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Stockholm, the capital of Sweden
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Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital and largest 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 serves as the cultural and political 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
CET (UTC+1)
Local time now
04:01:24

Hotels in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a variety of hotel options for visitors exploring Sweden's capital. From boutique properties like Gyllene Geten and Lady Hamilton Hotel to historic choices such as Castle House Inn and Hotel Sven Vintappare, there are accommodations available across the city's districts. See all hotels →

Airports in Stockholm

Stockholm is served by several airports and aviation facilities. Stockholm-Bromma flygplats is a key regional airport, while smaller facilities like Täby Sjöflygklubb, Skå-Edeby flygfält, Vallentuna flygfält, and Frölunda flygfält provide additional aviation options for the area. See all airports →

Car Hire in Stockholm

Stockholm offers convenient car hire options through several established providers including Sixt, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Whether you need a compact vehicle for city exploration or a larger car for countryside adventures, car rental services are readily available to help you explore Sweden at your own pace. 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 diverse attractions for visitors, from the historic medieval streets of Gamla stan to cultural institutions like Nobelprismuseet. Whether you're interested in history, museums, or exploring the city's charming neighborhoods, there's plenty to discover in Sweden's capital. See all things to do →

Nobelprismuseet
19 m from centre
Gamla stan
31 m from centre
Rikstelefon
71 m from centre
Upplands runinskrifter 53
76 m from centre
Gustaf III och Gustaf IV Adolph
82 m from centre
Storkyrkan
82 m from centre

Restaurants in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a diverse restaurant scene ranging from historic cellars to modern eateries. Whether you're looking for traditional Swedish cuisine or contemporary dining, you'll find options like Stortorgskällaren, Kryp In, and KaffeGillet alongside other acclaimed establishments throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a variety of swimming pools for locals and visitors to enjoy. From public swimming facilities like Älvsjöbadet to seasonal splash pads such as Tidaholmsparkens plaskdamm, Plaskdamm, Plaskdamm "Plaskis", and Olovslundsparkens plaskdamm, there are options throughout the city for aquatic recreation. 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 selection of spa and wellness facilities for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. Options like L&L Natural wellness provide natural approaches to wellness in the heart of the capital. See all spas →

L&L Natural wellness
2.6 km from centre

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. See all nightlife →

Kolingen
296 m from centre
Café Opera
544 m from centre
Södra Bar
772 m from centre

Bars in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a vibrant bar scene with venues ranging from traditional Swedish establishments to modern cocktail bars. Whether you're looking for a cosy evening at Stampen or exploring contemporary options like Bar Talea and Tweed, the city's bar culture has something for every taste. See all bars →

Cafes in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a rich cafe culture where locals and visitors alike gather for coffee and conversation. Iconic spots like Chokladkoppen, Kaffekoppen, and Grillska huset are beloved fixtures in the city, each offering a taste of traditional Swedish hospitality and cafe tradition. 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. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Stockholm

Stockholm offers several natural spaces and parks where visitors can experience the city's connection to nature. From Baggensgatans park to smaller green areas like Junotäppan and Logården, these locations provide peaceful retreats within the urban landscape. 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
252 m from centre
Strömparterren
350 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Stockholm experiences cool, temperate seasons with cold winters and mild summers. The city benefits from its Baltic Sea location, which moderates temperature extremes throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Stockholm — Weird & Wonderful

  • Stockholm is built across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea.
  • The city was founded in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl.
  • With 1.6 million people in the urban area and 2.5 million in the metropolitan area, Stockholm is the largest urban area in the Nordic countries.
  • The area around Stockholm has been settled since the Stone Age, in the 6th millennium BC.
  • To the east of the city and along the coast lies the Stockholm archipelago, an island chain outside the city proper.

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.
August
Stockholm Culture Festival
A free recurring cultural festival held by the City of Stockholm, running in parallel with We Are Stockholm.
August
We Are Stockholm
A free youth festival intended for people between 13 and 19 years, running in parallel with the Stockholm Culture Festival.
Last week of July
Stockholm Pride
The largest LGBT Pride event in the Nordic countries, ending with a parade.
Early June
Stockholm Marathon
An annual marathon taking place on a Saturday in early June each year.
10 December
Nobel Banquet
Held annually at Stockholm City Hall.
Stockholm International Film Festival
An annual film festival held in Stockholm each year since 1990.
Manifestation
A yearly ecumenical Christian festival with up to 25,000 participants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stockholm

What is the population of Stockholm?

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

What currency is used in Stockholm?

Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Stockholm?

Swedish is the primary language spoken in Stockholm and throughout Sweden.

Which region is Stockholm in?

Stockholm is the county seat of Stockholm County and is located in Sweden, the largest urban area in the Nordic countries.

When was Stockholm founded?

Stockholm was founded as a city in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl.

Map of Stockholm

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