Airport Details
Airport Full Name
Stockholm-Arlanda International Airport
IATA Code
ARN
Location:
The airport is situated 28 miles (45km) north of
Stockholm.
Airport Facilities
The airport is well supplied with banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, restaurants, bars and shops. The SkyCity centre inside the airport complex provides every conceivable amenity for travellers, including a luxury hotel and health club. All the terminals have lounge areas with power points for recharging mobile phones and laptop computers.
Transfers
For those travelling to and from the airport there are many alternative modes of transport including high-speed trains (Arlanda Express) and airport coaches/buses (Flygbussarna), as well as commuter and long-distance trains. Long-distance SJ trains leave from Arlanda Central Station, where the SJ railway company offers long-distance train tickets and schedule information. The Arlanda Express train to Stockholm Central station runs every 15 minutes between 5.35am and 11.35pm daily (200kr). Buses go to the city every 10 minutes between 6.40am and 11.05pm each day, taking 40 minutes to make the journey (90kr). Taxis and rental cars are also available.
Contact
Tel: +46 (0)8 797 6000 or 797 6100.
Stockholm Hotel Deals
Climate Details (C)
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
| Min | -5 | -5 | -3 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 5 | 1 | -3 |
| Max | -1 | -1 | 3 | 9 | 16 | 21 | 22 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 1 |
Travel Guides: Stockholm
General Information
The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is not only Scandinavia's largest city but also its most enchanting, with its centuries-old alleyways and squares being spread across an archipelago of 14 islands. Locals are extremely proud of the fact that here one can go ocean-fishing in the heart of the city.
This historic metropolis with a small town heart also boasts a multitude of museums, restaurants, parks, fun fairs, a never-ending nightlife (licensing hours extend until 5am) and a rich cultural tradition. It all adds up to 'never a dull moment', particularly in the summer when the sun virtually never sets because of its position in the far northern latitudes.
Most tourists are initially drawn to the quaint Gamla Stan (old town), a warren of narrow cobbled-stone streets overshadowed by historic houses, radiating out from the sumptuous Royal Castle where Swedish monarchs have resided since the 13th century. Despite the medieval heritage, Stockholm is no staid, old-fashioned enclave. Citizens have developed a reputation for being trendy, daring and innovative, especially in the global realms of IT and fashion, often setting the pace in the design and technology fields.
Stockholmers are also immensely concerned with the environment, and the city-scape is made up of one-third water, one-third green space, one-third buildings and the cleanest air of any city in the world. Take a deep breath, pack a picnic, hop aboard a ferry, and make for one of the parks where you will undoubtedly be treated to a free concert; or head for the legendary shopping districts of Biblioteksgatan (exclusive European boutiques), Odengatan (antique treasures), and others. There is culture to be soaked up too, with more than 150 museums to visit, art festivals galore, architecture to be admired (including the beautiful City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet takes place), and a world-renowned opera or jazz concert to attend.
It may be old, but Stockholm is a destination for the young and energetic, as yet not over-run with tourists like many other European capitals.
Getting Around
Navigating the compact but confusing city centre is best done on foot, as the city is very pedestrian-friendly. To see the sights further away you can utilise the city's buses, underground (Tunnelbana or T-bana), ferries and trains run by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL). Discount cards or strips of transferable tickets are available. Information on the transport system, as well as a map and timetable, is available at the SL-Center inside T-Centralen station at Sergels Torg. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed in the street or booked by telephone. Buying a Stockholm Card ( Stockholmskortet) is perhaps the best way to make the most of the city as it allows for unlimited travel on public transport, as well as free entry to 60 museums and free sightseeing trips. Stockholm Cards can be bought at various tourist centres in the city.
Activities
Museum of National Antiquities, Stockholm
Sweden's history from prehistoric times to the present day is fascinatingly laid out in the Museum of National Antiquities in Stockholm, which contains a hoard of archaeological artefacts and treasures, including an impressive collection of gold objects recovered from the tombs and treasure caches of the Vikings, going back all the way to the Stone Age. The museum's most prized possession dates from the Middle Ages: the splendid gold reliquary, set with precious stones, which contained the skull of Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia. The museum has a gift shop and cafe.
Getting There:
Metro station Karlaplan; bus 44 and 56
Opening Times:
Daily 10am-5pm (May to September), Tuesday to Sunday
11am-5pm with late closing at 8pm on Thursdays (October to
April).
Admission:
SEK 80 (adults), children are free.
Stockholm City Hall, Stockholm
Stockholm's main landmark, the distinctive red brick City Hall (Stadshuset) building, has stood on Kungsholmen (King's Island) since 1923 and become world-renowned as the venue for the annual Nobel Prize Banquet. A visit to Stockholm's City Hall is a must for architecture lovers: the rather practical and austere façade, dominated by three golden crowns atop a tower, hides an extraordinary Art Nouveau interior. The plush council chamber itself has a vaulted ceiling resembling an inverted Viking longboat, echoing the Viking tradition of using overturned vessels as shelter in winter. Most impressive, though, is the magnificent Golden Hall, its walls covered with handmade mosaics. The view of Stockholm from the tower is unsurpassed.
Getting There:
Underground station T-Centralen/T-Rådhuset, or bus 48
and 62
Opening Times:
Tours depart every 30 minutes in June, July and
August between 9:30am and 4pm. The tower is open daily in summer
from 10am to 4:15pm.
Admission:
SEK 60 adults, SEK 20 children age 12-17 through March
and in November and December 2011. SEK 90 adults, SEK 40 children
April through October 2011.
Sala Silver Mine, Stockholm
Formerly a working silver mine in Västmanland County, Sala stopped major production in 1908, and has since been transformed into something of a tourist attraction. Guided tours are conducted down the mine, which also hosts concerts and other events. There is even an unusual hotel room located several hundred metres belowground!
Aboveground, most buildings in Sala have been converted into shops, art galleries, and museums. The town hosts Christmas markets on weekends in December, while in July the Mine's Days are celebrated.
Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, Stockholm
The official Swedish Royal residence is one of the largest and most glorious palaces in Europe, dating from 1754 (although it was built on the remains of an earlier medieval castle). The Baroque edifice is in the heart of Gamla Stan, the old city, and many of its 608 staterooms are open to the public all year round. Visitors can admire the Hall of State, the Royal Treasury, Apartment of the Orders of Chivalry, Gustav III Museum of Antiquities, the Kronor Museum, and the Royal Chapel. In front of the palace the changing of the guard ceremony takes place (Wednesday and Saturday 12:15pm, Sunday 1:15pm) with splendid pomp and ceremony that rivals the similar tradition played out at Britain's Buckingham Palace. Gamla Stan itself is a treasure-trove of Swedish architecture from the 17th century. Today tourists throng the alleyways, once notorious for brothels, but now lined with shops and restaurants, and admire the 13th-century Cathedral, the Storkyrkan.
Getting There:
Metro stop Gamla Stan, or bus 2, 43, 55, 71 or 76 to
Slottsbacken station
Opening Times:
Open daily 10am-5pm (14 May to 25 September), Tuesday
to Sunday 12-4pm (26 September to 13 May). Royal Apartments may
close fully or partly in conjunction with official receptions of
His Majesty The King.
Admission:
Combined ticket for the whole palace: SEK 140 adults,
SEK 70 children.
Royal Djurgården, Stockholm
Stockholm's main attractions are conveniently packaged close to the heart of the city on the island of Djurgården, crammed with entertainment options, museums, restaurants and wooded green space. Once upon a time the island was a royal hunting ground. Now visitors can hunt for souvenirs at the Handarbetets Vanner (handicraft centre); browse the art galleries; enjoy thrills and spills at Gröna Lund, Sweden's oldest amusement park; explore Sweden's past at the Skansen open-air museum; meet Nordic wildlife at the zoo; and watch folk dancing. Also on the island, accessed with a pleasant stroll along the waterfront, is the Junibacken fairy-tale fun centre, the National Museum of Cultural History and the fascinating Vasa Museum featuring a fully rigged restored 17th-century galleon raised from Stockholm harbour. Top off the day with a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants.
Getting There:
Vintage tram; buses 44 or 47; or ferry
Gröna Lund, Stockholm
Gröna Lund is Sweden's oldest amusement park and an amazing attraction for kids. Built in 1883, the park features a number of rides including bumper cars, carousels and ferris wheels of varying thrill levels for adults and children of all ages. There are also several fast-paced roller coasters, including the Jetline and the brand-new Twister. Height charts for the rides are available on the park's website so parents can see what is available to their children before going. There is an on-site baby care centre for parents to use.
Admission:
SEK 90 (adults), free under-4s. One-day bracelet (all
rides) SEK 319.
Babybio, Stockholm
An innovative attraction in Stockholm for parents with young children is the Babybio. At this unique cinema, the latest movie releases are shown in their original language, and the lighting and sound are lowered so as not to get the kids too excited. There are changing tables, free nappies and a microwave available for mothers to use, and individual cinema seats for each child. Infants are welcome at no charge.
Opening Times:
Every second Friday from 11am; closed July and
August
Admission:
SEK 100
Skansen, Stockholm
Visitors can explore Sweden's past at the Skansen open-air museum, the oldest in the world, where historical buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries have been relocated from around the country. The exhibits include a full replica of a 19th-century town complete with craftsmen in period dress who demonstrate the art of tanning, shoemaking, baking and glass-blowing; many shops are avaialble to visitors, selling everything from blown glass to cinnamon buns. Skansen is also home to an aquarium and the World of Monkeys within the Skansen Zoo, which focuses on Scandinavian animals such as reindeer, wolverines, elk, lynx and brown bears. Every December the central square hosts a Christmas market that attracts thousands of visitors every weekend.
Getting There:
Bus 47 from Central Station, vintage tram 7, or ferry
from Gamla stan
Opening Times:
Daily 10am-10pm (20 June to August), 10am-8pm (May to
19 June and September), 10am-4pm (March, April and October); the
rest of the year 10am-3pm (until 4pm on weekends). Market days
11am-5pm on weekends.
Admission:
June to August: SEK 120 (adults), SEK 50 (children
6-15); admission is reduced the rest of the year, but varies
according to season. Separate fees for aquarium and funicular
railway.
Stockholm Archipelago, Stockholm
The city of Stockholm stretches across 14 islands, but the archipelago, of which they form but a tiny part, consists of more than 24,000 islets, famed for their natural beauty, wildlife, fjords and spectacular channels and straits. A highlight of any visit to Stockholm is exploring this unique natural wonderland, whether individually or on one of the many organised boat tours on offer. The standard tour is the 'Thousand Island Cruise', lasting 11 hours, which takes you to the outer islands and allows passengers to spend time ashore on some of the larger islands, like Nämdö, renowned for its handicrafts. Those with less time to spend can opt for a shorter cruise from between two to six hours, or travel on the high speed 'Cinderella' waterjet boats that service many of the islands. Do-it-yourself travellers can make use of the regular Waxholmsbolaget ferries that service the inhabited islands. Bed and breakfast accommodation is available for those seeking a longer getaway and perhaps wanting to stay a few days to experience island life. Although most visitors opt to cruise the archipelago in the summer, there are winter cruises available that showcase the area's nature in a unique way.
Gotland, Stockholm
Sweden's largest island, Gotland was once an independent kingdom taken over by Denmark in the 14th century and ceded to Sweden in the 17th century. Located in the middle of the Baltic Sea, Gotland is a popular holiday destination for Swedish tourists. Its medieval atmosphere of farmlands and churches and the old walled city of Visby (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) draws foreign tourists, while locals holiday at the beaches along the coast. Boat tours around the island are available to interesting locations like the karst limestone formations of Lummelunda Grottan and the dwarf forests and moors of northern Gotland and Fårö.
Getting There:
Flights to Gotland are available year round from
Stockholm, Gothenburg and Linköping. The flight from Stockholm
takes about 25 minutes. The cheapest way to get to Gotland is by
ferry, which runs from Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn to Visby in about
three hours.
Junibacken, Stockholm
The Junibacken theme park is inspired by Pippi Longstocking and other children's books by local authors. The storybook landscape can be traversed on a fun train ride, and kids can also explore and play in Pippi's house, Villa Villekulla, and even ride her horse, Old Man. Storytelling and a lovely bookstore are other highlights at Junibacken. There is also a restaurant and children's bookstore in the park.
Opening Times:
June and August 10am-5pm, daily; July 9am-6pm, daily;
September to May 10am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
Admission:
SEK 125 adults and SEK 110 children 3-15 through June
2011 and September 1 through December 23. SEK 145 adults and SEK
125 children August 2011.
Royal Warship Vasa, Stockholm
One of the most popular attractions in Sweden, the 17th-century warship Vasasank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961, with thousands of artefacts, including coins, tools, clothing and other historical items. The ship has been carefully restored, and half the upper gun deck, along with the admiral's cabin and the steering compartment, have been recreated. Exhibitions detail hardships of life on the sea, and showcase the primitive supplies and medical equipment sailors had to contend with. Free tours are conducted, though schedules vary.
Opening Times:
September through May Thursday to Tuesday 10am-5pm;
June through August Thursday to Tuesday 8:30am-6pm, Wednesday
10am-8pm.
Admission:
SEK 95 adults, SEK 50 students. Free for children under
18.
Events
Stockholm Jazz Festival
After more than 20 years the Stockholm Jazz Festival has earned a reputation for becoming one of the biggest and best events of its kind in Europe. Top international and local jazz, blues, soul, funk and Latin stars perform over the five-day festival on the island of Skeppsholmen.
Date:
June 2012 TBA
Venue:
Main venue: Museum of Modern Art, Skeppsholmen
Skansen Christmas Market
The ideal place to do your Christmas shopping and imbibe some true traditional Scandinavian Christmas spirit is the huge Skansen Christmas market, which draws about 25,000 visitors every weekend in the run-up to the festive season. The historic houses and homesteads that make up the outdoor museum radiate music and warmth while revellers admire craft products, sample the traditional Swedish Christmas brew called 'glõgg', and dance around the Christmas tree. Shops and stores are packed with gift ideas, ornaments, tempting sweets and Christmas fare.
Date:
December weekends, annually
Venue:
Skansen Outdoor Museum, Djurgarden
Polar Music Prize Days
Each year the world's most prestigious music award is made in Stockholm, preceded by several days of activities such as live performances, workshops, seminars, film shows and exhibitions at various locations around the city. The city comes alive with the celebration of music in this event founded in 1989 by the late Stig Anderson, manager of Scandinavian supergroup, ABBA. The prize is administered by the Royal Swedish Academy of Music and has been won over the years by the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan and B.B. King.
Date:
August 2012 TBA
Venue:
Prize ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall; allied events
at various venues around the city
Midsummers Eve
Sweden's most beloved of festivals, Midsummer's Eve is a national holiday celebrated around the country with great gusto. In Stockholm, thousands enjoy the festivities laid on at the Skansen open-air museum, which centre around the raising of a garlanded maypole. Dancing and singing around the maypole is spurred on by the consumption of plenty of schnapps and beer. The festival has its roots in ancient pagan fertility rituals but for modern Swedes it is an excuse to enjoy a wild party as they emerge from the long, dark winter.
Date:
22 - 23 June 2012
Venue:
Skansen Museum
Nobel Prize Day
Although it is not open to the general public, Nobel Prize Day in Stockholm has the eyes of the world on this northern city when the highly prestigious awards for medicine, literature, physics, chemistry and economics (the coveted Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, Norway) are presented each year by the King at the Stockholm Concert Hall, followed by the lavish Nobel Prize Banquet at the City Hall. The Nobel Prize is the legacy of Alfred Nobel, a Swedish chemist and the inventor of dynamite, who left his huge fortune as a prize-fund to reward those who improve human life through contributions to science or humanitarianism. The award winners are announced in October and the presentation takes place on the anniversary of Nobel's death.
Date:
10 December annually
Venue:
Stockholm Concert Hall
Stockholm Pride
The largest Pride celebration in Scandinavia is the week-long rainbow carnival that turns Stockholm into a free zone for the gay and lesbian community. The action is centred on the largest island, Södermalm, where the Pride Park arena is set up at Tantolunden featuring a stage, restaurants, shops and varied attractions. Highlight of the festival week is the spectacular, colourful parade through the city starting at 3pm on the Saturday.
Date:
August 2012 TBA
Venue:
Pride Park (Tantolunden), Pride House (Medborgarplatsen) and
various other venues around the city. The parade starts at
Blasieholmskajen next to the Grand Hotel and the National Art
Museum and ends at Pride Park
Venue:
Parade: 3pm
Restaurants
Erik's Gondolen
This well-known waterfront restaurant is an institution in Stockholm, where celebrity chef Erik Lallerstedt serves up neo-Swedish cuisine and French specialities in a dining room that hangs beneath a 100-foot (30m) high walkway, much like the gondola of an airship. The unusual setting allows for dining with a spectacular view over the old town, Lake Mälaren and the Baltic. Erik's opens for lunch on Saturdays and lunch and dinner during the week. Examples from the menu are shellfish soup, fillet of venison and Kaluha cheesecake.
Address:
Stadsgården 6
Kaffegillet
A warm and friendly atmosphere, reasonable prices and hearty local traditional specialities make Kaffegillet, one of the oldest restaurants in Stockholm, a perennial favourite with locals and visitors alike. In the centre of the Gamla Stan, this restaurant hides in a 14th-century cellar, the décor matching the setting with brick walls, suits of armour and assorted medieval weaponry lit by candles burning in wine jugs.
Address:
Trångsund 4, Gamla Stan
Operakällaren
A jacket is most definitely required at this grand special occasion restaurant, which has high prices to match its high reputation for outstanding food and service. Besides the stunningly presented international dishes and huge wine list the Operakallaren has also been rated as Sweden's most beautiful dining room, set in the Gamla Stan with a fantastic view of the Royal Palace. The main dining room is open Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.
Address:
Karl den XII's Torg
Sturehof
This multi-purpose, relaxed establishment has earned the sobriquet: 'Stockholm's living room'. In the heart of the Stureplan entertainment hub, with its four bars, sidewalk cafe and dining room, it has become a popular meeting place from early morning until late at night. The classic restaurant, styled as a modern brasserie, is renowned for its fish and shellfish, but also serves up some delicious Swedish home cooking, all extravagantly prepared and presented. The menu features a vast array, from light snacks to tempting main courses such as lobster, fish and oysters, as well as meat and vegetarian dishes. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address:
Stureplan 2
Ostermalms Saluhall
Half deli and half market, Ostermalms Saluhall is definitely the place to go for delicious Swedish food in Stockholm. The stalls are heavily coveted by local traders, and only the best are allowed to ply their wares to the crowds that flock there six days a week. At the heart of the market are tiny restaurants and wine bars, all serving the best local fare. Ostermalms Saluhall is open Monday to Thursday 9:30am-8pm, Friday 9:30am-6:30pm, and Sunday 9:30am-4pm.
Address:
Ostermalmstorg
Linguini
One of Stockholm's most popular Italian restaurants, Linguini is known for its excellent service and even better pasta. The small and intimate venue can be a little noisy during the busiest times, but is a great place for a romantic dinner in Stockholm. Linguini is open for dinner Monday to Saturday.
Address:
Frejgatan 48
Ulla Winbladh
There is no restaurant in Stockholm more traditional than this inn in the city's favourite fun zone, the island of Djurgården. The restored building dates back to the 1800s and offers outdoor dining in summer. Speciality of the house is Swedish meatballs, and of course Baltic herring also holds pride of place on the menu. Open daily from 11.30am (12pm on weekends).
Address:
Rosendalsvägen 8
F12
This trendy Stockholm restaurant is located in the Royal Academy of Arts, with sophisticated minimalist décor to match its modern cuisine. Frequented by government officials and rock stars alike, F12 is as fashionable as they come. The service is excellent, and the portions are generous. Bookings are absolutely essential.
Address:
Fredsgatan 12
