Travel Eye on Stockholm (Sweden)

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Overview:

The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is not only Scandinavia's largest city but also its most enchanting, with its centuries-old alleyways and squares being spread across an archipelago of 14 islands. Locals are extremely proud of the fact that here one can go ocean-fishing in the heart of the city.

Engaging and sophisticated, Stockholm is also one of Europe's cleanest, safest and most attractive cities. Numerous lakes and waterways recall Venice, around a third of its wider area is given over to parkland and green space, and being neutral during World War II, it escaped the destruction that befell many cities across Europe.

Something for most tastes, although budget travellers may struggle to last for more than a few days. Popular weekend destination. Attracts a cosmopolitan mix of tourists and is gaining favour with the UK market. Owing to its good conference facilities, business travellers and convention-goers comprise the majority of visitors.

An impressive range, from simple hostels to some of the world's finest luxury hotels. Many establishments are clustered round the central station. Several character options in the old town. Some of the best hotels enjoy a waterfront setting. Summers are busy, with budget hotels booked up weeks in advance.

This historic metropolis with a small town heart also boasts a multitude of museums, an abundance of restaurants, a plethora of parks, fun fairs, a never-ending nightlife (licensing hours extend until 5am) and a rich cultural life. It all adds up to 'never a dull moment', particularly in the summer when the sun virtually never sets because of its being positioned in the far northern latitudes.

Locality:

Stockholm is located midway along Sweden's E (Baltic) coast (320 mls NE of Gothenburg, 300 mls E of the Norwegian border, 250 mls W of Helsinki, 30 mls S of Arlanda Airport). Built partly on the mainland and partly on 14 islands, at the outflow of the freshwater Lake Malaren into the Baltic Sea. At the centre of a vast archipelago of almost 25,000 islands.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

Shopping in Stockholm is a treat for most visitors, but many items are comparatibly expensive. The city offers a wide selection of goods, manufactured in Sweden as well as international imported products. Please find below advice on Shopping, from where to shop to what to buy. Most of the shops are centrally located in "Drottningsgatan", "Hamngatan", "Kungsgatan", "Hötorget" and the famous "Stureplan".

For the foreign visitor it is strongly recommended that they take the opportunity to taste proper Swedish delights. The most traditional is the Smorgasbord, split pea soup, meat balls, marinated salmon or herring or roast reindeer. Lunch is mostly served between 11:00 - 14:00 and dinner between 17:00 - 23:00 in most restaurants. Many lunchtime offers are discounted and might have value added extras. Below a listing of Restaurants that are well known or have been tried and tested or finally recommended to us.

Many of the clubs and restaurants in Stockholm have got blackJack tables and Roulelette, with a nominal maximum stake of 5 Kronars per round in most places. Different places to play for fun, however there are places for proper gambling with heavier stakes.

Spirits, Wine and beers containing more than 3.5% alcohol by volume are sold only in the government owned "Systembrolaget" shops. Do not go there on Fridays and do not over stock, people will look at you. The minimum age is 20. Open on week days until 18:00.

It is both informative and good fun to see a city from on high. Stockholm offers a variety of superb views.

There are many choices of sights and Stockholm caters for every travellers need. From museums, fantastic architecture to old traditions, no matter what one is searching for Stockholm has it.

Popular attractions include:

Långholmen Prison Museum -Not an Alcatres, but also a prison Island just in the outskirts of Stockholm. An old 250 year history of Prison life is available to anybody interested. Open Daily from 11:00 - 16:00, located in Kronohäcktet on the island Långholmen.

Junibacken -The home of Pippi Longstocking, the rebellious redhead from Astrid Lindgrenäs stories has been read by children all around the world. Visit Pippi and other Astrid Lindgren characters. Make sure you buy ticket in advance as there is limited space. Tel 00 44 (0)8 587 230 0000, open Wednesday-Sunday from 10:00.

Aquaria Water Museum - Open Tuesday to Sundays from 10:00 - 16:30. See large sting-rays, scalpel fish, sharks and living corals. The buses 44 or 47 will take you there or take the tramcar 7. Located in Djurgården.

Butterfly House - Located in Haga Parken you will here find the most fantastic species of Butterflys and birds living in a natural environment.