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Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital and most populous city of Sweden, stretching across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea. Founded in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl, the city is now home to approximately 1 million people and serves as the cultural heart of the Nordic region.

Photo: Steven Lek (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
984,748 (city, 2022)
Currency
Swedish krona (SEK)
Language
Swedish
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
19:17:11

Hotels in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a range of accommodation options for visitors exploring Sweden's capital. From boutique hotels like Gyllene Geten and Lady Hamilton Hotel to establishments such as Lord Nelson, Hotel Sven Vintappare, and Castle House Inn, there are choices available across the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Stockholm

Stockholm is served by several airports and flying facilities. Stockholm-Bromma flygplats is a key aviation hub, while other regional options like Täby Sjöflygklubb, Skå-Edeby flygfält, Vallentuna flygfält, and Frölunda flygfält provide additional air travel and aviation services to the greater Stockholm area.

We're still gathering airports listings for Stockholm — check back soon.

Car Hire in Stockholm

Stockholm offers convenient car hire options through major rental companies including Sixt, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Whether you need a vehicle for exploring the Swedish capital or venturing further into the countryside, these providers offer a range of rental choices to suit your travel needs. See all car hire →

Sixt
725 m from centre
Hertz
1.0 km from centre
Budget
1.1 km from centre
Avis
1.1 km from centre

Things to Do in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a rich array of attractions for visitors, from the historic cobblestone streets of Gamla stan to the Nobelprismuseet. Whether you're interested in Swedish history, culture, or exploring the city's unique neighborhoods, Stockholm has something to captivate every traveler.

We're still gathering things to do listings for Stockholm — check back soon.

Restaurants in Stockholm

Stockholm offers diverse dining experiences across its islands and neighborhoods. From historic establishments like Stortorgskällaren and Kryp In to contemporary Italian Cuisine and cozy cafés such as KaffeGillet and Pharmarium, the city's restaurant scene reflects both traditional Swedish heritage and international flavors. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Stockholm

Stockholm offers several swimming pools and public bathing areas for residents and visitors to enjoy. Popular options include Älvsjöbadet, Tidaholmsparkens plaskdamm, Olovslundsparkens plaskdamm, and Plaskdamm "Plaskis", providing refreshing spots throughout the city. See all swimming pools →

Tidaholmsparkens plaskdamm
3.8 km from centre
Plaskdamm
5.1 km from centre
Älvsjöbadet
7.2 km from centre

Spas in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a range of spa and wellness facilities for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Places like L&L Natural wellness provide natural wellness experiences in the Swedish capital.

We're still gathering spas listings for Stockholm — check back soon.

Nightlife in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a diverse nightlife scene with popular venues including Café Opera, Berns, Södra Bar, Kolingen, and Guldapan. Whether you're looking for cocktails, dancing, or live entertainment, the city has options to suit different tastes and styles.

We're still gathering nightlife listings for Stockholm — check back soon.

Bars in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a vibrant bar scene with establishments ranging from casual hangouts to sophisticated cocktail venues. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Cork or Bar Talea, live music at Stampen, craft beer at Ölbaronerna, or upscale drinks at Tweed, the city has options to suit every taste and occasion. See all bars →

Cafes in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a wonderful selection of cafes where you can enjoy Swedish coffee culture and fresh pastries. Notable venues include Chokladkoppen, Kaffekoppen, Grillska huset, Grillska Brödboden, and Mäster Olofsgården, each offering their own unique atmosphere and charm in the heart of the city. See all cafes →

Shopping in Stockholm

Stockholm offers excellent shopping across a range of venues, from historic department stores like Nordiska Kompaniet and Åhléns to modern shopping malls such as Gallerian and PK-huset. Whether you're looking for Swedish design, fashion, or everyday goods, the city's retail districts cater to all tastes and budgets.

We're still gathering shopping listings for Stockholm — check back soon.

Nature & Wildlife in Stockholm

Stockholm offers numerous natural spaces for visitors to explore, from historic gardens and parks to peaceful green areas scattered throughout the city. Discover locations like Baggensgatans park, Bollhustäppan, and other natural attractions that showcase the city's connection to its natural surroundings. See all nature & wildlife →

Storkyrkans gård
57 m from centre
Bollhustäppan
77 m from centre
Baggensgatans park
151 m from centre
Junotäppan
188 m from centre
Logården
253 m from centre
Strömparterren
350 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Stockholm experiences cold winters and mild summers typical of its northern location. The city enjoys long daylight hours during summer months, while winters are darker but often crisp and clear.

Interesting Facts About Stockholm — Weird & Wonderful

  • Stockholm is built across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea.
  • The area has been settled since the Stone Age, in the 6th millennium BC, before being formally founded as a city in 1252.
  • The city is the largest urban area in the Nordic countries, with 1.6 million people in the urban area and 2.5 million in the metropolitan area.
  • Stockholm is surrounded by the Stockholm archipelago, an island chain stretching along the coast to the east of the city.

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Stockholm

July
Stockholm Jazz Festival
One of Sweden's oldest festivals, taking place at Skeppsholmen.
First week in June
Stockholm Early Music Festival
The largest international event for historical music in the Nordic countries, held annually since 2002.
Early June
The Stockholm Marathon
An annual marathon held on a Saturday in early June each year.
Last week of July
Stockholm Pride
The largest LGBT Pride event in the Nordic countries, always ending with a parade.
August
Stockholm Culture Festival
A free recurring cultural festival held by the City of Stockholm, running in parallel with We Are Stockholm.
10 December
Nobel Banquet
An annual banquet held at Stockholm City Hall.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stockholm

What currency is used in Stockholm?

Stockholm uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) as the official currency, as Sweden's capital city.

What language do people speak in Stockholm?

Swedish is the official language spoken in Stockholm, though English is widely understood by residents and those working in tourism.

How many people live in Stockholm?

Approximately 1 million people live in the Stockholm municipality, with 1.6 million in the urban area and 2.5 million in the metropolitan area.

Where is Stockholm located?

Stockholm is Sweden's capital and the largest urban area in the Nordic countries, serving as the county seat of Stockholm County.

When was Stockholm founded?

Stockholm was founded as a city in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl, though the area has been settled since the Stone Age.

Map of Stockholm

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