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Stockholm, the capital of Sweden
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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, it serves as the heart of the Nordic countries and home to the iconic Stockholm archipelago.

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
23:20:10

Hotels in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a range of hotel accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. From boutique properties like Gyllene Geten and Lady Hamilton Hotel to historic establishments such as Hotel Sven Vintappare and Lord Nelson, visitors can find quality lodging throughout the Swedish capital. See all hotels →

Airports in Stockholm

Stockholm is served by several airports and flight facilities. Stockholm-Bromma flygplats is the primary airport serving the city, while additional aviation options include Täby Sjöflygklubb, Skå-Edeby flygfält, Vallentuna flygfält, and Frölunda flygfält for regional and private aviation. See all airports →

Car Hire in Stockholm

Stockholm offers convenient car rental options through established providers including Sixt, Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Whether you're exploring the city or venturing into Sweden's surrounding regions, car hire services are readily available 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 to explore. From the Nobel Prize Museum to the historic streets of Gamla stan, the city blends cultural heritage with modern attractions. 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
Olaus Petri
83 m from centre

Restaurants in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from traditional Swedish fare to contemporary cuisine. Notable establishments include Pharmarium, Stortorgskällaren, Stacks, Kryp In, and KaffeGillet, each offering unique culinary experiences across the city. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Stockholm

Stockholm offers several public swimming pools and splash pools for residents and visitors. Notable facilities include Älvsjöbadet, Tidaholmsparkens plaskdamm, Plaskdamm, Plaskdamm "Plaskis", and Olovslundsparkens plaskdamm. 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. L&L Natural wellness provides natural wellness experiences in the city, offering an escape from the everyday. 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.

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

Bars in Stockholm

Stockholm offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from casual neighbourhood spots to vibrant social hubs. Whether you're looking for a relaxed evening at Cork or Bar Talea, or prefer the atmosphere of established venues like Tweed, Stampen, and Ölbaronerna, the city has something for every taste. See all bars →

Cafes in Stockholm

Stockholm's cafe culture is central to Swedish life, with charming venues scattered across the city offering everything from traditional fika breaks to artisan coffee. Historic establishments like Chokladkoppen, Kaffekoppen, Grillska huset, and Grillska Brödboden showcase the city's long-standing cafe traditions, while Mäster Olofsgården adds to the diverse selection of cosy gathering spots. 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 several natural spaces for visitors to explore, including parks such as Baggensgatans park, Junotäppan, and Bollhustäppan. These green areas provide opportunities to experience nature within and around the Swedish capital. 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 a temperate climate with cold winters and mild summers. The city's location on islands and proximity to the Baltic Sea influence its seasonal weather patterns throughout the year.

Interesting Facts About Stockholm — Weird & Wonderful

  • Stockholm stretches across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea
  • Founded as a city in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl
  • The area has been settled since the Stone Age, in the 6th millennium BC
  • The city is surrounded by the Stockholm archipelago to the east along the coast
  • Stockholm is the largest urban area in the Nordic countries

Events & Festivals Not to Miss in Stockholm

July
Stockholm Jazz Festival
One of Sweden's oldest festivals, held 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, always ending with a parade.
Early June
Stockholm Marathon
An annual marathon held on a Saturday in early June.
10 December
Nobel Banquet
Takes place at Stockholm City Hall every year.
Annually
Stockholm International Film Festival
An annual film festival held in Stockholm since 1990.
Manifestation
A yearly ecumenical Christian festival with up to 25,000 participants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stockholm

What currency is used in Stockholm?

Stockholm uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) as its currency.

What language is spoken in Stockholm?

The primary language spoken in Stockholm is Swedish.

How many people live in Stockholm?

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

What region of Europe is Stockholm in?

Stockholm is located in Sweden in Northern Europe and is the capital of the Nordic countries' largest metropolitan area.

When was Stockholm founded?

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

Map of Stockholm

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