10 things to do in Stockholm
Whether you are craving a Lutefisk breakfast or just really want to get your IKEA furniture from the source, Stockholm is an often-overlooked holiday destination. As the secret is leaking about this perfect holiday destination tourists have started to swarm to Stockholm to see the picturesque city firsthand. If you are planning your next European getaway, consider buying a ticket to Sweden and trying these Scandinavian activities while you’re there.
Take a dip
Start your day right with a refreshing dip in the surprisingly warm Stockholm waters. The Långholmen Pontoon is a popular swimming spot and is surrounded by the historic island Långholmen—once a prison island. Amid historic shipyards and mysterious gardens, the pontoon gives you space to sit back and relax as you towel off.
Walk the streets of Medieval Europe
Look at life back in 1252 (when Stockholm was founded) when you take a tour of Gamla Stan—Stockholm’s Old Town. This is one of the largest and most well-preserved medieval European city centres. See beautiful churches, including Stockholm Cathedral (Sweden’s national cathedral).
Mingle with royalty
Well, maybe not literally (unless you are personal friends with His Majesty, the King of Sweden), but tours of the Royal Palace are open to the public and offer nearly five museums for your perusal. One of the largest palaces in Europe, the Royal Palace has more than 600 rooms and is located near Gamla Stan. See the changing of the guard, reception rooms, and the silver throne.
Get inspired to change the world
The Nobel Prize celebrates ideas that change the world. While the award ceremony is held annually in Sweden, the Nobel Museum near Gamla Stan is open year-round. Learn about the prize and its founder, as well as past winners in this exciting and educational exhibit.
Dance the night away
Music-lovers already know that Sweden is home to many famous modern musicians. See the next up-and-comer at any one of the surrounding concert venues in Södermalm. From beer halls to clubs, you will not be disappointed with the nightlife options of Stockholm.
Dance the day away
Before Swedish House Mafia and Avicii, there was another great Swedish band: ABBA. Celebrate everything ABBA at ABBA: The Museum, a part of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. The music, the clothes, the lyrics, the films and the musicals are all in this permanent display.
Get cultured
Picasso, Dali, Derkert and Matisse are all on display at Moderna Museet. Walk through candle-lit galleries to view an expansive collection of Swedish and international modern art. The museum itself is located on the beautiful Skeppsholmen Island and is revered as one of the most beautiful building designs in the world. And if you don’t come for the art, come for the history: Moderna Museet is the site of the infamous 1993 burglary of A$64 million worth of Picassos and Braques artwork.
Ride on a really big ship
Enjoy a nautical adventure with a two-hour boat ride. Under the Bridges of Stockholm is a boat tour that displays 15 of Stockholm’s bridges and travels through the city’s intricate structure. Admire the city’s architecture and unique design from aboard the vessel and get a different perspective. Boat rides depart every hour past 10 am in the summer months (April to November).
Look at a really big ship indoors
For the seasick member of your group, a tame alternative with a nautical flare is the Vasa Museum. The Vasa is the world’s only preserved 17th century ship. The Vasa Museum is the most-visited museum of Scandinavia, drawing in more than one million visitors yearly. Admission to the Vasa Museum is free for children up to 18 years.
Seize the ultimate photo op
To round out your Stockholm adventure, take a trip to the city’s most famous silhouette—the Three Crowns, located at The City Hall. This picturesque location is renowned as one of the country’s leading examples of architectural romanticism. Stop and ask a local to snap a picture—you will want it later.
Stockholm is a must-see location for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of fish. Enjoy the sites and relax when you have travel insurance cover from Cover-More Travel Insurance. Around the world, Cover-More supports New Zealanders who love to travel. Get a travel insurance quote online today—it’s fast, it’s easy and it’s free.
Image courtesy of Flickr user Tobias Lindman