The Stockholm Card is amazingly extensive, offering a thorough selection of the best that Stockholm has to offer in terms of attractions and sights. Ride a sightseeing boat or ferry, the subway, an SL bus, or a streetcar. Browse excellent museums with art, aristocrats, world heritage, Vikings, the Nobel Prize, technology, and design. The city is yours.
Combine business with pleasure; take the ferry from the city (Nybroplan) out to the museums, amusement parks and activities on Djurgården or continue with the M/S Emelie ferry to Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm’s most recently built and most modern district.
M/S Emelie Hourly departures from Nybroviken. The trip takes about 25 minutes. Space for wheelchairs, prams and bicycles. The Stockholm Card entitles you to free trips on the M/S Emelie. (Regular price: SEK 40, children SEK 25). Schedule from Nybroplan.
1.6–25.9 Monday–Friday 08–18 Departures every hour (NB! No traffic at 14 and Tuesdays at 10) 30.4–19.12 Saturday 10.30–18.30 Departures every hour 1.5–20.12 Sunday 10.30–17.30 Departures every hour
Historical Canal Tour The Stockholm Card includes free sightseeing in the summer on the Historical Canal Tour. Departure from the quayside at Stadshusbron. The tour lasts 50 minutes and takes you past the Old Town (Gamla stan), Södermalm, Långholmen and round the island of Kungsholmen. Present your Stockholm Card at the ticket booth to get a ticket. Limited number of seats.
Enjoy a boat trip to Drottningholm Palace, sightseeing by bus in the city centre or fascinating films at Cosmonova. The Stockholm Card entitles you to a discount.
ROYAL CANAL TOUR Guided boat tour through the Djurgårdsbrunn canal and along the shores of Saltsjön. The tour starts on Strömkajen quayside and lasts 50 minutes. Purchase your ticket at the Strömkajen ticket booth. Discounts of SEK 40 per adult and SEK 20 per child are given.
STOCKHOLM PANORAMA Marvel at Stockholm’s historic buildings and sites during a 90-minute bus trip. The tour starts from the square Gustav Adolfs torg. Buy tickets in the kiosk on Gustav Adolfs torg. With the Stockholm Card: 50 % discount on the following departures.
Schedule 1.1–3.7, 31.8–31.12 Monday–Sunday 14 4.7–30.8 Monday–Sunday 14, 14.30, 16, 18 Reg. admission: SEK 250, child SEK 125 With the Stockholm Card: SEK 125, child SEK 62,5
OPEN TOP-TOURS Guided tour in open-top double-decker buses. You can start and end the tour at any stop you like. The tour starts at Kungsträdgården, departures every 30 min at all stops between 10 am and 4pm. Buy tickets onboard. The ticket is valid for 24 hours. Departures every 45 min 6.2–3.5 Friday-Sunday 10-16
Departures every 30 min 2.11-31.12 Friday-Sunday 10-16
Departures every 20 min 8.5–21.6, 24.8–27.9 Daily 10-16
Departures every 10 min 22.6–23.8 Daily 10-16
Reg. admission: SEK 220, child SEK 50 With the Stockholm Card: SEK 180, child SEK 50
BOAT TO DROTTNINGHOLM Board a century-old steamer and sail to beautiful Drottningholm, the Swedish Royal Family’s private residence. Departs from Stadshusbron. Travel time 50 min.
Info and table reservation: +46 8-12 00 40 00 (The Stockholm Card does not apply to advance bookings)
Reg. admission: Return trip SEK 150, child SEK 75, Single SEK 110, child SEK 55 With the Stockholm Card: Return trip for the price of a single (SEK 110/55).
See films in the largest filmformat in the world and marvel at planetarium shows that take you to places you have only been in your imagination – on the giant 760 square meter IMAX dome theatre. Open: Tue-Wed, Fri 10-19, Thu 10-20, Sat-Sun 11-19 Show every hour Closed: 19-20/6, 23-24/12 Reg admission: SEK 90, 5-18 yrs SEK 50 With the Stockholm Card: discount SEK 20, child SEK 10
You might not have the chance to meet with Carrie and the other girls, but Stockholm is perfect for a dazzling Sex and the City weekend. Meet with friends and enjoy a weekend in this beautiful Scandinavian capital. Fantastic shopping, cosy coffee shops, cool restaurants, pulsating nightlife – there’s so much to choose from!
Day one
Afternoon arrival:
Arrive at StockholmArlandaAirport in the afternoon. Step on board the speedy Arlanda Express train, which runs straight to the city centre. Check in at one of Stockholm’s cool design hotels: the Rival Hotel, Hellsten, Berns Hotel, the Clarion Stockholm or the Nordic Light Hotel will suit every need.
Evening:While unpacking, order room service and enjoy a luxurious glass of champagne. Once settled, take a nice long shower and get ready for the evening. Start the evening at Gondolen with one of their famous cocktails, while savouring the amazing view of Stockholm from 33 metres above the ground. Dine afterwards atNox in the upper-class Östermalm area.
After dinner, move on to the trendy Hotellet, a perfect place for after-dinner drinks with good music and after work people. Round off the evening with a visit to the hip club Solidaritet, and why not also try the most famous club in town, Spy Bar. Back at the hotel, before hitting the pillow, place a final room service order for a late night/early morning snack.
Day two
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading off to Södermalm. This is the relaxed, hip and trendy area where small shops, cafés and restaurants provide a great atmosphere.
Afternoon: Stroll around the ‘Sofo’ area and explore the perfect blend of shops featuring vintage styles, the latest in Swedish design and cosy interior design trends. Stop for a delicious café latte and a cinnamon bun at one of the cafés. Don’t miss Grandpa, a funky shop featuring a DJ playing groovy tunes on Saturday afternoons.
Alternatively, take a romantic brunch cruise on the S/S Stockholm and enjoy a wonderful afternoon exploring the archipelago islands. This is a trip not to be missed and one you'll both remember for many years to come.
Have a late lunch atBrunogallerian. Try the best sushi in town atLjunggrensand then continue shopping. Take the metro to themarket Streetnear Hornstull (closed during the winter). This is a hip and trendy market with plenty of cool stuff. Before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the evening, stop in for a quick drink at the new white bar at classic Operakällaren. A cosmopolitan will get anyone going!
Evening: Pre-dinner drinks at the wine bar at Berns. Dinner at Riche on Stureplan, in the heart of Stockholm’s nightlife. After dinner in the restaurant, move on to the hippest place in town – the bar at Riche is where Swedish celebrities go to see and be seen. Continue clubbing at the upmarket Plaza Club just down the street from Riche. Plaza has the essential ‘champagne atmosphere’ for an evening of fun until dawn.
Day three
Morning: Start the day with a relaxing brunch at the Hotel Anglais near Stureplan, before meeting up with professional shoppers from the Smart City Shopping team. SmartCity Shopping will give an exclusive tour of the best shops in Stockholm. Spend the day at the shopping high points of the city that offers exclusive brands from the entire fashion world. Be tempted by everything from beautiful bags to smart suits and stunning dresses.
Afternoon: Away from the bustling shopping precincts, retreat to the calm of the Sturebadetbaths and enjoy a spa treatment to get the skin glowing. Enjoy a late lunch at the charming restaurant for some soul searching.
Evening: Dinner at the intimate little restaurantRoxy in Södermalm. Great food and friendly staff – like having dinner with friends. Linger in the bar before heading back for a good night’s sleep. Or, for night owls, the place to be on a Sunday night is Café Opera.
Stockholm is a city of contrasts that creates a dazzling array of impressions. A modern city with a flourishing business culture, it has successfully retained its history and natural splendour. The narrow streets of the OldTown sit comfortably alongside the modern city centre, hotels, museums and shops. Below are some must-do experiences for the first-time visitor.
Day one
Arrival: Start a stay in Stockholm with a combined sightseeing tour by bus and boat. Frequent departures are available from Gustav Adolfs Torg near the Royal Opera House. Continue with a light lunch at the old indoor market, Östermalmshallen. This 19th century setting houses a number of excellent restaurants and cafés.
Afternoon: Explore the VasaMuseum, home to the richly ornamented 17th century sailing vessel that sank on her maiden voyage. Evening:Take an early evening walk through the lanes of the OldTown and dine at one of the many restaurants.
Day two Morning: Begin the day with a visit to StockholmCity Hall, a remarkable architectural landmark and the site of the annual Nobel Prize Banquet. Next, stop at the RoyalPalace for the changing of the guard and then meander along the streets of the OldTown for shopping and lunch at one of the many pavement cafés.
Afternoon: Cross over to the island of Djurgården by shuttle ferry and visit Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. Founded in 1891, it showcases the rich culture and a tradition of Sweden’s past and present.
Evening: Dine at one of Stockholm’s many stylish new restaurants with their innovative menus. The interior design often adds to the experience.
Day three Morning: Travel by steam ship to the 18th century DrottningholmPalace, the residence of the Swedish Royal Family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the beautiful baroque garden and the English park.
Afternoon: Enjoy the extensive array of shopping opportunities on offer in Stockholm. Everything from antiques to modern Swedish design is at hand. Evening: Try a traditional Swedish smörgåsbord (a Swedish buffet) at the Grand Hotel. Reservations are advisable.
During the winter, visitors to Stockholm are more likely to see snow, ice and crisp sunny days than in other European cities. Winter officially starts on the first Sunday of advent, four Sundays before Christmas. During this time, Christmas markets can be found throughout the city. The markets offer a wide variety of Swedish sweets, smoked sausages, reindeer meat, glögg (mulled wine), and a range of handicrafts and decorative arts.
Skansen, the open-air museum on Djurgården, has a large traditional Christmas market. Stockholm’s oldest area, Gamla Stan (the OldTown) is full of small shops and restaurants with cheery Christmas decorations and plenty of atmosphere. The famous Stortorget Christmas market is also held here. The best-known Christmas market in the archipelago is on the island of Utö. It specialises in local products such as honey, handicrafts and freshly-smoked fish. Drottninggatan, one of the longest pedestrian streets in Stockholm, glitters with Christmas lights. The NK department store on Hamngatan traditionally has the most spectacular window displays.
Julbord, the Swedish Christmas table, has a venerable heritage and is served as a smörgåsbord (buffet) with all the traditional dishes. From November to Christmas, many restaurants in and around Stockholm serve julbord. Many of the steamboats that grace the waters of the archipelago also serve these traditional Christmas buffets for lunch and dinner.Lucia is always celebrated on the 13th of December. Originally a festival commemorating St. Lucia from Syracuse in Italy, Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden to bring light to one of the darkest days of the year. Visitors can take part in the Lucia festivities by attending the coronation of Sweden’s Lucia and the Lucia celebrations at Skansen, the Lucia Concert at Globen (the Globe Arena) and the Lucia Concert in Stockholm Cathedral.
Activities Winter opens up a whole new dimension of outdoor activities in Stockholm. Adventurous visitors can go for a brief dip in the icy waters and then warm up in a hot sauna, or go long-distance skiing in the Hellasgården nature reserve just 20 minutes from Stockholm. It is even possible to go downhill skiing in the Stockholm area.
Skates are available for hire at the skating rink in Kungsträdgården in central Stockholm. Visitors can also try long-distance ice skating, a Stockholm favourite, as soon as the water freezes over. Or simply take a walk on the ice and discover the city from another angle. The Stockholm archipelago is also open for business throughout the winter for excursions and overnight stays – quite the exotic experience.
For a range of wonderful winter activities in Stockholm and the rest of Sweden visit ActivitiesInSweden.com
Visiting our suppliers on a regular basis is an important part of our yearly routine. Not only do we receive a lot of important feedback and ideas but we also have a great time as well!
This is how our view days paned out.
Day 1 Our accommodation during the stay was the newly opened Arctic Eden. Previously a school, this building has been lovingly restored to incorporate 32 luxurious rooms in this now modern hotel.
It's now become the primary hotel for our Winter Activity Packages and we believe it to be the best in the region. The hotel exceeded our expectations and we are confident that everyone spending time at this hotel, will be as impressed as we were.
The morning was cold, very cold. -8 in fact and this would surely drop as we ventured out into the open wilderness. Just as well that the hotel provides all the winter clothing your going to need during your stay. This first class gear is provided in a range of sizes and will provide you with all the protection you need when venturing out into the Arctic.
We took a short car journey to where our first activity for the day would take place, a snow mobile safari!
After a brief description of the controls, the was engine fired up and we took our seats. These 650cc scooters have blistering acceleration and a top speed of 100km/hr, great!
We moved off cautiously as we made our way to the beginning of the trail, at which point we started to accelerate up the hill and we all made it safely to the first way point.
You realise almost immediately that there is nothing around you for miles. If it wasn't for the din of the engine you could be on the moon. No time to ponder now, we rev up and drop down in to what turns out to be a frozen lake at the bottom of a small valley.
With ever growing confidence the speeds begin to increase as the valley opened up into what was a breathtaking sight, flanked by a ridge and forest. All this though quickly flies past your eyes and ears as you race towards an opening and a small track appears at the edge of the forest.
The forest is a completely different challenge to the open valley. Weaving in and out of endless forest requires a little concentration,as well as a little nerve. Many visitors and novices to snow mobiles tend to spend quite some time getting through this part of the forest but luckily we manage to make short work, of it as we press onwards.
We meet up with a couple of elderly cross country skiers, who are not too pleased to see us. In fact, the leading lady panics a little losing control and almost falling to the ground. We make our apologises and then continue to press on as the forest finally opens up into want appears to be a large field.
We're instructed to cut our engines and spend a few moments just taking in the piece and calm. Everything is white totally white. The branches on the trees hang low from the weight of frost and snow. Nothing moves, nothing! The cool air is fresh and crisp and I was to later learn a great sleeping aid.
We moved off for the last leg of our trip, which took us down into a large valley and then round a sweeping bend towards our destination, the Ice Hotel.
I don't think there was an awful lot that could have turned our gaze away from the beauty of the endless valley that we had found ourselves in, but the Ice Hotel was one such thing.
Not fully complete the hotel would not open until the 13th Dec but it was still a wonderful sight. People were everywhere. The whole site was a mass of activity as sculpture scrapped and chipped at the newly laid blocks of ice.
The interior was taking shape with dramatic pillars of ice, sculpted into weird and wonderful shapes. Designers from all over the world occupied the design suits, as they painstakingly carved their masterpieces, consisting of chairs, tables, beds and accessories.
This year will truly be a busy year for the Ice Hotel, with many of their rooms already sold out.
We left the Ice Hotel to continue is rebirth from the Thorne River where it originates. The light was already dimming considerably and it was only 14:00.
We made our way back through the deep forests with our headlights becoming more and more useful as the disappeared in an ever darkening forest. We stopped off on the way to take a look at one of the Wilderness cabins that we use for our Wilderness Packages.
This typically traditional Swedish cabin is located on the side of a valley and surrounded by thick forest. On a clear night you just have to step out of your door and look up to see the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
We managed to cover 80km on our first outing in Kiruna. Not bad going really considering the temperature had dropped to -18 by the time we made our final approach back into Kiruna, ouch!
Day 2 It had been a great night sleep when emerged for breakfast. 'Did anyone feel the rumbles?', asked one of my staff. Yes, indeed we did but what was it, an earthquake? Well, it wasn't a million miles from the truth. A member of the hotel staff informed us that it was explosions from deep under the ground from the mine, something that they do every night from around 01:00. It's nothing to keep you awake but it's definitely there and it's a very strange sound.
I spent the following night waiting for it and I was not disappointed, as the unmissable echo and thud from below could be both felt and heard.
This was perhaps our best excursion. Two years ago in the beginning of February, it had snowed on the Wednesday and Thursday the temperature was between minus 5 and 10 degrees with a blanket of snow everywhere.
After we had collected our Dutch guests from Arlanda airport on the Friday, we skated a couple of laps on a ploughed track in Norrviken. Afterwards, we took a trip through Edsberg to Edsviken, for a journey on a cleared trail to Ulriksdal. Then further by foot to Brunnsviken and Stallmästaregården. Weather conditions consisted of sun, no wind and a couple of degrees below freezing. After 40km in our legs, and everyone happy the days skating came to a close.
The hotel for the first night was the charming Krusenbergs Herrgård near Ekoln, as we had no idea where we were to go on the Saturday; the hotel had to be central. After a sauna and a dip in Mälaren and fantastic food Anders received good news that Vättern had frozen. This was too good to miss, an early breakfast and we were on our way.
At 10.30 we step out onto the ice in Motala. An endless mirror of glistening ice welcomed us in glorious sunshine. The water in Vätttern is very clear making the ice nice and clear, one can see the bottom at 10m, a strange sensation. There's an inner cheer of joy, as we carve our way forward and listen to the ice talking back to us. The early start and the bus journey are quickly forgotten.
After the bus back to Södertune Castle there was an after-skate with songs and laughter. Anders doesn’t give in and tells us all that tomorrow's trip will be on the newly frozen ice outside Arkösund.
In Södertune we used a wonderfully sauna. Set in historical surrounding, words cannot describe the atmosphere here. We shared wonderful food and conversation together after which we retired to a welcomed sleep.
The following morning after breakfast we took the bus to Kolmården, followed by the car ferry over to Arkösund. What a day this was! Perfect ice to the outer most ice edge of the farthest skerries, lunch bathed by glorious sunshine, and a view over the sea and beyond, how good can it get!
Who would of thought it? An experience such as this. The fact is, that we ourselves are surprised by just how good it can get.
The weather was typical for an autumn's day in Sweden. Blue sky, crisp air and total piece and quiet. The stage was set.
Our aluminium boat bobbed gentle from side to side causing the only audible sound for miles around. My guide for the day Hans had assured me that the spinner currently on my line was a good one. What did I know. They all looked the same to me. I just wanted to catch a large pike.
God, the environment here is just unbelievable! I found myself saying this over and over again. Stockholm’s inner archipelago is a hidden gem. I’ve heard it being said before and I’ve read a few articles on it but I could never imagine how beautiful it really was.
My reel was working over-time. I eagerly wound in the spinner at speed which was causing the fish line to jig around slightly as it headed in back towards the boat. “Just take it easy”, was the advice from Hans, who incidentally has caughtsome of Sweden’s largest Pike and featured in over 40 TV documentaries around the world. They were to be wise words.
I still had the remnants of a ham sandwich in my mouth when the my spinner suddenly snagged something. I flipped back on my rod and heard the distinct clicks of the reel. “What have I snagged now”, I thought as I began to turn the reel in some more. Wait a minute! I could actually feel something pulling the line.
I turned to look over my shoulder in the direction of my guide, only to notice he was in the process of landing what turned out to be a fairly large perch. “I think I might have caught something” I announced.
By now it was obvious that whatever I had caught was not going to be landed without a fight and what I fight it turned out to be. With instructions coming in loud from over my shoulder I struggled to bring the fish under control as the line whizzed out more than I was reeling it in.
I was lost in battle. So much so that I nearly fell out of the boat. If it was not for the rescue by an intervening arm I would have had an early bath. Damn this is beginning to be hard work. No wonder, the familiar shape of a pike momentarily broke the waters surface as it made another dive down under the boat. Wow that look big!
The net came to the rescue, as my guide lowered it into the water and instructed me to try and steer the pike into its direction. Easier said than done. I don’t think I’d even had time to swallow my sandwich in all the excitement.
“Take a look at that!” announced Hans, “That’s a beauty”. It sure was. I’d seen nothing that large in my life. You could have fit your head in its mouth! Weighing in at 9.4kg, it was the biggest fish I had ever caught.
It was one of three I caught that day and the icing on the cake of what was a wonderful day. No matter where you’ve fished before or your skill level, this is an experience not to be missed. The equipment was top notch the location was incredible and the fishing was great.
Thanks to my guide Hans for his patience and taking me to such a special place!
Conference and Team Building in Majestic Sweden For decades Stockholm has been at the centre of the International Meetings Market, hosting many International Fairs and meetings and not forgetting the annual Nobel festivities, but has the full potential of this countries many unique benefits really been unearthed?
I’m sure the outdated view that Sweden is expensive, has had a major impact on its popularity in the past but not any more. In fact Sweden’s capital Stockholm, is now extremely affordable and can compete comfortably with all the major cities around Europe.
As an Englishman now living in Sweden, it really amazes me how little people know about this country and the potential life changing experiences it offers. Putting aside the fact that it’s the third largest country in western Europe with a population of only 9 million people and with few social and cultural tensions, Sweden is a highly modern and sophisticated country and widely acknowledge to be one of Europe’s most dynamic regions and a world leader in environmental issues.
The capital city of Stockholm rates favourably as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With is winding waterways surrounding the 14 island that make up this historic city, it’s truly breathtaking. Here you would quite rightly expect to find many world conference venue’s and you do but only a stones throw away from the city centre and out of sight of many of Sweden’s business visitors, are some real hidden gems that would not fail to impress the more adventurous planners amongst you.
So what makes Sweden such a unique prospect? Regular conferencing is an integral part of the majority of Swedish businesses and this is reflected in the amount of high quality venues the country has to offer. Now add to that the fact that Sweden is widely know as Europe’s Last Wilderness, with 450,000 km² of untouched wilderness, of which 53% is made up of forests and with over 227,000 lakes, you have the perfect recipe for a range of unique and beautiful venue locations, which are conducive to producing creative thought and ultimately conferencing.
The vast majority of these thought provoking venues benefit from secluded locations and 99% of them are located next to a lake and also surrounded by thick forests. Themes range from tradition Swedish castles to modern purpose built conference centres and all supply first class facilities and service.
To further challenge and bond your employees these venues can offer a fantastic range of team building activities, involving an effective mix of the surrounding countryside and the natural waterways, all of which are on your doorstep. The activities are always conducted by professional companies who are obliged to abide by strict eco-friendly rules and regulations, ensuring your activities do not burden the environment.
It’s a simple but successful formula the Swedes have developed by taking their employee’s away from their everyday surroundings and then to immerse them in a calm, relaxing and natural environment. In return their employee’s react in a more positive and creative manner, ready to learn new experiences and ultimately develop their personal skills.
Surprisingly, venues in Sweden offer all of these great benefits at rates low than that of London and many of the top European destinations. 24hr delegate rates start from around £95 per head and even at that price you’ll be getting a high quality experience, rivalling anything you’ve experienced in the past. I challenge you to ask anyone who has been to Sweden, did their visit turnout to be a positive and profound experience, the answer is always YES!
Better still, since the introduction of the budget airlines, getting here has never been easier or cheaper. With daily flights from many European destinations airlines such as Ryanair, Stirling & Whizzair have now opened up a whole new world of affordable and accessible travel. Offering flights from as little as £30 return, there’s never been a better time to sample a more adventurous conference or meeting.
I’ll leave you now to ponder over the overwhelming facts that Sweden truly is a unique and adventurous prospect for an overseas meeting destination. I sincerely hope you’ll consider Sweden for your next meeting. If you’re already interested in looking into this further, we’ve a selection of fantastic venues chosen for their USP’s within the international market and whom have added a selection of addition benefits for booking your meeting through us. You can view them at select-meetings.com
1300km North of Stockholm lies the city of Kiruna. With a population just 20,000 it sits in the middle of Norrlands wilderness. Built around a mining community at the end of the 1800's the city was designed with the time's foremost experts with architecture and community planning. Kiruna was the first Swedish community with a city planned around the climate. The streets were designed to follow the terrain in an irregular pattern in order to curb the Arctic winds. The city is also built on the side of a mountain, which means higher temperatures. Despite its northerly location the city centre temperature rarely drops below -20.
During the winter months the city is plunged into darkness as the sun barely gets chance to show itself. Even so, the city is far from dark. A combination of the moon & stars reflecting off the snow give a beautiful glow to Kiruna and not forgetting the extraordinary Northern Lights which crackle across a cloudless evening sky.
Just an hour and half's drive away is the Abisko Mountain Station considered as the best place on earth to view the Northern Lights. With its fresh clean air and its practically cloud free skies the conditions for seeing the lights are optimal. More or less aurora occurs every night but to detect it the skies have to be dark. The period from September to March is best time of year.
Kiruna is also home to the unique Ice Hotel which gets rebuilt year after from the ice of the local Torne river. With its ice sculptures and fine works of art the Ice Hotel is truly an experience that should not be missed.
Snow and ice are a big feature in Kiruna and there's plenty of it! Families seeking snow, Santa Claus and winter activities need look no further, as the city caters well for people wanting to make the most of this unique and snowy landscape. With a large range of activities ranging from dog sledging, snowmobile tours, cross country skiing, wild moose safari's, northern light tours, hunting, ice fishing, ice sculpting & the Ice hotel to mention but a few, there's really something of interest for everyone!
This is also true of Kiruna's accommodation with many interesting types available. As well as a good choice of comfortable hotels and guest houses, Kiruna also offers a choice of original and exclusive ideas such as the Ice Hotel, Wilderness cabins, lodges, igloos and traditional wig wams.
The city centre also offers a good selection of shops and restaurants, so your able to take time out from your winter activities if you wish. You'll find a good selection of local handy crafts most of which are designed by the local Sami population, who incidentally herd all the reindeer in the area.
Despite it's location getting to Kiruna is surprisingly easy. With daily flights by SAS Airlines and an overnight train from Stockholm, it's within easy reach no matter where you're travelling from.
Like many cities in Europe Stockholm offers a wide range of quality bars, clubs & restaurants. This image conscious city has two distinct club scenes catering for two entirely different markets. The club & bars scenes of Stureplan and Södermalm could not be more different but both are worth a visit if you have the time.
I would highly recommend that yousplit your visits to each of these areas up and visit one on one night and the other the next. They are a couple of reasons for this and they are as follows. Both areas are firstly in different locations of the city, so it makes sense to stick around one area to save on taxi fares and wasting time travelling.
Another is dress code. For example the bars and clubs around Stureplan attract young, rich and very stylish people. The dress requirements for entrance into the bars and clubs here is smart and sexy, rather than the cool and relaxed dress code of Södermalm.
Drinks and entrances prices vary quite considerably as well with Stureplan being more expensive, while Södermalm is very reasonable in comparison.
Most music tastes are catered for in both areas but Stureplan bars and clubs tend to be more geared around the funky house vibe and Södermalm tends to be a little more cutting edge and underground. Both host internationally renowned and are contributing to Stockholm's growing clubbing scene which is quickly becoming one of the most exciting in Europe!
Below you'll find a guide to both of these hip areas with a couple of recommendations. I suggest you just go out and follow the crowds or alternatively ask some of the locals, they'll be more than happy to offer some alternatives.
Södermalm Södermalm (normally just Söder) - old working class area that has seen a revival in the last 10-15 years or so and is one of Stockholm's trendiest areas. It's a very expensive area to live, but a good place for going out. The district commonly known as SoFo (south of Folkungagatan/east of Götgatan, two of the main roads in Söder) has many funky shops, good bars and nice restaurants, especially close to Nytorget which is a cute little square.
Folkhemmet on Renstiernas Gata is a nice bar/restaurant and generally the streets around Bondegatan and Skånegatan are filled with shops and places to go out. Götgatsbacken (leading up from Slussen) also has good cafes, bars and shops. A nice walk is to start at Mosebacke Torg and walk along the waterfront to Fjällgatan for spectacular views and a bit of cultural heritage.
Or turn the other way (i.e. westwards) and walk along Söder Mälarstrand and end up in Skinnarviksparken which has one of the highest points in Stockholm from where you can take some great touristy photos of the view.
Also, a must! Gondolen is a very posh restaurant at the top of Slussen, which is between Söder and Gamla Stan. You take the Katarinahissen lift up to the restaurant from Slussen, and the views are spectacular. The food is excellent but quite pricey, but it's worth just visiting for a drink and to admire the view. Vinbaren, which is downstairs from Gondolen is a good little place offering a more reasonably priced menu, especially for lunch. At the top bit (i.e. where Gondolen is) there is a place called Mosebacke (in Mosebacke Torg), which is a great club/hang-out place. Most Saturdays, there's a club there called Blacknuss which is really good. Kind of jazzy/funky. Great views as well if you sit outside. They also do jazz brunches on Sundays.
Kvarnen on Tjärhovsgatan is a classic old beer hall with good food, and has two good bars/clubs at the back and downstairs.
Other good places: Pelikan on Blekingegatan – reasonably priced Scandinavian food. Pet Sounds Bar on Skånegatan – good lunch menu and good DJs after dark. La Cuccaracha on Bondegatan is a good Spanish restaurant with good atmosphere. WC Bar & Diner on Skånegatan – good food and good drinks. Gets very busy so get here early. Street Restaurant by Hornstulls Strand (Hornstull tube) - bit of a trek, but worth it. Street itself is 'Stockholm's version of Camden Lock' so there's lots of fun things going on. It's just by the water which is nice and the food is good too. The area closes down though during the winter months Oct-March.
For more information on good eating check out our restaurant guide in 'June' 'Things do do' on this blog.
Stureplan Going out in Stockholm's Stureplan is a strange affair. There are about a hundred little rules one must be aware of in this image-fixated area. We'll tell you about the essentials, and you'll undoubtedly experience the rest. If these simple rules are followed, then you are in for a great time. Now please remember, Stockholmer's are a weird bunch, just go along with it.
The do's and don'ts First off, heading out into the night without a sense of humour is liable to get you into trouble. Not so much in relation to the people on the town but it might end up making your night a boring and tedious event. Without humour you're just not going to get anywhere.
Another important thing to remember is this: you are how you present yourself. This goes for clubs in the bohemian part of town as well as chic Östermalm. How you present yourself dictates everything from how people on the street will size you up to how snooty the guy in the 7-Eleven store will treat you. Read on and you'll get it.
Transportation How you get to a club doesn't always matter, as they're often located in a district where there are clubs everywhere and people just walk between them throughout the night. Some clubs however require a certain something upon arrival. For example, pulling up to Spy Bar in a cab filled with 8 people just won't fly. A VIP club like that has a (if arriving by taxi) 2-3 person limit per cab. Pulling up in a limo with 10 people on the other hand is fine.
The south side clubs are a little more relaxed. Walking or coming straight off the subway is always OK. People popping out of a cab right in front of the club tend to draw evil stares from the people standing in line though. Yes, it's a complete mystery.
This is of course taking the whole transportation bit to the extreme but you get the drift.
The doorman One thing to always remember is that the doormen at clubs seriously mean business in this town, and they have no self perspective whatsoever. This is where the humour part comes in. Always let them have their power-trip and laugh about it with your friends over drinks inside. Getting into clubs in Stockholm has pretty much become as tough as getting through New York airport security. So don't be drunk, and if the doorman tells you you're an idiot then just agree. He's just looking for an excuse to keep you out from all the fun.
Also remember that a mean doorman doesn't necessarily mean a fabulous party inside, which is what many people seem to think. It all comes down to what your goal for the evening is. In general, the meaner the doorman, the more scantly dressed women and men inside, and a relaxed doorman often means a relaxed atmosphere inside.
Another thing to avoid when it comes to doormen is name-dropping. Telling him you know Bono or the President won't get you inside any faster. Honestly, the likeliness of him even knowing who either of them are , are slim to none.
Dress code Many places in town don't have an official dress code, but still refuse people entry when dressed improperly. This is of course far from fair but that's the way it is. So here are a few things to keep in mind when dressing to go out on the town.
The south side, Södermalm, has the least pretensions when it comes to clothes. Sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt are considered OK even if they're not plastered with brand names like Gucci, Prada or D&G. But do keep in mind that the south side caters to a lot of "hip" people so hiking up jeans past the belly button (if it's not currently trendy) or wearing hip-bags in neon colours or any other dorky accessory will get you giggled at. Rock-star chic, Gothic vamp, urban adventurer, DJ skate-style or "I'm too hip to care" are all styles that work.
If you ask anybody if they've spent any time at all in front of the mirror preparing their ensemble they'll lie and tell you of course not, but that's part of the Stockholm charm!
The east side, Östermalm, with the chic uppity clubs takes clothes to another level. Sneakers will probably get you stopped at the door, so wear something a bit fancier. Same goes for jeans if they're not fancy label material. A pair of 10 000 SEK Gucci jeans complete with pre-made holes and patches are bad-boy elite so that's always a go.
The bottom line is basically that the party clubs are meant to be enjoyed by nicely dressed people with a nicely filled wallet, and the bohemian clubs are a bit cheaper and more relaxed and people dress as such.
Ordering drink and tipping When you've finally made it through the hassle of actually getting into the club the next obstacle appears, namely ordering drinks. Basically waving money or yelling at the bartender will be ignored by said bartender until you stop. Just standing around, looking politely at the closest bartender will get you the best service. If you've got the confidence, a little flirting can get you a long way also.
Tipping isn't a necessity but it might get you a couple shots at a cheaper price later in the evening. Another thing to keep in mind is that coins in general are frowned upon, so keep the bills at hand. If you do receive a couple coins as change when buying a drink then just leave them at the bar. Scrambling for pennies is considered pretty cheap.
Important! Flirtation etiquette So you've gotten in, you've got your drink, the music is great but now what? Everybody wants some love so here are few tips to keep in mind when venturing into the jungle of Picking Someone Up.
The rules of flirtation are pretty universal but the men and women in Stockholm are often beautiful and picky, so it's not always an easy venture (contrary to popular opinion and urban legends). Start by scoping out the potential victim and see if the eye contact seems to be of the appreciative or the "leave me alone" variety before heading over for a chat. If appreciation is sensed then step two is in order. Step two consists of starting up some easy conversation, and NOT over-the-top compliments. The person already knows you're attracted to them, so save the massive compliments for when you've at least spent a few moments together.
After that you're on your own. Either you've got it in the bag or you'll be left with your drink alone on the dance floor. Keep in mind that buying somebody a drink in Stockholm doesn't mean a thing to most people. Some people will politely decline so as not to give the wrong impression, but most will take the drink, say thanks and then hook back up with their friends in 2 seconds flat if they're not interested.
After parties People seldom head straight home after a club closes. A few minutes of mingling outside and gathering up the crew are a given. After that most people head off to their favourite after-hours joint to eat and decide who's going home with whom, who's having the after-party and how to get there. The eating part is also a nice way to round off the evening and actually hear what people have to say, since you couldn't in the loud club.Now go out, have fun and be safe, because Stockholm is a great town to party in.
Top clubs & bars. The Ice Bar- The Absolut Ice Bar is a must experience when visiting Stockholm. I highly recommend it as a start off for the evening. With a capacity of only 30 it's recommended that you book your visit. The entrance fee includes a choice of one of their wonderful Absolut cocktails. Located in the Nordic Sea Hotel. +46 8 50 56 31 24
Hotel Anglais- Located in the lobby of the Scandic Anglais Hotel, this is a great place to have a drink before heading for a club. A trendy lounge bar attracting stylish conscious drinkers.
Berns- With nothing sort of a gob smacking interior makes Berns a worthy visit. Expensive and stylish go hand in hand here! The clientèle tend to be a little older but no less stylish.
Cafe Opera- A bit over rated for the overseas visitor. Full of local celebrity's and wannabes but nether less has a certain charm. Expensive!
Solidaritet- A personal favourite of mine. Two levels of great dance music with an open top terrace during the summer. Arrive early!
White Rooms- Look damn good to have any chance of getting in but well worth the effort. Full on dance club attracting beautiful party people. Arrive early or forget it!
Hell's Kitchen- Good music with a nice atmosphere. It's trendy a cool interior reflects it's desired clientèle. Dress to impress.
The above only represents a snippet of what Stockholm has to offer. With many hidden gems waiting to be discovered and new clubs & bars opening every week there's really only one way to make the most of your time in Stockholm.
We highly recommend considering hiring the services of a local clubbing guide. They are not only a cost effective but they know which are currently the hippest bars to visit. They have the ability of getting you into these clubs for free (normally entrance ranges from £10-£15), so you'll get half of your money back through this service alone. You'll not have to queue and it's a perfect way for a group to gain entry without having to run the gauntlet of getting passed the doormen.
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