In recent years Stockholm has become a very popular destination for short breaks from the UK. With plenty to see and do in the long summer daylight hours the Swedish capital offers an abundance of arts, music, good food and some of Europe’s finest architecture. Here are just a few reasons why Stockholm makes such a good city break option.
Stockholm Town Hall
See the hall where the King of Sweden salutes the Nobel prize winners each year. The Town Hall is considered one of Sweden’s finest buildings and is a highly regarded example of the National Romantic style. Step inside and the first thought is likely to be something along the lines of “Wow, that’s a lot of bricks!” In fact there are around 8 million of them. Beyond the austere red bricks however are a number of architectural features that make this building one of Stockholm’s leading attractions.
Royal Palace
The seat to the Swedish monarchy, the royal palace was constructed in its present form in the mid 18th century (the previous palace had been destroyed by fire in 1697). It is now a very impressive complex of state rooms, royal appartments and is home to one of Sweden’s most important collections of antiquities from many centuries of the country’s history.
Vasa Museum
Found in the Djurgarden district of the city this award-winning museum is for many visitors a highlight of their visit to Stockholm. The Vasa, a majestic looking ship was proudly launched by King Gustav Vasa in 1628 and it promptly sank before sailing a single mile. Raised from the sea in 1961 this splendid if flawed warship now holds pride of place in this museum.
Guided tours are available, but just taking the time to admire the ship’s size and decoration at close quarters is reason enough to remember your visit here.
Out of town
Stockholm has more than enough to keep a visitor interested for several days. For those who want to combine their city break with a taste of the Swedish countryside a trip to nearby Sörmland is highly recommended. This area is home to literally hundreds of manor houses, many of which are open to the public, while there are many hundreds of kilometres of paths for those who wish to explore this rural area on foot. Many choose to visit to the little town of Mariefred to see the impressive Gripsholm Castle or lively Norrkoping with its many museums and also home to its own picturesque castle.
