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 – Royal Palace of Stockholm
The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the King of Sweden’s official residence and is also the setting for most of the monarchy’s official receptions and is open to the public year-round. The palace was built in baroque style by the architect Nicodemus Tessin and was formed as a Roman palace and modelled on Versailles. The palace has more than 600 rooms divided between eleven floors with a state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard. The current palace is built on the site of Tre Kronor (‘three crowns’) castle. re Kronor is believed to have been a citadel that Birger Jarl built into a royal castle in the middle of the 13th century. The name “Tre Kronor” is believed to have been given to the castle during the reign of King Magnus IV in the middle of the 14th century.
Most of Sweden’s national library and royal archives were destroyed when the castle burned down in 1697, making the country’s early history unusually difficult to document.
The first part of the tour went through several rooms that displayed the formal costumes of courtiers and dignitaries. This included some exhibits of the regalia worn on formal state occasions.
The second part of the tour goes through Royal apartments and contains original décor, including furniture, paintings, and ornaments. It was reminiscent of Versailles, except the rooms were furnished. This palace had not been ransacked following a revolution. Some of the more impressive rooms were the formal state chamber where ceremonial events of State are held.
It took us about an hour to tour the Royal apartments.
Planning your visit to the Royal Palace
Visiting address: Slottsbacken 1, Old Town (Gamla Stan)
Sale of tickets
Entrance tickets are sold at all entrances to the Royal Palace during regular opening hours, or online via the menu button ‘Tickets’ on this webpage.
By public transport
T- Gamla Stan and a 5-minute walk through Old town (via street to Stortorget or street Västerlånggatan towards city) or T-Kungsträdgården and ten minutes walk over the bridge Strömbron.
Buses to Slottsbacken or Riddarhustorget and a 5-minute walk (via street Storkyrkobrinken).
1. Information / The Royal Gift Shop
2. The Royal Apartments
3. The Royal Guard
4. The Tre Kronor Museum
5. Gustav III´s Museum of Antiquities
6. The Treasury. In summer time entrance to the Royal Apartments and the Royal Chapel
7. The Royal Armoury (not included in the Palace ticket)
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
