The top 10 places to visit in Stockholm: let’s go. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a fascinating city and a visit during your stay in Sweden is a must! Here’s a list of interesting places to visit, so you can make the most of your free time during your work placement in Stockholm! An internship in Sweden is a bit expensive, so make the most of it when you’re there and make the most of your trip!
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is a historic district in the heart of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The name “Gamla Stan” literally means “old town” in Swedish, and it is indeed the oldest and most medieval part of the city.
Take a stroll through the narrow streets of Gamla Stan and you’ll discover a real architectural gem, with its colourful buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries and preserved in their original architectural style. The brightly coloured facades, flower-filled balconies and picturesque little squares create a charming and unique atmosphere.
Gamla Stan is also home to iconic attractions such as Stockholm’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish royal family. You can even watch the changing of the guard in front of the palace. Stockholm’s cathedral, Storkyrkan, is also in this district. It’s one of the city’s oldest churches and a wonderful place to visit.
As well as its historic sites, Gamla Stan is also renowned for its cafés, restaurants and craft shops. You can stroll along the cobbled streets and stop off to sample Swedish specialities such as the famous köttbullar (meatballs) or the delicious kanelbullar (cinnamon buns).
Royal Palace
Stockholm’s Royal Palace is an architectural marvel and one of the most emblematic attractions in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic district. As the official residence of the Swedish royal family, the palace is steeped in history and tradition.
As soon as you approach the palace, you will be impressed by its majestic and imposing façade. It has over 600 rooms, some of which are open to the public. During your visit, you can explore part of this magnificent building.
Inside the palace, you’ll discover richly decorated rooms that bear witness to the splendour and style of the Baroque period. The ceremonial hall, for example, is a real gem, with its frescoed ceiling, sparkling chandeliers and sumptuous tapestries. The throne room is another place not to be missed, with its gilded throne and sumptuous decorations.
As well as the aesthetic appeal, you’ll also have the chance to explore the royal museums located in the palace. The Museum of Antiquities is packed with historical treasures, such as armour, ancient weapons and royal costumes. The Carriage Museum displays an impressive collection of royal carriages and vehicles, offering a fascinating insight into royal life in days gone by.
A not-to-be-missed event at the Royal Palace is the Changing of the Guard, which takes place every day in front of the palace. You can attend this traditional ceremony, where soldiers in uniform march past to music.
Cathedral – Storkyrkan
Stockholm Cathedral, known as Storkyrkan, is an iconic historical and religious monument located in the heart of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic district.
As you approach the cathedral, you’ll immediately be captivated by its imposing Gothic architecture. Its slender spires and finely sculpted details are a real eye-catcher. Construction of Storkyrkan began in the 13th century, making it one of the oldest churches in Stockholm.
Once inside, you’ll be amazed by the beauty and serenity of the building. The vast Gothic vaults, colourful stained glass windows and delicate sculptures create a sacred and peaceful atmosphere. The interior architecture is breathtaking, with slender columns and artistic details that bear witness to the skills of the craftsmen of the time.
One of the most famous features of Storkyrkan is the wooden statue of Saint George and the dragon. This medieval sculpture is considered one of Sweden’s national treasures. According to legend, Saint George slayed a dragon, and the statue represents this heroic moment. It is an important symbol of the cathedral and the city of Stockholm.
Another remarkable feature of Storkyrkan is its majestic organ. This impressive instrument, with its golden pipes and exceptional acoustics, is used for church services and organ concerts.
Storkyrkan Cathedral plays an important role in Stockholm’s religious life and is the venue for many religious events and celebrations, including royal weddings and coronations.
Stadsbiblioteket
Stadsbiblioteket, or Stockholm City Library, is an iconic modern building in the Norrmalm district of Stockholm, Sweden. Designed by Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund, it is considered one of the masterpieces of functionalist architecture.
The Stadsbiblioteket building is easily recognised by its distinctive red brick façade, with white columns and arches creating an impression of symmetry and harmony. The architecture is both simple and elegant, with a combination of straight lines and gentle curves.
Inside, the library offers a bright, open space, with reading areas and shelves full of books in different languages and disciplines. You’ll find a vast collection of books, magazines, newspapers and digital resources available to all visitors.
Stadsbiblioteket is not just a place to borrow books, it’s also a dynamic cultural space. It regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, concerts, film screenings and other cultural events. The library also has reading rooms, study rooms and meeting rooms where students, researchers and the general public can work and meet.
As well as its welcoming interior, Stadsbiblioteket also has a leafy roof terrace, offering panoramic views over the city of Stockholm. It’s an ideal place to relax, read a book or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Ericsson Globe Arena – Skyview
The Ericsson Globe Arena and Skyview are two of Stockholm’s most popular attractions, offering visitors a unique experience.
The Ericsson Globe Arena, also known as Globen, is an iconic multi-purpose hall in the shape of a globe. With a diameter of almost 110 metres, it is the largest domed sphere in the world. It hosts a variety of sporting events, concerts, shows and other functions.
If you’re a sports fan, the Ericsson Globe Arena is the ideal place to watch an ice hockey match or other exciting sporting event. Spectators are immersed in an electrifying atmosphere thanks to the proximity of the stands to the playing field, creating a memorable experience.
Skyview is another attraction located at the Ericsson Globe Arena. It is a globe-shaped attraction made up of two cabins suspended along the outer wall of the sphere. These transparent cabins offer a spectacular panoramic view of Stockholm.
Climb aboard Skyview and you’ll be lifted to a height of 130 metres, giving you a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. It’s a unique opportunity to see Stockholm from a new angle, and to admire the main sights such as the city centre, the waterways and the surrounding islands.
The Skyview experience is often described as captivating and rewarding, offering a unique perspective on the Swedish capital. Whether it’s during the day to enjoy the city skyline or in the evening to admire the twinkling lights of the city, it’s a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
So, if you’re interested in exciting sporting events or want to enjoy exceptional panoramic views of Stockholm, the Ericsson Globe Arena and Skyview are great attractions to check out during your visit to the city.
Djurgården
Imagine an oasis of lush nature nestling in the heart of Stockholm, ready to welcome you. Welcome to Djurgården, an immense nature reserve that has preserved its wild beauty over the centuries. Once the exclusive hunting ground of the King, this verdant paradise is now Stockholm’s urban national park par excellence.
Djurgården consists of two distinct parks, separated by the Djurgårdsbrunnsviken, a serene canal where the sun’s rays are reflected. In summer, the canal becomes a refreshing swimming spot, where locals and visitors alike come to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear water. In winter, when temperatures plummet, the canal freezes into a magical ice rink, offering an unforgettable winter experience for keen skaters.
As you explore Djurgården, you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation, majestic trees and green meadows. It’s a haven of peace away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The winding paths invite you to wander through nature, breathe in the fresh air and recharge your batteries.
The park is also dotted with cultural treasures. There are many fascinating museums dotted around the island, including the Vasa Museum, home to the famous 17th-century warship, and the Skansen Open Air Museum, where you can immerse yourself in traditional Swedish life with its old houses and period craftsmen.
If you fancy venturing further afield, you can also visit the Gröna Lund amusement park, which offers thrilling rides and a festive atmosphere. The laughter and cheers of visitors fill the air, adding a touch of dynamism to the park’s natural ambience.
Djurgården is a real gem in the heart of Stockholm, where nature and culture come together in harmony. Whether you want to relax, play outdoor sports, explore museums or simply recharge your batteries in the midst of enchanting landscapes, this urban national park offers an unforgettable experience to all who visit.
Skansen
Imagine yourself in an extraordinary place where history and nature meet in harmony. Welcome to Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, where you’ll also find a captivating zoo. This is simply the perfect place to spend a relaxing day in Stockholm.
As you explore Skansen, you’ll be transported back in time, walking among miniature historic buildings representing different Swedish architectural styles. These faithful replicas will give you a unique insight into the evolution of Swedish architecture over the centuries. It’s like taking a walk through time, allowing you to imagine the daily life of Swedes in days gone by.
But Skansen isn’t just about preserving cultural history. It’s also home to a zoo where you can discover the rich fauna of the Nordic region. You can get up close and personal with iconic animals such as majestic bears, stealthy lynxes, elegant elks, mysterious wolves, playful seals and mischievous wolverines. It’s a unique opportunity to see them evolve in an environment that faithfully reproduces their natural habitat.
A walk around Skansen will allow you to immerse yourself in the heart of Swedish nature and appreciate the diversity of its flora and fauna. You’ll be able to breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the magnificent scenery and observe animal life in a setting that’s both unspoilt and educational.
Skansen is much more than just an open-air museum or zoo. It’s a place where history, culture and nature come together to offer a unique immersive experience. Whether you’re a history buff, animal lover or just looking to relax and discover, Skansen is the perfect place to spend an unforgettable day in Stockholm.
Drottningholm Castle
Home of the Swedish royal family, it was declared a World Heritage Site in 1991, along with the large park that surrounds it. It is an entire complex and the visit is not limited to the royal building, but also includes the gardens and the different structures that are part of it, such as the court theatre, the baroque garden, the English garden and the Chinese pavilion.
Luna Park Grona Lund
Another place that underlines the fun and lively character of Stockholm is one of the favourite places of the locals and Swedes, the amusement park.
On the island of Djurgården, opened in 1883, this venue also hosts numerous concerts held periodically throughout the year.
Stockholm Museum of Modern Art
With more than 130,000 works by contemporary artists and great names from the past, it is not only one of the most important museums in Europe but also innovative in its approach. The collection includes works by contemporary artists in a wide range of fields (sculpture, painting, photography, media installations) and great artists of the past, including Matisse, Kandinsky, von Dardel, Dali, Picasso and Derkert.
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