The Stockholm Archipelago

For all its wonderful castles and museums, restaurants, shops and night life, no trip to Stockholm is complete without at least a short excursion to the archipelago. It consists of 24,000 islands, from big to small, some inhabited, others large enough for only a smattering of wild flowers. In the nineteenth century the archipelago became a favourite retreat for the wealthy and famous, who began to build summer residences here. More recently the archipelago has become an experience shared by people from all walks of life--during the peak summer months the area's 10,000 permanent residents are joined by weekender's and visitors from the city, who fill the cottages and homes of the islands and the pleasure boats that cruise the waterways in between.

Day trips to the larger islands of the archipelago can be made by car or bus; however, to see the islands at their best requires a boat. There is a wide variety of scheduled and charter boats available, most departing regularly from down town Stockholm outside the Grand Hotel. Some are "jazz and shrimp" evening cruises. If you love sailing, you might consider renting your own boat; however, if you are in Stockholm for only a short stay the best mode of travel is by steamship, especially one of the authentic century-old steamers. Among the few ships of their kind still in operation, these grand vessels offer a trip into the graceful travel of the past as well as the captivating beauty of the archipelago.

Exploring the archipelago thoroughly could take a long, pleasant lifetime. For those on a more limited schedule, however, here are a few of the more enchanting ports of call.

Fjäderholmarna
This conveniently-located little cluster of islands is a favourite excursion for Stockholm residents, who come to meander among its historic buildings, its small shops and restaurants, and its bustling harbour area. Fjäderholmarna's fine aquarium is especially popular among the island's younger visitors.

Vaxholm
For many, the island of Vaxholm typifies the attractions of Archipelago life, from the intimate scale of the harbour town to the striking natural beauty of the island itself. Vaxholm island is situated astride what used to be the primary waterway from the Baltic to Stockholm, and so its exceptionally picturesque harbour is graced by a brooding 16th century fortress. Now a museum, the fortress houses exhibits chronicling the history of life in the Archipelago as well as displaying an extensive collection of weaponry, maps, and other materials related to its own colourful history.

Birka
Set on the verdant island of Björkö, Birka is a town with a fascinating historical and archaeological heritage. It was Sweden's first sizeable community, having established substantial trading links with Europe more than 1,200 years ago. Today Birka is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its past has been brought alive in the recently-opened Viking Museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into everyday living conditions in Birka more than a millennium ago.

Sandhamn
This diminutive community, with a year-round population of less than 150, is best known as the host of one of Sweden's biggest sailing events-the Round Gotland Race. Sandhamn's skyline (if a village can be said to have a skyline) is dominated by the signal tower of the Royal Sailing Club (KSSS), which occupies an 18th-century custom-house. Around the KSSS are the town's tiny, closely-built houses, shops, and restaurants.

Source:Geographia.com

Want to visit this majestic place? Checkout Activities In Sweden for more details.

Stockholm's advantages tempt the Stag & Hen Market

As people seek new and original ways of celebrating a stag or hen party, the more traditional knees up at a local UK seaside resort has been substituted for a more original overseas option.

With the birth of the budget airlines which are now popping up all over Europe, the overseas destination has never been so affordable. Barcelona, Prague and Budapest have all benefited from this British exodus, as they now duel and undercut one another in the attempt to attract the fun hungry Brits. Unfortunately, they have been so successful, that these cities have become a home from home. Not offering much more than the usual British piss up with their streets filled with drunken Brits staggering around in search of a familiar kebab house. This has lead to a larger number of groups in search for a more original destination, that can offer them more than just cut price beer and drunken bodies lying in the gutters.

Stockholm has become one of these destinations. Able to offer groups a wonderful selection of original activities in a clean and safe environment has made this Scandinavian city a popular choice. Benefiting also from the low fares airlines, Stockholm has seen a sharp rise in incoming tourism. Flights can now be found for as low as £30 return with Ryanair.

In the past Stockholm has rightly been labelled as expense but this is no longer the case with prices now lower than the popular destinations such as London, Paris, Oslo and Copenhagen. Yes, alcohol is expensive in the centre of Stockholm but no more so than London. The night-life rivals any city around the world, with hundreds of stylish restaurants, bars and clubs. Stag parties also benefit from being surrounded by the most beautiful girls in the world!

The weather in the summer months is glorious, with the sun barely sinking below the horizon before it rises for a new day. There's no stranger experience than sitting outside a club at 2am in the morning, with the sun shinning on your face and the birds singing in the trees, paradise. Home of the hit musical Mamma Mia,Stockholm also offers a range of great shows and events, available all year round.

The city is also surrounded by the naturally spectacular archipelago's. Made up of over 20,000 islands, it makes for a great destination for group activities such as sailing, RIB boat, fishing, kayak or just for visiting one of the many secluded beaches dotted around this very special place.

Even during the winter months Stockholm offers a dramatic destination for groups. With the streets white with snow, people skating and fishing on Stockholm's frozen lakes and the hotels sauna ready to warm you up, it really is a winter wonderland not to be missed!

If you'd like to know more about Hen/stag celebrations in Stockholm, take a look at ActivitiesInSweden.com. They offer a great selection of packages, including bar guides, go-karting, stock car rally, quad bikes, RIB boat adventures, shooting and many more. All have been specially prepared for the larger groups looking for an original and exciting weekend.



Stockholm, you'll not be disappointed!

Shopping In Stockholm

Fashion and design at your fingertips

The best thing about shopping in Stockholm is that most stores are within walking distance. As you walk around the city, it’s easy to see that interest in fashion and design has never been greater. New shops are popping up on every street corner – every neighbourhood has its own special character, and there’s something for every taste and wallet.

SÖDERMALM
SOFO – Hip Factor of 10!
New York and London may have their SOHOs, but Stockholm has its SOFO. SoFo stands for “South of Folkungagatan,” which encompasses the area south of Folkungagatan and east of Götgatan on Södermalm. The district has grown into one of the capital’s trendiest areas. Here you will find a huge selection of stores and cafés, each with its own special character. Three words describe the atmosphere on Södermalm: hip, young, and laidback. Take the day off, put on your walking shoes, and enjoy yourself. Some of SoFo’s gems include TJALLAMALLA, GRANDPA, and SNEAKERS STUFF. www.sofo.se

GAMLA STAN
Swedish handicrafts and souvenirs in a cozy milieu
If you have a predilection for things kitschy, then head to Gamla Stan, the old part of the city, and home to many small boutiques. Window shopping is a real treat here! Stroll along the narrow by-ways and peek into the small stores whose exteriors hearken back to days gone by. Along ÖSTERLÅNGGATAN, you’ll discover many handicraft stores, while souvenir stores line VÄSTERLÅNGGATAN. Take a coffee break at one of the district’s many cozy cafés, like the Chokladkoppen on Stortorget square.

ÖSTERMALM
For the finer things
For connoisseurs of fashion and design, we recommend a shopping trip to Östermalm, where big international names, such as Kookaï, DonDonna, Filippa K, GUCCI, ARMANI and RIZZO have boutiques. Shop till you drop and let cutting-edge fashion be your inspiration. On Biblioteksgatan, an El Dorado for shopaholics, you will find the city’s most exclusive boutiques gathered in one place. Antique shops and art galleries fill out the landscape, so there’s something for everyone – whether your style is modern or traditional. End your shopping with a relaxing stroll down Strandvägen.

UPPER EAST
In Upper East, there is a multitude of shops, cafés and restaurants. The area stretches along the entire Karlavägen, as well as two blocks in every direction. Fashion enterprises and interior decorating shops are side by side, lining the streets. In Upper East the trendy cafés are jostling with the luxurious restaurants in one of Stockholm's most fashionable districts.
www.uppereast.se

DEPARTMENT STORES AND MALLS IN THE CITY
BRUNO on Götgatsbacken is Södermalm’s latest addition. This mall houses stores such as Filippa K, Ljunggren, We, Whyred, Munteh Plus Simonsen, Way, Stuk, David Design, and Homerun. Thirty-nine stores, including Paul & Friends, SOLO, SAKS, Face Stockholm and Granit make up VÄSTERMALMSGALLERIAN on Kungsholmen. Venerable old NK on Hamngatan has graced the Stockholm skyline since 1902 and is definitely worth a visit. Its six floors are well-stocked with goods from the world’s most famous brand names. And be sure to visit PUB, Stockholm’s oldest department store, on Hötorget square. ÅHLÉNS, with the biggest floor space, is located next to the square Sergels Torg and just a stone’s throw from DEBENHAMS. In the newly renovated GALLERIAN on Hamngatan, you’ll find a number of stores, salons, and restaurants.

Exemplary Swedish design
Revel in the purity, clean lines, and functionality of Swedish design at ASPLUNDS, Sibyllegatan; 10-GRUPPEN and DAVID DESIGN on Götgatan; and SVENSKT TENN and CARL MALMSTEN on Strandvägen. Unknown and established designers share space at DESIGNTORGET, Sergels Torg square.

Glass and crystal
Swedish glass is world-renowned and very much appreciated by visitors from all over the globe. Naturally, Stockholm has an enormous selection of everything from high-quality glassware for everyday use to exclusive art glass designs. At BLÅS & KNÅDA on Hornsgatan, you will find a large assortment of contemporary Swedish pottery and studio glass – utility items as well as original art objects.
ORREFORS KOSTA BODA on Birger Jarlsgatan is both a store and a gallery; it specializes in exclusive art glass by Swedish designers. PUKEBERG on Sibyllegatan sells both everyday glass and art glass in contemporary and classic styles.

Source: Stockholmtown.com

Why not spend a weekend shopping in this fabulous city, complete with your own Personal Shopper? Check out ActivitiesInSweden.com for more details.