr online or 159 kr at the bus terminal one way; 278 kr online, 285 kr at the bus terminal round trip. The trip takes about 80 minutes. A sometimes cheaper option is to take take local bus 515 or 715 to Nyköping rail station (alight at Nyköping Centralstation), from where SJ regional trains (timetable, direct services run to stations marked in white) on the Linköping - Stockholm - (Gävle) route connect to Stockholm (Gävle trains also serve Arlanda, thus providing a direct rail connection to Arlanda airport). The fare starts 26 + 49 kr (16 + 49 kr for youth under 20) and tickets can be bought the following two ways:

• 1. Buy a combined ticket from Skavsta to Stockholm at SJ:s website which is both valid on the local bus and the regional train.
• 2. Pay for the local bus on board with your VISA or MasterCard (cash is not accepted) and buy the train ticket at Nyköping station.

Travel time from Skavsta is 80 minutes to Stockholm and 100 minutes to Arlanda airport.

The cheapest fare is only offered on select days; on other days fares start at 97 kr. The cheapest tickets are also nonrefundable and nonrebookable.

Schedules for public transportation is available at the Resrobot webpage.

Västerås Airport

4 Västerås Airport (VST ^IATA) is 100 km west of Stockholm in Västerås, and serves Ryanair flights to/from London (Stansted). Like Skavsta, Västerås can be reached in two ways: Airport coaches go to/from the City Terminal in Stockholm. 139 kr one way, 249 kr round trip, takes about 80 minutes. Alternatively you can take the public taxi shuttle (order can be made online, but the site is as of 2016 in Swedish only) that runs between the airport and Västerås rail station in 6–7 minutes, departing from outside the terminal 20 minutes after each flight arrival and costing 50 kr one way. From there regional trains on the Stockholm - Västerås - Örebro - Hallsberg - Göteborg route (timetable, M-F = Mon-Fri, L = Sat, SoH = Sun + holidays) connect to Stockholm in 53 min at a price of 59 kr, resulting in a total fare of 10 kr. Total travel time Västerås Airport - Stockholm is 65 minutes, but this option is as much as 25 minutes faster, since the airport coach departs 10 minutes later from the airport and arrives there 10 minutes earlier.

By train

See also: Rail and bus travel in Sweden. See Stockholm/Norrmalm for details on the Central Station.

Stockholm Central Station

When entering Stockholm from the south, by road or rail, be sure to enjoy the view from the bridges.

Starting in 2018 and continuing until 2020, the tracks south of Stockholm Central Station are under repair during several summer weeks. During late June to mid-August, some trains are re-routed. Long-distance south-bound trains (including trains from Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Oslo) turn around at Stockholms Södra (on Södermalm). Regional turn around in Flemingsberg. North-bound trains operate as usual.

The main station, 5 Stockholm Central (Norrmalm), serves both commuter and long-distance routes. It is in lower Norrmalm, connected to T-Centralen, the central hub for the Stockholm Metro, and Cityterminalen, the long-distance bus station. The national rail company SJ, has a store inside the station and a travel planner with ticket booking service on its web page.

Internationally, there are services from Copenhagen (Denmark) (5 hr) and Oslo (Norway) (4½-5 hr) with several direct connections daily. A daily sleeper train is available from Narvik (14 hr). From Trondheim, a quick change in Storlien and Sundsvall is needed (10 hr).

There are numerous direct domestic services to Stockholm from most major cities. There's high-speed SJ 2000 and SJ 3000 services from Gothenburg (3 hr), Malmö (4½ hr), Sundsvall (3½ hr) and Östersund (5 hr). Conventional trains mostly follow the same routes, and run slightly slower, but can slash prices considerably. Most other mid-sized cities in Sweden have a train connection with Stockholm. Malmö has an overnight service as do the northern cities of Luleå, Kiruna and Umeå. In fact, this service originates in the far northern Norwegian town of Narvik and offers spectacular views of Lapland along its journey to Stockholm.

A private service named Blå Tåget travels the route Gothenburg-Stockholm-Uppsala on weekends. It is s slower than regular trains, taking a lengthy 4½ hours to reach Stockholm, but has plush seatings and offers a free glass champagne in first class. Meals are served in a proper restaurant on board and Wi-Fi is included in the price.

By bus

The 6 City Terminal is the main bus terminal, wall to wall with Stockholms Central, and the T Centralen metro station. There are multiple daily departures to most other cities in Sweden, as well as a few international routes. FlixBus operates routes to Copenhagen and Oslo with several daily departures, and a twice-weekly service to Berlin. FlixBus also offers connections with Hamburg, Hannover, Cologne, Wuppertal and Berlin among other cities. Tapanis Buss has a route between Tornio, Finland and Stockholm running through road E4.

By boat

Kornhamnstorg, a waterfront square in the Old Town

Stockholm is served by international luxury cruise ships (see cruising the Baltic Sea), and the local Baltic Sea ferries ("ferry" is quite a misnomer, most are giant ships). The Baltic Sea ferries link Stockholm to Helsinki, Mariehamn and Turku (these ships are locally known as finlandsbåtar, "Finland boat"), Riga and Tallinn every day. They are by far the cheapest way to travel between these cities. Even if you intend to use the boats to travel to or from Stockholm, it is almost always cheaper to book a round-trip cruise (kryssning), which can be as cheap as 80 kr (!) for a full 4-person cabin and rarely (even for a weekend cruise in high season) exceeds 400 kr for the cheapest 4-bed cabin. A one-way ticket for a cabin, in comparison, usually exceeds 1000 kr.

There are three cruise ship terminals:

In northern Östermalm there are 7 Värtahamnen and 8 Frihamnen, one kilometre to the east from the former. These two are used by Tallink; Frihamnen for ships from Riga, Värtahamnen for ships from all other destinations (Turku, Helsinki, Tallinn, Mariehamn)

Värtahamnen is 400 metres from the Gärdet metro station; the route is signposted. For Frihamnen, go to T-Karlaplan, take bus 72 from the avenue to Filmhuset, and then bus 76 to Magasin 3, which is outside that terminal. If you have a lot of luggage, or if your cruise ship is docked at Magasin 9, you may want to consider other means of transport.

9 Stadsgårdshamnen, Stadsgården, is in Södermalm, with an astounding view of the inner port area. Most importantly, it's used by Viking Line for ferries to Mariehamn, Helsinki and Turku and their 22-hour cruises to Mariehamn. Also Birka Cruises make 22-hour cruises to Mariehamn, departing from Western Stadsgårdsterminalen, about 700 meters from Slussen (right in front of Viking's terminal). If you travel on a "real" cruise ship, such as Holland America Cruises you will probably also dock here.

To get there from the city center, go to T-Slussen and go for the bus terminal. Take the 401–422, 442–449 or 471 bus one single stop to Londonviadukten and the port will be on your left. Alternatively normal town buses 53 and 71 link Slussen and the Viking Line terminal, albeit via the backstreets. Public transport tickets are not sold on board buses, but the tourist office in the terminal sells them (at least day passes). Alternatively, you can walk to Slussen (it's little more than a kilometre) and buy the tickets you need there.

Yet another convenient but more expensive alternative is the shuttle buses operated by Flygbussarna that go directly from the terminal to the central bus station (Cityterminalen) in the city center. The price for a ticket on these are 55 kr (single) and 90 kr (return) and tickets are sold on board, at Flygbussarna's and Viking Line's booths in the bus station, and if you want to buy the ticket on the bus you can do it but only pay with a credit card. There are multiple departures from the port 15–60 minutes after the ferry arrives and from the station 1–3 hours before the ferry departs. If you are driving to the boat, follow the signs to Slussen, then Stadsgårdsterminalen (Slussen is confusing even for locals, so don't feel embarrassed if you end up spinning in the intersection a few times) and then Finland/Viking Line.

Some cruise ships call at Nynäshamn 50 km south of Stockholm. The ferry terminal is served by SL commuter trains. There are also buses which are slightly faster, costing 109 kr for adults.

By car

European routes E4, E18 and E20 converge in Stockholm. The few north-south bridges across lake Mälaren tend to be congested around rush hour. Roads in and around Stockholm are a toll zone (more exactly, "congestion tax"), and also foreign-registered vehicles are required to pay it – see more in the Get around section below.

Get around

Stockholm is easy to access by public transport, and on bicycle during the warm season. Travelling by car is suitable outside built-up areas.

By public transport

See Stockholm County#Get around for details.

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, SL (Greater Stockholm Public Transport) runs an extensive metro, commuter train and bus system, as well as some light rail and ferry services. They serve Stockholm County, with Sigtuna and Norrtälje in the north, and Södertälje and Nynäshamn in the south, with extensions to Uppsala, Gnesta and Bålsta for an extra fee (see below).

The SL website has detailed ticket and price information in English, and a journey planner. It is always updated.

Tickets

Platform ticket machines accept credit cards, and are the best way to pay for single trips.

All SL services use an integrated ticket system with an RFID card called SL Access which triggers entry gates and other electronic readers. The card costs 20 kr to purchase and can load all SL tickets.

There are two forms of ticketing, passes and coupons. Passes and coupons are bought at SL Center (in different stations, including central station and t-central), at all Pressbyrån stores, most supermarkets and some smaller kiosks. Tickets can not be bought on buses.

Passes are available for 24 hours, 72 hours and 30 days, and allow unrestricted rides on all buses, trams, T-bana, and commuter trains, as well as the Djurgården ferry. The 72-hour pass also confers free admission to Gröna Lund (Djurgården).

A coupon ticket allows free rides for 75 minutes. The cheapest option is to download digital coupons to the SL Access card, reskassa. Mobile phone tickets are also available, as well as paper tickets from vending machines, ticket booths and rail conductors.

Children under 12 travelling with adults travel free from mid-day Friday to midnight Sunday. Children under 7 ride for free with a paying adult.

SL tickets are not valid on airport coaches, Arlanda Express and regional trains.

Stockholm Metro

Artwork at the Tekniska Högskolan metro station.

Stockholm has a rapid transit system called the Tunnelbana [ˌtɵnəlˈbɑːna] (sometimes abbreviated T-Bana or just T on signs). With 100 stations, it serves most of the inner city, as well as many inner suburbs. Trains run from 05:00 to 01:00 on weekdays, and around the clock on weekends. Night buses replace the trains on weeknights. It is in most cases the fastest mode of transportation.

Stockholm's metro system is known for its art installations, with nearly all stations offering some form of artwork on display. The art on the blue line in particular is of note.

Directions in Stockholm are often accompanied by the name of the closest metro stop, using T as an abbreviation for "Tunnelbana", e.g. "T Gamla Stan". This practice is followed below when appropriate.

Commuter rail

Stockholm has a commuter rail network, pendeltåg, reaching 53 stations, including Uppsala, Knivsta and Bålsta in Uppsala County, plus Gnesta in Södermanland County. Stations are marked by a J sign. All city centre-bound trains now pass through the Stockholm City station which is across the street from the main Central Station.

SL tickets are valid on commuter trains, with the exception of Knivsta and Uppsala on line 38, which employ Uppsala's local transport fares, and Arlanda Airport (see #By plane above).

Light rail/tram

Nockebybanan at Alvik Station

Stockholm has several light rail lines:

• Tvärbanan connecting Västerort to Söderort.
• Lidingöbanan connects Ropsten in Östermalm to Lidingö. Several archipelago ferries call at Gåshaga brygga at the end of the line.
• Nockebybanan in Västerort connects the district of Nockeby to Alvik on the green line of the Tunnelbana.
• Spårväg City is a city tram connecting the Central Station to Waldemarsudde (Djurgården).

Buses

Buses serve most populated areas where metro, rail or tram does not reach. Four inner city main lines numbered from 1 to 4 are operated by large blue buses (weekdays every 3–10 minutes), the other, generally less frequent lines (weekdays 7–20 minutes), by red buses.

The blue bus lines are:

• line 1 - from Frihamnen in Östermalm via Hötorget in Norrmalm and through Kungsholmen to the island of Stora Essingen in the latter district.
• line 2 - from Vasastan through western Norrmalm and the Gamla Stan to Sofia in eastern Södermalm
• line 3 - from Karolinska Institutet through eastern Vasastan, Kungsholmen, eastern Norrmalm and the Gamla Stan to western Södermalm
• line 4 - from Vasastan through Kungsholmen directly to Södermalm

Apart from those four, several lines running through outer districts and suburbs of Stockholm are designated as blue buses - apart from the colour, they are distinguished by the middle 7 in their three-digit line number.

Passenger ferries

There are also ferries to Djurgården and Skeppsholmen. Travel with the Djurgården ferry is included with any 24- or 72-hour pass, 7-day pass as well as the monthly pass.

SL passes are good on these passenger ferries:

• Sjövägen (80): Nybroplan-Allmänna gränd (Djurgården)-Saltsjöqvarn-Finnboda hamn-Kvarnholmen-Nacka Strand-Blockhushudden (Djurgården)-Dalénum-Frihamnen – hourly rides from Nybrokajen (Norrmalm), calling at several docks in Nacka, and Lidingö, ending in Ropsten (Östermalm). Some tours carry on to the small suburban islands Tranholmen and Storholmen. Standard SL fare. The ferry has a cafeteria with tea, coffee, snacks, beer and wine, and gives a great view of the inlet of Stockholm.
• Djurgårdsfärjan (82): Slussen (dock at southeast Gamla Stan)-Skeppsholmen-Allmäna gränd (Djurgården) – short ride between the old town and the garden island.
• Pendelbåt (89): Klara Mälarstran-Lilla Essingen-Ekensberg-Kungshättan-Tappström: long ride, return by bus 176 or 177 and metro 17, 18 or 19, stopping over at Drottningholm Palace.

By bicycle

Stockholm City Bike stand at Norrmalmstorg.

Cycling is an attractive option during warm seasons, and there are many bike lanes. A bike ride across the inner city takes no longer than 30 minutes, and can be faster than travelling by metro or car. There are cycle paths along most major streets and drivers are generally considerate towards cyclists. In winter, when paths can be covered by ice, extra care should be taken. Bike paths have a bicycle painted on the ground and/or round blue signs with a white bike. Make sure you bike on the right hand side of the street, just as the cars.

Bike rentals

• Stockholm City Bikes. In the summer months, you can use the city-operated bike loan service by purchasing a key-card. Bike stands throughout the city allows you to pick up a bike in one stand and leave it in another. A three-day (minimum period) key-card costs 165 kr and a season pass costs 300 kr. You may not use a bike for more than three hours at a time, but it is possible to switch to a new bike when returning a used one. Key-cards can be bought at an SL Center. Major hotel in the city will have three-day key-card available for guests at the front desk. If you want to register for a key card, you will need proof of ID, for example a passport or driving licence. (updated Sep 2015)
• BikeSweden AB, Narvavägen 13-17, ☏ +46 8-403 07 520, info@bikesweden.se. Open 10:00-18:00 April–October. Call to rent bikes off season. BikeSweden offers a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. From mountain bikes to children's bikes and city bikes. Child carriers and child seats are available. Helmets are included in the rental price. The bikes have at least 7 gears and are maximum of two seasons old. 3 hours from 150 kr. Full day from 190 kr. (updated Sep 2015)
• Cykel- & Mopeduthyrningen, Strandvägen, Kajplats 24 (T Östermalmtorg or T Karlaplan). Only open in the summer months. (updated Sep 2015)
• Djurgårdsbrons Sjöcafé, Galärvarvsvägen 2 (on Djurgården, just to the right as you cross Djurgårdsbron). Only open in the summer months. Also rents roller blades and kayaks. Rents bikes for 250 kr per day. (updated Sep 2015)
• Gamla Stans Cykel, Stora Nygatan 20 (T Gamla Stan). Open all year. Rents three-speed city bikes for 190 kr per day or 500 kr for 3 days. (updated Sep 2015)
• Servicedepån - Cykelstallet, Scheelegatan 15 (T Rådhuset). Open all year. Rents 3-speed city bikes, 21-speed mountain/hybrids (200 kr/day), and racers. They have metal-stud snow tyres for winter ice use, but you will have to ask in advance. Helmets are free with the bike, other accessories like panniers can also be rented. Rental period is from 10:00-18:00, full 24 hours, or several days. (updated Sep 2015)

By taxi

Warning: Never step into a taxi without checking the yellow price sign on the rear window first! Taxi drivers are legally allowed to charge rip-off prices as long as they are stated clearly on the sign. The taxi to the left is twice as expensive as the one to the right. The price tag should say around 300 kr for a Stockholm cab.

Taxis are rather expensive. Even worse is the fact that some small dodgy operators charge high prices. The antidote is to always check the black and yellow price sticker on the rear window. The price shown in large digits is the maximum (for instance during night hours) fare for a 10 km, 15 minute journey and reputable companies charge around 300 kr for this. The price can legally be up to 499 kr; if the sticker shows a much higher price, stay away or be ripped off. The taxi market is deregulated, making it considerably easier to find a taxi, but the downside is that the rip-offs aren't even illegal, just "supply and demand"!

As long as you check the sticker you'll be fine, but if you're still nervous choose the major companies TopCab, +46 8 33 33 33; Taxijakt, +46 8 35 00 00; Taxi Kurir, +46 8 30 00 00; Taxi 020, 020 20 20 20 (free calls from Swedish phones); and Taxi Stockholm, +46 8 15 00 00. Many minor companies use "Stockholm" in their names to mimic their competitor, so look for the phone number 15 00 00 which appears below the logo on all Taxi Stockholm cars.

Most taxi firms operate a fixed price regime between central Stockholm and Arlanda airport, mirroring the rates for the journey into town of around 450-500 kr. It is a good idea to check with the driver that you will get the fixed price before you set off - the meter price for the same ride may cost twice as much. The taxis often have big stickers advertising their airport price: do not confuse them with the black and yellow price sticker pictured in this article.

Authorized taxis have yellow license plates. Late at night in the city center, you may be offered a ride with an illegal taxi, svarttaxi (literally "black taxi"), usually by discreet whispering of "taxi". Illegal cabs are associated with other crime, and don't save you a lot of money, and legal cabs are usually available.

• Uber Stockholm. (updated Jul 2020)
• Bolt Stockholm. (updated Jul 2020)

By car

Congestion fee sign

See also: Driving in Sweden

As central Stockholm has good public transit, a car is only needed for freight, or for visiting outer suburbs, or the countryside.

Cars driving into or out of central Stockholm between 06:30 and 18:29 are charged a congestion tax of 11 to 35 kr. Some car rental companies charge their customers separately for the cost of toll passages, while others do not. Taxis pass the tax onto the passengers. Foreign-registered vehicles are not exempt from tax (you'll receive an invoice). Taxes are not charged in most of July, on holidays (such as Sundays) or on the day before a holiday (such as Saturdays).

Parking is restricted and expensive in the inner city, and free parking is scarce even in the suburbs, except at external shopping centres.

The congestion tax, parking fees and fuel prices make driving costly around Stockholm.

While traffic congestion is not as bad as in other cities of similar size, the north-south divide is a chokepoint at rush hour; especially the Slussen area between Gamla Stan and Södermalm. In general, commuting south to north is slowest in the morning, while north to south is slowest in the afternoon.

As of 2019, many streets (especially in Norrmalm) are under reconstruction, with rerouting and limited capacity.

Remember to yield for pedestrians, who often cross smaller streets in front of cars even when they have red light.

By boat

The Stockholm archipelago is served by two major shipping companies.

Waxholmsbolaget runs inexpensive public transit ferries, slowed down by stops at several different docks. Waxholmsbolaget also runs two steamboats, that offer even slower, but genuine, round-trips with classical Swedish cuisine.

Strömma is a private company, aimed at international tourists, with fast boats and audioguides.

For the city area, there are two hop-on/hop-off boat tours that run loops between various sites in Stockholm. Each costs approximately 100 kr for a day long pass and has approximately 8 stops, including the cruise terminal, Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and Skeppsholmen.

By foot

Stockholm is a walking-friendly city if snow is not present and getting from one place to another by foot is safe and otherwise hassle-free, at least in the inner city. Stockholm's suburbs, on the other hand, are rather spread out.

• Drottninggatan, Västerlånggatan and Götgatan is a shopping and dining walk through the city.
• Stockholm history tour tells the history of Stockholm from Vikings to tech startups.
• Södermalm hill tour provides the greatest panorama photo views, as well as the arts and crafts scene.

See

Individual listings can be found in Stockholm's district articles

Buildings and structures

The Royal Palace, Stockholms slott, in Gamla stan.

Untouched by wars for a long time, Stockholm has some great old architecture to see. The exception would be Norrmalm, where much was demolished in the 1950s and 1960s to give place to what was then more modern buildings. Looking at it the other way around, if interested in this kind of architecture this is the place to go.

Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan), is the beautifully preserved historical center, best covered on foot, dominated by the Stockholm Palace (Stockholms slott). Other highlights include Storkyrkan, the cathedral of Stockholm, which has been used for many royal coronations, weddings and funerals, and Riddarholmskyrkan, a beautifully preserved medieval church, which hosts the tombs of many Swedish kings and royals, surrounded by former mansions.

Stockholm's Old Town with the Tyska Kyrkan (German church)

As a matter of fact, there's not only one royal palace in and around Stockholm but several others, Drottningholm (on Ekerö) and Haga (in Solna) being the most famous. Here visitors can get in close contact with traditions of the Swedish monarchy. The world heritage listed Drottningholm is where the royal family lives at, still much of it is open to the public. The surroundings are well worth a walk as well. In summer, there is a regular boat service from Stadshuskajen (the City Hall Quay) to Drottningholm.

Stockholm has several interesting churches, from medieval times to the 20th century. Most of them are in active use by the Church of Sweden. There is also a synagogue in Östermalm and a mosque on Södermalm. The Woodland cemetery, Skogskyrkogården, in Söderort is one of few UNESCO World Heritage sites from the 20th century. Also in southern Stockholm is the Ericsson Globe (Söderort), a white spherical building used for hockey games and as a concert venue. Occasionally, at least at game-nights, it is lit by coloured light. The Globe is the heart of the Sweden Solar System, the world's largest scale model of any kind. With the Globe as the Sun, models of the planets are displayed at Slussen (Mercury), the Royal Institute of Technology (Venus), the Natural History Museum (Earth & Moon), Mörby Centrum (Mars), Arlanda Airport (Jupiter) and Uppsala (Saturn).

Viewpoints

The heights of northern Södermalm give a great view of central Stockholm, especially from the street Fjällgatan, the Fåfängan mountain just east of to Stadsgårdshamnen, and bars and restaurants such as Gondolen, Herman's, Himlen, and the penthouse lounge of Sjöfartshotellet. Further south in Söderort there's Hammarbybacken, a semi-artificial ski slope, walkable around the year, great during summer and Skyview on the top of the Ericsson Globe (130 kr).

On Skansen there's the 19th century tower of Bredablick offering views. The Stockholm City Hall (Stockholms stadshus) on Kungsholmen is famous for its observatory tower, and for the Nobel Prize dining hall.

Museums

The Vasa Museum.

Nordic Museum

Stockholm has more than 70 museums, ranging from those large in size and scope to the very specialized, including the Butterfly Museum, the Spirits Museum, and the Dance Museum, to name but a few. As of 2016, many of them have free entrance. A brief selection:

• Östermalm: The Natural History Museum at T-Universitetet has extensive exhibits for all ages, and an Omnimax cinema. The Army Museum displays Sweden's military history, with frequent wars from the Middle Ages until 1814, then followed by two centuries of peace. The Swedish History Museum features an exhibition on Vikings.
• The Museum of Modern Art (Skeppsholmen).

• Djurgården: The Vasa Museum displays the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sunk in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage, and authentic objects from the height of the Swedish Empire. Skansen is an open-air museum in Djurgården, containing a zoo featuring Swedish fauna, as well as displays of Sweden's cultural heritage in reconstructed buildings. Nordiska Museet displays Swedish history and cultural heritage. The Swedish Music Hall of Fame features ABBA The Museum.
• Millesgården, Lidingö an open-air sculpture museum.
• Fotografiska Södermalm a photo gallery opened in 2010.
• Birka (Ekerö)— For the real Viking buff, there's Birka, the site of a former Viking city on Björkö. A replica of the old city has been built up. Boats to Björkö are operated by Strömma Kanalbolaget. Birka can also be reached by public transport to Rastaholm, and boarding a boat.

The "Sun Dog Painting", the oldest depiction of Stockholm, can be seen in the Stockholm Cathedral

Art

Beyond the art museums mentioned above, Stockholm has a vivid art scene with many art galleries, exhibition halls and public art installation. Some of the galleries are Galleri Magnus Karlsson, Fredsgatan 12 (Norrmalm), Lars Bohman Gallery, Karlavägen 9 (Östermalm), Galerie Nordenhake, Hudiksvallsgatan 8 (Vasastan) and Magasin 3, Frihamnen (Östermalm).

The Royal Institute of Art (Skeppsholmen) and the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design (Söderort) hold regular exhibitions.

The Stockholm Metro has plenty of artistic decoration in its stations, and promotes itself as "the world’s longest art exhibition". Some stations worth to mention are the moody dark blue cave of Kungsträdgården (Norrmalm), the giant black and white "drawings" by Siri Derkert at Östermalmstorg (Östermalm) and the celebration of science and technology at Tekniska Högskolan (Östermalm). Rissne (Solna) has a fascinating timeline of human history on its walls. A written description in English to the art in the Stockholm Metro can be downloaded for free from the SL website.

Fiction

See also: Stockholm in fiction, Millennium Tour

Stockholm has been the setting of many books and films, including some of Astrid Lindgren's works and Nordic Noir works such as Millennium and Beck.

Do

Individual listings can be found in Stockholm's district articles

Restaurant Gondolen at Katarinahissen

Guided tours

There is a wide selection of guided tours available, by boat, by bus and on foot.

By boat

• Hop On - Hop Off Boat. daily 10:00-16:00. Audio track in 11 languages. Two of the most frequented stops are at the Palace, and at the Gamla Stan, right across the canal from T Slussen. The recordings on this loop service are reasonably informative. 24-hr ticket from 180 kr.. (updated Sep 2017)
• Under the bridges of Stockholm. Departing from Strömkajen by Grand Hôtel and opposite the Royal Castle (T Kungsträdgården), this tour on both the sea and on lake Mälaren passes under 15 bridges and through two locks. Several departures every day, depending on the time of year. 1 hour 50 min. From 260 kr. (updated Sep 2017)
• Royal Canal Tour. Departs from Strömkajen and takes you around the eastern parts of the city, passing through the lush Djurgården canal. 50 min. From 200 kr. (updated Sep 2017)
• Historical Canal Tour. Departs from Stadshusbron next to the City Hall (T T-Centralen), and passes Kungsholmen and other western islands of the city. 50 min. From 220 kr. (updated Sep 2017)
• Stockholm Grand Tour. Combines a boat and a bus tour. 3 hours 30 min, 450 kr. From 432 kr. (updated Sep 2017)

By bus

City Tours and Open Top Tours (also divisions of the Strömma group) offers bus tours:

• Stockholm Panorama. A tour of some major sights that departs from Gustaf Adolf Torg (T T-Centralen). 1 hour 30 min, 300 kr. 
• The Hop-on Hop-off Bus is a tour with open top double decker buses that allows you to get on and off the bus as often as you want at bus stops along the route. The tour passes some major sights, but only in the central and eastern part of the city. 24-hour travel pass from 270 kr.

Stockholm Excursions also has a few specialized bus tours.

By taxi

Taxi Stockholm, +46 8 15 00 00, offers a multimedia guided tours, allowing up to 3 people for a flat fare of 950 kr to explore sites and experiences in Stockholm linked to some poignant historic moments of its past, usually the dark ones, like the assasination of Olof Palme.

By bicycle

Talk of the town offers self-guided bike tours in six languages.

• Talk of the town. Memory card for your mobile phone can be rented at several bike rentals in Stockholm. Load your mobile phone with audioguides at 56 of the best sights in Stockholm. Rent by hour, 30 kr or day 125 kr. 
• BikeSweden, Narvavägen 13-17, ☏ +46 8-667 57 02. 10–18 April–October. BikeSweden offers several guided cycling tours and a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. Daily guided drop-in biketours form may-september). BikeSweden offers mountainbikes, children's bikes, racing bikes, trailers, child seats and city bikes. 

Swimming

Flottsbrobadet (Södertörn), one of several public beaches in the area.

There are several beaches in inner Stockholm, as well as the suburbs. The water in central Stockholm is mostly clean, even though it looks dark. The quality of the water is monitored by local authorities, and the reports for all the beaches in the city is available online. If there is a problem with the water, signs will be posted at the beach. During summer, the inner town beaches are rather crowded.

The Stockholm archipelago has enough beaches and rocks for everyone, and the right to access allows bathing nearly everywhere, if no notice of the opposite. As in the rest of Sweden, public adult skinny-dipping is not explicitly illegal, but frowned upon. The only sanctioned nudist beach is in Ågesta (Söderort)

If the open water is too cold for your tastes, Stockholm has several outdoor and indoor swimming pools and spas. Besides the public baths, the more luxurious ones are Centralbadet (Norrmalm), Sturebadet (Östermalm), Eriksdalsbadet (Södermalm) and Yasuragi spa (Nacka).

Spectator sports

The most popular spectator sports are football (soccer) and ice hockey. Also, bandy has a cult following. Tickets for all games can be bought online from Ticnet. Speedway is another big spectator sport in Sweden, performed on a race track in Gubbängen (Söderort).

The Swedish National Men's football (soccer) team plays international games on Friends Arena in Solna. The Swedish top football league, Allsvenskan, is weaker than most of its Western European sister leagues, but the fans are very faithful. The season runs from April until October. AIK plays on Friends Arena. Tele2 Arena (Söderort) hosts Djurgårdens IF and Hammarby. These three clubs are in constant rivalry, and the decision to share one stadium was not easy.

The Swedish top ice hockey league is named Elitserien, and the season goes from September to April. Stockholm has one team in Elitserien: AIK, playing their home games at Hovet (Söderort).

Bandy is played from November to February. Dress warm, as the game is played outdoors in two 45-minute halves. Stockholm has only one team in the top men's bandy league: Hammarby. The final of the Swedish League takes place on Friends Arena (Solna) or Tele2 Arena (Södermalm).

These stadiums also host frequent concerts and stage shows; see Stockholm Live for calendar and tickets.

Doing sport

Vikingarännet, an annual ice-skating race from Uppsala to Stockholm.

There are many opportunities to do sport in Stockholm.

Stockholm has many short slopes for downhill snowsports: Hammarbybacken (Söderort), Ekebyhovsbacken (Ekerö), Ekholmsnäsbacken (Lidingö), Flottsbrobacken (Södertörn), etc. with lifts and equipment rental when weather allows. The height is modest, but most hills have a great view, well worth a hike any season. Tracks for cross-country skiing are available throughout Stockholm; the ground is usually, but not always, covered by snow in January–February.

There are many open fields in Stockholm. Gärdet (T Karlaplan or T Gärdet) is good for outdoor sport. There are also horse riding venues and many golf courses open for visitors in the inner region.

If you would rather compete in an event, one of the most visible sporting events is the Stockholm Marathon, held annually on a Saturday in late May or early June, when some 18,000 participants run two laps around the inner city. Another one is the Lidingöloppet, a 30 km cross-country race branded as the world's most attended, and a part of the Swedish Classic Circuit, on Lidingö in early September. For hardcore swimmers, Ötillö (literally island to island) is an all-day swim-run race where teams of two swim between and run across many islands in the Stockholm archipelago.

Arts

Hötorget, with The Stockholm Concert Hall at Hötorget (Norrmalm), where the Nobel Prize ceremony takes place.

Stockholm's national stages, the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the Royal Opera stage classic and modern plays, operas and ballets. There are many other playhouses, such as the Stockholm City Theatre. The theatre season generally runs from late August until the beginning of June. In the summer the Parkteatern stages free-entrance plays and monologues in the parks of Stockholm. During September–May, a range of international and local musicals, as well as other shows, are provided at the many theatres.

Cinema films are not dubbed, but subtitled. Except the multiplexes (most of them THX certified), a few classic cinema theaters remain: Rigoletto, Grand Sveavägen, Saga, and Skandia (Norrmalm) Park (Östermalm) and Victoria (Södermalm). While SF has a de facto monopoly for mainstream film, there are some independent cinemas.

A couple of large cultural events are arranged every year. Culture Night Stockholm takes place annually in springtime, with free admission to several museums, special performances around the city, from 18:00 until midnight. In August the Stockholm Culture Festival takes place, in tandem with the Ung 08 youth festival in Kungsträdgården. During this time of the year, the Stockholm International Film Festival also hosts an open-air cinema in the Tantolunden park during one week in August. The major Stockholm International Film Festival takes place in November, and draws large international crowds.

Stockholm has a growing scene for standup comedy in Swedish and English. The Big Ben Bar (Södermalm), Folkungagatan 97, has a free-entrance comedy club in English each Thursday at 20:00. Skrattstock is an annual comedy festival organized every summer.

The live music stage in Stockholm is something else. There are never any signs of anyone playing but a few posters in specific areas. Although a lot of the cities bars have live music, the most common place to find it is around Södermalm. There you will find places like Debaser, Hornhuset and Trädgården. Besides Södermalm both Norrmalm and Vasastan have a few interesting venues.

On Sunday evenings from September to May at Skeppsholmen there is live Swedish folk music at Folkmusikhuset. Go to listen or to dance Swedish folk dances. Free entrance.

Stockholm hosts many expos and conventions. The two largest facilities are Stockholm International Fairs (Söderort) and Kistamässan (Västerort).

Amusement park and children's activities

Gröna Lund seen from the water

See also: Stockholm with children

Stockholm's main amusement park, Gröna Lund is on Djurgården (accessible by Spårväg City, by the ferry to Djurgården or by bus 44). There are all sorts of rides including rollercoasters and during the summer the park hosts a large number of concerts by famous artists and groups, as well as popular dancing evenings. Opening times for the amusement park vary across the year. Check the website before visiting. The park generally is very crowded during weekends and concert days.

On Djurgården you can also find Junibacken, a theme park centered on children's books, especially Astrid Lindgren's stories. Skansen, Stockholm's zoo, is also on the island.

Gambling

Casino Cosmopol on Kungsgatan 65 (Norrmalm) has 37 gaming tables and almost 400 slot machines and is one of Sweden's four casinos. In addition, several major nightclubs have blackjack tables and slot machines.

There are regular horse races at Solvalla (Västerort) and Täby Galopp (Norrort).

LGBT events

See also: LGBT Stockholm

Attitudes towards homosexuality and transgender expressions are generally tolerant. In the summer (generally late July/early August), there is an annual LGBT pride festival, Stockholm Pride, which is the largest in Scandinavia. The national LGBT organization, RFSL, can provide information on other events and venues.

Outdoor life

Tyresta National Park, a virgin forest 20 km south of central Stockholm.

There are many forests and lakes within commuting distance of Stockholm, with good chances to see wild animals such as moose, deer and boars. Much of outer Östermalm consists of forest and farmland within a walk from the metro.

In Södertörn, one can find Nackareservatet, Tyresta National Park and Bornsjön.

Learn

With about 80,000 university students at more than 20 universities and university colleges, Stockholm is the largest Nordic university city. The largest institutions of higher education are Stockholm University (Stockholms universitet), the Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga tekniska högskolan), and Södertörn University College (Södertörns högskola). Karolinska institutet is a world-class medical university. There are also several fine arts university colleges. Study in Stockholm has information about university studies in Stockholm.

Buy

Individual listings can be found in Stockholm's district articles

As in the rest of Sweden, VISA and MasterCard are accepted by nearly all stores, and ATMs are readily available. There are ATMs inside some nightclubs, where the bar might accept cash only. Very few venues accept foreign currencies, such as euros or US dollars.

In contrast to many other European cities, most shops in Stockholm (except the small independent ones) are open all week, including Sundays; only closed down for a few major holidays a year. Closing time tends to be rigid, though.

Fashion

Popular Swedish clothing brands that you can find in several major stores include Acne Jeans, WESC, Cheap Monday, J Lindeberg, Whyred, Tiger and Filippa K. There has been an explosion of young designers starting their own small labels. Many of these can be found in the small shops in the SoFo area on Södermalm (see below). Examples are Nakkna, Jenny Hellström, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and The Stray Boys.

Glassware

• The large department stores Åhléns and NK in Norrmalm all have a wide selection of glassware.
• Duka, several locations: Västerlånggatan 78 (Gamla stan), Sveavägen 24-26 and Kungsgatan 41, (Norrmalm). Duka is a Swedish chain selling both cheaper household items and a limited selection of glassware in several stores in central Stockholm.
• Nordiska Kristall, several locations: Kungsgatan 9 (Norrmalm), Österlånggatan 1 (Gamla stan), also in Strand Hotel, Grand Hotel and City Hotel. Nordiska Kristall is a high-end shop for crystal design glass. The Kungsgatan store has an art-glass gallery.

Furniture and design

Sweden is internationally known for its design, and Stockholm has many stores where you can find Swedish-designed clothes, textiles and interior decoration items. Hand-made and hand-painted glassware is also a famous Swedish speciality.

• DesignTorget at Sergels Torg (Stockholm/Norrmalm) and Götgatan 31 (Stockholm/Södermalm), a design store specializing in smaller items, ranging from the beautiful to the useful to the downright eccentric.
• Asplund furniture store, is an upscale store with world-class design. T Östermalmstorg.
• Room is another great furniture and design store locaded in the Pub mall, T Hötorget.
• Illums Bolighus is a high-end furniture, home decoration and glassware store specializing in Danish design. (T Centralen, Hamngatan 27)
• Many antiquities shops are close to T Odenplan. Good place to stroll around.
• If second-hand is an option many Stadsmissionen and Myrorna (The Salvation Army) have fun vintage products, and contribute to a good cause. Especially Stadsmissionen Stortorget (T Gamla stan) has hand-picked design and classical furniture.

Major places for shopping

Norrmalm

See also: Stockholm/Norrmalm#Buy

Drottninggatan retail therapy.

Drottninggatan is dominated by major brands down at the Sergels Torg end before giving way to smaller and more specialised shops further north. Tourist shops occupy the southern end.

Also connected to Drottninggatan is the square of Hötorget (T-Hötorget). Here is a daily fresh food market outside as well as Hötorgshallen, an indoor food market.

Mood Stockholm on Norrlandsgatan opened in 2012. This mall contains a lot of interesting boutiques not represented elsewhere in the city. Hamngatan, Biblioteksgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan have a collection of high end shops including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton among others. NK, is a classical department store on Hamngatan (Norrmalm).

Östermalm

See also: Stockholm/Östermalm#Buy

Östermalmstorg has a well-reputed grocery hall, Östermalmshallen. Sturegallerian is an upmarket shopping mall at Stureplan, with some eateries. Fältöversten is a shopping mall at Karlaplan.

Suburban malls

There are a number of shopping centers and malls in the major suburban centers – see the district articles for details. While different in size, they all have a similar profile, with cheap restaurants, supermarkets and major fashion, electronics and interior design chain stores, as well as some smaller shops. Kista Galleria in Västerort has generous opening hours; from 10:00 to 21:00 all week. It is reached by the blue metro line with destination Akalla, get off the train at Kista.

Eat

Individual listings can be found in Stockholm's district articles

Zum Franziskaner, a restaurant from the 1840s.

Stockholm features a large variety of restaurants. However, dining in Stockholm can be expensive, if you aim for something else than the fast food bars, the run-of-the-mill British-style pubs or the ethnic restaurants that dominate the budget bracket. Be prepared to pay around 175-250 kr or more for most main courses at quality restaurants. If you are on a tight budget, self-catering is a good option.

Most hotels and hostels have a good breakfast buffet, in many cases included with the room.

Most restaurants have "dagens rätt" - a lunch offer, normally including a lower- or non-alcoholic drink, bread, butter, salad and coffee Monday - Friday, usually 11:00-14:00. Expect to pay between 65-100 kr. Generally more expensive downtown and cheaper in the suburbs. Many Asian, Indian, Mexican and fast food restaurants offer rather cheap "all you can eat" lunch buffets. Office workers usually go for lunch at noon, so try to show up well before, or past 13:00.

Most restaurants' kitchens close at 22:00 even on weekends, so don't get out too late. A glass of house wine costs in the range between 60 and 120 kr, or 400 to 700 kr for a bottle. Sweden has enforced non-smoking in all bars, pubs, restaurants and enclosed areas.

Many Stockholm restaurants are closed for vacation for a few weeks in July and/or early August. In December, many restaurants offer a "julbord" ("Christmas buffet"), a variation of the classic Swedish smörgåsbord with traditional Christmas dishes including Christmas ham, pickled herring and "lutfisk" (stockfish from cod or ling, prepared with lye), which might require advance booking, costing around 300-600 kr, beverages not included.

In this cosmopolitan city, traditional Swedish cuisine, known as husmanskost ("every mans food"), can be hard to get by. Many fine diners have a not-too-expensive husmanskost course: some other places to eat Swedish are the Nystekt strömming wagon at Slussen (Södermalm), Ät gott (S:t Göransgatan 74, (Kungsholmen)) and Tennstopet (Dalagatan 50, (Vasastan)).

Guide Michelin recognizes ten Stockholm restaurants: Three-star Frantzén, two-star Oaxen Krog and one-star Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren, Ekstedt, Gastrologik, Operakällaren, Sushi Sho, Restaurang Volt, Aloë and Agrikultur.

Since 2016 Stockholm has a fish auction for seafood, and local catch can be found at many supermarkets and restaurants.

While the traditional Nordic cuisine is heavy on meat and fish, Stockholm has a strong vegetarian community. Most restaurants have at least one lacto-vegetarian option. For vegan food, look for the café chain Blueberry.

Stockholm has a fleet of food trucks, with high-end meals around 70 to 90 kr. See Hittatrucken for schedules.

• Sandys. Several locations throughout the city: Sergelarkaden 6 (T T-Centralen), Klarabergsgatan 31 (T T-Centralen), Stureplan 2 (T Östermalmstorg) and Götgatan 28 (T Slussen). A large Stockholm-based fast food chain focusing on submarine sandwiches, wraps and salads, Sandys offer a wide selection, reliable quality and acceptable prices, although not by any means a bargain. Sandwiches 49 kr (excluding drinks), XL sandwiches 59 kr, salads 65 kr. 

Cafés

Taking a break for coffee and a biscuit is a Swedish tradition, commonly called fika in Swedish, and there are many coffee-bars around the city. You also have a great number of the more traditional pasttiseries.

Traditional Swedish filter coffee is relatively strong when compared to American, but a far cry from the Italian espresso. Espresso, caffe latte, cappuccino and other varieties of Italian coffee are generally available. If you prefer tea, many cafés only offer a few flavours, but generally some black, red and green teas.

Don't miss the traditional Swedish "cinnamon bun" with your coffea. If you visit in January-March you also will have the possibility to try a "Semla", a popular local pastry with wheat bread, almond paste and cream. In November-December you can try one of the saffron buns, known as "lussebulle".

Starbucks competes with Swedish coffee shops: Wayne's Coffee, Robert's Coffee and Espresso House are the most common names here - that are strikingly similar in design. The small local cafés offer a more personal experience, and often better coffee. Expect to pay 25 kr and upwards for a cup of regular black coffee.

Don't hesitate to ask for a refill (påtår in Swedish) at self-service cafeterias, as it is often free.

Drink

Individual listings can be found in Stockholm's district articles

Retail drinks

Further information: Sweden#Systembolaget

Drinking retail alcohol is allowed in most public areas. Among the exceptions are schools, playgrounds, indoor malls, some city squares, and public transport areas. In some parks, drinking is prohibited from 22:00 or midnight. Map of dry areas

• Systembolaget. Generally open M-W 10:00-18:00, Th-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-15:00, all stores closed Su. Systembolaget is the government monopoly chain for selling alcohol. The stores have a wide assortment and helpful, knowledgeable staff. Tax makes beer and hard liquor expensive. Surprisingly, high-end wines can be a bargain. Ask the staff for advice. You need to be able to prove that you are over 20 years old, so be sure to bring photo ID. For more information, see the section on Systembolaget in the Sweden article. Central locations include: 
  • Drottninggatan (T T-Centralen), Drottninggatan 22. M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-15:00, Su closed. 
  • Klarabergsgatan (T T-Centralen), Klarabergsgatan 62. Extra late hours: Closes 20:00 all weekdays. 
  • Regeringsgatan (T T-Centralen), Regeringsgatan 44. The largest Systembolaget store in Stockholm, with a special selection of exclusive wines 
  • Vasagatan (T T-Centralen), Vasagatan 25. 
  • Nybrogatan (T Östermalmstorg), Nybrogatan 47. 
  • Folkungagatan (T Medborgarplatsen), Folkungagatan 56. 

Bars and nightclubs

The Ice Bar at Nordic Sea Hotel, Norrmalm.

The cost for drinking out in Stockholm varies a lot. Expect to pay around 30 kr in the cheapest pub (55-75 kr in a trendier club or pub) for a beer or cider, and at least 95-150 kr for a long-drink or cocktail in a club. Bars usually have no cover charge, but may have an arbitrarily set (and arbitrarily enforced) minimum age limit (usually 21 or 23, sometimes as low as 18, other times as high as 27), while clubs usually charge 50-200 kr at the door (or more at special performances). Long, and very slow moving lines tend to form outside most popular clubs - expect having to wait as much as 1 hour or more if going to a trendy place after midnight, even if raining or snowing. Don't forget to bring an ID, as bouncers will (almost) always ask for identification at the door in both pubs and clubs.

Stureplan is a district dominated by dancefloor nightclubs, at the crossing of Birger Jarlsgatan, Kungsgatan and Sturegatan, (T Östermalmstorg). The mushroom-shaped rain shelter is a common meeting point. High entrance fees (200 kr or more) and long lines.

Södermalm is a district with many smaller bars and nightclubs focusing on art and electronic music. Look in nightlife magazines for places around Hornstull (such as Strand), Mariatorget (such as Sidetrack, Marie Laveau), Slussen (such as Debaser, Kolingsborg), Skanstull (such as Trädgården, Under Bron).

Major bar streets are Götgatan (where most places are rather cheap pubs) and Bondegatan (with a younger and more trendy crowd), both on Södermalm, Rörstrandsgatan in western Vasastan (also rather trendy, but drawing a slightly older crowd) and the area around the Rådhuset and Fridhemsplan metro stations on Kungsholmen (with many small and relaxed places). Beer is usually really cheap in suburban pubs.

Most restaurants and bars close at 01:00, larger clubs usually at 03:00, and a handful at 05:00. More trendy clubs might have a long queue from midnight till closing time. Get out early (at least before midnight). Most late-night clubs (especially at Stureplan) have an informal or outspoken dress code, vårdad klädsel. Loudness and drunkenness are other common reasons to reject waiting guests. Drinking in the queue is a no-no, bribes are even worse.

If you can read Swedish, you can get more information about Stockholm's nightlife in the free monthly magazine Nöjesguiden, the newspaper Dagens Nyheter on Thursdays, the free QX gay magazine for LGBT events and the free Metro on Fridays.

Sleep

Individual listings can be found in Stockholm's district articles

Långholmen Prison (Södermalm) is converted to a hostel.

Stockholm is primarily a business city, so beside the Grand Hôtel (Norrmalm) and a few other luxury venues, Stockholm has several business (typically 4-star) hotels, which charge 900-1200 kr for a single room. They usually have vacancies during weekends and summers, and might give special offers for tourists.

Many hotels have basement rooms without windows, often smaller and more austere than the regular rooms, and significantly cheaper, especially the singles. The hotels make no secret of the fact that this room category has no window, but do make sure to read the description of your room carefully before you book to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The cheap bunks are in short supply. Look for hostels at Svenska Turistföreningen and SVIF. Advance booking is usually needed, especially in summer, and for those in the inner city. Stockholm has some spectacular hostels, such as af Chapman (Skeppsholmen), Långholmen (Södermalm) and Jumbostay at Arlanda.

The lowest cost per bed can be found on the Baltic Sea ferries.

Hospitality exchange and home exchange options can be useful for Stockholm. The apartment rental market is strictly regulated, with waiting times over a decade.

When it comes to long-time accommodation, Stockholm has a harsh housing situation, with several years' waiting time for a rental apartment. Newcomers are dependent on the unreliable second-hand rental market. For consultants and other business visitors, a long-time hotel stay might be the most practical option.

Connect

Stockholm Public Library

There are a number of places where you can access the Internet in central Stockholm.

An alternative for any visitor to Sweden is to buy a pre-paid USB 3G modem. These can be had cheaply (down to 150 kr) and the 3G coverage in Stockholm is excellent. Expect to pay around 100 kr/week or 300 kr/month to use the 3G modem. Data limits are typically high (20 GB/Month but up to 100 GB or more is also available)

WiFi

If you have your own laptop, many cafés, hotels, libraries offer free wi-fi access.

• Skype offers wi-fi access in some areas called Skype Zones. This service used to be offered for free as a test, but now seems to be subject to a fee.
• Telia HomeRun is a commercial wi-fi service that covers many points in central Stockholm with wi-fi.

Internet terminals

You can often use the Internet for free at the public libraries (but you may have to ask first). Big libraries can be found at Medborgarplatsen (T Medborgarplatsen) and Sveavägen 73 (T Odenplan). The Central Station has Stockholmspanelen, information terminals with keyboards and web browsers that have full internet access but no address bar to type in the URL of the site you want to visit. But if you are clever there's a way to get to Google, you can then type in the URL you want to visit and hit "Search".

The company Sidewalk Express operates Internet terminals in a number of convenience stores (most 7 Eleven and many Pressbyrån stores) and some other shops and public locations, including the main hall in the Stockholm central railway station. Check their website for a full list of locations. Most terminals are however quite uncomfortable to use (metallic keyboards, stand-up only access etc.) and fairly expensive. Unused time from one Sidewalk Express location can be reused at any other terminal in Sweden within 5 days.

There are also a number of more gaming-oriented Internet points. These are often open late nights.

• Matrix — The underground hall in the Kungsgatan exit of the metro station Hötorget. Open Su-Th 10:00-24:00, F-Sa 10:00-03:00. A central 80-terminal gamer den with generous opening hours.
• Inferno Online, situated at Odenplan (metro station). The largest gaming/internet-cafe in the world. If you are a new user you need to create an account (free) and then pay for the number of hours you want on your account (the prices are low compared to other Internet terminals).

Stay safe

For its size, Stockholm is a safe city by international standards. Still, travellers should use common sense to avoid crime.

While police officers can be spread thin, Stockholm has patrolling security guards (ordningsvakt) in central neighbourhoods. These are usually helpful to visitors. Security staff at nightclubs might be more harsh, especially at intoxicated patrons. Drunkenness is less accepted in bars and clubs than in smaller towns, and could lead to the security staff forcibly ejecting the trouble-maker. Bouncers in Stockholm are stricter than in other European cities, and you may be kicked out for no reason.

Most crimes against travellers are crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets, bicycle theft, auto theft, and auto vandalism. As always, do not leave valuable items in your car, and watch your bag in crowded places such as festivals, nightclubs, markets, airports, and public transport areas. Most shops and all major taxi companies accept credit and debit cards, so there is no need to carry a lot of cash.

Taxis are required to post pricing information in the rear side window. The comparison price is for a 15 km ride and not the maximum price, which could be a lot more when venturing outside the inner city. While some independent driver charge the maximum allowed (499 kr), major cab companies (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Taxi 020/Sverigetaxi and Topcab) are around 300 kr. With these cabs, you also have a better chance of having belongings lost in the car returned to you.

During summer, groups of street gamblers try to scam their audience in other touristed areas, by planting a few of their own in the crowd. Don't play, you will lose.

Though Sweden has an extensive welfare system, and Stockholm has far fewer homeless and impoverished people than other cities of similar size, homeless people can be seen begging around the city; several of them from other parts of the European Union. A responsible way to address their situation is to buy the street paper, Situation Sthlm, for 50 kr. Buying food or water for someone begging is also a good way of helping. While organized crime does exist, lawful visitors are unlikely to be affected.

Stockholm is friendly to sexual minorities. Homophobic and transphobic attitudes will be met with outright hostility from many Swedes. Same-sex couples will have no trouble living openly in Stockholm, which includes holding hands or kissing in public around the city.

Respect

When using escalators, stand on the right and reserve the left side for walking. Standing still on the left side might annoy people. On train and metro platforms, passengers should be allow to leave the car before passengers who want to board. When waiting in lines, be patient and polite. Swedes never jump queues - but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask.

Avoid walking in the cycle lane. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the sidewalk. Stockholm cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at.

As most other Nordic people, Swedes value privacy, and are usually not open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home, you will discover that Swedes behave very differently and will be very social.

Cope

Pack

See also Sweden#Bring.

Stockholm is best experienced on foot, so bring comfortable shoes. An umbrella or a raincoat for wet weather is also a good idea. Expect the temperature to be well under freezing during the winter months (add to that windchill and humidity), so if you plan to visit then, warm clothes in good materials are certainly recommendable. Long johns/stockings under your pants/skirt will keep you warm without looking like you wear your ski-outfit).

Eating out is generally rather expensive. If on a budget, supermarket food is a good alternative to restaurants.

Getting cash

There are many ATMs in the city, but some foreign card-holders, such as a Canadian, have reported trouble in using them, even when they purport to be connected to international networks their banks are part of, so consider doing some research before you arrive.

The main currency exchange is Forex, but they charge a whopping 50 kr commission on top of their buy-sell spread.

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted even for small amounts. Most places accept identification and a signature, but PIN-transactions are preferred.

Stuck with old Swedish currency? New banknotes were introduced in 2015, and older notes all became invalid between 2016-17. Banks will no longer change these. You can still salvage perhaps 90% of their value at a currency exchange office such as Forex: they'll trade old notes for a foreign currency but not for Swedish. So if you change that foreign currency back to valid Swedish krona, you'll be down to perhaps 85% on the deal. Consider instead buying a third currency that you always have need of, eg euros or US$, then using your home currency to buy fresh krona. No time limit has been announced on the exchange option, but it clearly can't be indefinite.

Toilets

A public toilet booth. Can be clean or messy.

Finding a good toilet in Stockholm can be tricky. Many department stores and fast-food restaurants have clean toilets, often for the charge of 5 kr. That is also the cost of public toilet booths found in most city squares (though these might be messy) so be sure to carry some 5 kr coins. Restaurants' toilets are often reserved for customers, and might be messy depending on the establishment. Some good, clean toilets are found in Max at Norrmalmstorg, and in the bar Sturehof (at Stureplan - the establishment is too big for crew to keep track of people borrowing the toilet). Urinating in town is illegal, but urinals are often free even if you have to pay for a WC. The libraries, museums, and government buildings often have free, clean toilets.

Most major hotels have clean lobby toilets. Some of them might be reserved for house guests and require an access code, but travellers can often get access to them on request.

Laundry

Since Swedish apartments either have a washing machine or access to a communal laundry room, there are virtually no self-service laundries to be found in Stockholm, with one exception:

• Tvättomaten (T Odenplan), Västmannagatan 61, ☏ +46 8 34 64 80. Open M-F 08:30-18:30, Sa 09:30-15:00 (closed Sa from end of June to mid-August, closed one week at the end of July). Washing machines in Scandinavian countries are connected to cold water only, so the machine actually heats the water, taking up to 3 hours to do a load of laundry. Self-service price: 50 kr without drying, 84 kr with drying (per machine, up to 5 kg). 

Most youth hostels have washing machines. Some dry cleaners offer to wash shirts and bed linen as well, but this tends to be quite expensive.

Health

Swedish healthcare is generally of high quality, although there may be long waits in emergency rooms. How quickly one sees a doctor will depend on medical priority; money, name or title won't bypass the queue.

EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance card pay the same (rather low) fee for emergency and necessary care as a local citizen. Others must pay the whole health care cost (which can be between 1,700 and 2,200 kr for a doctor’s visit at an emergency care unit at a hospital). More information on hospital fees can be found at 1177 Vårdguiden.

In an emergency, always call 112 for SOS Alarm, for ambulance, police, fire service, air and sea rescue, mountain patrol, or priest on call. English-speaking operators are available.

There are two hospitals with 24-hour emergency care units in the inner city:

• S:t Görans Sjukhus, S:t Göransplan 1 (T Fridhemsplan or T Stadshagen), ☏ +46 8 58 70 10 00. 
• Södersjukhuset, Sjukhusbacken 10 (Bus 3, 74 or 164 from T Skanstull, bus 74 from T Mariatorget or commuter train to Stockholm Södra), ☏ +46 8 616 10 00. 

For less serious illnesses and ailments, getting in touch with a local clinic, vårdcentral, is a much better option than the hospital emergency rooms. The Stockholm County healthcare hotline (+46 8 320 100) can give medical advice and help you find a doctor. While information is officially given in Swedish only, the doctors can often speak some English.

Pharmacies

Certified pharmacies (apotek) have a green cross sign. You can buy over-the-counter medicine in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Strong painkillers are only sold at pharmacies, though.

• Apoteket C W Scheele, Klarabergsgatan 64 (T T-Centralen), ☏ +46 8 454 81 30. Open 24 hours, all days of the week, including holidays. This pharmacy is centrally located. Service is limited late at night, and can be slow, but they have a very large inventory of specialized drugs. 
• Apotek Hjärtat, Krukmakargatan 13, Södermalm (T Mariatorget), ☏ +46 8 454 81 30. Extra long operating hours: 08:00-22:00 all days of the week. 

Embassies

• 1 Albania, Capllavägen 7, 181 32 Lidingö, Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 7310920, +46 8 7310930, fax: +46 8 767 6557, embassy.stockholm@mfa.gov.al. M-F 09:00 - 17:00. (updated Feb 2015)
• 2 Algeria, Danderydsgatan 3-5, 100 41 Stockholm, ☏ +46 86799130. M-F 09:00 - 13:00. (updated Feb 2015)
• 3 Armenia, Sveavägen 76, 113 59 Stockholm, ☏ +46 (8) 512 58 580, fax: +46 (8) 512 58 589, armswedenembassy@mfa.am. M-F 09:00-17:00. (updated Feb 2015)
• 4 Angola, Skeppsbron 8, 111 30 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 24 28 90, fax: +46 8 34 31 27, info@angolaemb.se. (updated Feb 2015)
• 5 Argentina, Narvavägen 32, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 140 39, Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 663 1965, fax: +46 8 661 0009. (updated Feb 2015)
• 6 Australia, Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor, ☏ +46 8-613 2900, fax: +46 8-248505. (updated Feb 2015)
• 7 Austria, Kommendörsgatan 35/V, 114 58 Stockholm (3 minute walk from T-Bana station Karlaplan), ☏ +46 8-665 1770, stockholm-ob@bmeia.gv.at. M-zF 09:30-12:30. (updated Feb 2015)
• 8 Azerbaijan, Barnhusgatan 3, 4th floor, 111 23, Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 661 58 50, fax: +46 8 441 24 58, azerembassy@gmail.com. M-F 09:00-13:00, 14:00-18:00 (except Azerbaijani public holidays). The phone lines for general public are open from 09:00-18:00. (updated Feb 2015)
• 9 Bangladesh, Anderstorpsvägen 12, 1st floor, 171 54 Solna, ☏ +46 8 730 5850, fax: +46 8 730 5870, banijya@bangladeshembassy.se. Submission of application: 09:30-12:00. Delivery time: 15:00-16:00. Query over telephone between 14:00-16:00. 
• Belarus, Sky Hotel Apartments, Lindhagensgatan 90, Box 12327, 102-28 Stockholm. In process of re-opening. (updated Oct 2017)
• 10 Belgium, Kungsbroplan 2, 2nd floor, 101 38 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 534 802 00, +46 70 966 23 46 (Emergency line for Belgians in need outside of opening hours. This is no information line no visa information will be given on this number.), fax: +46 8-5451 6315, stockholm@diplobel.fed.be. M-F 09:30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 16:00. (updated Mar 2015)
• 11 Bolivia, Stjärnvägen 2 A, 181 50 Lidingö, ☏ +46 8 731 58 30, fax: +46 8 767 63 11, embolivia-estocolmo@telia.com. 
• 12 Bosnia and Herzegovina, Birger Jarlsgatan 55, 111 45 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-440 05 40, fax: +46 8-24 98 30, amb.bih.sto@telia.com. Opening hours consular department: M-F 10:00 to 16:00. Opening hours of the Embassy: M-F 09:00 to 17:00. 
• 13 Botswana, Tyrgatan 11, Stockholm, Sweden, ☏ +46 8-545 258 80, fax: +46 8-723 00 87, botstock@gov.bw. M-F 09.00-13.00 and 14.00-17.00. 
• 14 Brazil, Odengatan 3, 114 24 Stockholm (Take busses 4, 43, 72, 73, 94, 608, 624C, 628, 680, 690 or 691 to Valhallavägen/Odengatan. Take the metro to Tekniska Högskolan, red line), ☏ +46 8-545 163 20 (hours 10:00-11:00), fax: +46 8-545 163 14, consular.estocolmo@itamaraty.gov.br. Visiting: 09:00-12:30. 
• 15 Bulgaria, Karlavägen 29, 11431 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 20 67 13, Embassy.Stockholm@mfa.bg. Office hours: M-F 09:00 - 17:30. The Consular Department is open for citizens: M-F 10:00 - 12:30. Telephone available 13:30 - 15:30. 
• 16 Canada, Klarabergsgatan 23, 6th Floor, PO Box 16129 S - 103 23 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-453 3000, fax: +46 8 453 30 16, stkhm-cs@international.gc.ca. M-Th: 08:30-12:25 and 13:00-17:00 F: 08:30-12:25 and 13:00-15:00. 
• 17 Chile, Mäster Samuelsgatan 1, 2nd floor, 11144 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 679 82 80, +46 8 679 83 80, info@cnedu.nu. M-F 9:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00. 
• 18 China, Lidovägen 8，115 25 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-5793 6429, fax: +46 8-5793 6452, consular@chinaembassy.se. 
• 19 Colombia, Östermalmsgatan 46, 114 86 Stockholm (Take the red metro line to either Stadion or Tekniska Högskolan. Take busses 42, 44 or 1 to Humlegården. Take bus 4 to Stadion), ☏ +46 8 214 320, fax: +46 8 218 490, eestocolmo@cancilleria.gov.co. Additionally, the Foreign Ministry has available other communication channels such as: Online Support (Chat) and Skype. All communication channels of citizen services are available 24 hours a day. 
• 20 Croatia, Engelbrektsplan 2, 3rd floor, 114 34 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 440 52 80, fax: +46 8 678 83 20, croemb.stockholm@mvp.hr. 
• 21 Cuba, Sturevägen 9, 182 73 Stocksund, ☏ +46 8 545 83 277, fax: +46 8 545 83 270, konsulat@kuba.se. M W F 09:00 to 12:30. 
• 22 Cyprus, Styrmansgatan 4, 1st floor, 114 54 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 24 50 08, fax: +46 8 24 45 18, stockholmconsulate@mfa.gov.cy. Embassy Office Hours: M-F 09:00-17:00. Consular Section opening hours: M-F 10:00 - 13:00 and 14:00 - 15:00. If you find yourself in an emergency situation that cannot wait until the next working day, please call the Embassy Duty Officer: (+46) 702 898 904 
• Czech Republic, Villagatan 21, Box 26156, 100 41 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8. M & W 09:00-11:00; T & Th 13:30-15:30. (updated Oct 2017)
• 23 Denmark, Jakobs Torg 1, 111 52 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-406 7500, stoamb@um.dk. M-W 09:00-12:00; Th 13:30-16:00. 
• 24 Dominican Republic, Kungsholmsgatan 10, 5th floor, 112 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-406 7500, stockholm@domemb.se. 
• 25 Ecuador, Västra Trädgårdsgatan 11A, 1st floor, 111 53 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 679 6043, fax: +46 8 611 5593, consuldor.suecia@embecu.se. M-F 08:00 to 14:00. 
• 26 Egypt, Strandvägen 35, 114 56 Stockholm, ☏ +46 84 59 98 60, fax: +46 86 61 26 64, embassyofegypt@telia.com. Embassy: M-F 09:00 to 17:00. Consular section: M-F 10:00 to 13:00. 
• 27 El Salvador, Herserudsvägen 5a, 5th floor, 181 50 Lidingö (Take the red metro line towards Ropsten and get off at Ropsten. From there you can take any of the busses 201 - 212 (except 203 and 207). Get of at the stop Torsvikstorg. Cross the road, walk alongside the supermaket and you will arrive at the embassy.), ☏ +46 8 765 86 21, fax: +46 8 731 72 42, embassy@elsalvador.se. 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-15:30. 
• 28 Eritrea, Stjärnvägen 2B, 4th floor, 181 23 Lidingö, ☏ +46 8 441 7170, fax: +46 8 446 7340, info@eritrean-embassy.se. M-F 09:00-12.00 and 14:30-16:30 (Wednesday closed for public services). Phone hours: 09:00-12:00 and 13:30-16:30. 
• 29 Estonia, Tyrgatan 3, 11427 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 5451 2282, +46 8 5451 2280, fax: +46 8 5451 2298, info@estemb.se. M Tu Th F 10:00 - 12:00. 
• 30 Ethiopia, Löjtnantsgatan 17, 115 50 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 12 04 85 00, fax: +46 8-660 9561, ethemb.consular2@telia.com. M-F 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:30 – 15:30. Telephone hours: M-F 09:30 – 16:30. 
• 31 Finland, Gärdesgatan 11, ☏ +46 8 676 67 00, fax: +46 8 20 74 97, sanomat.tuk@formin.fi. M-F 08:15-12:00, 13:00-16:30. 
• 32 France, Kommendörsgatan 13, 102 43 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 45 95 300, fax: +46 8 45 95 341, info@ambafrance-se.org. M-F 09:00-12:30, excepted holidays. 
• 33 Germany, Skarpögatan 9, 115 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-670 15 00, fax: +46 8-670 15 72. M-F 09:00 - 12:00. Telephone hours: M-Th 07:30 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00, F 07:30 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 14:30. 
• 34 Greece, Kommendorsgatan 16, 114 48 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-5456 6010, +46 7-6580 0952 (Emergencies), fax: +46 8-660 5470, info.stockholm@mfa.gr. M-F 10:00 - 14:00. 
• 35 Guatemala, Scheelegatan 8, 112 23 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 660 52 29, fax: +46 8 660 42 29, embsuecia@minex.gob.gt. 
• 36 Honduras, Stjärnvägen 2, 7th floor, 181 34 Lidingö, ☏ +46 8 731 5084, fax: +46 8 636 9983, embahon@telia.com. 
• 37 Iceland, Kommendörsgatan 35, 114 58 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 442 8300, fax: +46 8 660 7423, icemb.stock@utn.stjr.is. M-F 09:00 - 16:00. 
• 38 India, Adolf Fredriks Kyrkogata 12, Bov 1340, 111 83 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 107 008, +46 8 411 3212, +46 8 411 3213, fax: +46 8 248505, passport@indianembassy.se. M-F 09:30 - 12:30 and 15:00 - 16:00. 
• 39 Indonesia, Kungsbroplan 1, 4th floor, 112 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 545 55 880, fax: +46 8 650 87 50, kbri@indonesiskaambassaden.se. Embassy: M-F 09:00 – 17:00 (except holidays). Consular Affairs: M-Th 09:30 – 12:00 and F 10:00 – 11:00 (except holidays). 
• 40 Iran, Elfviksvägen 76 , 181 90 Lidingö, ☏ +46 8 6363630, fax: +46 8 6363626. M-W 08:30 to 12:00. 
• 41 Iraq, Baldersgatan 6A, 114 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 41 14 443, iraq.stkemb@hotmail.com. M-Th 09:00 - 14:00, F 09:00 - 13:00, except formal holidays. 
• 42 Ireland, Hovslagargatan 5, 111 48 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 5450 4040, fax: +46 8-660 1353, stockholmembassy@dfa.ie. Public office and telephone lines: M-F from 09:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30. 
• 43 Israel, Strandvägen 58, 115 23 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 528 065 40, info@stockholm.mfa.gov.il. M-F 09:30 - 12:30. Telephone hours: 09:00 - 14:00. 
• 44 Italy, Djurgårdsvagen 176, 115 21 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 54567100, fax: +46 8 6671034, consulate.stockholm@esteri.it. M W F 09:30 to 12:30. Telephone hours: 14:00-16:00. 
• 45 Japan, Gärdesgatan 10, 115 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-579 353 00, fax: +46 8-661 88 20. Visa inquiries: M-F 09:30 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00. Consular Assistance (for Japanese citizens): M-F 09:30 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00 (W to 17:00). 
• 46 Kenya, Birger Jarlsgatan 37, 2nd floor, 103 95 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 218300-9, fax: +46 8 209261, kenya.embassy@telia.com. M-F winter 27th October - 31st March 09:00-16:00. Summer and autumn 1st April - 26th October 09:00-13:00, 14:00-17:00. Visa office hours 10:00-13:00. 
• 47 Kosovo, Birger Jarlsgatan 33, 111 45 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 614 6860, fax: +46 8 678 3002, embassy.sweden@rks-gov.net. 
• Korea, Democratic Republic of, Norra Kungsvägen 39, 181 31 Lidingö, ☏ +46 8 767-38-36, fax: +46 8 767-38-35. (updated Oct 2017)
• 48 Korea, Republic of, Laboratoriegatan 10, Box 27237, 102 53 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 5458-9400, koremb.sweden@mofa.go.kr. M-F 09:00-12:00, 13:30-17:00. (updated Oct 2017)
• 49 Kuwait, Adolf Fredriks Kyrkogata 13, 111 37 Stockholm, ☏ +46-8-4509980, fax: +46-8-4509945. M-F 09:00 - 16:00. 
• 50 Laos, Badstrandvägen 11, 112 65 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 618 2010, fax: +46 8 618 200, info.laoembassy@gmail.com. M-F 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00. 
• 51 Latvia, Odengatan 5, 114 24 Stockholm (Take busses 4, 43 or 72 to Odengatan/Valhallavägen. Take the metro to Tekniska Högskolan, exit Odengatan), ☏ +46 8 700 63 00, fax: +46 8 14 01 51, embassy.sweden@mfa.gov.lv. M-F 10:00-12:00. 
• 52 Lebanon, Kommendörsgatan 35, 2nd floor (Take the red metro line to Karlaplan), ☏ +46 8-665 19 61, +46 8-665 19 65, fax: +46 8-662 68 24, info@lebanonembassy.se. M-F 09:30 - 14:00. 
• 53 Libya, Munkbrogatan 2, 100 55 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 14 34 35, fax: +46 8 10 43 80, libyan.embassy.se@gmail.com. 
• 54 Lithuania, Grevgatan 5, 1st floor, 114 53 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 667 54 55, +46 8 103 018, +46 8 103 565, fax: +46 8 667 54 56, amb.se@urm.lt. Business hours: M-Th 08:00-17:00, F 08:00-15:45. Consular section admission hours: M 13:00-16:00. Tu Th F 09:00-12:00. 
• 55 Malaysia, Karlavägen 37, P.O.Box 26053, ☏ +46 8-440 8400, fax: +46 8-791 8760. 
• Mexico, Luntmakargatan 34, 4th Floor, 114-53 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 511-61-400, +46 8 511-61-418. M-F 09:00-12:00. (updated Oct 2017)
• 56 The Netherlands, Götgatan 16A, ☏ +46 85 569 33 00, fax: +46 85 569 33 11, sto@minbuza.nl. Visiting is only possible on appointment. (updated Nov 2018)
• 57 Norway, Skarpögatan 4 (Bus 69 to "Ambassaderna", T-bane to Karlaplan), ☏ +46 8 587-236-00, emb.stockholm@mfa.no. 
• 58 Pakistan, Karlavägen 65, 114 49 Stockholm, ☏ +46-8-6617320, fax: +46-8-24 92 33, consular@pakistanembassy.se. M-F 09:00-11:30. 
• 59 Poland, Karlavägen 35, 114 31 Stockholm, ☏ +46 08-50 57 50 00, fax: +46 08-50 57 50 86. 
• Portugal, Narvavägen 32, 2nd floor, Box 10194, 100-55 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 545-670-60. (updated Oct 2017)
• Qatar, Klarabergsviadukten 63, Box 612, 101-32 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 511-659-00, fax: +46 8 23-18-07. (updated Oct 2017)
• Russian Federation, Gjörwellsgatan 31, 112 60, ☏ +46 8 13-04-41, +46 8 13-04-43. M-F 08:30 - 16:30. (updated Oct 2017)
• Saudi Arabia, Sköldungagatan 5, Box 26073, 100-41 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 23-88-00. M-F 09:00-16:00. (updated Oct 2017)
• Serbia, Valhallavägen 70, Box 26209, 100-41 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 82-18-436, +46 8 82-18-482. (updated Oct 2017)
• Slovakia, Arsenalsgatan 2, 3rd floor, Box 7183, 103-88 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 545-039-60, +46 8 545-039-61. (updated Oct 2017)
• 60 Spain, Djurgårdsvägen, 21 SE - 115 21 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-5228 0800, fax: +46 8-660 3034, Emb.Estocolmo@maec.es. 
• Syria, Vendevägen 90, 5th floor, Box 4, 182 11 Danderyd, ☏ +46 8 622-18-70. By appointment only. (updated Oct 2017)
• Switzerland, Valhallavägen 64, P.O. Box 26143, 100-41 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 676-79-00, fax: +46 8 21-15-04. M-F 09:00-12:00. All consular services and visa support for residents of the countries listed below are provided by the Regional Consular Centre Nordic and Baltic Countries in Stockholm (updated Oct 2017)
• Taiwan (Taipei Mission in Sweden), Sweden Wenner-Gren Center, 18tr Sveavägen 166, 113-46 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 728-85-13. M-F 09:00-15:30. (updated Oct 2017)
• 61 Turkey, Dag Hammarskjölds Vag 20, 115 27 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8-667 29 60, fax: +46 8-663 5514, embassy.stockholm@mfa.gov.tr. M-F 09:00-12:30. 
• 62 United Arab Emirates, Torsgatan 2, 5th floor , 111 23 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 411 12 44, fax: +46 8 411 12 45, stockholm@mofa.gov.ae. Embassy: M-F 08:30 - 15:30. Consular Services: M-Th 10:00 - 12:00. 
• Ukraine, Stjärnvägen 2A, 181-34 Lidingö, ☏ +46 8 522-28-400, +46 8 522-28-401, fax: +46 8 522-28-411. (updated Oct 2017)
• 63 United Kingdom, Skarpögatan 6-8, Box 27819, 115 93 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 671-30-00, fax: +46 8-662 9989. M-F 09:00 - 17:00. 
• 64 United States, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 31, 115 89 Stockholm, ☏ +46 8 783-53-00, fax: +46 8-660 5879. 

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Stockholm County

The world heritage Drottningholm Palace in Ekerö, just outside Stockholm's city limits

Outside the metropolitan area, Stockholm County contains cultural heritage as well as great nature, all within reach of the SL public transport network; most in less than an hour.

• Stockholm archipelago consists of thousands of islands scattered into the Baltic Sea. While many of them can be reached by road, others need a ferry. Many of those ferries call at central Stockholm.
• Ekerö is a less-known freshwater archipelago in Lake Mälaren, with two World Heritage Sites: Drottningholm Palace (the residence of the Royal Family) and Viking Age settlement Birka. Drottningholm is 10 km from central Stockholm, and can be reached by public transportation within 30 minutes, or a 1-hour ferry trip.
• Sigtuna is Sweden's first capital, a quaint town near Arlanda Airport, 40 km north of Stockholm.
• Norrtälje contains the northern part of the archipelago, and vast forests.
• Stockholm's northern suburbs have many opportunities for outdoor life, including three slopes for downhill skiing, and Viking Age heritage.
• Södertörn contains forests and lakes, especially the Tyresta National Park, and the Nynäshamn port city.
• Södertälje is a quaint port city.

Uppsala County

Uppsala, the seat of Uppsala County, was the political, cultural and religious centre of Viking era Sweden. Uppsala also hosts Sweden's first university and Uppsala Cathedral is the largest in the Nordic countries, and the seat of the Church of Sweden. 80 km north of Stockholm, it is a gratifying day trip destination, where many historic sites dating even farther back than some in Stockholm are within walking distance from the central station.

To get there, there are two rail options:

• SJ offers fast hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, with a sporadic service to Gävle also calling at Uppsala. This option takes 30-38 minutes and costs 82 kr for adults (26 or older).
• SL offers a stopping half-hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, taking 55 minutes and costing 110 kr (65 kr for people under 20), possession of an SL travel card (even 24- or 72 hour) will reduce the fare to 60 kr (35 kr for people under 20 or over 65).

Farther away

• Gävle is a town and a county seat with several museums, and the famous straw goat during December.
• Södermanland County has some destinations for day excursions, such as Strängnäs and Mariefred and Trosa.
• Gotland is an exotic island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, reachable by plane from Bromma Airport, or by ferry from Nynäshamn.
• Åland is an autonomous Swedish-speaking island between Sweden and Finland, served by most Baltic Sea ferries.
• Turku is Finland's oldest city, reached by day or overnight ferry.
• Helsinki is Finland's capital, reached by overnight ferry or airplane.

Routes through Stockholm

Helsingborg ← Norrköping ← Södertälje ←	SW  N	→ Solna → Uppsala → Sundsvall
Oslo ← Enköping ←	W  E	→ Norrtälje → Turku ()
Gothenburg ← Södertälje ←	W  E	→ → Tallinn