Stockholm City Guide travel tourist sightseeing attractions information
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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.
Stockholm Architectural Museum, Skeppsholmen, Stockholm – The Architectural museum is one of Stockholm’s most captivating and informative museums. It examines the concept of architecture from a Swedish and International perspective. Interesting features are the wooden model of the city of Gothenburg and the museums archives which reportedly contain over 3/4 million architectural plans. They have the history of architecture from the 19th century up until the present day. Admission is free at certain times, check the website for further details. Opening hours are Tues 10 am till 8 pm and Wed-Sun 10 am till 6 pm. They are closed on Friday’s. website http://www.arkitekturmuseet.se/english/
Biological Museum, Hazeliusporten Djurgarden Stockholm – The Biological Museum shows all the world in its natural splendour. They have huge collections of Scandinavian Birds and Mammals in their natural environment. These collections include Backgrounds painted by Bruno Liljefors famous for his dramatic portrayals of wildlife. The museum was established in 1893 and designed by Swedish architect and illustrator Agi Lindegren. Opening times are October to March Tuesday-Friday 12 pm till 3 pm and 10 am till 3 pm on weekends. April-Sept open daily from 11 am till 4 pm. Entry fee is usually about 30 SEK. website http://www.biologiskamuseet.com/
The Royal Castle Stockholm The Old Town Kungliga Slottet – The Royal Castle has been home to the Swedish monarchy for over 250 years. There are parts of it which are open to tourists in the summer months. The castle is built out of brick and the roof is covered with copper. There are an astonishing 1430 rooms inside making it one of the largest royal residences in the world. This majestic abode took over 60 years to complete, beginning construction in 1697 and being completed in 1760. Two of its main attractions are the Royal Chapel and Haga Park. website http://www.kungahuset.se/royalcourt/royalpalaces/
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.
Stockholm Sweden Weather Details: | |||||
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Stockholm Sweden Weather Forecast
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monthly average and extreme temperatures in Stockholm Sweden:
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sun hours per day |
Temperatures
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Average Daily
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Records
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Minimum
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Maximum
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Lowest
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Highest
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January
|
1
|
-5
|
-1
|
-28
|
10
|
February
|
3
|
-5
|
-1
|
-25
|
12
|
March
|
5
|
-4
|
3
|
-22
|
15
|
April
|
7
|
1
|
8
|
-12
|
20
|
May
|
9
|
6
|
14
|
-3
|
28
|
June
|
11
|
11
|
19
|
1
|
32
|
July
|
10
|
14
|
22
|
8
|
35
|
August
|
8
|
13
|
20
|
5
|
31
|
September
|
6
|
9
|
15
|
0
|
26
|
October
|
3
|
5
|
9
|
-7
|
17
|
November
|
1
|
1
|
5
|
-11
|
12
|
December
|
1
|
-2
|
2
|
16
|
12
|
extreme cold
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hot
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