Download GPX file for this article
59.3333318.06666Full screen dynamic map

From Wikivoyage
This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Yvwv (talk | contribs) at 15:40, 29 March 2016 (→‎By boat: rm Stockholm card).

Europe > Nordic countries > Sweden > Svealand > Stockholm County > Stockholm
Jump to navigation Jump to search

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

Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, with nearly 2 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. 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 will host the Eurovision Song Contest in May 2016. This will bring about both a number of events and temporary attractions and crowds of tourists and national delegations, driving up prices and making accommodation options more scarce.

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 employs a practical approach of describing 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 consists 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
An urban neighbourhood with the Stockholm Public Library, the Stockholm Observatory, and several second-hand stores.
  Östermalm (including Gärdet, Norra Djurgården, Värtahamnen)
A borough with urban boulevards, as well as the National City Park and the Stockholm Harbour with several cruise ship terminals, the Stureplan square with upmarket shopping and nightlife, the Kaknäs Tower, 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

As Sigtuna, Sweden's first capital, was sacked by pirates in AD 1187, the Swedes built up fortresses along the inlet of Mälaren. Birger jarl, remembered as the founder of Stockholm (jarl is a title corresponding to British earl) 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 when Stockholm is considered to be founded. As the land rose (a continuing reaction since the Ice Age), Mälaren transformed from a bay of the Baltic Sea to a freshwater lake, and Stockholm straits became the only waterway between Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. 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 hosts 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.

Climate

Stockholm
Climate chart (explanation)
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
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
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
 
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

  • 1 Stockholm Tourist Center, Vasagatan 14 (T T-Centralen). Open M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00, 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

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

1 Arlanda Airport (ARN IATA) is the main international airport, 40 km (25 mi) north of the city; see Sigtuna for airport amenities. It is divided into four fairly small terminals within walking distance of each other. 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 SEK surcharge for ticket purchase on board). One-way tickets cost 260 SEK (~30 EUR) for adults, 130 SEK for students, youths <26 and seniors >65. Two-way tickets cost 490 SEK for adults, 260 SEK for students, youths <26 and seniors >65. 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 (Sigtuna), located under 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)s 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 SEK for passing between the trains and the airport terminal at Arlanda. A one-way ABC zone ticket including the Arlanda passage supplement fee to Stockholm city costs 125 SEK (110 SEK for people under 20 or over 65). For 210 SEK (or 90 SEK for youth) you get a 24-hour travel card (this is reduced to 190 SEK for adults and 70 SEK 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 SEK (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 SEK. They take 20 minutes, like the Arlanda Express, but only operate hourly (with several strange gaps). Finally, long-distance trains from Stockholm operate to points in central Sweden, such as Umeå, Mora or Östersund. 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 SL bus and rail
The 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 pendeltåg 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 SEK 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 the #Public transport section for more details on the SL services and ticketing system.

Airport coaches (Flygbussarna) run frequently 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 SEK (99 SEK for people under 25), and adult return ticket cost 215 SEK (179 SEK for people under 25). There is a discount if you purchase your ticket online. 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 Ulriksdal/Järva Krog, Frösunda, Haga Norra, Haga Södra, Norra Stationsgatan and Sankt Eriksplan before terminating in Cityterminalen.

By taxi
Major taxi companies operate on a fixed price basis between Arlanda and central Stockholm. Prices at the taxi stands currently range from 450 SEK (Transfer Taxi) to 520 SEK. Generally, you can freely choose among the waiting taxis or ask the operator for a specific company. Beware of the smaller, expensive, taxi companies. A yellow and white sign with price comparison (per 10 km and 15 minutes) is on every taxi window, and the price should not ever be more than 350 SEK. 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. With Airport Cab (+46 8 25 25 23) the cost is 430 SEK from Arlanda to Stockholm, 390 SEK from Stockholm to Arlanda. With Taxi Solna (+46 8 280 280) the cost is 445 SEK from Arlanda to Stockholm, 350 SEK from Stockholm to Arlanda. See the Taxi section below for some general advice on taxi travel in Stockholm.

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

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

Bromma Airport

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 Copenhagen, Aarhus, Oslo, Skien, Tallinn and Brussels.

From Bromma, airport coaches get you to the City Terminal at 79 SEK, 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 SEK online or 159 SEK at the bus terminal one way; 278 SEK online, 285 SEK 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 (timetable, M-F = Mo-Fri, L = Sat, SoH = Sun + holidays) 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 SEK (16 + 49 SEK 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 SEK. The cheapest tickets are also nonrefundable and nonrebookable.

Västerås Airport

4 Västerås Airport (VST IATA) is 100 km west of Stockholm in Västerås. 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 SEK one way, 249 SEK round trip, takes about 80 minutes. Alternatively you can take the public taxi shuttle (order can be made online) 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 SEK 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 SEK, resulting in a total fare of 109 SEK. 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
Stockholm Central Station
When entering Stockholm from the south, by road or rail, be sure to enjoy the view from the bridges.

The main station, 5 Stockholm Central (Norrmalm), serves both commuter and long-distance routes. It is located 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 h) and Oslo (Norway) (6 h) with several direct connections daily. A daily sleeper train is available from Narvik (14 h). From Trondheim, a quick change in Östersund is needed.

There are numerous direct domestic services to Stockholm from most major cities. There's high-speed SJ2000 and SJ3000 services from Gothenburg (3 h), Malmö (4½ h), Sundsvall (3½ h) and Östersund (5 h). 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 well as 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 WiFi 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. Swebus Express operates routes to Copenhagen and Oslo with several daily departures, and a twice-weekly service to Berlin. Eurolines has some departures to Copenhagen. Smaller operators offer connections with Prague, Budapest, Zagreb and Banja Lukaamong other cities.

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 SEK (!) for a full 4-person cabin and rarely (even for a weekend cruise in high season) exceeds 400 SEK for the cheapest 4-bed cabin. A one-way ticket for a cabin, in comparison, usually exceeds 1000 SEK.

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. 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 40 SEK (single) and 60 SEK (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.

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

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. Stockholm operates a RFID card called SL Access which triggers entry gates and other electronic readers. The card costs 20 SEK to purchase and can load all tickets available in the SL fare scheme.

There are two forms of ticketing, passes and coupons. Public transport passes and coupons are bought at the public transport centers (located in different stations, including central station and t-central), at all "Pressbyrån"-kiosks, most bigger food markets and some smaller kiosks. Tickets can not be bought on buses.

There are passes available for 24 hours (115 SEK, 70 SEK for people younger than 20 or older than 65), 72 hours (230 SEK/140 SEK), 7 days (300 SEK/180 SEK) and for extended stays in Stockholm a 30-day card is available, which allows unrestricted  access to all buses, trams, T-bana, and commuter trains, as well as the Djurgården ferry, for 790 SEK. The 72-hour pass also confers free admission to Gröna Lund (Djurgården).

A coupon ticket is valid for 75 minutes, and allows unlimited changes. All destinations in this article are within zone A, where a ride costs 2 coupons. A ride through the outer parts of the county costs 2, 3 or 4 coupons.

The cheapest option is to download digital coupons to the SL Access card, reskassa, at 12:50 SEK each, a ride costs 25 SEK (half price for children and seniors). A mobile phone ticket or a paper ticket from a vending machine costs 36 SEK (20 SEK), and a ticket bought at the ticket booth, or by a rail conductor, costs 50 SEK (32 SEK).

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.

Airport buses, Arlanda Express and regional trains are not part of the SL network, and thus not included in any of these tickets.

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 exactly 100 stations, it is extensive for a city of this size, and will get you around almost all 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.

The SL website has a guidebook to the artwork that is featured in many metro stations, 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 also 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. There are four lines:

  • 35: (Bålsta) - Kungsängen - Stockholm C - Västerhaninge - (Nynäshamn)
  • 36: Märsta - Stockholm C - Södertälje C
  • 37: Södertälje C - Gnesta (connects with line 36 at Södertälje hamn)
  • 38: Uppsala - Arlanda Airport - Stockholm C - Älvsjö - (Tumba).

Off-peak sees 4 tph (trains per hour) on lines 35 and 36 (2 tph in the bracketed sections), 2 tph on line 38 (only peak services run Älvsjö-Tumba) and 1 tph on line 37. Additional services run during peak hours, giving the core section Karlberg - Älvsjö a peak frequency of 14 tph.

Commuter trains are included in Stockholm's transport ticket system, with the exception of Knivsta and Uppsala on line 38, which employ Uppsala's local transport fares, and Arlanda Airport (see #By plane above). The cost is 60 SEK (35 SEK for youth) with an SL travelcard.

Light rail / tram

Nockebybanan at Alvik Station

Stockholm contains 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 Sergels Torg (at T-Centralen) 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 (Blåbusslinje) are as follows:

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. The three-digit blue buses do not go to the city center and generally serve as radial lines to quickly link various areas of a suburban community with its main rail transit nodes.

Passenger ferries

There are also ferries going 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.

Sjövägen is a passenger ferry with hourly rides from Nybrokajen (Norrmalm), calling at several docks in Nacka, and Lidingö, ending in Frihamnen (Östermalm). All SL passes are good on the ferry. A single ride costs 40 SEK for adults, 25 SEK for children. The ferry has a cafeteria with tea, coffee, snacks, beer and wine, and gives a great view of the inlet of Stockholm.

Sjövägen is a great option for budget sightseeing.

By bicycle

Stockholm City Bike stand at Norrmalmstorg.

Cycling is an attractive option during warm seasons, and there are many bike lanes. On a bike, a journey 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 SEK and a season pass costs 300 SEK. 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. Note if you want to register for a key card, you will need proof of ID, for example a passport or driving licence.
  • BikeSweden AB, Narvavägen 13-17, +46 8-403 07 520, . 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 SEK. Full day from 190 SEK.
  • Cykel- & Mopeduthyrningen, Strandvägen, Kajplats 24 (T Östermalmtorg or T Karlaplan). Only open in the summer months..
  • 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 SEK per day..
  • Gamla Stans Cykel, Stora Nygatan 20 (T Gamla Stan). Open all year.. Rents three speed city bikes for 190 SEK per day or 500 SEK for 3 days..
  • Servicedepån - Cykelstallet, Scheelegatan 15 (T Rådhuset). Open all year.. Rents 3 speed city bikes, 21 speed mountain/hybrids (200 SEK/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.

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 SEK 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 SEK for this. 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; 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. Note that 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 SEK. 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. Note that 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 discrete 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.

By car

Congestion fee sign

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 30 SEK. 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 cars are not exempt from tax. Taxes are not charged in 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 centers, so driving in Stockholm can turn out to be costly.

While driving in Stockholm is easier than in other cities of comparable size, remember to yield for pedestrians. See driving in Sweden for more information.

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. Both cost approximately 100 SEK for a day long pass and have approximately 8 stops, including the cruise terminal, Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and Skeppsholmen.

By foot

Stockholm is a walking-friendly city and getting from one place to another by foot is safe and otherwise hassle-free. On the other hand, beware that Stockholm is geographically rather spread out.

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 is the cathedral of Stockholm, and has been used for many royal coronations, weddings and funerals plus 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)

Matter of fact, there's not only one royal palace in and around Stockholm but several others, Drottningholm (on Ekerö), 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, (Söderort is one of few UNESCO World Heritage sites from the 20th century. Also in souther 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 as well as Skyview on the top of the Ericsson Globe (130 SEK).

Stockholm's highest observatory floor is Kaknästornet in Östermalm (entrance fee 45 SEK). 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, as well as the Nobel Prize dining hall.

Museums

The Vasa 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:

  • Djurgården: The Vasa Museum displays the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sunk in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage, as well as 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.
  • Birka (Ekerö)— For the real Viking buff, there's Birka, the site of a former Viking city on Björkö. In recent years, 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 (see timetable).
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. The Stockholm official hospitality website has a list of galleries. 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.

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

Stockholm Sightseeing (part of the Strömma group) has several different guided boat tours.

  • Under the bridges of Stockholm. Is one of the most popular. 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, 200 SEK.
  • Royal Canal Tour. Departs from Strömkajen and takes you around the eastern parts of the city, passing through the lush Djurgården canal. 50 min, 150 SEK.
  • 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, 150 SEK.

Alternatively, and cheaply, there is the eight-stop "Hop On-Hop Off" boat service of Stockholm Sightseeing (not promoted as one of the Strömma carriers). 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.

The competing Aphrodite boat service offers a similar hop on-hop off service for a modest fee for 24 hours. (In other sections of this article, a price of 10 SEK is quoted, but this is lower than any prices we heard quoted by a factor of 10 or more.)

By bus

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

  • Stockholm Panorama. Is a tour of some major tourist sights that departs from Gustaf Adolf Torg (T T-Centralen). 1 hour 30 min, 240 SEK.
  • 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 220 SEK.

Stockholm Excursions has a few specialized bus tours:

  • The Nobel Tour visits several sights connected to Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Prize. 3 hours, 400 SEK.
  • Royal Tour. The takes you out of the city center to Ulriksdals Palace and Drottningholm Palace. 4 hours, 500 SEK.

By taxi

Taxi Stockholm, +46 8 15 00 00, offers a multimedia guided tours, allowing up to 3 people for a flat fare of SEK 950 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 SEK or day 125 SEK.
  • 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 controlled by local authorities, and the reports for all the beaches in the city is available online. Would there be a problem with the water, signs would 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, skinny-dipping for grown people in public is not explicitly illegal, but frowned upon. The only sanctioned nudist beach is in Ågesta (Söderort)

If the water in the sea or Lake Mälaren is too cold for your tastes, you can opt for one of the outdoor swimming pools.

Stockholm also has several indoor swimming pools and spas. Among the extraordinary ones are Centralbadet (Norrmalm), Sturebadet (Östermalm), Eriksdalsbadet (Södermalm) and Yasuragi spa (Nacka).

Watching sport

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. There is some football-related violence, especially at derby games; ask to find a safe seat on the stadium.

The Swedish top ice hockey league is named Elitserien, and the season goes from September to April. Stockholm currently 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 currently has only one team in the top men's bandy league: Hammarby. Since 2013, the final of the Swedish League takes place on Friends Arena (Solna) or Tele2 Arena (Södermalm).

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 http://www.sf.se/] 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 stand-up 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 on Långholmen, always in May/June on the same day as the Stockholm Marathon, with at least one hour in English.

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. Just go there and listen or why not dance some 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

Stockholms main amusement park, Gröna Lund is located 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. Note that 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 located 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 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.

Nature and wildlife

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. In Södertörn, one can find Nackareservatet, Tyresta National Park and Bornsjön. The City National Park includes several open spaces in the north-western suburbs.

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 even 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.

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. Recent years have seen an explosion of young designers starting their own small labels. Many of these can be found in the small shops in the SoFo area (see below). Examples are Nakkna, Jenny Hellström, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and The Stray Boys. Store Stockholm - at Tjärhovsgatan 3 (T Medborgarplatsen) specializes in small Swedish fashion designers. In the store you can find brand such as Noir&Blank, Odeur, Diana Orving, Nakkna and Göran Kling.

Glassware

  • The large department stores Åhléns, NK and PUB in Norrmalm all have a wide selection of glassware.
  • Duka, several locations: Västerlånggatan 78, +46 8 22 88 07, Sveavägen 24-26, +46 8 10 45 30, Konserthuset, Kungsgatan 41, +46 8 20 60 41. 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 (T Östermalmstorg), +46 8 10 43 72, Österlånggatan 1 (T Gamla Stan), +46 8 10 77 18, 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, several locations, including: Kulturhuset/Sergels Torg, +46 8 21 91 50, and Götgatan 31 (T Slussen), +46 8 462 35 20. Open M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 12:00-18:00. 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 located 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

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. (Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-18:00). Hamngatan, Biblioteksgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan (Norrmalm) have a collection of high end shops including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton among others. NK, is a classical department store on Hamngatan (Norrmalm). (Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-17:00). Another famous department store is PUB at Hötorget, T-Hötorget (Norrmalm). (Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-17:00).

Östermalm

Östermalmstorg with Stockholm's best grocery hall, Östermalmshallen. (Mon-Thurs 09:30-18:00, Fri 09:30-19:00, Sat 09:30-16:00). Sturegallerian Sturegallerian is an upmarket shopping mall at Stureplan. Shopping and food are contained within this upmarket mall, with some eateries in the rear of the mall. (Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00).

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 SEK 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 SEK. 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 costs in the range between 60 and 120 SEK, or 400 to 700 SEK for a bottle. Sweden has enforced non-smoking in all bars, pubs, restaurants and enclosed areas. Smoking is usually permitted outdoors, or in designated smoking rooms/outdoor seating.

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 chistmas dishes such as chistmas ham, pickled herring, "lutfisk" (stockfish from cod or ling, prepared with lye) and much more, which might require advance booking, costing around 300-600 SEK, 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 six Stockholm restaurants: Two-star Frantzén/Lindeberg and Mathias Dahlgren Matsalen (including one-star Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren), and one-star Esperanto, Fredsgatan 12 and Lux.

Though most seafood comes from the wholesale market in Gothenburg, there is one market for local catch, in many cases day-fresh: Stockholms fiskmarknad at Stureplan (Östermalm).

Stockholm has a fleet of food trucks, with high-end meals around 70 to 90 SEK. 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 SEK (excluding drinks), XL sandwiches 59 SEK, salads 65 SEK.

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, note that 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 has only recently entered competition 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. Just as everywhere else, the small local cafés offer a more personal experience, and often better coffee. Expect to pay anything from 20 SEK 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 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:
    • Lilla Nygatan (T Gamla Stan), Lilla Nygatan 18.
    • 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 SEK in the cheapest pub (55-75 SEK in a trendier club or pub) for a beer or cider, and at least 95-150 SEK 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 SEK 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 SEK 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.

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

A specialty for Sweden, especially for Stockholm is basement hotel rooms without windows. Oftentimes the very reasonably-priced rooms even at hotels of established brands fall into that category, especially the singles. Basement rooms, apart from lack of windows, are often much more limited in space and outfitted in a more austere way than the regular rooms. Swedish 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), Jumbostay at Arlanda, and Best Hostel at the Old Town waterfront.

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 SEK) and the 3G coverage in Stockholm is excellent. Expect to pay around 100 SEK/week or 300 SEK/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 centrally located 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 amount 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.

Weekend drinking is a risk factor. Being overly intoxicated is less accepted in bars and clubs than in smaller towns, and could lead to the security staff forcibly ejecting the trouble-maker.

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 SEK), major cab companies (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Taxi 020 and Topcab) are around 300 SEK. 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 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 SEK. 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.

There are many locations of a currency exchange called Forex, but they charge a whopping 50 SEK (6,5 €) 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.

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 SEK. 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 SEK 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). Keep in mind 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 SEK without drying, 84 SEK 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/EES 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 2,200SEK for a doctor’s visit at an emergency care unit at a hospital). More information on hospital fees can be found on the Stockholm County information site.

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:

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 Vårdguiden (+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

  • Algeria 3 Algeria, Danderydsgatan 3-5, 100 41 Stockholm, +46 86799130. Monday to Friday 9:00 - 13:00.
  • Argentina 6 Argentina, Narvavägen 32, 3rd floor, P.O. Box 140 39, Stockholm, +46 8 663 1965, fax: +46 8 661 0009.
  • Australia 7 Australia, Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor, +46 8-613 2900, fax: +46 8-248505.
  • Azerbaijan 9 Azerbaijan, Barnhusgatan 3, 4th floor, 111 23, Stockholm, +46 8 661 58 50, fax: +46 8 441 24 58, . Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 18.00 (lunch break from 13.00 to 14.00) (except Azerbaijani public holidays). The phone lines for general public are open from 09.00-18.00.
  • Belgium 11 Belgium, Kungsbroplan 2, 2nd floor, 101 38 Stockholm, +46 8 534 802 00, fax: +46 8-5451 6315, . Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:00. Emergency line for Belgians in need, outside of opening hours: +46 70 966 23 46. This is no information line, no visa information will be given on this number.
  • Brazil 15 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, fax: +46 8-545 163 14, . Visiting: 09:00-12:30. Telephone: 10:00-11:00.
  • Bulgaria 16 Bulgaria, Karlavägen 29, 11431 Stockholm, +46 8 20 67 13, . Office hours: Mon - Fri, 9:00 - 17:30. The Consular Department is open for citizens: Mon - Fri, 10:00 - 12:30. Telephone: 13.30 - 15.30.
  • Colombia 20 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, . 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.
  • Cyprus 23 Cyprus, Styrmansgatan 4, 1st floor, 114 54 Stockholm, +46 8 24 50 08, fax: +46 8 24 45 18, . Embassy Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 09:00-17:00. Consular Section opening hours: Monday - Friday: 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
  • Egypt 27 Egypt, Strandvägen 35, 114 56 Stockholm, +46 84 59 98 60, fax: +46 86 61 26 64, . Embassy: Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Consular section: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00.
  • El Salvador 28 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, . 9.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30.
  • Eritrea 29 Eritrea, Stjärnvägen 2B, 4th floor, 181 23 Lidingö, +46 8 441 7170, fax: +46 8 446 7340, . Monday to Friday: 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.
  • Germany 34 Germany, Skarpögatan 9, 115 27 Stockholm, +46 8-670 15 00, fax: +46 8-670 15 72. Monday to Friday 09:00 - 12:00. Telephone hours: Monday to Thursday 07:30 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00, Friday 07:30 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 14:30.
  • India 39 India, Adolf Fredriks Kyrkogata 12, Bov 1340, 111 83 Stockholm, +46 8-107 008, 411 3212, 411 3213, fax: +46 8 248505, . Monday to Friday 09:30 - 12:30 and 15:00 - 16:00.
  • Indonesia 40 Indonesia, Kungsbroplan 1, 4th floor, 112 27 Stockholm, +46 8 545 55 880, fax: +46 8 650 87 50, . Embassy: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 (except holidays).Consular Affairs: Monday to Thursday 09:30 – 12:00 and Fridays 10:00 – 11:00 (except holidays).
  • Iran 42 Iran, Elfviksvägen 76 , 181 90 Lidingö, +46 8 6363630, fax: +46 8 6363626. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 to 12:00.
  • Ireland 43 Ireland, Hovslagargatan 5, 111 48 Stockholm, +46 8 5450 4040, fax: +46 8-660 1353, . The Embassy’s public office and telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:30.
  • Japan 46 Japan, Gärdesgatan 10, 115 27 Stockholm, +46 8-579 353 00, fax: +46 8-661 88 20. Visa inquiries: Mon-Fri 9:30 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00. Consular Assistance (for Japanese citizens): Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 9:30 to 12:00, 14:00 to 16:00, Wednesdays 9:30 to 12:00, 14:00 to 17:00.
  • Kenya 47 Kenya, Birger Jarlsgatan 37, 2nd floor, 103 95 Stockholm, +46 8 218300-9, fax: +46 8 209261, . Monday to Friday 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.
  • Kuwait 49 Kuwait, Adolf Fredriks Kyrkogata 13, 111 37 Stockholm, +46-8-4509980, fax: +46-8-4509945. Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:00.
  • Latvia 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, . Monday to Friday 10:00-12:00.

Go next

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.
  • Ekerö is a less-known freshwater archipelago in Lake Mälaren, with two World Heritage Site: Drottningholm Palace (the residence of the Royal Family) and Viking Age settlement Birka.
  • Sigtuna is Sweden's first capital, near Arlanda Airport.
  • Norrtälje contains the northern part of the archipelago.
  • Stockholm's northern suburbs has shopping and outdoor opportunities.
  • Södertörn contains forests and lakes, especially the Tyresta National Park.
  • Södertälje is a quaint port city.

Uppsala County

Uppsala is Sweden's fourth largest city, and the seat of Uppsala County. Once the nation's capital, it has the largest Nordic cathedral, as well as Sweden's first university. 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 38 minutes and costs 82 SEK for adults (26 or older).
  • SL offers a stopping half-hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, taking 55 minutes and costing 110 SEK (65 SEK for people under 20), possession of an SL travel card (even 24- or 72 hour) will reduce the fare to 60 SEK (35 SEK 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.
  • Strängnäs and Mariefred, with Gripsholm Castle.
  • 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 overnight ferry.
  • Helsinki, is Finland's capital, reached by overnight ferry or airplane.
Routes through Stockholm
NorrköpingSödertälje  S  N  SolnaSundsvall
OsloEnköping  W  E  NorrtäljeTurku ()
GöteborgSödertälje  W  E  Tallinn


This city travel guide to Stockholm has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel details. Please contribute and help us make it a star!