If you’re thinking about a trip to Stockholm, now really is the best time to visit. Stockholm tourism has taken off, the city is the most affordable it has been for years, and there are plenty of things to do and see. With an average of 11 million overnight stays in Stockholm every year, you’ll find tourists from Germany, the UK, the USA and Norway (not to mention the rest of Europe), enjoying a mix of interesting museums, gorgeous scenery and delicious food. Here are our top five reasons why tourism in Stockholm is so popular, brought to you by the Stockholm Pass team.
Affordable
Stockholm is a little expensive compared to a lot of European cities, but don’t let this put you off. There are plenty of things you can do that are affordable, or even free. This year, for example, to encourage Swedish tourism, the government removed admission charges to many major museums, including the Modern Museum, The Woodland Cemetery and the National Library of Sweden. If you’re not keen on history, why not visit some of Stockholm’s beautiful parks, join a free walking tour, hop on a bicycle or even try fruit picking?
“Thank you for the music”
If you think ABBA was the culmination of Stockholm’s music success, think again. Artists like The Knife, The Hives, Roxette and Zara Larsson continue to put Stockholm on the musical map. Spotify (one of the music industry's biggest success stories) is a source of pride for Sweden and Eurovision 2016 was, of course, hosted in Stockholm this very year. The city also has quite a few venues dedicated to classical performances, ranging from traditional concert halls to forums for experimental music. Whatever your musical taste, rest assured Stockholm has something for you.
Beauty in nature
Stockholm tourism is so popular, because Stockholm is stunningly beautiful. Its 14 islands are surrounded by sparkling water and sprinkled with parkland, forest and lakeshore beaches. There are 26 city parks in total, so take your pick and head off with a picnic to relax and unwind. If you want to go further afield, why not explore the archipelago by boat and paddle in the clean waters of Lake Mälaren? If you’re feeling sporty, there’s fishing (salmon and freshwater fish) to be enjoyed, swimming and canoeing. And for a romantic weekend away, don’t forget the sunset tours from the city.
Food glorious food
Swedish cuisine is the hidden gem of European cooking, where fish and shellfish are very much on the menu. If you’d like to find out (and sample) more, visit Stockholm’s food markets where you can try a variety of Swedish delicacies, including the local strömming, a small and delicious Baltic herring. The magnificent Ostermalmshallen food market, for example, is often compared to the food hall at Harrods. Or, if you don’t mind an early start, check out Gothenburg’s daily fish auctions to watch agents for food halls and restaurateurs in Stockholm bid for the best.
Summer fun
Stockholm comes to life between May and September. The summers are mild, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s˚c, so they are a perfect time for tourism and sightseeing. This year you are in for a treat, whether you are relaxing outside or taking in some of the sights. Here are just a few of the places that make Stockholm tourism the best, this summer:
Kungliga Slot (Royal Palace): The only residence of a monarch in Europe that is open all year round, the palace includes a number of museums and exhibits relating to the history of the Swedish monarchy.
Skansen: The world’s first open air museum, on Djurgården Island, it recreates traditional Swedish and Sami life and culture, and includes a zoo with rare species like lynx, wolverines and owls.
Ericsson Globe-SkyView: The host venue of Eurovision 2016, with panoramic views of Stockholm city centre, this is the world’s largest spherical building.
Gröna Lund: Perfect for thrill seekers, there are 31 rides, including 7 rollercoasters. Look out for other events at the park, including music concerts.
Junibacken: A museum dedicated to children’s literature, this is a must for families visiting Stockholm. Listen to “The Storybook Train” (the title of the last book ever written by “Pippi Longstocking” author Astrid Lindgren) read by Lindgren herself.
ABBA museum: Much more than a museum, you can “be” the fifth member of the band and indulge in karaoke, costume trying and dancing to your favourite ABBA songs.
Whatever you decide to do in Stockholm, we hope we’ve convinced you to start planning your trip. Stockholm tourism has never been more popular, and now is the best time to visit this beautiful city - to take advantage of the great weather, soak up the beautiful scenery and sample some fabulous food. Enjoy your visit!