Stockholm Sights

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Stockholm has a number of spectacular tourist attractions, ranging from the interesting architecture of the City Hall to the stunning natural beauty of the archipelago. In the Royal Palace and the royal family residence Drottningholm Palace, visitors can get in close contact with traditions of the Swedish monarchy. Among the wide range of museums, the Vasa museum with its 17th century warship and the Skansen open air museum are unique experiences. Gamla stan, the picturesque old town, is a major attraction in itself, with narrow streets and houses dating back to medieval times.

Note: Directions in Stockholm are often accompanied by the name of the closest subway stop, using "T" as an abbreviation for "Tunnelbana", e.g. "T Gamla Stan". This practice is followed below when appropriate.

• Stockholm's Old Town (Gamla Stan), is the beautifully preserved historical heart of Stockholm. T Gamla Stan station is on the west side of the compact quarter, which is best covered on foot. Riddarholmskyrkan is a beautifully preserved medieval church.

• The Stockholm archipelago (skärgården) is one of the world's most spectacular. Stretching 80 kilometres east of the city, the archipelago comprises 24,000 islands, islets and rocks. Several ferry lines and package tours are available. Most ferries are operated by Waxholmsbolaget www.waxholmsbolaget.se and depart from Strömkajen, opposite the Royal Palace. During the summer you can also use Strömma Kanalbolaget www.strommakanalbolaget.com/index-EN.htm with faster and more modern ships, departing from Nybrokajen (by Strandvägen). Many will pass the picturesque town of Vaxholm, on the mainland to the northeast of the city, well worth a stopover if you have the time. The islands offer a wide variety of nature, from the lush green of the inner archipelago to the bare cliffs of the more distant outposts. Some islands have restaurants, youth hostels and country stores, while others are entirely deserted islands. If you want to go on a day trip, Grinda is a good alternative; the ride lasts from 75 minutes to nearly 3 hours depending on your choice of boat. During part of the summer, Strömma Kanalbolaget offers a day cruise (11 hours, 775SEK including lunch, dinner and guided tours) as well as a shorter, 2.5 hour boat excursion (190SEK), both departing from Nybrokajen. The latter does not go far out, and you will miss the 'real' archipelago. Möja, Sandhamn and Utö are popular destinations further out. If you plan to go island-hopping there is a 16-day card entitling you to free travel (490SEK).

• www.waxholmsbolaget.se
• www.strommakanalbolaget.com/index-EN.htm