The Vasa Museum is one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia. It is here that you will find in all its glory, the unique and well preserved warship Vasa from 1628, embellished with hundreds of wooden sculptures.
Sweden: Stockholm – Gamla Stan
The bustling, compact island of Gamla Stan is the city’s old town, with cobbled streets and colourful 17th- and 18th-century buildings. It’s home to the medieval Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Royal Palace, the king’s official residence.
We started our exploration of Gamla Stan just wandering the narrow streets. A couple of these streets are unsurprisingly filled with touristy shops and cafes, but it is possible to escape these and find others that are residential and much quieter.
Right next to the Royal Palace is Stockholm’s cathedral, Storkyrkan, which is also called Stockholm’s domkyrka (Stockholm Cathedral) and Sankt Nikolai kyrka (Church of Saint Nicholas), is the oldest church in Stockholm. It was consecrated to Saint Nicholas in 1306, but construction of the church probably started in the 13th century. Inside, Storkyrkan still maintains much of its late medieval appearance in the form of a hall church with a vaulted ceiling supported by brick pillars. The exterior of the church is however uniformly Baroque in appearance, the result of extensive changes made in the 18th century. The church played an important role during the Reformation in Sweden as the place where Mass was celebrated in Swedish for the first time.
From the cathedral we walked a block to Stortorget, a public square, which is lined with cafés and restaurants. One side of the square is dominated by the Nobel Prize Museum, which we didn’t have time to see on this occasion. It is the oldest square in Stockholm, the historical centre on which the medieval urban conglomeration gradually came into being. There are several painted buildings in the square which are famous landmarks in Stockholm.
The next hour or so we spent wandering the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, looking in the occasional shop. We joined one of the free guided tours, which lasted for about 30 minutes, where we learned about the history of the Vasa from its inception through to where we see it today. As well as the tours there is a film, which is shown repeatedly in multiple languages, with some fabulous footage of the discovery, salvage, and preservation of the Vasa.
Before heading back to our hotel, we were drawn to a church with an impressive metal spire. This was Riddarholmen Church, which is located on the small island of Riddarholmen, adjacent to Gamla Stan. We crossed the road to get a closer view. This church is very important as it serves as the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs. It is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, parts of it dating to the late 13th century when it was built as a Greyfriars monastery. After the Protestant Reformation, the monastery was closed, and the building became a Lutheran church. A spire designed by Flemish architect Willem Boy (1520–1592) was added during the reign of John III, but it was destroyed by a lightning strike on July 28, 1835, after which it was replaced with the present cast-iron spire. It was just about closing time when we reached Riddarholmen Church, so we just had time to peek inside. The rest of Riddarholmen Island is interesting too. There is a big, cobbled stone square outside the church surrounded by government buildings. It was a very pretty square! From the square, we headed down to the waterfront, which is a large open paved area with plenty of seats to sit on a enjoy the views across the waterways to other, distant parts of Stockholm. There were even a couple of people who were swimming.
Our enjoyment was temporarily dampened by a passing shower, which was not too heavy or lasted very long. There was enough water to add a pleasant shine to the cobbles, which provided a great opportunity to take some interesting photos.
Planning your visit to Gamla Stan
Getting around Stockholm
Stockholm Public Transport, SL, is responsible for buses, underground trains, commuter trains, trams, and certain ferry lines in Greater Stockholm.
A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes, costs 42 SEK (26 SEK for senior citizens and children/teenagers/students up to the age of 20), and can be purchased at SL’s customer service shops, through their app, or directly at the turnstiles and on buses using a credit card. It’s also possible to buy 24-hour, 72-hour, 7-day and 30-day tickets. A parent with a stroller gets to ride for free on any of Stockholm’s buses.
It’s not possible to pay cash for tickets on buses in Stockholm. Failure to show a valid ticket during a control will result in a 1500 SEK penalty fee.
Eating out for vegans in Stockholm
There was a time when vegetarian restaurants were few and far between in Stockholm, and ordering the vegetarian option meant getting a meat dish – sans meat. Things have changed.
Today, you’re guaranteed to find exquisite vegetarian and vegan alternatives on any menu. And not only in one of Stockholm’s great plant-based restaurants or cafés.
- Delivore – Vegan café and lunch restaurant, serving plant-based snacks, sandwiches, and sweets. Delivore is part of the vegan grocery and food store Goodstore.
- Fern & Fika – Plant-based café and lunch restaurant in the Hornstull-area. Has bowls, daily soups and stews, and a variety of sweets, cookies, and cakes.
- Växhuset – Växhuset serves a plant-based, seasonal tasting menu. The restaurant is adjacent to the Trädgården/Under Bron nightclub, under the Skanstull bridge on Södermalm.
- Mahalo – Breakfast -and lunch restaurant serving plant-based dishes. Bowls, pancakes, sandwiches, chili, and more. Has several locations in Stockholm.
- The Green Queen – Seasonal sister restaurant to the popular summer bar Mälarpaviljongen on Kungsholmen. Offers a plant-based menu from late spring/early summer to late summer.
The best time to visit Stockholm
Annual temperatures in Stockholm fluctuate from -5.3°C (22.5°F) in the coldest months to 21.9°C (71.4°F) in the warmest. A closer look at the meteorological data reveals that the highest average temperatures register in July at 21.9°C (71.4°F), followed closely by June and August, reaching highs of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and 20.4°C (68.7°F) respectively. In contrast, the cooler months of January and February record average lows of -5°C (23°F) and -5.3°C (22.5°F).
The patterns of yearly rainfall and number of rainy days in Stockholm consist of moderate to precipitous levels. Starting from 27mm (1.06″) in February to a peak of 65mm (2.56″) in July, the city experiences its highest rainfall during the summer months. The number of rainy days also sees an increment from 6 days a month during April and May, to 10 days a month from November through January.
The best time to visit Stockholm
Ideal visiting conditions in Stockholm prevail from June to August. During this period, temperatures ascend, reaching a comfortable range from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 21.9°C (71.4°F). Combining these pleasant temperatures with the peak daylight hours ranging from 17 to 18.5 hours and abundant sunlight of up to 9.7 hours, summer offers tourists ample time to explore Stockholm’s charming archipelago and vibrant city life.
Additionally, the sea temperature rises significantly from 7.5°C (45.5°F) in May to 18.8°C (65.8°F) in August, encouraging water-based activities and beach visits. Nevertheless, the visitation during the peak of summer should anticipate higher than average rainfall, with July noted for the year’s highest rainfall of 65mm (2.56″) over nine days.
The worst time to visit Stockholm
For those less resistant to cold, the period of December to February could be a challenging time to visit Stockholm. During this period, average temperatures tumble to a range from -5.3°C (22.5°F) to -0.6°C (30.9°F), accompanied by reduced daylight hours, reaching as low as 6.2 hours during December. Limited sunshine, a scant 1.1 hours in December, further contributes to the stark winter days. Additionally, the sea temperatures drop to a cold 1°C (33.8°F) – 1.9°C (35.4°F), hindering any maritime activities.
Where to stay in Stockholm
1. Mid Range: Queen’s Hotel by First Hotels
On Stockholm’s main shopping street, Drottninggatan, this hotel has rooms with flat-screen TVs. Free tea and coffee are available at the front desk. Stockholm Central Train Station is only a 10-minute walk away.
Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms at Queen’s Hotel. Each room has a writing desk and cable TV, and some also include a sofa and views of the peaceful inner courtyard.
With its crystal chandeliers and antique furniture, the hotel lobby creates a charming atmosphere. Guests can relax on the sofas or use the free internet computers here.
2. Luxury – Hotel Diplomat Stockholm
Set in an impressive 1911-era Art Nouveau building on upscale Strandvägen boulevard, Hotel Diplomat offers great views over Nybroviken Bay, spa and fitness room access and a restaurant with summer terrace. WiFi is free.
Diplomat’s modern interior was designed by renowned architect Per Öberg and combines classic elegance with contemporary design. Each room features blackout curtains, a generous workspace and quality Dux beds with premium linen. All include luxury toiletries and a smart TV with Chromecast.
The in-house restaurant uses fresh, local produce to create classic Swedish dishes with a Mediterranean twist. The waterfront terrace is an ideal spot to take in the waterfront views during summer.
3. Budget -Generator Stockholm
Featuring a hip lounge, several social spaces and a bar with Nordic-inspired cocktail drinks, Generator Stockholm is located in the Norrmalm district of Stockholm. At this hostel, you can choose dormitory rooms or private guest rooms.
Each private guest room features a private bathroom with shower, and dormitory rooms share private bathroom facilities. All rooms have a city view. Free WiFi is available at this hostel.
A restaurant, cafe and 24-hour reception are also featured at Generator Stockholm.
Drottninggatan Shopping Street is a 6-minute walk from the hostel, while Sergels Torg Square is 0.7 mi away. Stockholm Central Station is just a 10-minute walk away.
More to Explore
