The historic city of Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and one of Northern Europe's foremost trade and cultural centres. The origins of the city date back to 1252 and are reflected in its diverse and impressive architecture. As a city based on an archipelago, Stockholm is characterised by its waterways and lakes. Stockholm includes Riddarfjärden, which is the eastern bay of Lake Mälaren. Visitors who book a flight and hotel for Stockholm can check out the city's varied cultural and historic attractions, ski resorts and scenic landscapes.
Travellers can take a flight to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport for their city breaks in Stockholm. U.K. travelers can take a flight to Stockholm from Heathrow, and there are also Skyanner flights from Dublin to Stockholm. The Arlanda Express Train connects the airport with Stockholm Central Station. Visitors who book a flight and hotel for Stockholm may also need a Schengen visa. Sweden is an EU country that isn't part of the eurozone, so its currency is the Swedish Krona. The timezone is GMT+1.
The best time to visit Sweden's capital depends on what kind of holiday you are seeking. The best times for city breaks in Stockholm for those who aren't planning a skiing holiday are probably the summer months of July and August when there is less rain and no snow. However, winter sports enthusiasts should book package holidays in Stockholm for January and February when conditions are ideal for skiing holidays.
Those who book package holidays in Stockholm for a skiing holiday can hit the slopes at the Flottsbro and Hammarbybacken ski resorts. Winter visitors can go ice skating at the outdoor Kungsträdgården ice-skating rink. Some summer visitors go kayaking along the city's archipelago or you can hike to the pastures and wooded meadows of Stockholm's Ängsö National Park. Stockholm is sometimes known as the Venice of the North, so many visitors enjoy boat trips through the city's waterways. You can take a Royal Canal Tour, Royal Bridges Cruise or Under the Bridges of Stockholm Tour during weekends in Stockholm.
Stockholm is a city with some great museums. The Vasa museum, which includes a restored 17th century warship, is among its more notable attractions. The Swedish Royal Museum of Natural History includes extensive exhibits devoted to the Swedish natural environment, polar regions, fossils and more. Stockholm's Abba Museum is dedicated to one of Sweden's most famous musical exports. The Tekniska Museet is one of the largest science museums in Sweden and its attractions include a model railway and permanent exhibits devoted to innovation, mining and winter sports. Visitors may also enjoy the Army Museum which covers Sweden's military history and displays armaments and other military artefacts from various eras.
Aside from museums, visitors to Stockholm can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the Ericsson Globe, the world's largest sphere, which is reached by a glass gondola. The Ericcsson Globe is also a sport and concert venue. You can have plenty of fun at the Gröna Lund amusement park, which features rollercoasters, giant wave swingers and many other breathtaking rides. For visitors with cultural inclinations the Royal Swedish Opera is one of Sweden's premier opera and ballet venues.
Swedish meatballs, otherwise known as köttbullar, are a popular fixture on most of Stockholm's menus. Meatball dishes are usually served with mashed potatoes and pickles. Gravad lax, dill cured salmon, is another notable Scandinavian delicacy. For dessert indulge yourself in a jordgubbar strawberry cake or Ostkaka cake with strawberry jam and whipped cream. Stockholm is also a city with a big coffee culture, so take your 'fika' (coffee break) with a Kanelbulle cinnamon roll pastry. Aside from coffee, Jalmust (a soft drink) and Filmjölk (a yogurt based drink) are amongst the most popular Swedish non-alcoholic beverages.
A Dala Horse is one of the most popular souvenirs you can bring back from any holiday in Sweden. These decorative horse ornaments are almost a symbol of Sweden. Visitors to the Vasa Museum can bring back a miniature Vasa ship model as a souvenir.