Stockholm County Travel Guide

Explore the beautiful Stockholm County, Sweden with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, stay, and how to get around.


Introduction to Stockholm County

Stockholm County, located in the Svealand region of Sweden, is a great place to explore the rich history, culture, and scenic natural beauty of the country. The county is home to Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, which is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and lively cultural scene. But the county has much more to offer, including fascinating museums, natural parks, and scenic hiking routes.

List of Places to Visit in Stockholm County

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vasa Museum - One of the most popular museums in Stockholm County, Vasa Museum is home to the restored 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
  • Skansen Open-Air Museum - Experience Sweden’s history and culture at Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. The attraction features historic buildings, costumes, and crafts, as well as a zoo with native Scandinavian animals.
  • Drottningholm Palace - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish Royal Family and is known for its stunning Baroque architecture and beautiful gardens.
  • The Royal Palace of Stockholm - The official residence of the Swedish Monarchy, the Royal Palace of Stockholm is located in the heart of the city and offers visitors a chance to explore the royal apartments, the Treasury, and the Royal Chapel.

Natural Attractions of Stockholm County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Stockholm Archipelago - Comprising over 30,000 islands, the Stockholm Archipelago is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can explore the islands by kayak, take a scenic boat tour, or go hiking or biking along the trails.
  • Fjäderholmarna Island - A popular day trip from Stockholm, Fjäderholmarna Island offers visitors a chance to enjoy the scenic views, explore the local crafts and arts scene, and try some delicious seafood.
  • Hellasgården Nature Reserve - A perfect spot for a day trip, Hellasgården Nature Reserve offers visitors a chance to explore the scenic nature trails, swim in a freshwater lake, or enjoy a traditional Swedish sauna.
  • Tyresta National Park - Located just outside Stockholm, Tyresta National Park is a nature lover’s paradise. Featuring over 50 km of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful forests, Tyresta is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stockholm County

  • Djurgården Island - A beautiful and popular spot for hiking and biking, Djurgården Island features scenic waterways, historic buildings, and beautiful parks.
  • Södermalm Island - Another great spot for hiking and biking, Södermalm Island offers visitors a chance to explore the local arts scene, taste some delicious cuisine, and enjoy the scenic views of the city and waterways.

Best Things to Do in Stockholm County: Activities and Tours

  • Kayak Tour of Stockholm’s Waterways - Get a unique perspective of the city by taking a guided kayak tour of the waterways. You’ll paddle under the bridges, through the canals, and along the scenic coastline.
  • Food Tour of Stockholm - Taste some of the best local cuisine on a food tour of Stockholm. You’ll visit local eateries and markets and sample everything from seafood to Scandinavian sweets.
  • Stockholm Ghost Walk Tour - Learn about the darker side of Stockholm’s history on a ghost walk tour. You’ll visit mysterious and haunted places and hear spooky stories from the city’s past.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stockholm County

| Day | Activity | |———–|———————————————————————————————| | Day 1-2 | Explore Stockholm. Visit museums, historic sites, and take a scenic boat trip around the city.| | Day 3-4 | Explore the Stockholm Archipelago. Go kayaking, hiking, or take a boat trip to the islands. | | Day 5-6 | Visit Drottningholm Palace and Gothenburg. | | Day 7 | Spend the day at Hellasgården Nature Reserve. Explore the trails, swim in Lake Källtorp, or enjoy a traditional Swedish sauna. |

Food and Drink Scene of Stockholm County

Must-Try Dishes

  • Meatballs with Lingonberries - A classic Swedish dish, meatballs with lingonberries are a must-try while in Stockholm County.
  • Gravlax - A cured salmon dish, gravlax is typically served as an appetizer and is enjoyed with mustard sauce and bread.
  • Prinsesstårta - A traditional Swedish cake, Prinsesstårta is a layer cake consisting of sponge cake, raspberry jam, vanilla cream, and whipped cream.

Local Beverages

  • Birch Sap - This refreshing drink is made from the sap of birch trees and is a popular drink in Nordic countries.
  • Aquavit - A local spirit, Aquavit is typically served with pickled herring and potatoes or used in cocktails.
  • Craft Beer - Stockholm County is home to a growing craft beer scene, and there are several local breweries worth checking out.

Where to Stay in Stockholm County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Grand Hotel - A luxurious five-star hotel located in the heart of Stockholm, Grand Hotel offers stunning views of the waterways and a range of amenities and services.
  • STF Hostel Zinkensdamm - Located in the trendy Södermalm district, STF Hostel Zinkensdamm offers budget-friendly accommodations and easy access to local bars, restaurants, and shops.
  • Långholmen Hotell - A unique hotel located in a former prison, Långholmen Hotell offers guests an opportunity to stay in a historic building with modern amenities and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Stockholm County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Swedish Crystal - Known for its beautiful design and quality, Swedish crystal is a popular souvenir to bring home from Stockholm County.
  • Handwoven Rugs - Made from natural fibers like wool and cotton, handwoven rugs are a staple of Scandinavian design and are a great statement piece for any home.
  • Lingonberry Jam - A popular condiment in Sweden, lingonberry jam is delicious and easy to transport home.

Local Culture and Customs of Stockholm County

Swedish culture is known for its emphasis on equality, honesty, and simplicity. Swedes are generally reserved and polite, but also very welcoming to tourists. It is considered polite to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home. Tipping is not a common practice in Sweden, and service charges are typically included in the bill.

Best Time to Visit Stockholm County

The best time to visit Stockholm County is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny. However, crowds can be large during this time, and prices may be higher. Winter can be a beautiful time to visit Stockholm County, with snow-covered landscapes and traditional holiday markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stockholm County

Do:

  • Do dress warmly in winter. Stockholm County can be chilly in the winter months, so bring plenty of warm layers.
  • Do try some of the local cuisine, including meatballs, gravlax, and Prinsesstårta.
  • Do respect the local customs and culture.

Don’t:

  • Don’t skip the chance to explore the beautiful Stockholm Archipelago.
  • Don’t forget to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • Don’t skip the chance to try some local craft beer.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stockholm County

Stockholm County is generally a safe place to visit, with low crime rates. However, as in any major city, tourists should be aware of pickpockets and take precautions with their valuables.

Health in Stockholm County

Healthcare in Stockholm County is of a high standard, and there are many hospitals and clinics throughout the county. It is recommended that travelers purchase travel health insurance before arriving in the county.

Getting to Stockholm County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Stockholm County

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the largest airport in Sweden and serves many international destinations.
  • Stockholm Bromma Airport is a smaller airport that primarily serves domestic and regional flights.

Bus Stations Near Stockholm County

  • Stockholm Cityterminalen is the main bus station in Stockholm and serves a wide range of national and international destinations.

Other Options

  • Stockholm Central Station is the main railway station in Stockholm and serves national and international destinations.
  • Ferry services connect Stockholm County to nearby destinations, including Finland, Estonia, and Latvia.

How to Get Around in Stockholm County

Public transportation in Stockholm County is extensive and includes buses, trains, and a metro system. The metro system is the most efficient and affordable way to travel around Stockholm city. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from Stockholm County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Uppsala - Located just north of Stockholm, Uppsala is home to the oldest university in Scandinavia and features many historic sites and cultural attractions.
  • Gothenburg - Sweden’s second-largest city, Gothenburg is located on the west coast of the country and is known for its historic sites, vibrant culture, and beautiful parks.
  • Tallinn, Estonia - Across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm, Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s beautiful Old Town, visit museums and galleries, and enjoy local cuisine.

Conclusion

Stockholm County is a beautiful and fascinating destination with something to offer every traveler. Whether you’re interested in the local culture and history, the scenic natural beauty, or outdoor adventures, Stockholm County has it all. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan the perfect trip and make the most of your time in this wonderful part of Sweden.

''Drottningholm'' in Ekerö is one example of why it is worth getting out of Stockholm and exploring other municipalities of the county ''Drottningholm'' in Ekerö is one example of why it is worth getting out of Stockholm and exploring other municipalities of the county With two large international airports within the county, finding a plane connection should not be a problem With two large international airports within the county, finding a plane connection should not be a problem Norrtälje's rural seclusion provides a counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of Stockholm Norrtälje's rural seclusion provides a counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of Stockholm Sigtuna is older than Stockholm Sigtuna is older than Stockholm The Stockholm archipelago (Sandhamn pictured) gets even more picturesque in the wintry months. The Stockholm archipelago (Sandhamn pictured) gets even more picturesque in the wintry months. Platform ticket machines accept credit cards. Platform ticket machines accept credit cards. Artwork at the Tekniska Högskolan metro station. Artwork at the Tekniska Högskolan metro station. Nockebybanan at Alvik Station Nockebybanan at Alvik Station There is plenty of water to enjoy in all kinds of ways, like here in Sandviken in Södertälje. There is plenty of water to enjoy in all kinds of ways, like here in Sandviken in Södertälje.


    Ekerö
    Northern suburbs of Stockholm
    Stockholm