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Stockholm, Sweden, is a city of contrasts. Unspoiled architecture dating back centuries is complemented by the best in modern Scandinavian design. Stockholm's appreciation of its culture and heritage shows in its theaters, concert halls and galleries, which showcase a rich variety of artistic innovations.

The seasons provide a sharp distinction, too. Stockholm in summer is green and blue, with its attention on the water. In winter, Stockholm is white and frozen, with a sense of stillness and calm, the afternoon darkness punctuated by candlelit cafes and bars.

The waterways surrounding Stockholm's islands clearly define the city's various quarters. From the bohemian cliff-top cafes of Sodermalm and the 17th-century cobbled streets of Gamla Stan to the luxury boutiques of Ostermalm and the parkland calm of Djurgarden, you're never more than a bridge away from a completely different city experience. Flecked with sailboats and ferries in summer, Stockholm's great tree-fringed waterways are often iced over, snow-covered and misty in winter, creating the illusion of a city in the clouds—the perfect setting for the Nobel Prize ceremonies that take place in the city every year.

Must See or Do

Sights—A stroll around Stadshuset (City Hall) and the view from its tower; a visit to the royal residence, Drottningholm Slott, with its large gardens, palaces and theater; a ferry ride between Gamla Stan and Djurgarden; a day trip to one of the thousands of islands in the Stockholm Archipelago.

Museums—The Vasa Museet and its restored warship; modern art at the Moderna Museet; the atmospheric Museum of Medieval History; the work of the hottest contemporary photographers at the Fotografiska; the Nordiska Museet with its historic and cultural artifacts in a sprawling Renaissance-style space.

Memorable Meals—Classic seafood dishes at Wedholms Fisk; contemporary Swedish fare at Matbaren or the smorgasbord at Veranda—both in the beautiful Grand Hotel; dinner with a view at Gondolen; reindeer cooked by hearth and other New Nordic specialties at Ekstedt; traditional Swedish food in Stockholm's oldest restaurant, Den Gyldene Freden; an afternoon fika (coffee and pastry) at Vete-Katten, one of the city's classic cafes.

Late Night—Whiling away the hours at Cafe Opera; jazz at Fasching Jazzklubb; dancing on the terrace at Berns during a summer sunrise; sipping drinks with the city's trendy set at Nosh & Chow.

Walks—Strolling the cobblestoned streets of Gamla Stan; exploring Djurgarden; taking in the spectacular view of the city from Monteliusvagen; rubbing shoulders with Stockholm's elite along the wide, elegant avenues in the city's posh Ostermalm neighborhood; following in the footsteps of the characters from Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy in the hip Sodermalm district.

Especially for Kids—Grona Lund amusement park; Skansen, especially its zoo; Junibacken, with its attractions based on the beloved Pippi Longstocking character.

Geography

The Stockholm area lies between the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren. Made up of 14 islands and part of the mainland, it has more than 50 bridges connecting all its different parts. One of the largest archipelagos in the world lies east of Stockholm—some of the 25,000 islands are easily accessible from the city center.

The heart of Stockholm is Gamla Stan (Old Town), which has narrow, cobblestoned streets and tourist-friendly shops in buildings dating from the 15th century. It's situated on three islands: Stadsholmen (the largest and the one usually indicated as Gamla Stan on maps); Helgeandsholmen (where the parliament building is located); and Riddarholmen.

The main business and shopping district lies north of Gamla Stan. Officially it's called Norrmalm, but ever since the central train station was built, locals just refer to it as "city center." Norrmalm is roughly bordered by the fruit vendors at Hotorget (Hay Square) to the north, Ostermalm to the east, Kungsholmen to the west and, across the water, Gamla Stan to the south.

Ostermalm resembles parts of Paris, with large tree-lined boulevards and avenues. Strandvagen, Karlavagen, Valhallavagen and Narvavagen are the major thoroughfares there. Ostermalm has developed into one of Stockholm's most affluent residential districts, partly because it's near Djurgarden—an open space that was once a royal park.

To the south of Gamla Stan is the mainland area of Sodermalm. Filled with trendy restaurants, shops and popular discos, this busy neighborhood (often called "Soder") is worth a visit for its progressive ambience.

History

Regent Birger Jarl founded Stockholm in 1252, when he built the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) castle and the city walls. The city originally occupied the area known today as Gamla Stan (Old Town), but expansion began as early as the 1300s. During that century and the next, the areas of Norrmalm and Sodermalm became part of Stockholm.

Throughout the 1400s, the close union between Sweden and its neighbors Norway and Denmark evolved into a power struggle, and by the beginning of the 16th century, Denmark was attempting to assert military control over Sweden. Matters came to a head in 1520, when nobleman Gustav Vasa finally rallied enough troops to eject the Danish king from Sweden.

The resulting monarchy, first headed by Gustav Vasa, used Stockholm as its base of power, but the city didn't officially become the capital of Sweden until 1634. All the while, Stockholm maintained its status as an important trade center, controlling access to Lake Malaren from the Baltic Sea.

The arrival of steamships and trains in the 1800s increased the city's international trade and, as a result, its prosperity. During this period, new construction engulfed Stockholm, and much of the city was rebuilt. Residents began moving out into the suburbs, and the city people see today began to take shape.

Sweden remained neutral during World War I and World War II, which helped Stockholm preserve its historical center from the destruction that forced other European cities to rebuild throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Today, Stockholm is a cosmopolitan city that remains one of the business centers of northern Europe.

Potpourri

Alfred Nobel was the founder of the Nobel Foundation and the inventor of dynamite. The prize was funded by his oil production business in Azerbaijan.

Greta Garbo, the legendary Swedish actress, was born in 1905 in Stockholm's then-poor district of Sodermalm. She died in New York City, but her ashes were taken back to Sweden and were buried in 1999 at the cemetery of Skogskyrkogarden, 4 mi/6 km south of Stockholm.

Stockholm syndrome (a mental or emotional state in which hostage victims begin to relate to their captors) was named after a robbery in Stockholm in 1973. During the robbery, the hostages defended their captors and caused problems for police after they were released. Psychologist Nils Bejerot coined the phrase after working on the case.

Some 40% of Stockholm's land comprises parks or recreational areas.

Since boat ownership is so common among Stockholmers, several restaurants and bars in the Stockholm area and in the surrounding archipelago come equipped with docks, providing the nautically inclined with easy access to dining and entertainment.

The two major non-Swedish nationalities living in the city of Stockholm are Finns and Iraqis. Sweden has taken in more Iraqi refugees than any other country. The city of Sodertalje south of Stockholm has even been nicknamed "Little Baghdad."

It is never completely dark in Stockholm mid-June to mid-July.

Location

One of the largest cruise destinations in the Baltic Sea, Stockholm has several main piers to accommodate a diverse array of ships. Smaller ships typically dock right at Gamla Stan, whereas larger vessels dock just to the south. Check with your cruise line for information on your ship's dock location. For more information, contact Ports of Stockholm (phone 670-2600; https://www.portsofstockholm.com).

Located near Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace, Skeppsbron is by far the most convenient pier and typically accommodates smaller, more upscale ships. Gamla Stan is a mere five-minute walk away, and shops and attractions are also within easy walking distance.

Larger ships use Stadsgarden, including many international cruise lines. The pier is located about 2 mi/3 km from Gamla Stan. An information desk is located on-site. ATMs, luggage storage and a cafe are also on-site; a band often greets disembarking visitors. A taxi station is located just outside the terminal.

Situated about 3 mi/5 km from Gamla Stan, Frihamnen is used by international cruise lines as well as overnight boats to Tallin, Riga and other Baltic capitals by way of the Tallink Silja line. The pier includes an adjacent ferry terminal with tourist information and services, including Wi-Fi, cafes, lockers, an ATM and waiting areas. Taxis can be found outside the terminal. Buses stop at the port and travel directly to Gamla Stan. Frihamnen, Magasin 2. Phone 666-3330.

Located adjacent to Frihamnen, Vartahamnen is the city's largest port. Similarly to Frihamnen, large ships dock there. A cafe and souvenir kiosk can be found, and an ATM is located on the ground floor of the terminal. A second ATM is located at Hangovagen 21, just a short walk from the port. Luggage storage and Wi-Fi are also available.

Taxis are available outside of the port, and passengers can access Tallink transfer buses to the city center. Tickets can be purchased from the Silja Tallink information desk. https://www.tallinksilja.com/sweden-stockholm.

Shore Excursions

A variety of shore excursions are typically available to cruise passengers. Shore excursions may comprise a tour of Gamla Stan and the downtown area, or tours of the city's top museums and attractions such as the Vasa, the Royal Palace and the Opera.

Tours of the city's waterways in smaller sightseeing vessels are also popular shore excursions.
Cruise passengers looking for excursions off the beaten path may choose a literary walking tour around Sodermalm or a guided kayak or bike tour.

Passengers seeking a more tranquil landscape outside of the hustle and bustle of the city center might opt for a hike through one of Stockholm's picturesque green areas, perhaps Hagaparken or Djurgarden. Some companies also offer excursions to the countryside or to nearby islands in the archipelago such as quaint Vaxholm or the larger island of Varmdo.

For more information and detailed itineraries, contact your cruise line.