Stockholm City Guide travel tourist sightseeing attractions information

Stockholm City Guide Business Tourist Travel Information

attractions Stockholm sightseeing Stockholm history Stockholm crime Stocholm weather

Related Pages  European rail services to and from Stockholm – International Coach services to and from Stocholm –  Baltic Norway Arctic & North Pole Cruises     

Cities  Copenhagen – Helsinki – Oslo –   Reykjavik 

Local Pages  Stockholm Airport and Public Transport / Sweden Country Profile  Stockholm Night Clubs

Stockholm History Overview

Stockholm’s proven origins date back to 13th century when it was developed to protect Sweden from invasion. In 1397 it became part of the Kalmar Union together with Norway and Denmark. In 1523 Sweden became an independent state with Stockholm as the capital. During the next two hundred years the city expanded as the nation built up a major Swedish Empire.

In the early 18th century the empire folded and the city lived in peace. Many of its older buildings date back to this time as Stockholm and Sweden were not involved the world wars of the 20th century.

In the second half of the last century Stockholm expanded as it adapted to developments in technology and service based industries. The old historical quarter of Klara was replaced with aesthetic symbols of this change in the form of modern architecture. Now the Gamla Stan – the Old town is the main example of the city’s past. See also Sweden History

Stockholm Sightseeing & Attractions

Stockholm stands on 14 islands which are united by waterways spanned by bridges Some people (especially Swedes!) refer to it as the Venice of the North. As its old town escaped the devastation of war that many Europeans cities experienced in the 20th century it has numerous examples of architecture from medieval times to the 19th century architecture which are not spoilt by the thoughtless post war Stalin regeneration found in much of Europe.

Old Town Gamla Stan Stockholm-  The Old Town which dates back to the 13th century is on a small island which is very enchanting. Most of its buildings are 300 – 400 years old in cobblestone streets which offer numerous attractions including museums restaurants. The most prominent attraction is The Royal Castle (see above) almost as popular but more difficult to navigate is the Marten Trotzigs Alley  probably one of the narrowest public walk  ways any where in the world.   In parts it is no wider than 90cm and the houses in it were once owned by one of Sweden’s richest merchants. It also has a vey challenging incline with steps and can get crowded!

Stockholm Visitors Guide  The official tourist guide for Stockholm is one of europe’s better tourist board sites available in several languages with updated information on current exhibitions.http://www.stockholmtown.com/Default.aspx?epslanguage=EN

Restaurants In Stockholm

Edsbacka Krog at Sollentunav. 220 is a little of the main beaten track but this coaching inn, complete with its wooden beams is a good source of extremely well prepared Scandinavian fare. The atmosphere is a little reserved and the service is extremely efficient and very formal. Telephone 08 -963300. Hermans, Fjällg. 23A, is one of Stockholm’s best vegetarian restaurants and very reasonably priced. The choice of food is broad including veggy lasagna, pasta and vegetable salads with some notable fruit pies and chocolate cakes to close with. The view of Stockholm Harbour is worth the shout as well. Telephone 08 – 6439480.

The Pelican, Blekingeg. 40, Stockholm, offers excellent authentic Swedish food (the herring and meatballs seemingly very popular on some tables) in a rather plain and time worn environment which appeals to those want to be bohemians. Telephone 08 – 55609090. Far more down to earth is Kalleren Mivitz Tyska Brinken 34 which is part bar and part restaurant. The latter is located in the cellars of the building which has to over three hundreds years old. The food is combination of traditional Swedish fare with some European additions. The game and salmon offerings are very agreeable. The informal atmosphere is another bonus. Telephone 08 – 209979.

Other restaurants with a more European menu include Bon Lloc Regeringsg. 111, which combines successfully Swedish dishes with those from the south of Europe. The quality of the food here has an exception reputation ( the fish dishes especially) and the restaurant is extremely popular with locals. Booking essential. Telephone 08 – 6606060.

Fredsgatan, Fredsgatan. 12, is another favourite for locals which apart from compliments Swedish fare with far east spices that are a little unorthodox but can can work wonders on chicken and other meats. The cocktails are equally adventurous. Telephone 08 – 248052.

Grill Ruby, Österlångg. 14, Stockholm, is a safe bet for the unadventurous and in the centre of the old town. Offering American style steak and various fish dishes against a background of country music it has a very informal almost party atmosphere about it. A little touristy, pricey but filling. Telephone 08 – 206015.

Opus, Blekingeg. 63, is a very petite french restaurant offering classical french cuisine and whether you have their perch pr pork fillet you are guaranteed a memorable feast. One of Stockholm best with advance booking essential. Telephone 08 – 6446080.

Crime & Personal Safety In Stockholm The crime rate is Sweden is low. Petty crime in Stockholm and other Swedish is cities is generally very low when compared with other European cities. However during the main tourist season between April and September pick pocketing can be a serious problem with cash and passports the main targets.

Stockholm Severe Weather Warning

Stockholm like all Scandinavian cities can experience very severe weather during the winter from October to March. Visitors to this country should be aware that appropriate winter clothing is necessary. Motorists should ensure that their cars etc are able to cope with adverse conditions and take emergency supplies of food and drink on long journeys. Visitors to remote areas should consider carrying an operational mobile phone.