If you are looking for a destination that offers an inexhaustible range of activities and attractions – then Stockholm is the place to go. Historical sites, natural beauty, delicious food – whether in restaurants, or hand picked from the berry bushes – the choice is yours. Wander freely on land or sea among the thousands of islands of the capital of Scandinavia. 

When Qatar Airways started flying from Doha to Stockholm, the Gulf countries suddenly found themselves much closer to the land of the Vikings. Later this year, Norwegian Air will begin a direct Dubai-Stockholm service. Yet misconceptions about Scandinavia still abound.
“Isn’t Sweden cold all the time?” a fellow passenger transiting through Doha asked me recently upon learning where I was from. “But you have excellent social welfare,” he quickly added, “and Swedish design is the best in the world.” And then he remarked something about the Swedish bikini team…
Clichés, I thought to myself. Yet, the truth about Sweden is indeed the stuff clichés are made of. Cozy winters, long summer nights, midnight sun, attractive people, trend-setting design, and wild nature…Sweden is all that and more. And the adventure begins in Stockholm.
Upon landing at the international airport in Arlanda, you are greeted by signs welcoming you to the Capital of Scandinavia. You notice that the floors of the arrival hall are covered in polished wood, and the ground staff quietly zooms around on kick scooters. Arlanda is a “silent airport,” instead of announcements blaring down from the speakers, the ever-present screen displays a list of all relevant travel information. All this in an effort to provide a quiet and pleasant travel environment.
The pleasant travel experience continues onboard Arlanda Express – a high-speed train linking the airport with the city of Stockholm. The 20-minute ride is not only the most environmentally friendly way of reaching the city center, but also one that is entirely hassle free. In just enough time it takes to refresh your make-up, or dig out that hotel reservation printout, you arrive in central Stockholm. There is no language barrier, almost everyone speaks perfect English. And if they don’t, they’re probably tourists from France!
What immediately strikes you is how open, clean and welcoming the city looks. Built on 14 islands, and surrounded by water, Stockholm is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. From the 13th century Gamla Stan - Europe’s largest and best preserved medieval city, to the modern suburbs the blend of old and new, chic and traditional, simplicity and sophistication creates Stockholm’s unique personality and atmosphere.
But wait! There’s more! The city’s natural location is what makes it truly special. To the north, south, east and west, Stockholm is surrounded by sea, lakes and forests. A mere 20 minute ferry ride takes you straight from the bustling centre to the unspoiled nature of the massive archipelago with its many historical sights and attractions. Depending on who’s counting, the archipelago claims to have anywhere from 14 000 to 30 000 islands. And just like Stockholm city proper – it’s best seen from the water.
Though numerous boat companies vie for your business, they offer similar itineraries, prices and schedules. Whether you prefer a half-day excursion or an overnight stay on one of the islands – your only problem will be deciding among the many worthwhile destinations. Yet no matter which island you ultimately choose, some attractions mustn’t be missed. Like Drottningholm, for example.
If Stockholm strives to be “the Venice of the North”, then Drottningholm is definitely “the Versailles of Scandinavia”. The Renaissance-inspired royal palace and its surrounding gardens are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and this extraordinary residence is still very much in use – the Swedish royal family lives here. Be careful when you’re there – the princesses are famous for their erratic driving!
If palaces are not your thing, and you’d rather imagine yourself wearing a Viking helmet and brandishing a sword, head to Birka instead. Located on Björkö island on the lake Mälaren, this ancient Viking village is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The towns of the archipelago are picture perfect, whether it’s Sigtuna - the oldest settlement in Sweden, with its charming Main Street, or Mariefred – home to Gripsholm Castle. You can spend many hours admiring the historical sights and forget that the islands have other attractions to offer, as well. Sandy beaches, nature reserves, seaside resorts, fishing, bird watching, hiking, sailing, camping, dirt biking, golf, and the list goes on. Among nearly 30 thousand islands, there will surely be a perfect one for your favorite outdoor activity.
Sweden’s right of public access permits you to go nearly anywhere you please, as long as you show consideration for the surroundings. You’re allowed to walk, boat, swim, or ski on private property, if you keep respectful distance from houses and gardens. In the summer months seemingly the entire country puts this right to good use and engages in a sacred national obsession – berry picking. Purple stained fingers are treated like a royal badge of honor among the city dwellers! And even if you mistake juniper berries for blueberries – a common error for a novice picker, don’t worry, they may taste a bit funny, but are not poisonous. In fact, juniper berries are an essential ingredient in many traditional Swedish dishes.
The accommodations on the islands provide for every taste and pocketbook – from simple red-painted cottages called stugas, to secluded B&Bs, to castles refurbished as hotels. One such place is the Häringe Slott Hotell – a top class hotel located in a stunning castle, where you can spend the night in a truly royal style.
The dining options are just as varied, and as long as your Swedish hosts aren’t serving surströmming, you’ll be fine. Surströmming is a uniquely northern invention consisting of fermented, rancid fish. Definitely not for the faint of heart, and best avoided altogether, unless you are preparing to compete on Fear Factor.
While Swedish cuisine is known primarily for its fish – herring and salmon, and meat dishes – as simple as meatballs and as exotic as reindeer steak, vegetarian and vegan options are available as well. Almost all restaurants include vegetarian choices on their menus, and for strictly vegan alternatives visit one of Stockholm’s many vegan eateries, such as Lao Wai – famous for its organic tea and inventive Asian cuisine.
If you need help with planning your Stockholm adventure, contact the super-friendly staff at the city’s tourist office, or visit their excellent on-line resource. A city as multi-faceted and original as Stockholm simply defies description in one short article. Yes, another cliché, but this one is definitely true.