Things to Do in Sweden

One of the largest of the Stockholm Archipelago’s 24,000 islets and skerries, Skeppsholmen is close to the channel leading out into the Baltic Sea and historically had great tactical significance to Sweden’s capital city. However, although its 18th-century Bergrummet complex originally played a military role, now it has been transformed into museums and cultural emporiums including the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), the East-Asian Museum (Ostasiatiska Museet) and the avant-garde Theatre Galeasen. Other sights on this peaceful backwater island include a 19th-century fortress; the elegant Neoclassical church of Skeppsholmskyrkan, which is now a concert venue; an historic shipyard where wooden boats are still made; and open-air installations of unique sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle and her partner Jean Tinguely.

Accessible from mainland Stockholm by road bridge, Skeppsholmen is also connected to the neighboring islets of Blasieholmen and Kastellholmen by foot bridges. The island’s leisure facilities include restaurants and an upmarket hotel as well as a floating youth hostel on the yacht Chapman. The week-long Stockholm Jazz Festival also takes place on the island every July. These days Skeppsholmen is on the itinerary for Segway tours of Stockholm as well as hop-on, hop-off boat tours of the city.

With its tangle of cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and bustling squares, Gamla Stan is one of Stockholm’s most photogenic districts. The historic center also boats the city’s oldest quarter, dating back to 1252, and home to some remarkably preserved medieval monuments.

The many historic landmarks of Gamla Stan are easily explored on foot, starting with the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), and the Riksdagshuset (Swedish parliament building). Other highlights include the central square of Stortorget, the main streets of Vasterlanggatan and Osterlanggatan, the Nobel Museum at Borshuset, and Riddarholmen Church.

Stockholm sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours typically stop at Gamla Stan, but the best way to explore the Old Town is by foot. Opt for a guided walking tour or biking tour; discover Stockholm’s dark history on an after-hours ghost tour; or maximize your chances of capturing the perfect snapshots on a photography tour.  

Gamla Stan comprises the main island of Stadsholmen and the smaller islands of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Stromsborg. The pedestrianized district can be reached on foot from Norrmalm or by taking the Tunnelbana (subway) to Gamla Stan station.

Gamla Stan is atmospheric both by day and night, but many visitors opt to time their sightseeing for midday, to coincide with the changing of the guards at Stockholm Royal Palace. The district is at its busiest during the peak summer season, but it’s also a popular destination during the holidays, when it hosts one of Stockholm’s most popular Christmas markets.

The island of Djurgården is one of the Stockholm archipelago’s most visited islands, dominated by scenic parklands and former royal hunting grounds stretching along the picturesque Djurgården Canal. A haven for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, Djurgården is also home to some of Stockholm’s top museums and cultural attractions.

 

One of the highlights of Djurgården is Skansen, an open-air museum and zoo devoted to preserving Sweden’s native wildlife and traditional craftsmanship, with over 150 reconstructed 19th-century buildings displaying everything from baking to glass-blowing. Another popular draw is the neighboring Vasa Museum—an impressive naval museum that houses the world’s only intact 17th-century warship, Vasa, which famously sank on her maiden voyage. Additional highlights include Gröna Lund Tivoli (Sweden’s oldest amusement park), the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet), and the Rosendal Palace, all supported by a variety of atmospheric waterfront cafés and restaurants.

 

Djurgården is a stop on most Stockholm city sightseeing tours, boat tours, and bus or bike tours. The Royal Canal Tour focuses on the city’s bridges and canals that connect the different islands in the Stockholm archipelago, including Djurgården. 

 

 

Djurgården is best accessed by ferry, subway, or bus. Parking is not widely available, so driving is not recommended. The Tunnelbana from central Stockholm stops in Karlaplan, on the island.

 

Djurgården certainly comes alive in the summer, when the greenery is in full force and the locals are soaking up the sun. Skansen and Gröna Lund, two of the island’s top attractions, are most active during this time, with longer hours and lots of special events. But Djurgården’s array of museums stay open year-round, offering lots of activities and a respite from the bitter Scandinavian winter. 

 

Originally named Kungliga Djurgården, or the Royal Game Park, the island was a game park and hunting ground for King John III in the 16th century. Over the years it has seen different additions and iterations, such as yacht harbors, a naval shipyard, and the 1897 World’s Fair site. Today Djurgården is one of Stockholm’s most popular leisure destinations, hosting 10 million visitors per year.

The park is home to 130 tree species from three different continents, including a 29-meter tall Turkish oak tree, a 100-year-old sweet chestnut tree and a “tree of heaven” from China.  The grounds also feature a variety of flowers, several ponds and an artificial grotto. A cast iron fountain was added to the center of the park in 1882 and a restaurant was built in 1912 that today is home to the Malmo Casino, one of only four legal casinos in Sweden. A 2008 renovation restored much of the park to its 19th century character.

How to Get to Nynashamn
Travelers issuing from Stockholm can access Nynashamn via the Pendeltåg, a commuter rail line, as well several bus lines. Many area residents make the approximately hour-long trip by car via Route 73.

One Day in Nynashamn 
Many travelers on cruise ships bound for points beyond are loath to discover that they are in fact stopping in what amounts to a relatively small (with a population of a little more than 10,000), industrial town with little to offer in the way of entertainment. However, the surrounding natural landscape offers many opportunities for picturesque views and recreation. One of the most popular is the island of Gotland, which is accessible via a short ferry ride from Nynashamn. The island is home to more than 90 medieval churches, beautiful rock formations, and the UNESCO-listed town of Visby.

One of the largest and least touristic of Stockholm’s many islands, Kungsholmen is a popular retreat for locals during the summer months, when its scenic walkways and waterfront restaurants offer a tranquil alternative to the lively shopping and nightlife districts of Södermalm or Gamla Stan.

 

The star attraction of Kungsholmen is the grand Stockholm City Hall, which famously hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, and visitors can not only tour the legendary building, but take in the views from its 100-meter tall bell tower. Other highlights include the scenic waterfront promenade of Norr Mälarstand, which stretches all the way to Rålambshovs Park, the central Scheelegatan, crammed with bars and restaurants, and the harbor by City Hall, from where boat cruises head out to explore the islands of the Stockholm archipelago.

Additional highlights include the Barken Viking, an early 20th-century merchant ship permanently moored in the marina and now home to a floating hotel and restaurant, the grand Gothenburg Opera House (Goteborgsoperan) and the nearby Maritiman, a floating museum of around 20 restored ships. Lilla Bommen is also the launch-point for boat cruises to the island fortress of Nya Älvsborg.

The museum’s star attraction is the huge naval destroyer Smålan, measuring in at 121 meters long, but other notable vessels include the Sölve, the museum’s oldest ship, which dates back to 1875; the 69 meter long submarine Nordkaparen; and the 1915 lightship, Fladen. Highlights of a tour include visiting Småland’s secret cryptograph room, getting a glimpse of life at sea in the medical rooms, cabins and kitchens, and stepping onboard everything from fireboats and U-boats to local fishing boats. The best part is that visitors are allowed to freely roam the ships, so you can climb the ladders and ramps, check out the views from the top deck or lose yourself in the labyrinth of cargo rooms, while enjoying the interactive exhibitions.

Stockholm’s ABBA: The Museum is an interactive space for ABBA fans to learn about the legendary Swedish band’s history and trivia. Housing plenty of the band’s costumes, gold records, and memorabilia, the museum invites visitors to experience the feeling of being “the fifth member of ABBA.”

 

Fully dedicated to the biggest pop group ever to come out of Sweden, the ABBA Museum allows visitors to try on some of the band’s stage costumes, sing with them in the recording studio, interact with holograms, and even go on stage with the band. Interactive exhibits include Waterloo, where you’ll be transported back to 1974 Brighton; the Polar Studio, where you can get hands-on with the mixing board; and Benny’s Piano, the self-playing piano that has some special tricks in store for you. The original members of ABBA speak directly to you through the audio guide, sharing stories and memories from their careers. The audio guide was specially written for the museum by the screenwriter for Mamma Mia! 

 

Most hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours of Stockholm stop at the ABBA Museum, which allows unlimited time to explore the museum at your leisure.

 

To get to the ABBA Museum by public transit, take either tram nr 7 and stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund or take bus nr 67 and stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund. A ferry also runs to Djurgården; stop at Allmänna Gränd. Parking on Djurgården is limited, so driving is not recommended. 

 

The ABBA Museum is open daily, with later hours in the summer when travelers flock to Stockholm to explore during the longer daylight hours.

 

The island of Djurgården is also home to several other popular attractions, such as the maritime Vasa Museum, Skansen (open-air museum and zoo), Gröna Lund theme park, and Junibacken children’s park. Just a short hop from the city center and Old Town (Gamla Stan), you could easily spend an entire day exploring the island.

The history of the world’s most distinguished awards ceremony is the subject of Stockholm’s ever-evolving Nobel Museum, with fascinating exhibitions chartering some of history’s biggest milestones.  Located in the Old Town of Gamla Stan, the museum opened in 2001 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the prestigious Nobel Prize, which has been awarded to pioneers in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace since 1901.

Visitors can’t help but be inspired by the exhibitions on award recipients and Stockholm-born inventor Alfred Nobel, whose unique vision led to the foundation of the prize, along with multi-media presentations of the Nobel Laureates’ achievements. Gain a deeper insight into famous honorees like Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Marie Curie, Niels Bohr and Henri Dunant, then go behind-the-scenes during the candidate selection process and the annual Nobel Banquet held across the water in the Stockholm City Hall each December 10th (the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death). Finally, pay a visit to the on-site cafe and be sure to check the underneath of your chair - Nobel Laureates visiting the museum are asked to sign the bottom of their chairs before leaving, so you might find you’re sat in the seat of one of the greats.

Of course, the main draw is the amusements and there are around 40 hair-raising rides to choose from. Thrill-seekers can defy gravity on the award-winning Balder wooden roller coaster or the 1.4-kilometer Helix roller coaster; brave Europe’s tallest free falling ride, the AtmosFear; or enjoy the views atop the iconic Liseberg Ferris Wheel.

Liseberg is also the center of Gothenburg’s yuletide festivities with the amusement park getting a festive makeover during the holiday season, serving up seasonal delicacies, mulled wine and traditional handicrafts at its atmospheric Christmas market, and even erecting an Icebar, built with ice blocks shipped in from Swedish Lapland.

The private residence of Sweden’s royal family, Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s best-preserved 17th-century castles. Over the years successive royal residents have renovated the palace, which is inspired by French and Dutch styles and features lush rococo interiors and multiple baroque gardens.

Today you can explore much of Drottningholm’s interior and stroll through its extensive gardens, including the French formal garden and English Park. It’s also possible to explore the Court Theatre, the Castle Church, and the ornate Chinese Pavilion. The royal family resides in the southern wing of palace, but the rest of the complex is open to the public for tours and independent exploration.

Some Stockholm city tours include a visit to Drottningholm Palace, and options are available for both private and group tours. It’s also possible to visit the palace on a boat trip from Stockholm, or visit independently with a Stockholm Pass. 

Drottningholm Palace is located roughly seven miles (11 kilometers) west of Stockholm via Route 275. Travelers can also take the subway (T-bana) to Brommaplan, then change to the bus for Drottningholm. Bus and boat tours from Stockholm are a convenient option and allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation and parking. 

Palace hours vary by season, but the grounds tend to be most crowded in summer when Sweden’s weather is typically sunny and warm. During this season, arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. 

Families with kids can enjoy child-focused events held at the royal palace throughout the year. Children aged seven and under get free admission to the palace and can partake in activities such as a scavenger hunt for specific animals and plants featured in the palace’s interior rococo decorations.

During the endless days of summer, the reserve is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, carpeted with rare orchids and Alpine flowers; in winter there’s a permanent mantle of snow and the chance to ski or try out dog sledding and ice fishing adventures at the STF Abisko Mountain Station, which is 250 km (156.25 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. High above sea level on Mount Nuolja, the Aurora Sky Station is considered the best place in the world to view the elusive Northern Lights, thanks to the clarity of the air and lack of light pollution. The awesome cable-car journey up to the Sky Station provides amazing views over the wild landscape of the national park. Visit between June and mid-July to witness the midnight sun and from November through March to catch the Northern Lights.

The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) is an institution dedicated to Swedish cultural heritage, ethnography, and folk art. Situated on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm, the museum’s collection includes textiles, clothes, dollhouses, and other objects spanning a 500-year period that illustrate Swedish life, culture, and traditions.

 

Swedish teacher and folklore expert Artur Hazelius founded the Nordic Museum in the late 19th century. The vast collection gives a comprehensive survey of Sweden’s cultural history from the 16th century onwards. The massive building, the design of Isak Gustaf Clason, was originally intended to be a national monument housing the nation’s material inheritance. The grand main hall is dominated by an enormous sculpture of King Gustav Vasa, the founder of Sweden. 

 

The Nordic Museum is a stop on many Stockholm city tours, and is often combined with other attractions in Djurgården and the surrounding area. A Stockholm red bus hop-on hop-off ticket or a boat tour frequently includes the Nordic Museum along with other Stockholm sights such as Old Town, the Royal Palace, Gröna Lund Tivoli, the open-air museum and zoo Skansen, the maritime Vasa Museum, and more.

 

 

You can reach the Nordic Museum by buses 67, 69 and 76. If arriving by Tunnelbana, get off at the Karlaplan stop. Ferry service is to Allmänna Gränd from Slussen, and in the summer there is a ferry stop at Nybroplan.

 

The museum is open daily 10am to 5pm Thursday to Tuesday and until 6pm on Wednesday. In summer, when most travelers visit Stockholm, it is open from 9am to 8pm. If visiting Stockholm in the winter, a day at the Nordic Museum could provide a welcome respite from the bitter Scandinavian weather. Summertime takes most area residents out of doors, and a visit to the museum could easily be combined with other Djurgården sights in walking distance.

 

The Nordic Museum has a rotating roster of special exhibitions on different time periods in Scandinavian life. Check the museum’s calendar for dates of exhibitions focusing on Sweden in the 1950s, Swedish holiday traditions, Sami (Sweden’s native population) life, and other special topics.

Set on Lake Mälaren in Sweden’s scenic Lakeland region, Sigtuna is Sweden’s oldest town and was originally populated by Vikings. While strong remnants of the town’s Viking origins remain, Sigtuna is now full of brightly painted wooden townhouses, narrow streets, restaurants, and hotels. 

Stroll through the town to admire ancient Viking churches and visit Sigtuna’s main street (Stora gatan) to peruse shops, galleries, and a museum containing Viking artifacts excavated from around town. Families with kids can also enjoy exploring the children's library at Märsta.

Due to the town’s rich Viking heritage, many Sigtuna tours focus on the area’s history. Day trips from Stockholm provide round-trip transportation and typically allow you to explore Viking ruins on the route between Stockholm and Sigtuna, such as ornately carved rune stones that once acted as medieval directional signs and the ancient Viking causeway of Jarlabankes bro at Täby. 

Sigtuna lies just 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Stockholm. While guided tours provide easy transportation, it’s also possible to arrive by car via the E4 highway. Train and bus transportation is also available, and several ferry routes operate during summer. 

Summer is the most popular time to visit Sigtuna, when the weather is ideal for exploring on foot, picnicking by Lake Mälaren, and searching out Viking rune stones. 

Sweden's first coins were minted here in the 10th and 11th centuries, and Sigtuna also served an important role in the creation of the Church of Sweden. Sigtuna was the center of Christianity in medieval Sweden and has seven churches clustered close together—although they are now in various states of disrepair, the Viking inscriptions in the churchyards can still be clearly seen. The town’s gridded layout also belies its origins in the Viking age.

One of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, Riddarholm Church is the traditional burial church for Swedish royalty. Originally built as a monastery, parts of the church date back to the late 13th century. It was transformed into a Protestant church after the Reformation and the congregation was eventually dissolved at the start of the 19th century. Today, it is used only for burial and commemorative purposes. Nearly every Swedish ruler from Gustavus Adolphus (1632) to Gustav V (1950) has been buried in the Riddarholm Church, as well as Magnus III (1290) and Charles VIII (1470).

The interior of the church features dozens of coats of arms of the knights of the Order of Seraphim, a tradition that dates back to the middle of the 18th century. When a knight dies, his coat of arms is hung inside the church.

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.

Hazelius originally built Skansen from 150 reconstructed historical buildings. Since then the museum has expanded dramatically, featuring houses and workshops where you can experience the making of traditional Swedish crafts such as butter-churning, weaving, shoemaking, and glassblowing. There is also a children’s zoo containing a wide range of Nordic animals such as bison, brown bears, moose, reindeer, and wolverines. 

The museum is one of Stockholm’s top cultural attractions, and many city tours include a visit to Skansen. A Stockholm Pass provides free entrance to the museum, and cruise ship passengers can visit on a shore excursion from Nynashamn port. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also a good option for travelers who want to see the museum at their own pace. 

Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården outside the city center, and is accessible by public transportation. While parking for private vehicles is not available, guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation. 

Skansen is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. In the winter, the site’s central Bollnäs square is home to a popular Christmas market. Spring brings the Walpurgis bonfire and egg decorating, and in the summer Skansen plays host to folk dancing and concerts. Autumn features the celebration of harvest time and linen-making demonstrations.

Many of Skansen’s activities are specifically catered to children. There is a popular children’s zoo, where guests can ride ponies and even help out with farm tasks during the summer. Kids can also play with old-fashioned Swedish toys, go on fair rides, navigate a classic car track, or participate in summertime sing-alongs.

As the opulent home of the Royal Swedish Opera and the Royal Swedish Ballet, the Royal Swedish Opera House (or Stockholm Opera House) has come a long way since its former incarnation as a tennis court. It was Swedish King Gustav III who founded the opera house in 1782, but just 10 years later the King was assassinated at a masquerade ball on-site, forcing the closure of the venue. 

Fortunately, the historic Opera House was restored and reopened, with the present day building designed by architect Axel Anderberg in the late 19th century. Boasting a dramatic waterfront location opposite the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the striking neoclassical façade and spectacular Golden Foyer, make this one of Stockholm’s most celebrated designs, decorated with gold Carl Larsson stuccos, Vicke Andrén ceiling paintings, gigantic crystal chandeliers and a grandiose marble staircase.

Located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Gröna Lund Tivoli is Sweden’s oldest amusement park. Most of its structures are old commercial and residential buildings dating from the 19th century, giving it a uniquely historic look and feel. From roller coasters to rock concerts, Gröna Lund entertains visitors of all ages.

 

Gröna Lund’s attractions, although compact in size, are varied—the theme park includes roller coasters, a haunted house, a fun house (Lustiga Huset), a Tunnel of Love, a spooky train ride (Blå Tåget), and nearly a dozen children’s rides. Gröna Lund also plays hosts to various events, including popular summer concerts. Bob Marley set the capacity record in 1980 when he attracted 32,000 people to the venue. Other notable performers have included Kiss, Damian Marley, Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, and Lady Gaga. The park has three different entertainment venues: Dansbanan (Lilla Scenen), Gröna Lundsteatern, and Stora Scenen.

 

Gröna Lund is a stop on many bus and boat tours from Stockholm, including some hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours that allow you to spend as much time as you like at the theme park before moving on. Gröna Lund’s admission is also included as part of the popular Stockholm Pass.

 

 

You can access Gröna Lund by boat from the central Stockholm islands Slussen, Nybroplan, and Skeppsholmen. Take tram #7, bus #44, or the ferry.

 

Gröna Lund is open May through September with varying hours; check the park’s website for hours and concert schedules. 

Originally a city park, Gröna Lund was rented out by Jacob Schultheiss to install carousels and other amusement rides in 1883. The park was operated by Schultheiss' descendants until 2001. The park’s longest-operating ride is the Blue Train (Blå Tåget), running the tracks since 1935.

Stockholm’s Parliament House is the seat of parliament in Sweden, better known as the Riksdag. Built between 1897 and 1905, the building was designed in a neoclassical style, with a Baroque Revival style façade. Today, it consists of two wings. The east wing is the original House of Parliament, while the west wing used to be the head office of the national bank. Occupying nearly half of the island of Helgeandsholmen in Stockholm’s Old Town, Parliament House also houses the Riksdag Library, which holds a variety of parliamentary documents and international legislation and is open to the public.

Visitors to Parliament House are welcome to observe everything that takes place in the parliamentary chamber, whether it is listening to debates and votes or attending public hearings or seminars. The public gallery to the Chamber holds 500 visitors, while the public gallery of the former first chamber holds 150 visitors and the gallery of the former second chamber holds 200 visitors. The latter two chambers are open for public hearings. Tours of the building are also available.