World City Guide

Mini Guide of Stockholm

City Overview

Spread across 24,000 islets and laced with numerous waterways on the southeastern coast of Sweden, Stockholm enjoys one of the most stunning locales of any capital city in the world. Over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways and another 30% is made up of parks and green spaces, giving Stockholm perhaps the freshest air and widest lungs of any European capital. This natural oasis is complemented by the stunning Old Town, which was perfectly preserved by Sweden’s neutrality in World War II. This Old Town (or Gamla Stan) is the epicentre of the city, with countless hotels, bars, restaurants and shops all prospering – as people in these historical streets have done for centuries.

Away from the charms of the Old Town, the modern city showcases the neat and innovative design standards for which Sweden has become globally renowned. Much of Stockholm’s present day wealth comes from the new light industries, such as information technology and computing, with world leading companies often occupying prime real estate in the city centre or filling up the new business parks on the city fringes. All this is a far cry from the city’s humble beginnings, which stretch back to the 13th century and Birger Jarl – generally accepted as the founder of the city, although various settlements previously existed on the site. The city grew up around the Old Town, as Stockholm emerged as a key trading centre, with influence all over the Baltic Sea region and further afield. Today, Stockholm is a thriving modern European city that dispels all of the anachronistic images about dull Scandinavians.

During the seemingly endless days and bright sunshine of the summer months, the city’s chic boutiques and stylish pavement cafs overflow with the ‘beautiful people’, who enjoy the hedonistic culture and lifestyle that has earned the Swedish capital rave reviews from Europe’s style magazines. Stockholm’s ethnic make-up is, perhaps surprisingly, very eclectic, with over 15% first generation immigrants and over 100 languages spoken in the city. This increasing diversity has infused the city with a renewed vigour and energy, as the various incoming cultures interact with the indigenous Swedes.

A quintessential Stockholm summer night is spent bathed in warm sunshine, sitting at a restaurant by the water’s edge, savouring fresh seafood plucked straight from the waters around Stockholm, before taking advantage of the midnight light and heading out for a night around the Stureplan, in some of Europe’s trendiest bars. When the long winter does come, it is not all Nordic gloom – the locals head for the sanctuary of the cosy pubs that line the city. Stockholm has almost as many restaurants per capita as Paris does, as well as 150 or so museums and galleries, so there is always plenty to do when the winter chill sets in. Then there are the severe winters when many of the waterways around the city freeze up, allowing the unique experience of ice skating around one of the world’s most stunning capital cities.

Getting There By Air

Stockholm-Arlanda (STO)
Tel: (08) 797 6000 or (08) 797 6100. Fax: (08) 797 2096.
Website: www.lfv.se

The city’s impressive and modern airport is situated 45km (28 miles) north of Stockholm. Europe’s sixth largest airport, Stockholm-Arlanda is a major aviation hub for the Baltic and Scandinavian regions. The airport is used by 57 international airlines and processes approximately 18 million passengers each year.

Major airlines: Sweden’s airline is SAS Scandinavian Airlines System – SK (tel: (08) 797 0000; website: www.scandinavian.net), an international consortium set up with Denmark and Norway in 1946, which took over Linjeflyg to also become the major domestic carrier. Other carriers serving the airport include Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Continental Ailines, Finnair, KLM and Lufthansa.

Airport facilities: Services include duty-free shops, banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, restaurants and bars. There is a Radisson SAS SkyCity hotel (tel: (08) 5067 4000) at the airport and its health club can be booked for single use for SKr80. Avis, Europcar and Hertz provide car hire.

Business facilities: Arlanda airport offers business facilities at the Prime Point centre (tel: (08) 797 6200; fax: (08) 5936 0920; e-mail: meetings@primepoint.com; website: www.primepoint.com), located in SkyCity (between terminals four and five). The centre offers a number of conference rooms accommodating from two to 700 delegates, offices and an exhibition hall for up to 1000 delegates. Opening times are Monday to Thursday 0730–2100, Friday 0730–1800 and weekends on request. There are also lounges with business facilities located in terminals two, four and five.

Transport to the city: Arlanda Express trains (tel: (08) 5888 9000; website: www.arlandaexpress.com) to Stockholm Central run every 15 minutes daily 0535–2335 (journey time – 23 minutes). The cost is SKr180 or SKr200 for two adults at the weekend. SL (tel: (08) 600 1000; website: www.sl.se) or Flygbussarna (tel: (08) 600 1000; fax: (08) 686 3797; website: www.flygbussarna.com) bus services run every ten minutes daily 0640–2305 to Stockholm (journey time – 40 minutes) and cost SKr80.

Taxis to the city central should operate at a fixed rate of SKr435, which ought to be posted in the window.

Bromma Airport (BMA)
Tel: (08) 797 6874. Fax: (08) 981 010.
Website: www.lfv.se

Located eight kilometres (six miles) west of Stockholm, Bromma Airport is an important hub for domestic flights to 19 airports. The airport processed almost one million passengers in 2000.

Major airlines: British Airways (tel: (020) 781 144; website: www.britishairways.com) operates flights from Denmark to Bromma Airport. Domestic carriers include European Executive Express, Golden Air, International Business Air, Malmo Aviation and Skyways

Airport facilities: Services at Bromma airport include a restaurant and shops. There is a Flyghotellet located nearby. Car hire is available from Avis, Europcar and Hertz.

Business facilities: Three conference rooms, accommodating between four and 75 delegates, are available for hire from the Swedish Civil Aviation Administration (tel: (08) 797 6874).

Transport to the city: SL (tel: (08) 600 1000; website: www.sl.se) or Flygbussarna (tel: (08) 600 1000; fax: (08) 686 3797; website: www.flygbussarna.com) airport buses to Stockholm offer connections to the city centre (journey time – 20 minutes). The fare is SKr60 one way or SKr100 return. Buses operate approximately every half and hour, Monday to Friday 0715–2152, Saturday 0920–1530 and Sunday 1255–1955. A cheaper but more time-consuming option is the local SL buses 110 and 152, which operate approximately 0600–2300 on weekdays and 1000–1730 on Saturday, connecting with the metro for travel into the city centre (journey time – approximately 40 minutes). The journey costs SKr16. Bromma Taxis /Flygtaxi (tel: (08) 797 8190) or (20) 979 797) operates a taxi service to the city centre, costing approximately SKr170.

Skavsta Airport (NYO)
Tel: (015) 528 0400. Fax: (015) 528 0449.
Website: www.skavsta-air.se

Situated 100km (62 miles) south of Stockholm, Skavsta airport is the terminus for the Ryanair international service from London Stansted and has plans for rapid expansion over the next few years. It is also a major cargo airport.

Major airlines: Ryanair (tel: (0900) 202 0240; website: www.ryanair.com) is the only passenger airline operating to and from Skavsta, flying from London, Paris, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Oslo, Glasgow and Aarhus.

Airport facilities: These include a FOREX office, hotel booking service, baby changing facilities, duty-free shop, restaurant, bar and coffee shop. Car hire is available from Hertz, Avis, Europcar and National.

Business facilities: There are no business facilities or executive lounges currently available at Skavsta Airport.

Transport to the city: Flygbussarna (tel: (08) 600 1000; fax: (08) 686 3797; website: www.flygbussarna.com) buses to Stockholm run four or five times a day, between 1045 and 2150, connecting with all Ryanair flights. These cost SKr130 one way or SKr190 return (journey time – 1 hour 20 minutes). Skavsta Taxis (tel: (08) 5503 0000) offers a service to Stockholm (journey time – 1 hour) at a cost of approximately SKr1195, which travellers should book in advance.

Vasteras Airport (VST)
Tel: (021) 805 610 (for information) or 805 600. Fax: (021) 801 120.
Website: www.vasteras.se/flyg

Situated five kilometres (three miles) from the town of Vasteras, the airport is approximately a one-hour journey from Stockholm. The airport is set to expand; it currently serves routes to Copenhagen, London, Malmo and Oslo.

Major airlines: Ryanair (tel: (0900) 200 4040; website: www.ryanair.com) flies from London Stansted to Vasteras. Other airlines operating from Vasteras Airport are Direkt Flyg, Skyways and European Executive Express.

Airport facilities: Facilities include a caf/bar, a shop and car hire from Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Mabi.

Business facilities: There currently are no business facilities or VIP lounges at the airport.

Transport to the city: A Flygbussarna (tel: (08) 600 1000; fax: (08) 686 3797; website: www.flygbussarna.com) bus service runs to Stockholm city centre, meeting all Ryanair flights (journey time – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Tickets cost Skr100 for a single and SKr150 return. Taxis are available, costing approximately SKr1490–1600 for a trip into Stockholm (journey time – approximately 1 hour 15 minutes).

Approximate flight times to Stockholm: From London is 2 hours 30 minutes; from New York is 7 hours 45 minutes; from Los Angeles is 14 hours 10 minutes; from Toronto is 12 hours 10 minutes and from Sydney is 24 hours 10 minutes.

Arrival/departure tax: None.

Getting There By Water

Throughout its history, Stockholm has always been a major port. Easy access to the sea and the waterways of the Stockholm Archipelago, as well as inland waterways, such as the Gta Canal between Stockholm and Gothenburg, make the city an ideal destination for boat travellers. The port authority, Ports of Stockholm Group (tel: (08) 670 2600; e-mail: info@stoports.com; website: www.portsofstockholm.com), has approximately 150–160 moorings per year and comprises the ports in Stockholm, Nynshamn and Kapellskr. Its quays can accommodate ships of up to 245m (800ft) and ferries can tie up within sight of the Old Town. In Stockholm ferries dock at Frihamnen, Stadsgarden and Vartahamnen, depending on the size of the vessel. The port has immigration facilities for ferry passengers and Stockholm Information Service booths offering information, hotel booking and car hire.

Ferry services: There are frequent ferry services to other Baltic ports. Silja Line (tel: (08) 222 140; website: www.silja.com) departs from Vartahamnen for Helsinki, Tallinn, Rostock and Turka. Viking Line (tel: (08) 452 4000, website: www.vikingline.fi) travels to Helsinki and Turku from Stadsgarden. Tallink (tel: (08) 667 0001 or 666 6001, website: www.tallink.se) runs a Tallinn–Stockholm service and Polferries (tel: (08) 5201 8101; website: www.polferries.com) runs a Gdansk– Nynshamn service. DFDS Seaways (tel: (08705) 333 000 (UK) or (0316) 50650 (within Sweden); website: www.dfdsseaways.co.uk) operates a car ferry service from Newcastle to Gothenburg (journey time – 25 hours 30 minutes), sailing from Newcastle on Monday and Friday.

Transport to the city: The city centre is within easy walking distance from the Stockholm port. Taxis are readily available. Nynshamn, situated 60km (37 miles) south of Stockholm, is linked to the city by the 73 road, as well as by rail, while the E18 road links the city with Kapellskr, 90km (56 miles) north to Stockholm.

Getting There By Road

Sweden uses the standard European road designation system with ‘E’ indicating European routes. Traffic drives on the right and drivers give way to the right. National speed limits are 110kph (68mph), 90kph (56mph) or 70kph (43mph), depending on the road and traffic density. Speed limits inside built-up areas – virtually all of Stockholm – are 50kph (31mph) or 30kph (19mph) in school areas. The minimum driving age is 18 years for car drivers and 17 years for motorcyclists. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.02% and heavy fines or prison sentences may be imposed on those driving while intoxicated. The use of dipped headlights is compulsory in the daytime for cars and motorcycles, as are crash helmets for motorcyclists. All car passengers must use seatbelts and children under seven may not travel without specially adapted restraints. Drivers must also carry an emergency warning triangle. Studded tyres are prohibited, except from 1 November to the first Monday after the Easter holiday.

A national driving licence and vehicle registration documents must be carried at all times. The Swedish authorities do not require drivers to carry a Green Card but its use is advisable, as it tops up the level of cover provided to that of the driver’s domestic policy. Automatic petrol pumps at service stations accept SKr100, SKr50 and SKr20 notes.

Motormannens Riksforbund, the Swedish automobile association, can provide further information (tel: (08) 690 3800; website: www.motormannen.se). Assistancekren (tel: (08) 404 1455; website: www.assistancekaren.se) is the 24-hour breakdown service for motorists in Sweden.

Emergency breakdown service:
Assistancekren (020) 912 912

Routes to the city: Stockholm is integrated within the European motorway network, however, Oslo is the only other European capital within convenient distance for direct overland access. The European motorway, E18, leads to Oslo, while motorways, E20 and E6 lead to Oslo via Gothenburg. European motorway E4 heads south to Malm for ferry connections to Copenhagen and to Uppsala in the north.

Approximate driving times to Stockholm: From Uppsala – 1 hour; Gothenburg – 5 hours 50 minutes; Malm – 7 hours 40 minutes.

Coach services: The Cityterminalen (City Terminal), Klarabergsviadukten 72 (tel: (08) 762 5997), situated next to Stockholm Central, is the terminus for international coach connections. Facilities include refreshments, left-luggage and FOREX office. Eurolines (tel: (08) 440 8570; website: www.eurolines.se) provides coach links to major European cities, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris and Rome. Busstop (tel: (08) 440 8570) provides international bookings and information on domestic services. Coaches from the City Terminal serve most destinations in Sweden, although services to the far north are limited. Swebus AB (tel: (08) 762 3500; website: www.swebus.se) runs services out of the capital.

Getting There By Rail

Swedish State Railways – SJ (tel: (08) 762 2000; e-mail: sjinfo@.sj.se; website: www.resor.sj.se) is the efficient and well-organised national rail carrier for the country. Stockholm Central station (tel: (08) 762 2000) is located on Vasagatan. As well as left-luggage and other standard facilities, the station also contains Stockholm Central Post Office with all its facilities, FOREX bureau de change and tourist information.

Rail services: Stockholm has international rail links to Copenhagen (journey time – 5 hours) and the rest of Europe, via the X2000 system. Since the opening of the Oresund Link in 2001, the X2000 connects Stockholm with other major European cities without the need of a ferry connection. Trains also run to Oslo in Norway, twice daily (journey time – approximately 6 hours). The X2000 trains also travel to Gothenburg (journey time – 3 hours).

Transport to the city: Stockholm Central is at the centre of the city’s metro network.

Getting Around

Public Transport
Storstockholms Lokaltrafik – SL (tel: (08) 600 1000; website: www.sl.se) runs Stockholm’s well-integrated network of metros, commuter trains, buses and trams.

The metro (tunnelbana) is the core of the system – stations are marked with a blue ‘T’ on a white background – and the service runs daily 0500–0100 (later at the weekend). The metro is integrated with the commuter train service, although services are less frequent.

Bus services operate daily on average around 0600–2400 for normal buses, with night buses handling limited routes after that.

There are not many trams left in the city, although visitors might find the vintage Djurgrdslinjen (tram 7) useful, as it passes many city sights. However, this costs more than other services, at SKr20 per ticket (passes are not valid).

Single tickets, valid on all services, cost SKr16 and are available for purchase on board buses or at metro stations. RabattkupongI (discount coupons) are available from newspaper stands – a carnet of 20 costs SKr110.

The SL Tourist Card gives free travel on public transport inside the Greater Stockholm area. The pass costs SKr80 for 24 hours and SKr150 for 72 hours (concessions are available). The Stockholm Card (Stockholmskortet) gives free public transport among other benefits. This costs SKr220, SKr380 and SKr540 for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively (concessions available). Both are available for purchase at Stockholm Information Service offices.

Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street or ordered by telephone from Taxi Stockholm (tel: (08) 150 000 or 728 2700; website: www.taxistockholm.se) or Taxi Kurir (tel: (08) 300 000 or 744 9400; website: www.taxikurir.se). Computer/radio taxis can also be ordered online and accept major credit cards as payment.

Taxis normally charge a basic fee of SKr28–36 and a journey of ten kilometres (six miles) will cost approximately SKr100 on weekdays, with higher rates for evenings and weekends. Tips are usually included in the fare.

Limousines
Limousineservice (tel: (08) 222 280) provides chauffeured limousines for SKr780–850 per hour, with a reduced price if the car is hired for more than one day. The higher rate is applicable after 1900 on weekdays, before 0600 weekdays and all weekend. Prestige Limousine (tel: (08) 193 300; website: www.prestigelimousine.se) provides limousines and people carriers from SKr700 per hour, while Bel Air Limousines (tel: (08) 308 500; website: www.bel-airlimo.se) has stretch limousines from SKr980 per hour.

Driving in the City
Scattered over 14 islands and governed by strict speed limits, Stockholm is not an ideal city for drivers. Visitors might be better advised to use its excellent public transport system instead. The city’s planners have imposed numerous restrictions on drivers and petrol prices are among Europe’s highest.

Principal car parks are the Galleriangaraget, at the Gallerian complex, Hamngatan 37, or at Phus Pub, Sljdgatan 3. Carpark (website: www.carpark.se) provides a website, complete with maps, which focuses on parking in Stockholm. Parking is on average Kr50 per hour (less at night).

Car Hire
The minimum age for car hire is 18 years, with the proviso that drivers have held a driving licence for one year. Some larger cars are restricted to those over 24 years. A national driving licence, passport and credit card are required for hiring a car in Stockholm. Fire and third party liability is mandatory in Sweden and is included in all car hire deals.

Cars are available from Avis (tel: (08) 202 060; website: www.avis.com) and Hertz (tel: (08) 240 720; website: www.hertz.com), both of which are located near the Stockholm Central. Typical rates for car hire are around SKr700 per day for an average saloon.

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
Cykel and Mopeduthyrningen, Strandvgen 24 (tel: (08) 660 7959), and Cykelstallet, St Eriksgatan 34 (tel: (08) 650 0804), both provide bicycle and scooter hire. A typical rate for hire of a bicycle is SKr150 per day.

Business

Business Profile
Quite simply, Stockholm is the financial, business and economic hub of Sweden, with most major business transactions and major Swedish companies – such as Ericsson, Electrolux, Ikea, Saab and Volvo – all based in the capital. Further afield, Stockholm is also a major regional player, principally in the merging Baltic markets and within the EU. Although Sweden has opted to stay out of the EMU (European Monetary Union) and thus not adopt the Euro as its currency, the city’s major trading partners are all European. The offices around Sergelstog and Hamngatan manage one of the most powerful economies in Europe.

Both Stockholm and the larger Swedish economy have adapted to the decline in its traditional engineering base by diversifying into telecommunications and other ideas- and design-based industries, especially mobile communications and information technology (IT). In 2000, an IDC survey put Sweden ahead of the US as the world’s leading IT nation. However, 2001 was a less positive year for the economy than expected, with GDP growth of only 1.5 % compared to 3.6% in 2000. The country is heavily dependent on exports and the rapid downturn in the IT and telecom sectors affected the economy, particularly in the Stockholm region. Among the countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD), Sweden devotes the highest percentage of its GDP to research and development.

Standing at 2.4%, unemployment in the city is considerably lower than the national average of 3.8%. The main employers in the city are Stockholm’s municipal authorities and county council, with 67,600 employed, followed by Ericsson with 12,375, the post office (Posten) with 10,575 and AstroZeneca with 8275.

Roughly 75% of the Swedish information and electronics industry is located in the Greater Stockholm area. Global companies with a presence in Stockholm include KPMG and Sheraton. Stockholm’s place in the top ten of international congress and conference venues further reinforces its position in the global trade circuit. Translation services are available from Activator RW-Consult AB, Storhagsv 23 (tel (08) 749 0925; website: www.activator.se).

The Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Vastra Tradgardsgatan (tel: (08) 5551 0000; fax (08) 5663 1600; website: www.chamber.se), can provide information on many aspects of doing business in the city.

Business Etiquette
Swedes pride themselves on their co-operative, egalitarian spirit in the workplace. In theory at least, issues of status and hierarchy are far less important than in many other countries – most people use their first names in the workplace and elaborate deference is definitely out of fashion. Management style is consensual rather than authoritarian. Since Stockholm is the capital, the city sees itself as setting the tone and pace for the rest of the country. Nevertheless, however relaxed Swedes are about power and authority, they are strict timekeepers and punctuality is expected for both work and play. Standard working hours are Monday to Friday 0900–1800 but flexible hours are common practice. Swedes also tend to stick to the point – personal chat is generally left until the real business is done and dusted. Smart dress is still the norm, although more casual attire is being adopted in the new industries such as IT and Internet businesses. Most business socialising is done away from the home, at bars and restaurants. Dinners tend to be quite boozy affairs, although at lunches water is often substituted for alcohol.

Sightseeing

Sightseeing Overview
Stockholm is an easy city for tourists to navigate, as its centre is largely flat and strolling around is a pleasure. For journeys further afield, there is an excellent public transport system with trams, underground trains, buses and ferries servicing all areas of the city and the surrounding towns and villages.

A good place for one to get acquainted with the city is from the Gondola Restaurant, in the Sodermalm district, where over a full gourmet meal or just a drink, visitors can get a good idea of the layout of the city through the venue’s panoramic windows. The focus of Stockholm sightseeing is around the Gamla Stan (or Old Town), which boasts many historical buildings, tourist shops, cafs, as well as the impressive Royal Palace – the largest royal palace still in use in the world. North of the Old Town is the main part of the more modern city, whose districts are home to numerous attractions, such as the impressive City Hall, the Museum of National Antiquities and the Stringberg Museum. Across the water, via ferry, is Djurgarden – a playground with a funfair park, Stockholm Zoo and Sweden’s most visited museum, the Vasa Museum, which is home to a 17th-century galleon that has been impressively raised from the chill waters of Stockholm’s harbour.

Many museums are closed on Mondays. The city has recently gained a reputation for stylish shops, bars and restaurants, making it the Scandinavian capital of cool. Beyond the centre of the city, over 10,000 islands and rocky islets in the Stockholm Archipelago wait to be explored.

Tourist Information
Stockholm Information Service
Cultural Centre/Kulturhuset (lower floor), Sergels torg 3
Tel: (08) 789 2490. Fax: (08) 789 2450.
E-mail: info@svb.stockholm.se
Website: www.stoinfo.se
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 0900–1800 and Sat and Sun 0900–1500 (Apr, May and Sep); Mon–Fri 0800–1900 and Sat and Sun 0900–1700 (Jun–Aug); Mon–Fri 0900–1800 and Sat and Sun 1000–1600 (Oct–Mar).

Other branches are located in Stockholm Central station, in the Kakns Tower and the City Hall.

Passes
The Stockholm Card (Stockholmskortet) gives free public transport within Stockholm and free admission to 70 museums and attractions – including the Royal Palace, Historiska Musseet and National Museum – as well as free parking at municipal parking meters and other special offers and benefits. The pass is available for purchase at Stockholm Information Service offices throughout the city, as well as train and ferry termini. The Stockholm Card costs SKr220, SKr380 and SKr540 for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively (concessions available).

Also available from the Stockholm Information Service, the SL Tourist Card gives free travel on public transport inside the Greater Stockholm area and reduced admission to selected tourist attractions, including the Skansen open-air museum. The pass costs SKr80 for 24 hours and SKr150 for 72 hours (concessions available).

Key Attractions

Vasamuseet (Vasa Museum)
Sweden’s most visited museum enshrines the warship, Vasa, sunk inside Stockholm harbour while on her maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was built to the order of the great Vasa king, Gustavus Adolphus, and was the most powerful war galleon of her age. She was raised whole from the harbour bed in 1961, over 330 years after she had last seen the light of day. Carefully preserved, the ship now rests intact in the museum’s main hall. Displays recreate life on board the ship and a film shows how the salvage operation was carried out. The museum’s beautiful waterfront site on the island of Djurgrden is an added attraction. There are guided tours in English, Monday to Friday 1230 and 1430, Saturday and Sunday 1030 and 1630.

Galarvarvsvagen 14
Tel: (08) 5195 4800. Fax: (08) 5195 4888.
E-mail: vasamuseet@sshm.se
Website: www.vasamuseet.se
Transport: Bus 47 or 69.
Opening hours: Daily 0930–1900 (10 Jun–20 Aug); Thurs–Tues 1000–1700, Wed 1000–2000 (21 Aug–9 Jun).
Admission: SKr70; concessions available.

Stadshuset (City Hall)
Voted by the Swedes as the country’s finest building, Stockholm’s City Hall was begun in 1911, to an Art Nouveau design by Ragnar stberg. Its interior has grand civic apartments, including the Golden Hall, with its glass and gold mosaics, while its tower gives a sweeping panorama of Stockholm. The building’s Blue Hall – which is actually red – is the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Visitors must join one of the scheduled tours to see the interior, although access to the tower is unrestricted during opening hours.

Hantverkargatan 1
Tel: (08) 5082 9058. Fax: (08) 5082 9059.

Website: www2.stockholm.se/stadshuset
Transport: Five-minute walk from Stockholm Central station; bus 48 or 62.
Opening hours: Daily 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1400 (Jun–Aug), 1000 and 1200 (Sep–May) for tours of the interior; daily 1000–1630 (May–Sep) for the tower.
Admission: SKr70 (interior); SKr20 (tower); concessions available.

Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace)
Situated in the heart of Stockholm, on the central island of Riddarholmen, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the monarchs of Sweden and the chief venue for official state events. With 608 rooms, it is among the largest surviving palaces in Europe. The present glorious Baroque edifice is the work of Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, from a 1692 design, however, parts of the older medieval Castle of Three Crowns still survive. Attractions include the Banqueting Apartments, the Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry, the Hall of State, the Royal Treasury, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities and the Royal Chapel. In addition, the changing of the guard at the palace is as much of a spectacle in Stockholm as it is in London.

Slottsbacken
Tel: (08) 402 6130. Fax: (08) 402 6167.
E-mail info.stockholms-slott@royalcourt.se
Website: www.royalcourt.se
Transport: Metro Gamla Stan; bus 43, 46, 55, 59 or 76.
Opening hours: Tues–Sun 1200–1500 (1 Feb–14 May and 1 Sep–31 Dec); Tues–Sun 1000–1600 (15 May–31 Aug).
Admission: SKr110 (combined ticket, for all parts of the palace); SKr70 (separate tickets, for selected parts of the palace each); concessions available.

Statens Historiska Museet (Museum of National Antiquities)
Sweden’s national historical museum, which traces the nation’s history from prehistoric times to the present day, is now graced by a spectacular Gold Room, housing the gold of the Viking chiefs. These hoards, recovered from tombs or hiding places, show Scandinavian Viking culture at its most prosperous and magnificent. There is also one of the finest European collections of medieval painted wooden religious sculpture on exhibition.

Narvargen 13–17
Tel: (08) 5195 5600. Fax: (08) 5195 5603.
E-mail: info@historiska.se
Website: www.historiska.se
Transport: Metro Karlaplan; bus 44, 47, 56, 69 or 76.
Opening hours: Tues–Sun 1100–1700 (summer); Tues, Wed and Fri–Sun 1100–1700, Thurs 1100–2000 (winter).
Admission: SKr60; concessions available.

Strindbergsmuseet (Strindberg Museum)
Stockholm’s most famous cultural figure has his temple here. The Bl Tornet (Blue Tower) was August Strindberg’s last home, from 1908 until his death in 1912. His apartment and library have been preserved in their original state. An exhibition showcases his last works, written on the premises. The museum, which also hosts temporary exhibitions and plays, is furnished in a strikingly sparse Nordic Art Nouveau style.

Drottninggatan 85
Tel: (08) 411 5354. Fax: (08) 411 0141.
E-mail: info@strindbergsmuseet.se
Website: www.strindbergsmuseet.se
Transport: Metro Radmansgatan.
Opening hours: Tues–Sun 1200–1600 (summer) Tues 1200 – 1900, Wed–Sun 1200–1600 (winter).
Admission: SKr40; concessions available.

Skansen (Open-air Museum and Zoological Park)
This open-air museum and zoo on Djurgrden was founded in 1891, to preserve Sweden’s rural culture and is the first such collection to be built. It contains some 160 historic wooden farms and houses from across Sweden. The farms have their own animals – traditional breeds tended by ‘farmers’ in period costumes – and the zoo and aquarium hold both animals native to the region and more exotic species. The children’s circus, zoo and playgrounds make Skansen particularly attractive to families.

Djurgrden
Tel: (08) 442 8000. Fax: (08) 442 8282.
E-mail: info@skansen.se
Website: www.skansen.se
Transport: Bus 44 or 47.
Opening hours: Daily 1000–1600 (Oct–Apr); daily 1000–2000 (May); daily 1000–2200 (Jun–Aug); daily 1000–1700 (Sep).
Admission: SKr70 (June-Aug), SKr50 (Sep-May); more for special events; concessions available.

Further Distractions

Millesgrden
Carl Milles (1875-1955) was Sweden's best known sculptor of the 20th century. In 1906, he bought a house on the island of Lindigo, and set about developing a garden where he could showcase his work. Today Millesgrden covers 18,000 sq metres (194,000 sq feet) in a series of level terraces reminiscent of an Italian villa, with superb views over the water. The artist's major works are represented here, and his own personal collection of art from Ancient Greece and Rome (unique in Sweden) is also on display. Admission to the museum also includes entry to the Carl Milles' studio.
Carl Millesvag 2, Lindigo
Tel: (08) 446 7580.
Website: www.millesgarden.se
Transport: Subway to Ropsten, then bus 207 or buses 201, 202, 204, 206, 212 to Torsvik. Or tram to Baggeby.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1700 (mid-May-Aug); Thurs-Sun 1200-1700, closed Mon-Wed (Sep-mid-May)
Admission: SKr75; concessions available.

Globen (Stockholm Globe)
A vast sporting and events arena, the Stockholm Globe is the world’s largest spherical building at 85m (279ft) high and 110m (361ft) wide. As well as hosting major sporting contests, it also houses restaurants, bars and a shopping complex. A source of rich controversy when it was first built in the 1980s, the Globe regained its notoriety in the early 1990s, following a spectacular bankruptcy.

Globentorget 2
Tel: (08) 725 1000 or (077) 131 0000 (tickets). Fax: (08) 725 1240.
E-mail: info@globearenas.se
Website: www.globen.se
Transport: Metro Globen; bus 4, 164, 150, 807 or 803 to Gullmarsplan.
Opening hours: Daily 0900–1600 (for guided tours).
Admission: SKr50 (for tours); concessions available.

Stockholm Metro
Known as the ‘world’s longest art exhibition’, Stockholm’s metro is in fact famous for the quality of its subway art. From the mid-1950s, it was official policy to decorate the network with originally commissioned art. Kungstrdgrden and Stockholm Central metro stations are particularly ornate.

Kungstrdgrden metro station
Kungstrdgrden
Tel: (08) 600 1000.
Website: www.sl.se
Transport: Blue metro line.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: SKr10 (single metro ticket).

Stockholm Central
Vasagatan
Tel: (08) 600 1000.
Website: www.sl.se
Transport: All metro lines.
Opening hours: Daily 0500–2400.
Admission: SKr10 (single metro ticket).

Tours of the City

Walking Tours
Walking tours are offered by City Sightseeing (tel: (08) 5871 4030; website: www.citysightseeing.com). The ‘Old Town Walkabout’ – a guided stroll through the medieval core of the city – costs SKr90 for 90 minutes, departing from Gustav Adolfs Torg twice a day at 0930 and 1430 (28 June to 31 August).

Bus Tours
City Sightseeing (tel: (08) 5871 4030; website: www.citysightseeing.com) offers a variety of bus tours departing from in front of the Royal Opera House. The ‘Stockholm in a Nutshell’ tour – combining a 90-minute bus tour around the city centre and a one-hour boat cruise to Djurgarden – is one of the most popular at SKr280.

Boat Tours
A waterborne tour is as essential for visitors to Stockholm as it is for visitors to Venice. The Stockholm Card gives free boat tours on certain services during the summer. Strmma Canal Company (tel: (08) 5871 4000; website: www.strommakanalbolaget.com) and Stockholm Sightseeing (tel: (08) 5871 4020; website: www.stockholmsightseeing.com), both run various boat tours of the city, with departure points from quays near the Royal Dramatic Theatre, the Grand Htel and City Hall. Boat tours of the major waterside sights take approximately two hours and cost SKr160. A tour around Djurgrden lasts approxiamtely one hour and costs SKr100.

Excursions

For a Half Day

Drottningholms Slott: Just 15km (nine miles) west of central Stockholm, Drottningholms Slott (Drottningholm Palace), Flottsforvaltining (tel: (08) 402 6280; website: www.royalcourt.se), is one of the most magnificent legacies of Sweden’s imperial age, justly compared to Louis XIV’s Versailles. Begun by the great Swedish Baroque architects, Nicodemus Tessin the Elder and Younger, in 1662, for the dowager queen, Hedvig Eleonora, Drottningholm is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by equally splendid gardens containing the delightful Rococo Chinese Pavilion (tel: (08) 402 6270), almost a palace in itself. It also has the world’s best-preserved palace theatre, with its 18th-century stage machinery still in working order – a popular venue for summer concerts and performances. Closed to the public in winter, the palace is the official residence of King Carl Gustaf XVI and the Swedish royal family. Guided tours in English are available on request. Admission to the Royal Palace costs SKr50 and SKr50 to the Chinese Pavilion (concessions are available).

Drottningholm Palace is open daily 1000–1630 (May to August), daily 1200–1530 (September) and Saturday and Sunday 1200–1530 (October to April) and can be reached by bus 301 or 323 from Brommaplan metro station or bus 177 or 178 to Drottningholm. There is a regular summer boat service from Stadshuskajen (City Hall Quay) to Drottningholm, operated by Stockholm Sightseeing, Skeppsbron 22 (tel: (08) 5871 4020; website: www.stockholmsightseeing.com).

For a Whole Day

Thousand Isles: The classic excursion from Stockholm, this is a water tour of the entire surrounding archipelago. The 24,000 islands and islets of the Stockholm Archipelago are famed for their beauty and unique atmosphere, especially in summer. The standard package stops at four of the most appealing islands, allowing the option of an overnight stay on one of them. During summer, Stromma Kanalbolaget (tel: (08) 5871 4000; fax: (08) 5871 4044; website: www.stromma.se), operates excursions departing from Stockholm Nybroplan and costing SKr875, which include lunch, coffee and guided tours.

Sport

The famously healthy Swedes love sport of all kinds. Stockholm’s unique location makes it a focus for climbing, sailing, rowing, kayaking and even fishing.

Many of Sweden’s main sporting events are held outside the capital. However, events that are held within the city include the annual Stockholm Marathon, in June, the world’s largest women-only cycling contest, Tjejtrampet, in May, and Tjej-Milen, an annual running race for women, in August. The Sandhamn Open, an annual sailing contest held at the island of Sandhamn in the Stockholm Archipelago, takes place in June. The Sandhamn Regatta sets off in July, while Sailboat Day is held in September. The Stockholm Open tennis tournament takes place in late October.

Like many European countries, the Swedes love football. AIK Stockholm (website: www.aik.se) is in the first division and continues to be a good soccer team, emerging over the last few years from the shadow of IFK Gothenburg and FC Malmo elsewhere in Sweden. The team has there own stadium, Rsunda Fotbollstadion, Solnavgen 51, Solna (tel: (08) 735 0935).

Visitors who wish to purchase tickets to sporting events should refer to the AIK Stockholm website (see above), which provides information and tickets for other football and ice hockey games.

Fitness centres: Urban fitness fanatics can benefit from fitness centres like Metropolis Gym, Birger Jarlsgatan 36 (tel: (08) 611 3505; website: www.metropolisgym.nu), or one of the SATS Sportsclub (website: www.satssportsclub.com) locations at Sveavgen 20 (tel: (08) 5452 1380), Birger Jarlsgatan 6c (tel: (08) 5450 1460), or Regeringsgatan 47 (tel: (08) 791 2230). Both centres offer a guest pass for SKr200.

Golf: The Rosenkalla Golfklubb, Rosenklla, in kersberga (tel: (08) 5102 6260; website: www.golf.se), has a good 18-hole course, with access to guests paying the green fee of SKr180 during the week and SKr220 at weekends. The 18-hole Drottningholm Golfklubb, Drottningholm (tel: (08) 759 0085; website: www.drgk.nu), has a lovely setting close to the palace of the same name. Non members are welcome Monday to Friday 0800–1700 and weekends after 1300, for a green fee of SKr450 for 18 holes. Men must have a handicap of 28 and women 30.

Sailing: The Royal Swedish Yacht Club (tel: (08) 717 0856; website: www.ksss.se) can provide information on the waters in and around Stockholm.

Swimming: Visitors not wishing to jump into one of the city-centre canals for a bracing dip can go to Eriksdalsbadet, Hammarby Slussvg 20 (tel: (08) 5084 0250; website: www.eriksdalsbadet.com), or Centralbadet, Drottninggatan 88 (tel: (08) 5452 1300; website: www.centralbadet.com). Bathing in Lake Mlaren or the Baltic is surprisingly popular, given the latitude.

Tennis: Tennisstadion, Fiskartorpsvgen 20 (tel: (08) 215 454; website: www.tennisstadion.se), is a fine old hall in the upmarket stermalm, where Olof Palme used to play. An hour of play costs SKr180–215. The club, TSK Malmen, Siskargortsv 20 (tel: (08) 613 3085; website: www.fly.to/tskmalmen), leases some of its courts and is quiet and cheap at SKr125–160 per hour (concessions available).

Shopping

For decades, the profits of Sweden’s post-war prosperity have poured into the boutiques and stores of Stockholm. The result is a shopper’s paradise. The area around Biblioteksgatan has most major European fashion designers, while antique shops can be found around Odengatan.

Open all day on Nybrogatan 31, stermalmshallen is arguably northern Europe’s loveliest covered food market, although locals will more often be thronging the grocery at hlns City, Klarabergsgatan 50, Stockholm’s last big department store, or malls like Pk-Huset, Hamngatan 10. NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Hamngatan 18–20 has over 100 departments, selling everything from crafts to health food. Gallerian, Hamngatan 37, claims to be Stockholm’s largest shopping complex.

The pick of Swedish glass is on hand at Nordiska Kristall, Kungsgatan 9, over 80 years old, or the arts and crafts emporium, Konsthantverkarna, at Mster Samuelsgatan 2. Agata, Nytorgsgatan 36, sells stylish modern ceramics, glass and textiles, Norrgavel, Birger Jarlsgatan 27, has cool home furnishings, while at Kallika, Osterlanggatan 18, traditional wooden furniture and toys are on sale. Nordiska Galleriet, Nybrogatan 11, excels in furniture design and Designtorget, Gtgaten 21, in eclectic curiosities.

Standard Swedish shopping hours are Monday to Friday 0900–1600 and Saturday 0900–1400. In Stockholm, however, many stores are open for longer and on Sunday. Visitors leaving the country may reclaim the standard VAT tariff of 25% within 30 days of purchase – only available at shops displaying the ‘tax free shopping’ sign. The receipt and unopened goods must be presented at the airport for a refund. Global Refund (tel: (04) 104 8450; fax: (04) 104 8469; e-mail: taxfree@se.globalrefund.com; website: www.globalrefund.com) can provide further information.

Culture

Stockholm’s cultural history extends back to its Viking beginnings. The city was also the birthplace of Alfred Nobel, whose will instated the famous five prizes for peace, physics, chemistry, medicine and literature – economics was added by the Bank of Sweden in 1968 – and Stockholm’s literary set have since brought cultural glory to the city, by winning the Nobel Prize for literature (see Literary Notes below).

Stockholm was awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 1998, an indication of how vibrant and eclectic the city’s cultural scene is. The avant-garde architecture of Modern Museum, on Skeppsholmen, designed by Rafael Moneo, is a controversial memento to the year, as the style is not to all tastes.

Tickets to cultural events can be booked via the central ticketing agency, Biljett Direkt (tel: (0771) 707 070; website: www.ticnet.se). Online information (website: www.musikfestivaler.se) is available for Swedish music festivals. What’s On magazine (website: www.whatsonwhen.com) is available locally and provides cultural events information.

Music: The blue stuccoed Konserthuset, Htorget (tel: (08) 5066 7788; website: www.konserthuset.se), houses the world-class Swedish Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, with guest conductors such as Andrew Davis and Paavo Jrvi. The Royal Palace Music Festival (tel: (08) 102 247; website: www.royalfestivals.se) and Stockholm Sinfonietta Riddarhus Festival annually bring packed concert programmes to splendid venues in the Old Town, while the lovely antique Drottningholm Court Theatre, Drottningholms Slott, Flottsforvaltining (tel: (08) 5569 3100; website: www.drottningholmsslottsteater.dtm.se), hosts summer opera and ballet seasons.

Theatre: The Dramaten, Nybroplan (tel: (08) 667 0680; website: www.dramaten.se), is Sweden’s highly respected national theatre. The Orionteatern, Katarina Bangata 77 (tel: (08) 643 8880), is also part of the established scene. The Stadsteatern, in the Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg (tel: (08) 5062 0200; website: www.stadsteatern.stockholm.se), has more radical productions and is far cheaper, while Teater Galeasen, Slupskjulsvgen, Skeppsholmen (tel: (08) 611 0030; website: www.galeasen.se), is at the cutting edge of contemporary theatre. Stockholm is home to The English Theatre Company (tel: (08) 662 4133; fax: (08) 660 1159; e-mail: etc.ltd@telia.com; website: www.englishtheatre.se), based at the Regina Theatre, Nybrogatan 35(tel: (08) 411 6320 or (077) 170 7070).

Dance: The Dansens Hus, Barnhusgatan 12–14 (tel: (08) 796 4910; website: www.dansenshus.se), was set up in the 1990s, as Sweden’s foremost dance venue. Birgit Cullberg, the leading Swedish director and choreographer, frequently stages productions there – her Cullbergsbaletten ensemble is the country’s foremost. The Royal Swedish Ballet, founded in 1773, is one of the oldest companies in the world. It is based at the Royal Swedish Opera, Strmgatan (tel: (08) 248 240; website: www.operan.se). Moderna Dansteatern, 103 Slupskjulsvgen, Skeppsholmen (tel: (08) 611 3233; website: www.mdt.a.se), hosts more impromptu, innovative performances.

Film: The Stockholm International Film Festival (website: www.filmfestivalen.se) is the key event in the city’s cinema calendar. All movies in Sweden are shown in their original language with subtitles and mainstream movies are screened at Biopalatset, Medborsplatsen (tel: (08) 678 8548), and Filmstaden Sergel, Hotorget (tel: (08) 789 6001), while arthouse movie aficionados should head to Sture, Birger Jarlsgaten 28 (tel: (08) 644 3100).

Ingmar Bergman grew up in Stockholm and his schooldays at Palmgren’s School in stermalm were the basis for his 1944 screenplay, Hets (Torment). His 1952 film, Sommaren med Monika (Summer with Monika), kicks off with a majestic voyage through Stockholm in a small boat. Many film buffs will also remember Stockholm’s crop of Swedish Hollywood sirens – Greta Garbo (born Greta Gustavsson in 1905) and Ingrid Bergman (born in Stockholm in 1915).

Cultural events: The July Stockholm Summer Games (tel: (08) 627 4620; website: www.summergames.se) draws considerable local and international participation and is the kick-off for other events. The customary summer programme (May to August) of opera and ballet at Drottningholm Court (tel: (08) 5569 3100; website: www.drottningholmsteatern.dtm.se) is especially popular with music lovers, as is the Royal Palace Music Festival (tel: (08) 102 247; website: www.royalfestivals.se) in September. The Stockholm International Film Festival (tel: (08) 677 5011; website: www.filmfestivalen.se) takes place in November. The St Lucia Day festival, on 13 December, includes singing events and traditional parades of girls crowned with candles.

Literary Notes
The granddaddy of the Swedish literary fraternity was August Stringberg, with his The Red Room (1879) considered by some as the first real Swedish novel. Swedish writers have received the Nobel Prize for literature seven times but only Selma Lagerlf (1909) and Pr Lagerkvist (1951) made any significant impact outside Sweden. Nelly Sachs, winner of the 1966 prize, was a naturalised Swedish citizen of German Jewish extraction who wrote in German. Ingmar Bergman is the only other renowned international cultural figure to have drawn much from the city (see Films above). His career was constantly involved with the Stockholm film and theatre scenes.

More recent literary works to touch on the city include two hilarious chapters in Bill Bryson’s Neither Here Nor There (1998) and Colin Forbes’ thriller The Stockholm Syndicate (1989), which centres on an international conspiracy based in the city.

Nightlife

The late evening summer sun in Stockholm seems to stretch on forever, while the long winter nights need to be filled with fun. The result is a city committed to its nightlife. Strong jazz traditions and smart bars cater to older or smoother patrons, while the club scene – often Spanish in flavour – parties hard. The area around Stureplan is the most happening place in the city. Admission to clubs can cost anything between SKr5 and SKr100, while a litre of beer will cost in the region of SKr70–100 and 4cl of vodka around SKr70. The minimum age for buying alcohol is 20 years – 18 years in restaurants or nightclubs. The sale of alcohol is restricted to 1200–2400 (from 1300 on Sunday), although nightclubs or the occasional favoured bar, such as Kvarnen on Sdermalm, sell drinks later into the night. Standard hours for bars and clubs are from about 0900–0200, with restaurant bars opening earlier and some clubs closing later (at around 0500).

What’s On magazine (website: www.whatsonwhen.com) is available locally and provides excellent information on Stockholm’s nightlife events.

Bars: Halv Trappa Plus Grd, Lstmakargatan 3, is a ferociously trendy bar-restaurant and a great retreat for local celebrities. Another hot spot is Spy Bar, Birger Jarlsgatan 20. Wih, Ynglingagatan 26, offers good eating and drinking, while Gondolen, Stadsgrden 6, serves drinks to match its unbeatable view. The Sturehof Bar, Stureplan 2, and its upstairs cousin, O-bar, are benchmarks in the style-conscious re-branding of the old Sturehof Restaurant. The Grand Hotel’s Cadier Bar, Sdra Blasieholmshamnen 8, is the place to enjoy a classy cocktail, while the Opera Bar, Karl X11’s Torg, offers quiet surroundings for a relaxing drink. Conversely, Kvarnen, Tjrhovsgatan 4, is a beer hall with a typically rootsy Sdermalm charm, open until 0300 and hugely popular. Tennstopet Bar, Odengatan 50, is over 100 years old and another solidly traditional drinking hole.

Casinos: The Radisson/SAS Royal Viking Hotel, Vasagatan 1, and the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel, Tegelbacken 6, both operate casinos, as does the Caf Opera, Kungstrdgrden, and Tre, Vasagatan 17, near Stockholm Central station. Dress code is smart and only those over 18 years are admitted; passports are required at all venues. All the casinos in Stockholm are similar in games, with Black Jack, French Roulette and High Jack.

Clubs: Some of Stockholm’s liveliest clubbing goes on under the palm trees at Blue Moon, Kungsgatan 18, which incorporates the Havana Bar, dispensing Cuban cigars along with the drinks, and the Ice Bar, as cool as its name suggests. Equally Latin in flavour but more upmarket, Sophie’s Bar, Biblioteksgatan 5, plays host to the rich and funky. Monkey Bar, St Eriksgatan 46, is a staple venue with space for chilling out and a young crowd – their parents head for Penny Lane, Birger Jarlsgatan 29. Caf Opera, Kungstrdgrden, draws an eclectic crowd of all ages and tastes to its fabulous interior, plying mainstream partygoers with cutting-edge sounds. Fasching, Kungsgatan 63, has jazz, soul and Latin American sounds at the weekend. Tre Remmare, Vasagatan 17, feeds, waters and entertains night owls long after the other venues close and boasts the Sinatra bar, offering cocktails in a mini-shrine to crooner Frank.

Live music: The hotel bar at the Lydmar, Sturegatan 10, regularly holds unadvertised soul and jazz gigs. Right in the Old Town, Kristina, Vsterlnggatan 68, offers good food as well as nightly live music. Stockholms Stadion, Lidingvgen, is the venue for large-scale stadium rock. Hardcore goths and punks are among those heading for the bashes at Kaf 44, Tjrhovsgatan 44.

City Statistics

Location: Sodermanland province, southeastern coast of Sweden.
Country dialling code: 46.
Population: 7750,348 (city); 1,823,210 (metropolitan area).
Ethnic mix: Predominantly native Swedish, largest minority Finnish, with notable Iraqi, Iranian, Turkish and Somali communities.
Religion: Predominantly Lutheran (Church of Sweden).
Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard.
Average January temp: From 2C to –7C (36F–19F).
Average July temp: From 20C to 25C (68F to 77F).
Annual rainfall: 900mm (35.5 inches).

Special Events

Kiruna Snow Festival, late Jan–early Feb, celebration of winter includes an ice sculpting competition and a reindeer race, Kiruna
Viking Run, skating race, mid Jan, from Appsala to Stockholm
International Swedish Furniture Fair, early Feb, Stockholmsmssan
Stockholm International Antiques Fair (website: www.stockholmfurniturefair.com), Feb, Mssvgen 1, lvsj
Stockholm International Boat Show, late Feb– early Mar, Stockholmsmssan
Vasaloppet Ski race, historic cross country ski race, early Mar, Dalarna
Stockholm Art Fair, early Mar, Sollentuna Exhibition Centre
Walpurgis, celebrations for the arrival of spring, late Apr, various venues
Drottingholm Court, ballet and opera events (website: www.drottningholmsteatern.dtm.se), May–Aug, Drottningholm Slottsteater
Swedish National Day, 6 Jun, Skansen
Stockholm Marathon, mid Jun, starting and finishing at the Olympic Stadium
Early Music Festival, features music of pre 1750 (website: www.tidigmusik.com), early Jun, Gamla Stan venues
Midsummer Night, parties, 21 Jun, throughout the city
Stockholm Summer Games, sports events (website: www.summergames.se), early Jul, various sports venues
Stockholm Pride, the biggest gay and lesbian pride festival in Scandinavia (website: www.stockholmpride.org), late Jul–early Aug, various venues in the city centre
Stockholm Jazz Festival (website: www.stockholmjazz.com), late Jul–early Aug, various venues
Royal Palace Music Festival (website: www.royalfestivals.se), Sep, Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace)
Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival, includes tastings, mid–late Sep, Factory Nacka Strand, Augustendalstorget
Stockholm Open, tennis tournament, Kungliga Tennishallen, Lidingvgen 75, mid–late Oct
Stockholm International Film Festival (website: www.filmfestivalen.se), mid–late Nov, various venues
Scandinavian Sailboat and Scandinavian Motorboat Show, Nov, Mssvgen 1, lvsj
Nobel Prize Day, award of the Nobel Prizes and banquet (website: www.nobel.se), Dec, Stockholm City Hall
Christmas Fair in Rosendal Garden (website: www.rosendalstradgard.com), late Nov–end Dec, Rosendal Palace grounds
St Lucia Day, annual festival of light and procession through central Stockholm (website: www.skansen.se) 13 Dec, Skansen
Skansen Christmas Market, seasonal market (website: www.skansen.se), Dec, Skansen
Christmas Fair, seasonal market, Dec, Gamla Stan
New Year Concert, 31 Dec, cathedral in Gamla Stan

Cost of Living

One-litre bottle of mineral water: SKr25
33cl bottle of beer: SKr16
Financial Times newspaper: SKr21
36-exposure colour film: SKr75
City-centre bus ticket: SKr16
Adult football ticket: SKr200–400
Three-course meal with wine/beer: SKr350

1 Swedish Krona (SKr1) = 0.07; US$0.14; C$0.17; A$0.18; 0.11
Currency conversion rates as of Feb 2005