Stockholm serves as the cultural, financial, and political centre of Sweden. It is the seat of the nation’s government, as well as the Royal Family. A lesser known fact is that Stockholm also hosts the annual Nobel prize ceremony.
Architecturally, Stockholm boasts a wide range of different styles, with modern designs rubbing shoulders with older traditional northern European buildings, some even dating back to medieval times. You will also find that many of the
hotels in Stockholm are housed in historic buildings. The city’s old town can be found spread across a number of the first settled islands dating back hundreds of years, giving the area a wonderfully historic feel.
Culturally, Stockholm packs a weighty punch with close to one hundred museums and art galleries displaying pieces from Europe’s biggest names. This includes work from Rembrandt housed in the “Nationalmuseum” to works by Picasso and Dali in the city’s Moderna Museet. Other museums worth a visit include the Swedish Museum of Natural History and the famous Vasa Museum, complete with its 17th-century warship.
Food lovers are also in for a treat in Stockholm. The nation’s famously liberal approach to immigration – at least until recent times – means there is a range of international cuisines available to suit all tastes; although, it would be a crime to visit Stockholm without trying some of Sweden’s world-famous meatballs.
For those who get a bit carried away with all the delicious food on offer and find yourself in need of burning off a few excess calories, the good news is Stockholm is a great base for
day trips including outdoor adventures and sports. During winter months, when Stockholm is often blanketed in a beautiful white covering of snow, one great outdoor option is to take part in some cross-country skiing, either in the city or very nearby. Another great option is ice skating, which can be done at a number of locations in the city. For those a little less sure on their feet, maybe cross-country hiking would be the best way to enjoy a Scandinavian winter adventure without ending up testing if the Swedish health care system is as good as it is rumoured to be.
Should your trip to Stockholm fall within warmer months, the city offers a variety of non-winter sports as well. Hiking and mountain biking are always popular options, as is kayaking around the beautiful islands in and around Stockholm. If you are lucky, you might even be joined by a seal or two.
So, if you ever find yourself wanting to explore the unique part of northern Europe that is Scandinavia, why not book yourself into one of the many hotels in Stockholm, and then prepare for a holiday that ticks all the right boxes in terms of sightseeing, culture, and adventure pursuits?
I am a writer for Hipmunk and am currently working on the #HipmunkCityLove Project.
We loved Stockholm – definitely a city we will be returning to. We only got to spend a few days there when we visited so we would love to go back for longer so we can do some trips out and get to know the city a little bit more!
Karianne recently posted…Vegging Out: 5 Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Barcelona
I totally get you. Stockholm is one of those cities where you could spend weeks and not get bored I think.