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Stockholm from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Stockholm.

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Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, an amazingly picturesque city with “northern beauty”. Like any European capital In addition to many attractions and worthy museums, it boasts an abundance of cafes with amazingly delicious dishes, Swedish designer shops, as well as a variety of hotels and a rich nightlife.

The city originated more than 700 years ago; Today it is spread over 14 islands in the cold Baltic Sea, connected by 57 bridges. But despite this, almost all the main attractions here can be easily reached on foot.

The tourist information office, which will help you book a hotel room, tell you the opening hours of all museums, and also provide city maps and other information, is located at: Vasagatan, 14 - opposite Central Station, bus terminal and metro T-Centralen.

How to get to Stockholm

There are several ways to get to Stockholm from Russia. The choice depends on the time and money available. Several dozen planes fly daily from the airports of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the Swedish capital, with direct and connecting flights on the schedule. The transfer usually takes place in Riga, but there are several routes via Vilnius, Helsinki, Berlin and Paris. If you book tickets in advance, finding inexpensive and fast flights is not so difficult.

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Districts of Stockholm

The city is built on 14 islands, washed by Lake Mälaren on one side and the Baltic Sea on the other. The so-called “Stockholm archipelago” includes more than 24 thousand islands, islets and just rocks.

At the very center are Gamla Stan (Old Town) and Riddarholmen (Knight's Island), two of the largest and best-preserved medieval centers in Northern Europe, founded in the 13th century.

When traveling around Stockholm, you simply need to visit the bustling City, the area of ​​unbridled fun Stureplan or the chic Östermalm.

When traveling around Stockholm, you can’t help but visit the bustling City, the area of ​​unbridled fun Stureplan or the chic Östermalm. This is where most of the major department stores, boutiques, showrooms, restaurants, nightclubs and galleries are located. Southern region The towns of Södermalm, next to Jotgatan Street, and SoFo (South of Folkungagatan - south of Folkungagatan Street), will appeal to lovers of the original: there are shops of young Swedish and daring designers, bohemian design and interior boutiques, youth bars and cafes.

Transport

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) is responsible for buses, metro, commuter trains, trams and some ferry services. The entire transport system in Stockholm is divided into three zones, within which general travel tickets are valid for all types of transport. The exception is buses to the airport and several other special lines. Travel is paid for with coupons, which are sold individually (20 SEK) or in a set of 16 pieces (180 SEK). To travel through one transport zone, 2 coupons are required, if you need to cross the border of two zones - 3, three - 4.

You can buy tickets in the SL center, metro, Pressbyra network kiosks (Press Bureau), ticket machines or by phone by sending an SMS. Bus drivers do not sell tickets. Most bus stops have machines that accept both coins and credit cards.

The most convenient way is to purchase a paper strip with coupons - a pre-paid card or a card valid in all zones for 1 (100 SEK), 3 (200 SEK) or 7 days (260 SEK).

Buses

Stockholm's bus network is one of the most extensive in the world (450 routes). The cars run strictly according to a schedule and are quite difficult to mark. A number of routes operate only on Fridays or during peak hours. On weekdays, the intervals between buses usually do not exceed 10-15 minutes, during rush hours - 5-10 minutes.

Metro

The Stockholm metro, like in Moscow, is a real underground museum 110 km long. One of the most striking examples is the Solna Centrum station with a grotto-shaped bright red ceiling “hanging” over the platform. The number of masterpieces here is so large that it will be quite difficult to examine them on your own. It is worth booking a guided tour, which includes visits to 4-5 of the most interesting stations. It is also advisable to buy a ticket at T-Centralen station and take the Blue Line, which includes Radhuset, Fridhemsplan and Kungstradgarden stations.

You can explore Stockholm by sitting comfortably on city buses No. 47 or 69. Route 47 goes to the island of Djurgarden (Skansen open-air park museum, Vasa Museum). And route 69 goes to the Erdet district, where the Kaknasturnet television tower is located.

Taxi

Licensed metered taxis always have yellow license plates. You can order a taxi by phone, stop it on the street by raising your hand, or take it at a taxi stand (for example, at the Central Railway Station). The fare varies depending on the time of day. On average, a route over 10 km should not cost more than 300 SEK. Large taxi companies also accept payment by credit card.

Maps of Stockholm

Bicycles

This type of transport in Stockholm is very popular among locals and tourists. The network of rental points extends throughout the city; you can rent a bicycle at every metro station and near the main attractions, and return it at any other point in the city.

Bicycles can be rented for 3 days (165 SEK) or for the whole season (300 SEK). To do this, you need to buy a special card at metro ticket kiosks or at bus stops. In addition, on the official website of the City Bikes company (office website in English and Swedish) season passes are sold at a discounted price - only 250 SEK. When purchasing a card, foreign citizens must have a passport with them.

Rent a Car

Stockholm is one of the few cities that have managed to significantly reduce traffic congestion. Coupled with the politeness of Swedish motorists, this makes moving around the city quite comfortable. However, for those who do not plan to travel to the suburbs, renting a car does not make sense. Getting to most attractions by public transport is easy.

Those who want to visit Drottningholm Palace or wander through the ancient streets of Uppsala should take into account the peculiarities of moving around Stockholm by car. You have to pay to enter some areas - from 10 to 20 SEK. There are no free parking lots in Stockholm; the cost of an hour of parking varies from 5 to 40 SEK.

The car rental market is represented mostly by international companies (Bookingcar, Budget, Rentalcars, etc.). It is best to book a car in advance via the Internet. Some companies provide the opportunity to return the car in another city or country, which is very convenient if you have planned a tour of Europe. A day's rent of an economy class car will cost 600 SEK.

Communications and Wi-Fi

Mobile communications in Stockholm work well, of course, because it was in Sweden that it first became widespread. The advisability of buying a local SIM card depends on the duration of the trip and how much you plan to talk on the phone. If you arrive for a couple of days, you can easily settle for favorable roaming rates from Russian operators.

If you are going to stay here for a week, it is best to buy a package with a prepaid rate. There are 3 main cellular companies operating in Stockholm - Telenor, Telia and Tele 2. The cost of a minute of conversation with Russia does not differ much (2-12 SEK), the package itself will cost 60 SEK.

There should be no problems buying a SIM card - they are sold at the railway station, at the airport and numerous kiosks.

You can connect to Wi-Fi for free in almost any area of ​​the city. Access points can be found at the airport and train station, ports, many hotels, cafes and restaurants. There are no street areas in the city, but there are several chains of coffee shops, near which you can go online, sitting comfortably on the nearest bench.

Stockholm Pass

The special tourist card Stockholm Pass gives you free entry to 60 museums in and around Stockholm, as well as various cultural events. Some exhibitions can be viewed with a 20% discount. Hop-on hop-of bus excursions and ferry trips around the islands of the archipelago are free for card holders. Upon purchase, you will receive a city guide with maps and information in several languages.

Unlike the Stockholm Card, which ceased to be valid on January 1, 2016, the new tourist card does not give the right to free pass on city public transport and free parking in the central part of the city. However, only on entrance tickets You can save up to 1000 SEK on museums.

You can purchase the Stockholm Pass at any tourist office in Stockholm or online on the official website. The card is valid for 24 hours (595 SEK), 2 days (795 SEK), 3 days (995 SEK) or 5 days (1295 SEK). A children's card will cost 2 times less. The validity period begins from the moment of its activation in the museum.

Beaches of Stockholm

Stockholm boasts many places worth relaxing and having a fun picnic. For example, the central city park area, which is connected by bridges to the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and the Södermalm district, and Lake Mälaren (clean enough to not only swim in, but even fish in). Another popular place is Långholmen Island, where local residents love to spend weekends.

If you walk east along the Strandvägen promenade, you can get to the Östermalm area, and from there to the island of Djurgården. There are good beaches, beautiful nature, plant and flower nurseries, and a wonderful bird sanctuary on Djurgardskanalen.

You can take a walk to the Kungsholmen district in the western part of Stockholm. There, along the Norrmalarstrand promenade, there is an excellent cycle path and path that winds from the city hall (Stadshuset) to the beaches and meadows of Rolambshovsparken. And in the northern part, the ancient Hagaparken park with its magnificent landscape, lakes and ponds awaits its guests. And for starters, here are five of the best places to swim in Stockholm.

Charming Stockholm

Stockholm hotels

The general level of prices for accommodation in Stockholm is quite high. However, the choice of hotels and inns is very large, so finding the most suitable one is not so difficult. Those who want to save money should pay attention to popular hostels throughout Europe. Most budget options located in Södermalm and Vasastan - from 160 SEK per bed in a dormitory room. In the Gamla Stan area you will have to pay more than 200 SEK for it.

Many hotels in Stockholm include breakfast in the price of your stay. However, in hostels and several other hotels it must be paid separately.

There are many two- and three-star hotels in the city with good service And high prices, which start from 450 SEK for a double room. It will cost a little cheaper in floating hotels equipped on board former ships. The most expensive luxury hotels are concentrated in the historical center of the city and its surroundings, including the Redisson and Hilton chain hotels. The cost of one night can reach up to 2300 SEK.

Shopping

Although Stockholm is considered one of the most expensive cities in Europe, thousands of shopaholics from all over the world come here every year. If you set your mind, you can find high-quality and inexpensive things here. Prices for clothes, shoes and accessories from famous Swedish brands (H&M, Ache, Indiska, KappAhi, etc.) and household goods (Designtorget) in Stockholm are significantly lower than in Moscow. You should look for affordable shops in the Södermalm and City areas.

On the days of winter (from late December to mid-February) and summer (from mid-July to late August) sales, prices for off-season goods fall by 30-70%. At other times, for budget shopping you should go to Outlet I Barkarby.

Those who are used to leaving a tidy sum in stores also have something to profit from. The most expensive boutiques are in the Östermalm area, on Birger Jarlsgatan and several other streets. Among them are the famous brands Gucci, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, as well as Swedish brands Anna Holtblad, Filippa K and others.

The city's oldest food market is located in the same area. On the shelves you can find excellent cheeses, sausages, seafood, fruits and vegetables, but they cost a lot. If you want to save money, it is better to go to the supermarket. There are also several flea markets in Stockholm. The most famous are Ostermalmshallen and Loppmarknaden on Bottenvaningen and Skarholmen streets. They are open only on weekends, and you will have to pay from 16 to 25 SEK for entry.

Don't forget about the system Tax free(look for a sticker with a logo on the doors or in the checkout area), which will allow you to return 15-18% of the cost of goods. It applies to purchases over SEK 2,000.

What to try

Getting to know a foreign culture and mentality cannot be imagined without tasting local dishes. This fully applies to the Scandinavian peoples, whose cuisine has its own characteristics due to its geographical location.

The menu of Stockholm restaurants and the daily diet of Swedes always includes fish. They love it here and know how to cook it, in ways that are quite unusual for a Russian person. Herring, Baltic herring, salmon and cod are stewed, marinated, fried and served with a variety of sauces. The most interesting are gravlax (salmon marinated) and lutefisk (dried molva or pollock soaked in lye).

From meat dishes You should definitely try the venison delicacies. Of course, pork and beef are also prepared well in Stockholm, but you are unlikely to find such a variety of dishes made from the meat of this noble animal anywhere outside of Scandinavia. Venison, like fish, is often served with lingonberry or cranberry sauce.

Cafes and restaurants in Stockholm

Holidays in Stockholm, as in other parts of Scandinavia, cannot be called budget. Prices for accommodation, excursions, entertainment and dining in restaurants are quite high even in comparison with other European cities. Those who want to save on food will have to try very hard to find a really inexpensive cafe, and they will have to forget about restaurants altogether.

One of the few options for a budget lunch or snack is fast food. But even at McDonald's in Stockholm, the average check is 2 times higher than in Moscow.

Another way to save money on lunch is dagens lunch (“dish of the day”). Similar offers, reminiscent of our usual business lunches, are available in almost all establishments in the city. To use it, you need to come to the cafe in certain time, usually from 11:00 to 14:00. A hot dish, salad, bread and drink will cost only 65-120 SEK, which is very cheap by local standards.

Those who are used to relaxing in grand style and do not plan to save on food should pay attention to one of the restaurants with national Swedish cuisine in Gamla Stan. There you can taste fresh fish and venison dishes prepared according to local recipes. It will be very tasty, but expensive, the cost of dinner can reach up to 1000 SEK per person.

In addition to eating local cuisine, the city also has Thai, Indian, Italian and Turkish restaurants. Lunch at a middle-class establishment will cost 300-600 SEK. Delicious coffee with famous Swedish pancakes or sandwiches in one of the chain coffee shops will cost 80-100 SEK.

The best photos of Stockholm

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Guides in Stockholm

Entertainment and attractions in Stockholm

There are many historical, architectural and cultural attractions in and around the center of Stockholm. When planning a trip, you should carefully plan your route in order to have time to visit as many interesting places as possible. You can walk through the Vasa Museum alone for several hours, and even spend the whole day at Skansen.

The old town of Gamla Stan is home to the Royal Palace, many beautiful churches, picturesque streets, shops, restaurants and cafes. Adjacent to the palace are the Armory Chamber and the Treasury. However, what attracts most tourists' attention is the daily changing of the guard - a breathtaking spectacle. In addition, the Nobel Museum and the Knight's House are located in this part of the city.

Interesting old houses from the 18th to 20th centuries can be seen on the shores of the Norrmalm area, the islands of Södermalm and Kungsholmen.

The island of Skeppsholmen is famous for its many museums: it is home to the Museum of Modern Art, with one of the best collections of the 20th century, as well as the Architecture Museum, located in the same building. In addition, on the island it is worth visiting one of the exhibitions of the Swedish Uniform Association or the East Asian Museum. On the adjacent island of Blasieholmen is the National Museum, with a first-class collection of Scandinavian and European painting and sculpture, as well as a permanent exhibition of Swedish design.

The park island of Royal Djurgården is a treasure trove of attractions and good mood for the whole family. Here is the open-air ethnographic museum Skansen with the famous miniature of historical Sweden. Also interesting is the Vasa Museum with a royal warship and the most favorite museum for the most important tourists- Junibakken - the world of fairy tales by children's writer Astrid Lindgren. The former private palaces of the island now house two wonderful art museums - the Thiel Gallery and Prince Eugene's Waldemarsudde. Both are famous for their collections of Northern European painting and sculpture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Another museum, the Northern Museum, is dedicated to the culture and history of Northern Europe.

Not long ago, a beautiful panoramic platform was opened in the capital, which is located in the so-called “Eriksson Ball” - a giant spherical structure in the southern part of Stockholm (an indoor sports and entertainment complex). The SkyView attraction takes tourists to the very top of the ball (130 m) in a spherical glass gondola. The ride takes 20 minutes and the gondola can accommodate 16 people. Address: st. Globen metro station, from where SkyView is just a few minutes' walk away.

Neighborhood

In the vicinity of Stockholm there are three strikingly beautiful places included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the Skogschurkugården cemetery with interesting modernist landscape architecture; residence of the Swedish royal family, Drottningholm Palace with a park and the palace theater "Northern Versailles"; as well as the ancient Viking settlement of Birka on the island of Björkö.

Also interesting are the sculpture park and the Millesgården Museum, which is located in charming corner on the island of Lidingey, and the 18th century parks Hagaparken, Albano and Frescati.

7 things to do in Stockholm

1. Pet “The Boy Looking at the Moon” and be sure to return to this fairy-tale city.
2. Ask the Swedish poet Nils Ferlin for a light, or rather his bronze statue on the street. Klarabergsgatan.
3. Walk along the narrowest street in Stockholm - Morten Trotzig Lane.
4. Find Carlson's house.
5. Explore the Stockholm metro and find the most beautiful stations.
6. Admire the city from the water.
7. Try fried herring with lingonberry sauce or smoked salmon.

Night life

Entertainment is Stureplan: discos, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, snack bars, the most fashionable residents of Stockholm, an eternal holiday for students and bohemians. You can have a good lunch or dinner at East and Sturecompagniet, and at night be sure to pop into Hell’s Kitchen, Hotellet, Push, Le Bon Palais, The Spy Bar or White Room. As a rule, the largest and most “persistent” clubs are open until 5:00, while most close earlier.

An original monument in honor of the Swedish jazz singer Monica Zetterlund appeared in the Vasastan district of Stockholm. The monument is a large wooden bench installed in the park, which bears the name of the singer and is located at the intersection of Roslagsgatan and Surbrunnsgatan streets. As soon as a passerby sits down on the bench, it begins to play Monica Zetterlund's records. The repertoire lasts for an hour.

The Vasastan district is located north of central Stockholm and has until now been little known to tourists, despite the abundance good restaurants, designer stores and the fact that it was here, as planned by Astrid Lindgren, that Carlson lived.

• When can you take a rooftop tour in Stockholm?

Stockholm for children

Stockholm seems to be created for family vacation- highchairs and menus in restaurants, family rooms in many hotels, the magical atmosphere of the narrow streets of the old town and, of course, many excursions and entertainment for children of all ages.

Arriving in Stockholm with a child, first of all go to Carlson's house. This small metal building stands on the roof of a residential building at Vulkanusgatan 12. Finding it on the map is not so easy; you need to navigate to the Sankt Eriksplan metro station. There are no excursions or any other interesting events held here, but it’s definitely worth seeing the home of your favorite fairy-tale hero with your own eyes. In addition, Astrid Lindgren herself once lived here, giving the world many wonderful characters.

Carlson is not as popular in Sweden itself as outside of it, so finding his house is not easy. On the street It is better to enter Vulkanusgatan from the street. Atlasgatan.

You can meet the almost real “Man in the Prime of Life,” as well as Pippi Longstocking and other Lindgren characters at the Junibakken Fairytale Museum. It is located on the museum island of Djurgården, so a visit there can be easily combined with visits to other interesting attractions. In this unusual museum, the pages of Astrid Lindgren's fairy tales come to life, the most interesting of which guests travel on the Fairytale Train. The big stage hosts fabulous performances almost every day.

Another interesting museum where you can easily spend the whole day is located in the suburb of Södertälje. It will take about an hour to get from the center, but it's worth it. The Tom Titus Experiment Museum contains the most unusual and fun physical experiments. The exhibition is interactive - all exhibits can and should be touched, turned on and experienced in action.

The most exciting and sometimes even extreme attractions are in the oldest Swedish holiday park, Gröna-Lund. It is located on the island of Djurgården, not far from the famous museum of one ship "Vasa". The most interesting attractions are the Ferris wheel, roller coaster, funhouse, "Broom" (based on the Harry Potter books), "Eclipse" and the Viking ship.

Weather

Average monthly temperature, °C day and night

January

Feb rahl

The most comfortable time for long walks around the city is from late May to early September. These days the weather is dry, sunny and warm, and at the end of summer you can see white nights. The worst time to travel to Stockholm is autumn. From October to the end of November, the narrow streets are chilly and damp, and prolonged drizzling rains are common.

- the capital of Sweden, as well as one of the largest Scandinavian cities, famous for its colorful buildings and the “Stockholm syndrome” discovered here. The name of the metropolis translates as “island fortified with stilts” or “island on pillars.” This reflects the characteristics of the area: Stockholm, with a population of 921 thousand inhabitants, occupies 14 islands, which are connected by bridges.

Video: Stockholm

Basic moments

The picturesque city lies on Lake Mälaren where it flows into the Baltic Sea. Both world wars spared Stockholm and its magnificent buildings, preserving its Nordic flavor for travelers.

The city is home to the Riksdag, ministries and the Supreme Court, as well as the seat of the Catholic bishop. The Swedish capital has something to show tourists: the city has over 100 museums, churches and castles. Stores in Stockholm satisfy the needs of the most discerning customer. The city will not disappoint lovers of nightlife either.

From a fortress castle to a large city

Stockholm was first mentioned in historical chronicles in 1252. The founder is considered to be Jarl Birger - known as the “king without a name”. Under his leadership, a fortress grew on the island of Stadholmen. The location turned out to be so successful that trade began to flourish in these places. But the local residents did not live in peace - in the 15th century there was an uprising. The rebels called for Sweden to secede from Denmark. But the uprising failed, and its leaders were executed.

In 1634, the city acquired a proud status - it was called the capital of the Kingdom of Sweden. In the 19th century, Stockholm already occupied 14 islands. In the 19th century, the population of Stockholm increased sharply from 75 thousand to 300 thousand inhabitants, which led to the emergence of a number of social problems: until 1861, the city had no sewerage system, and it was considered almost the most dirty city in Europe. But today Stockholm is one of the most beautiful and cleanest capitals in the world. About 1.6 million people live in the city and its surroundings.

Among the important milestones in the development of the city is the establishment of an award ceremony for Nobel laureates at the beginning of the 20th century. You can get acquainted with the history of the city thanks to the exhibits collected in the Historical Museum. Most of it is devoted to the medieval history of the settlement.

Getting to know the center

Central and most old district, Gamla Stan (Old Town), is located on three islands. Here you will see the Bunde mansion, the House of Elders, and the German Church - the most famous buildings in the city. The main pride of the area is the Royal Palace. Nearby are the Armory and the Treasury. The Nobel Museum and the Knight's House are also located here.

The center of the ancient district is occupied by the Great Square. A mass execution took place here in the 15th century due to an uprising. They say that the number of snow-white stones on the façade of the red building corresponds to the number of dead. In addition to the famous sights, in the center you can take a look at the narrowest street. Its width is only 90 cm.

Famous sights of the capital

The pride of Stockholm is the Royal Palace. The building was designed by a representative of the Scandinavian Baroque, Swedish architect Tessin Jr. This is the largest active residence in the world, so tourists do not have access to all rooms of the palace. But what they manage to see is impressive: state regalia in the treasury, ancient military equipment in the Armory, luxurious furnishings of the premises. You can also regularly observe the changing of the guard - every day at 12:15, and on Sundays at 13:15.

Do you want to touch the oldest building? The first stone building is considered to be the Church of St. Nicholas - it was erected in 1264. Inside there is a huge hall, impressive height of the vaults, many benches. Even pens with Masonic symbols speak of antiquity. This is the main cathedral of the country, and to this day the coronation of Swedish monarchs takes place here. There is a statue of St. George the Victorious made of oak, as well as his relics. On the occasion of holidays, the church is decorated, for example, for Christmas, installations on biblical themes are installed. At the entrance you can purchase a short booklet, including in Russian. From time to time, organ music concerts are held in the Church of St. Nicholas. Together with the Royal Palace, the temple forms a wonderful composition.

Not far from the cathedral there are two more attractions - the Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Nobel Library. The Nobel Museum is located in the same building as the “temple of knowledge”. All exhibits echo the most prestigious award. You can find out information about Alfred Nobel, Nobel laureates and their works.

The symbol of Stockholm is the City Hall, located on the island. Kungsholm. This place is associated with Nobel laureates - banquets and balls in honor of the famous award are held here. Today the building is occupied by the City Council and the Central Administration of the city. First, you should view the City Hall from afar. The building with a tower with three royal crowns looks majestic. The building is on the shore cleanest lake Mälaren, home to rainbow trout. The 20th century building has an adjacent courtyard. The 106-meter tower has Observation deck, which is open from May to September.

main hall The town hall is made of handmade bricks, and its area is comparable to the size of a football field (1600 sq. m.). The building houses a powerful organ made of 10 thousand pipes, and houses a Golden Panel depicting historical scenes. There are also excursions here - in Swedish and Russian.

Another “classic” attraction is the Knight’s House. This building is considered the most beautiful in Stockholm. It was erected in the 17th century. The hall is designed in the late Renaissance style. The statues decorating the building symbolize virtue. In past centuries, meetings of the upper house of parliament were held here, and today the Swedish nobility meets here three times a year.

Visit the elegant hall of the Stockholm Opera. In terms of its decoration, it is not inferior to the palaces of the monarchs of Sweden. The majestic hall is designed for a thousand guests, framed with patterns and sculptures of the 18th century. The golden foyer amazes with the shimmer of crystal.

All sights of Stockholm

Museum Island

The Swedes called one of the islands, Djurgården, a museum island. There are a variety of museums here: botanical museums, the famous ABBA group, the fabulous “Junibakken” with Carlson and the Moomins... Are you interested in painting? Take a look at the estate of Prince Eugene, where, in addition to paintings, ancient statues are kept. The Nordic Museum houses a collection that introduces the peculiarities of Scandinavia.

The most visited museum is the Vasa ship, a kind of “time machine”. This is the Swedish Titanic: a lot of hopes were placed on the vehicle. The ship was one of the largest in the 17th century; it was decorated with 700 different sculptures. The order to build the ship was given by the King of Sweden. But the shipbuilders made a mistake, and the first trip to sea ended unsuccessfully - the Vasa sank. Only 300 years later the ship was raised to the surface, restored, and today tourists visit it. At Vasa, everyone can immerse themselves in the history of the museum ship. You can download audio files on the museum’s official website to make your walk more enriching.

A monument of Swedish folk architecture - the Skansen Ethnographic Museum. It is stylized as Sweden of old times. Under centuries-old oak trees there are ancient buildings: about 150 wooden houses, miniature churches, windmills, outbuildings from the town hall. The employees are dressed in national costumes and demonstrate the main activities of the ancient Swedes. This is one of the oldest open-air museums, as it has been operating since the 19th century. In addition to the ethno-park, there is a zoo and attractions.

The Til Gallery is located on the same museum island. It is ready to surprise tourists: woolen panels depicting birds, a hall with huge flowers and lizards in the spirit of “The Lord of the Rings”, portraits of Nietzsche... Scandinavian art is famous for its creativity and spontaneity.

Or maybe the world of Astrid Lindgren is close to you? You need to set aside at least an hour for the Museum of Fairy Tales of the famous writer “Junibacken”. The mini-trip takes place on a fairy-tale train. You will visit Carlson's roof, "become" miniature like Nils, encounter a giant rat and be able to play pranks with Pippi.

Among the significant museums is the historical one, whose collections include specimens from the 16th century. There is an exhibition of works from the Viking period. Underground behind thick walls there is a Golden Pantry where treasures are located. This is a huge collection of Viking gold - it was found in treasures and burials. Check out the music museum, where you can even play some musical instruments. And in the Swedish capital there is a museum of dance, post office, porcelain, army, toys, police... It is better to allocate at least a day to visit cultural institutions! There are about 80 museums in Stockholm.

City from above

After exploring the sights and museums, do you want to take a closer look at Stockholm? Head to the small island of Södermalm. The ancient Katarina ski lift is located here. This is a venerable “citizen” - it appeared in 1880 and became the very first ski lift on the planet. Its height is more than 40 meters. From the top platform there is a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Tourists also look at the city from the Kaknastornet television tower. Even the islands of the Stockholm archipelago are visible. The height of the object is impressive - 337 meters! Although the observation deck is protected by glass, you can go up one floor. There is only a fence made of mesh and the wind is blowing. The observation deck is open from 9 am to 10 pm (in summer), from 10:00 to 21:00 during the rest of the period.

Another observation deck is at the town hall. Its height is 106 meters. There is an official tour of the rooftops. In 1.5 hours, tourists can walk along the most interesting objects of the Old Town, take unusual pictures and listen to educational information.

Picnic areas

Stockholm is considered the green capital of Europe. A popular place is the central park, connected to the historical center by bridges. Another famous object is about. Långholmen, where locals go for picnics. The island of Djurgården has wonderful beaches, impressive nature, and a bird sanctuary. Take a look at the Flower Corner (Rosendals Garden). The garden is located in the center of the island. This a nice place with greenhouses and flowers. More than 100 varieties of apple trees are collected in this place.

In the Kungsholmen area near the embankment there is a convenient bike path. Nearby is a path that goes around the municipality and leads to the beaches. In the northern part of Stockholm is Hagaparken Park. In broad daylight, you can see deer, roe deer, and foxes here. The park contains the residence of Princess Victoria and the Butterfly House.

Festival time

Stockholm doesn't skimp on festivals. They are dedicated to everything - ancient music, jazz, cinema, culture... The Taste Stockholm festival opens at the beginning of June. For 2.5 euros in the main square of the city you can try dishes presented by different restaurants and cafes. Music accompanies the tasting process different directions. In July in central park A street festival is taking place. For several days, the bowl of the fountain turns into a platform where world-famous acrobats, jugglers, breakdancers and clowns perform. In mid-August, the Stockholm Cultural Festival is held, which brings together half a thousand events. Film screenings, concerts, literary cafes and exhibitions - you name it! And most importantly, attending any event is free.

The ancient Swedish capital and one of the largest Baltic ports is called the “Venice of the north” and “gem” in Europe.

Where is Stockholm located?

The geography of Stockholm is very interesting: it is located in the east of the country, on 14 islands connected by dozens of bridges, so it has other names, like “city on stilts.” It stands where Lake Mälaren, rich in islands and birds, is connected to the Baltic Sea by many channels. In the old days, this location was considered very advantageous: in case of war, small forces could hold these channels for a long time and successfully resist a large enemy army.

Residents adore their city, green, clean and comfortable: the vast majority of the population (about 97%) are satisfied with their standard of living, their financial situation, and the environment.

Climate of Stockholm

The climate of Stockholm is temperate maritime, rather mild. It is not often hot in the summer, nor severe frosts in the winter, but there are some things worth knowing in more detail to make your vacation a success.

In winter, the temperature rarely drops below -3°C even at night, but there is plenty of snow. But the coast also has high humidity and sharp winds: you can catch a cold even in slight frost by dressing inappropriately. It is also worth remembering that the days are very short - at 15-16 hours it is already dark. But in the summer, as in St. Petersburg, there are white nights.

Real spring comes at the end of April, but everything quickly begins to turn green and bloom, and in May it is already quite warm and dry - a good time for excursions.

In summer there is little rain, the air warms up to 25°C and above only sometimes, and the daylight hours are as long as possible: the relatively dark period is about 3 hours, from about 23 to 2.30 northern nights. Residents already in June begin to swim in lakes near the city and even in the sea, near the piers.

Autumn - no best time: damp, rainy and long; rain may alternate with snow. At the beginning of October you can still take a walk: the sun is shining and it’s not cold – 10-15°C.

Therefore, it is better to travel from May to September, but it doesn’t hurt to have warm clothes and an umbrella.

The main attractions of Stockholm

The tour should start from the Old Town - Gamla Stan., perfectly preserved: there are many buildings from the 13th-14th centuries. Stockholm is a city of amazing architecture and color: its views are similar to the cities of fairy-tale kingdoms, and this is close to the truth - after all, it was here that the Swedish sorceress Astrid Lindgren lived and wrote her fairy tales. Most of the brightest and interesting temples and museums are located in Gamla Stan, as is the Royal Palace, the current residence of the monarchs. Describe Old city you can spend a long time - it’s better to see it once and feel the “real” Middle Ages.

There are 14 UNESCO sites in Sweden; two of them are in Stockholm. The first is Drottningholm, the “Swedish Versailles”, a 17th-century palace where the royal family lives. Its architecture has been called "luxurious", "the embodiment of the power of monarchs" and "a mirror of the traditions of Europe." Although the palace is residential, excursions are held all year round, and you can explore almost all the rooms.

A slightly unexpected UNESCO site is Skogschurkogården, the Forest Cemetery. The place where the ashes of many famous and famous people, including Greta Garbo, rest, cannot be called a cemetery in the familiar sense to many. Everything here is so fused with nature and “fitted” into the landscapes that there is no disharmony, and the energy, according to those who have been there, is far from that of a cemetery. The project was created by various architects and artists: there are many chapels with gardens around, where plants are beautifully combined with buildings, sculptural decorations and other landscape elements.

If we talk about the nature of Stockholm, best place considered a Royal National City Park. It is located right in the center, on an area of ​​more than 26 square meters. km; consists of several parks and islands. There are always a lot of tourists and locals - this favorite place recreation: many cafes, shops and restaurants, a lot of entertainment is organized; in the center there is a large beautiful fountain. In winter, ice skating is active in the park.

The uniquely designed building is the Ericsson Globe Arena, the world's largest hemispherical stadium with a capacity of 16,000 people. World sports stars often perform there and grandiose concert shows are held, and many people (in particular, sports fans) travel to Stockholm just to see it. You can also climb the dome in glass gondolas to a height of 130 m and see the city from a bird's eye view - there are many who want to do it.

The history of Stockholm is so rich and interesting that it is impossible to “cover” all the preserved values ​​in one visit. They don’t even fit in museums: there are more than a hundred museums and art galleries. In addition, Stockholm is one of the most important cultural centers of European significance.

But, once in the “subway”, you can compensate for this disappointment at least partially. The Stockholm metro is not just transport, but a real art gallery: dozens of stations are decorated with sculptures and mosaics, bas-reliefs, frescoes, engravings and paintings by famous artists.

The restaurants in Stockholm have the same story as the museums, but there are about 10 times more of them - about 1000. The cuisines are very different - from Italian to Arabic. But what is definitely worth trying are the national dishes of the Swedes: the most popular are meatballs with a sauce prepared with the addition of berry jams. They are served with potatoes and sour cream - the dish is simple and high in calories, but incredibly tasty.

Holidays with children in Stockholm

We can’t help but mention the “children’s world” Swedish capital. Of course, Astrid Lindgren's interactive museum is the most visited, and it is open all year round: everything is arranged in such a way that even the rides operate indoors. You can travel around the museum, between characters and scenes from your favorite books, on a train; The museum's theater hosts performances every day and hosts many entertainment events. You can buy books, toys and souvenirs “in the theme”; treat yourself to delicious delicacies in a real children's restaurant operating at the museum.

Another popular and visited museum is the real warship Vasa, the only one of its kind. The museum was founded after a ship that sank in the 17th century when it first left the harbor due to fatal design errors was raised and restored more than 330 years later. The museum is designed in such a way that the ship can be viewed from all sides down to the smallest detail; You can also watch a film telling the story of the most expensive ship in Sweden, which never went to sea. This excursion will be more interesting for older children.

It is also worth visiting the Museum of Music - you are allowed not only to touch the instruments, but even to play them, and, if desired, to compose music; at the Skansen Museum, where there is a small but wonderful zoo and many amazing buildings of different styles, including working craft workshops: you are also allowed to try your hand at crafts.

The Butterfly House is also a park. Butterflies of many species fly freely, in hundreds - they love it, and reptiles and exotic fish live nearby: after all, there is enough water in Stockholm. In the summer in the city you can enjoy swimming on the islands, sunbathing and building fairytale castles out of sand.

On rocky islands east coast Lake Mälaren has long been inhabited by people whose main occupation was fishing. There is a beautiful legend according to which scenic view numerous islands and coastal waters owe to the deceased mermaid, who gave her charm and attractiveness to the local waters and shores.

At the end of the 11th century, in place fishing villages A fortified settlement arose on the island of Stadsholmen. The founding date of Stockholm is considered to be 1252, when Earl Birger, the founder of the city and future king, mentioned him in his letter. The location was chosen very well - at the junction of the lake and Baltic Sea, where it was possible to open the fairway at will to passing merchant ships and close it to the robber fleets.

On one of the islands, the earl built a fortified castle, Tre-Krunur, with a watchtower, and surrounded the island itself with fortress walls and built wooden bridges to the neighboring islands, which he also protected with a high palisade. The safety of the new settlement attracted numerous merchants and craftsmen, as well as monks. Stockholm began to grow rapidly - houses, cathedrals and monasteries were built, and by 1270 it was already mentioned in historical chronicles as the most powerful city in Sweden.

There are two versions of the origin of the name Stockholm. The first part of the word "stock" means a wooden pile, the second - "holme" - an island. According to another version, the first component comes from the Swedish word “stack” - bay. Interestingly, in Swedish, Stockholm is a feminine word. The Swedes say: “Beauty of Stockholm”, “Queen of Lake Mälaren”. At the end of the 13th century, Stockholm was an influential market town, the beginning of the journey “from the Varangians to the Greeks.”

The expansion of close ties with the Hanseatic League led to the settlement of large parts of the city by German merchants, who at the time constituted a quarter of Stockholm's total population. In the 14th century, Stockholm did not escape the sad fate of many European cities that lost a large number of residents due to plague epidemics. At the end of the century, in 1397, a weakened Sweden was forced to accept the terms of the Kalmar Union, which was dominated by Denmark. The Swedes did not want to put up with the existing situation and continuously fought to achieve national independence.

At the end of the 15th century, an uprising against Danish rule took place in Stockholm, led by the Swedish national hero Sten Sture. As a result of the fighting in 1471, the troops of King Christian I were defeated. After 50 years, the king's grandson, Christian II, was able to briefly subjugate rebellious city, brutally dealing with participants in the liberation movement, beheading dozens of Swedish nobles who sympathized and helped the patriots. The events of 1520 went down in history as the “bloodbath.” But already in 1523, under the leadership of Gustav Vasa (the future king), the Swedes defeated the Danes, announced the rupture of the union with Denmark and became an independent state.

Stockholm officially became the capital in 1634. At that time, the city was the most populated (10 thousand inhabitants) and richest in Scandinavia. During this period, the Russian diaspora increased its numbers here mainly due to merchants who traded and built their churches and houses. By the end of the 17th century, Stockholm's economic importance increased due to the widespread export of iron and cast iron. In 1713-1714 The city survived the plague epidemic, after which it continued to build and trade.

From the 18th to the 19th centuries, Stockholm was the largest industrial, commercial and Cultural Center Europe. Industrial enterprises are developing at a high pace, banks are opening, and a railroad is being built. Large doors open here educational establishments- institutes Karolinska Institutet and Royal Institute of Technology. In 1897, an international art and industrial exhibition took place in Stockholm. Since 1901, the Nobel Committee has held its meetings in Stockholm. In 1912, the city became host to the Summer Olympic Games.

The 70s of the twentieth century were marked by new unrest among townspeople (but of a peaceful nature) due to the massive demolition of old buildings. As a result, the city has largely lost its historical appearance. These actions of the authorities were subsequently recognized as erroneous. Today Stockholm is a large metropolis and a powerful industrial center with developed high technology and excellent transport infrastructure, with modern architecture and rapidly growing new areas (mainly due to a large influx of immigrants).

“Diamond on the map of Northern Europe” - this is how the capital of Sweden is called Stockholm city. It is located on 14 islands, which are separated by the waters of the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. The first mention of the city dates back to the middle of the 13th century, when Stockholm Castle was built on the island of Stadsholmen by Jarl (supreme ruler) Birger Magnusson.Thanks to the advantageous geographical location, Stockholm grew and developed, soon becoming a vibrant trading city.June 6, 1523 is considered the date of the formation of independent Sweden; on this day Gustav Eriksson, who led the uprising against the Danes, was crowned. The “skier” king, according to legend, who ran 90 kilometers to get to the camp of his allies, received the name Gustav I Vasa.

Sweden - from wars to neutrality

Capital of the kingdom Sweden Stockholm became official in 1634, by which time the country had become significantly stronger and increased its influence in the region, regularly fighting with its neighbors for territory. There were ten Russian-Swedish wars alone, not counting clashes with princely squads before the formation of a united Rus'. Including the famous Battle of the Neva in 1240, in which Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich cut the face of Earl Birger, the founder of Stockholm, with a sword.

The Swedes tried to push the Russians away from the Baltic Sea, but they never succeeded: as a result of the Northern War, Peter I cut through his famous “window to Europe.” The military campaigns that followed came to nothing, and after the loss of Finland in 1809, the Swedes “calmed down” and no longer raised arms against Russia, invariably maintaining a position of neutrality.

Thanks to its neutrality, Sweden did not suffer during World War II, and Stockholm, capital her, did not know the horrors of bombing and shelling. Now this hospitable, beautiful, green city is eagerly visited by tourists to admire its sights.

Gamla Stan - historical district of Stockholm

Most significant sights of Stockholm are located in the Gamla Stan (Old Town) area, including the Royal Palace - the current residence of the Swedish monarchs. Initially, this place was the site of Stockholm Castle, which became the seat of the kings under Gustav I. In 1697, a fire destroyed it along with the archive and library. The new palace was built intermittently for almost 60 years and was completed in 1754. The brainchild of the architect Tessin, made in the Baroque style, is reminiscent of the Palazzo Barberini, built in Rome by the great Bernini.

The palace is so big that it could fit museums in Stockholm, dedicated to the history of Swedish dynasties. The Treasury contains royal regalia and attributes. The Museum of Antiquity has a large collection of marble statues brought from Italy by Gustav III in 1792. The Armory Chamber displays collections of military armor and weapons of monarchs, as well as carriages for ceremonial trips. The uniform of Charles XII is also kept here, whose “iron head” was pierced by a stray bullet during the Northern War.

Next to the Royal Palace is Cathedral Stockholm - St. Nicholas Church. This is the most old temple city, it was built in 1279, and throughout its existence has undergone many reconstructions, therefore its appearance contains both brick Gothic and Baroque elements. In 1527, when the Reformation process was underway, the Church of St. Nicholas became Lutheran, and until 1873 Swedish monarchs were crowned here.

Another historical temple in the Old Town is the German Church. It was built at the end of the 16th century on the site where the trade guild of the same name was located. King Johan III allowed the German population to invite pastors from Germany and conduct services in their native language. At first it was a small chapel, rebuilt in the 17th century into a two-nave Baroque church. After the fire in 1878, its new spire was erected, the height of which is 86 meters.

Tomb of the Swedish Kings, Riksdag and Assembly of the Nobility

Not far from Royal Palace On the small island of Riddarholmen there is another ancient temple of the Swedish capital - the Riddarholmen Church. It was built at the end of the 13th century as the main building of the Franciscan monastery. During the Reformation, the monastery was abolished, and the temple received Protestant status. In 1807, its community was dissolved, and the building began to be used as a tomb for the Swedish monarchs. The last person to be buried here was in 1950 Gustav V, the grandfather of the current king Carl XVI Gustaf.

There, on the island of Riddarholmen, until the beginning of the 20th century, the Riksdag, the Swedish parliament, lived. The power of monarchs in this country has never been absolute. The “Meeting of the Estates,” which appeared in 1435 on the wave of popular discontent with Danish dominance, became the prototype of the Riksdag. This representative body elected rulers, approved laws, and made decisions with whom and against whom Sweden should be friends.

In 1905, the Riksdag moved to the nearby island of Helgeandsholmen into a new luxurious residence built in the neoclassical style with neo-Baroque elements on the central façade. The main decoration of the complex is the granite coat of arms and the statue of Mother of Sweden, personifying the unity of the nation.

Another historical building that you can’t imagine without. Stockholm city center, is the Noble Assembly, built in the northern Baroque style in the middle of the 17th century. Descendants of noble Swedish families, whose coats of arms decorate the large hall of the Assembly of Nobility, hold their meetings here to this day.

Town Hall, Nobel Museum and a boy looking at the moon

Like any ancient European city, Stockholm has its own town hall with a 106-meter tower. This majestic structure, the construction of which used 2.5 million bricks, was completed in 1923. City authorities meet here and international negotiations are held. And every year on December 10, a banquet is held in the Golden Hall in honor of Nobel Prize laureates.

In 2001, when the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Nobel Prize was celebrated, a museum dedicated to this event was opened in the Stock Exchange building in Gamla Stan. Its exhibition looks very unusual: portraits of the laureates do not hang sadly on the walls, but are moved on hangers, like in a dry cleaner. Theatrical performances are held, and there are interactive halls where any visitor can become a participant in a scientific experiment.

Not far from the Nobel Museum there is a Finnish Church, in the courtyard of which there is the smallest monument in Sweden - the Iron Boy looking at the Moon. Tourists coming to Stockholm, photo this touching embodiment of the bright longing for a bygone childhood is certainly made.

It is also considered obligatory to stroke the head of the Iron Boy, because the wish made at the same time will definitely come true.

Short voyage of the Galleon Vasa

And here Vasa Museum, on the contrary, admires gigantism. Here is the largest and most expensive ship of the Swedish sailing fleet, raised from the bottom of Stockholm harbor in 1961. It was built from 1625 to 1627 under the orders of King Gustav II Adolf and was named "Vasa" in honor of his dynasty. The length of the ship's hull was 69 meters, width - 11.7 meters. To build this monster, 16 hectares of oak forest were cut down, and the treasury was considerably depleted to decorate it with gilding and carved sculptures.

But at the first exit to the sea, the Vasa capsized and sank. The cause of the disaster was design errors. And since the author of the project was the king himself, there was no punishment.

The magical city of Stockholm

Playfully characterizing Stockholm reviews its inhabitants, as a city “half consisting of water, half of greenery,” correspond to reality. A striking example of this is the elegant palace and park ensemble Drottningholm. It was built on an island in the middle of Lake Mälaren at the end of the 17th century, when the French Versailles was in vogue. The creation of the Tessin father and son was framed with luxurious parks, and Drottningholm became favorite place holidays for royal families.

Tourists call Stockholm itself a magical city, which, despite the unkind Scandinavian climate, exudes warmth, friendliness and hospitality.