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torsdag 22 oktober 2009

Stockholm sightseeing

If you have plans to visit Stockholm, you can have a sightseeing by bus and boat.

By boat is highly recommended. If you're looking to see Stockholm from the water, this is the tour for you. Step aboard and let us guide you to the most famous parts of the city. We'll travel under fifteen bridges and pass through two locks connecting the Baltic Sea with Lake Mälaren.

We will pass many of the city's sights as we slide by the different parts of Stockholm. Outside the window you will see the inner city, the Old Town, the islands Södermalm, Lilla and Stora Essingen, the new area Hammarby Sjöstad and the green areas of Djurgarden.

This boat tour is a perfect sightseeing trip when visiting Stockholm. Get a feel for the islands making Stockholm such a beauty on water. A truly beautiful and memorable tour!

Price per adult 197.60 SEK
Price per child 98.80 SEK
Departs daily at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00


Or you can go by bus. See the whole of Stockholm in 90 minutes. We show you the most famous buildings and views, including a stop at Fjällgatan, where the view of Stockholm's islands and waters is truly wonderful.

Highlights
- The City Hall
- Tivoli Grona Lund
- The Vasa Museum
- Skansen Outdoor Museum
- The Old Town

Price per adult 260.00 SEK
Price per child 130.00 SEK
Departs daily at 10:00, 12:00, 14:00


More info on this here.

Stockholm transport

The best way to get around stockholm is:


The cheap alternative:

- Subway
- Bus

More luxury alternatives:

- Taxi
- Boat


Subway: If you are going to use the subway there are different prices.
- 30 days for whole Stockholm Area - 690 Swedish Kronor
- 7-days for whole Stockholm Area - 260 Swedish Kronor
- 3-days (72/hours) for whole Stockholm Area- 200 Swedish Kronor
- 1-day (24/hours) for whole Stockholm Area - 100 Swedish Kronor

Subway map you will find here (including Suburban train, you can use it with the same card)


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The Bus transports is not shown in the map but is included in the prices above. For more information you can visit www.sl.se


Taxi: There are 3 main taxi companies in sweden, only use them! Its

- Taxi Stockholm (phonenr och the taxi cab is 15 00 00) Black cars
- Taxi 020 (yellow cars)
- Taxi Curir (blue cars)


- Boats. You can go by boats between the islands of Stockholm, for more information visit Stromma .

Stockholm Weather

In Sweden, weather is a much talked about subject. That is how it usually is in many of the northern countries because the weather is often not very good, especially in winter. The country is long-shaped, roughly north to south, and because of this the weather can be very different at either end.

The Sweden weather you experience depends on where you are. It is actually possible to have snow in summer, but also sunbathe at midnight - all in the same country. The southernmost tip of the country is around 55 degrees latitude north and the northernmost tip around 69 degrees north, inside the Arctic Circle.

The Sweden weather in winter ranges from around -40 degrees Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius. In summer it tends to be from around 15 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius - sometimes even hotter.

January through to March is when snow can be expected, though in the far north this is more variable and less contained. It can rain at any time, and rather unfairly, it is the warmest months of July and August that gets the most rain.

The Sweden weather is mostly temperate. This is mainly because of the Gulf Stream waters that lap its shores and bring temperate winds from the west. Southern Sweden can be surprisingly warm and a lot less cold than many would expect for its northern position. In the mountains of the north, however, a bitterly cold sub-Arctic climate prevails most of the time.

Some 15 percent of the country is within the Arctic Circle. This means that from around the end of May until the middle of July that part has no night. This is the Midnight Sun. Any traveler who is not used with this amount of continuous daylight will most likely have difficulty in sleeping in the north of Sweden during the summer months.

The converse is true for the northern 15 percent; in winter they have perpetual darkness from the middle of December until the end of the first week of January. During this time, Stockholm, the capital to the south, has only five and a half hours of daylight.

The Sweden weather is enhanced by two major factors. One we have touched on already; the effects of the Gulf Stream, which brings pre-warmed winds over the land providing a temperate climate. The other factor is the continental high pressures that develop to the east. These create Sweden weather that is sunny, often quite hot in summer, and while cold in winter, they do relieve a dark days considerably.

In winter in the far north, the average Sweden weather temperatures can plunge to -40 degrees Celsius. In summer in the southern parts it can exceed 32 degrees Celsius on occasion. This is a vast temperature range that few countries can equal, and it aptly demonstrates the great diversity of weather to be found within Sweden.

The Sweden weather has a lot of precipitation throughout the year. The rainiest season is during late summer, especially in the southeast where they get around 24 inches of rainfall a year. By contrast, in Lappland in the north the annual rainfall is only half that amount.

onsdag 21 oktober 2009

Dating in Stockholm

The net phenomenon has touch each an every crevice in his world - and fortunately has brought it in close contact with each other. Now, to talk or see anyone, anywhere in any part of the world, all you need to do is come online. Fast, easy, and cost efficient. The services of dating Stockholm offers also use this attributes to make the right connection with the right people. Due to the Internet dating people get more avenues and access to people all over the globe.

Whether it is dating Stockholm or Stockholm sex advertisements, it is clear that people are today more open in thought and are more finicky in getting exactly what they want from their partners in life. There are many people who are looking for a good time and give requests through dating Stockholm personals and also through more direct Stockholm sex ads whereby they indicate in a matter-of-fact-manner what exactly they want from the relationship. Countries like Sweden are also quite open about their sexual preferences and the Stockholm sex ads will also figure a great number of gay and lesbian relationship offers and requests.

The movement of dating Stockholm ads from local to global has been fast and direct and mainly due to the role the Internet. The Net has made it possible for people all over the world to see the dating Stockholm ads and contact the people form Sweden. This is a beautiful phenomenon whereby the world is shrinking considerably through its connectivity to the Net.

There will definitely come a time where inter-country marriages would be most common and maybe then, real globalization will take place making us each global citizens in the real sense of the word. The movement is there, as people throughout the world are now in touch with people from other corners of the earth. There are symposiums, studies, and love shared over the net and each bring people closer to each other in understanding and tolerance of one another different cultures and characteristics.

There is a great deal of good coming out even from the personals ads and sex-explicit advertisements. There is the fact people learn about new tastes, cultures and point of views better when they interact on a social platform. Hence, the ads actually lay down a common understanding path and lift many a cultural barrier between different religions, creed, caste and other differentiate factors. There is of course, a closer amalgamation between different countries and global dating is coming to the forefront though the personals and specifically so designed websites. What it the best however, is that anyone now can have or try to have a partner of their liking. In order to see how many fit the bill you have in mind, place an ad in one these personals online ads - you will be overwhelmed by the amount of results you will get; and you will also be surprised at how many people are there in this world who can share your wavelength. There are over 10 million people that are hooked up to the Internet so you can be sure that you are going to find someone that does share at least a similar interest as you.

tisdag 20 oktober 2009

7 Tourist Attractions in Sweden Stockholm

Tourist attractions in Sweden are many and very varied. From Santa Claus in the north to crayfish parties, Viking adventures, the Midnight Sun and the ubiquitous sm?sbord, this is a land of many contrasts; the tourist attractions in Sweden will not let you down. Here are 7 tourist attractions in Sweden, in no particular order, that are each well worth the visit.

1. Stockholm is the capital, and it is a great place to visit. This city will amaze you for its cleanliness and its feeling of being safe. It will amaze you for other things too. It has some wonderful museums, large peaceful parks, a nightlife that will take your breath away - literally, and architecture that sets the scene for a purely Swedish experience.

2. Forget Loch Ness in Scotland; come to Storsj?n J?land province. This huge lake has a legend to rival Loch Ness, a monster that even enjoys the protection of the law! And if you fail to spot the monster, the general area around Storsj?s still worth the visit; the scenery alone will simply astound you.

3. Inlandsbanan is the inland railway. If you are a train lover, then this is a train ride not to be missed. You can travel across the Arctic Circle, get off when you want, get back on again - it's your choice. The 1,300 kilometer journey goes all the way up to Lappland in the north, and to Kristinehamn further south.

4. You probably associate European beaches with the Spanish Costas, or the Greek islands, but Sweden has plenty to offer too. The island of Gotland in the Baltic has some excellent beaches, and coupled with the surprisingly warm summer weather they can expect most years, this is definitely a destination for those who want to be in a northern country, but still lounge on the beach.

5. If you like traveling on water, why not take a trip on the G?Canal. You can travel southeast to northwest across the country from Gothenburg to Stockholm on an old ship. You will cross a river, eight lakes and three canals. You will also pass through 66 locks and travel, albeit briefly, on two seas. There are few journeys that can boast that degree of variety!

6. If you enjoy hiking, then this will be one of your favorite tourist attractions in Sweden; the famous hiking trail of Kungsleden. The trail snakes over 500 kilometers from Hemaven to Abisko. It is well marked out and extremely popular. There are cabins along the route of the trail, but in the holiday season these can become very popular and crowded.

7. If you love rugged scenery in a rural natural setting, then Bohusl?is for you. This is the area. More or less, between the Norwegian border in the north, to Gothenburg to the south. There are a multitude of small rocky islands with little fishing villages nestled in between. The scenery is almost surreal and well worth a visit. This must rank as one of the better of the tourist attractions in Sweden.

Top 10 things when visit Sweden and Stockholm

The Kingdom of Sweden lies on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is a rich, ecologically friendly, progressive nation with a high standard of living. It offers much for tourists to see and do, both in the cities and countryside.

1.) Vasa Museum

In this museum in Stockholm rests the fruit of some remarkable engineering labor, the seventeenth-century warship Vasa. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 in Stockholm's harbor and was recovered in 1961. The only extant example of the period's ship architecture, the resurrected skeleton, is exhibited along with relics recovered with it.

2.) Stockholm

Sweden's capital city is replete with museums. Aside from the Vasa museum, one can also visit the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Nordic Museum. There are also many examples of historical architecture scattered throughout the city including the Riddarholmskyrkan church, the oldest building in Stockholm, and every district and every neighborhood of this high-tech city has its own unique character, developed through the years.

3.) Liseburg Amusement Park

With over 80 percent of its population living in urban centers, it comes as no surprise that Sweden's cities are well-developed to meet the needs of their denizens. In Gothenburg, treat yourself to a visit to one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Nearby, you will find the Scandinavium, a large area which can seat up to 12,000, as well as the Trade Fair and Valhalla Baths.

4.) Gothenburg

This city is the largest port in Scandinavia, the destination of many flights and ship traffic. Close to a million citizens live here, and the city has an enormous range of attractions to keep a tourist busy. Take a stroll in the scenic Castle Wood Park, or view the masters at the Museum of Art, or listen to music from a variety of genres, from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra to the death metal band Dark Tranquility.

5.) Hiking

The largely untouched expanse of Sweden's northern regions gives rise to a rugged beauty that makes the place perfect for many outdoor activities such as hiking. Swedish law provides the right of public access for anyone provided that they respect both other people and nature. Biking is also a popular pastime here.

6.) Boating

Since the country has over 24,000 islands, 100,000 lakes and rivers, and a long coastline, boating and sailing are integral parts of everyday Swedish life. Many tours can be found to take you sightseeing around the Swedish archipelago. Of particular interest to the tourist is the Gota Canal, but there are lots more locations that are also interesting to the watercraft-bound traveler, and boat rentals are easily obtained, and they can come with or without a skipper.

7.) Linkoping Cathedral

Stop by this masterpiece in Ostergotland to steep yourself in history and gaze upon a superb example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is the burial place of a fifteenth-century bishop, and is also decorated with priceless paintings gifted by King John III. Visitors can also see rare manuscripts at the Diocesan Library and drop by the Bishop's Palace, which are nearby.

8) Skiing

Sweden offers some of the finest locations for skiing aficionados, especially in the mountainous north. In Lapland, one can find the Hemavan. This is a great ski destination for those who are looking for vast areas and mountainous locations.

9.) The Arefjallen Resort

The Arefjallen resort boasts of more than a hundred kilometers of ski runs. It is considered as the world's largest downhill ski race. This ski race is held there every April.

10.) Riksgransen

Riksgransen is in the extreme north of the country. It is known for its snowboarding championships and 24/7 skiing during the spring. During the spring, it seems that the sun doesn't go below the horizon, truly a sight to see!

Luxury Hotels in Stockholm

Stockholm is a thriving capital of culture and has more than 70 museums and attractions, 100 art galleries, numerous stages for dramas and music, and is home to more than 1500 artists. Due to its diversity of attractions, Stockholm attracts a huge number of visitors every year. The city is made of fourteen islands which gives uniqueness to this beautiful city. People book hotell Stockholm online through web portals, and Hotell Web is one portal where you can book Stockholm Hotels easily online. Stockholm offers a range of hotels to its guests, including economical and cheap Stockholm hotels, popularly known as billiga hotell Stockholm, ranging around 2 to 3 star hotels. Superior and luxury hotels are also available for booking in Stockholm, Sweden and they include 4 and 5 star hotels. Before you plan your trip to Stockholm, it will be a good idea to go over this article to decide the hotel of your choice where you should book a room for your stay.
5 Star Hotels in Stockholm
Hilton Stockholm Slussen: The Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel is located just 2 minutes walk from the Old Town. The hotel overlooks the calm waters of Riddarfj?en to Stockholm City Hall and offers luxurious facilities including Jacuzzi, gym and a beauty salon to its guests. The hotel is located to popular tourist attractions, including a Park Museum and Zoo.
Radisson SAS Royal Viking Hotel: Nestled in the heart of Stockholm, close to all the city's attractions, the Radisson SAS Royal Viking Hotel offers some of the best dining, rooms and meeting facilities. The hotel has 459 air conditioned rooms and suites fully equipped and furnished with the highest quality materials.
Grand Hotel Stockholm: The Grand Hotel Stockholm is situated in the heart of the city. The hotel has large sized rooms offering exceptional services with a blend of modern and antique furnishings. The Hotel also has a French Dining Room which serves French Cuisines to the guests.
4 Star Hotels in Stockholm
Rica Hotel Stockholm: Rica Hotel is a newly renovated first-class hotel centrally located in the heart of the city. The hotel is located very close to public transportation, shopping malls, theatres and other cultural events.
Elite Palace Hotel: The Elite Palace Hotel is situated in Vasastan, one of the most picturesque regions in central Stockholm. The hotel has 215 nicely decorated rooms that are comfortable, well furnished and equipped with a host of modern amenities. Elite Palace also has a popular conference hotel, with its own exclusive reception and offers different activities for relaxation and recreation also.
Mornington Hotel City Stockholm (BW): The modern Mornington Hotel City Stockholm (BW) is located in the residential Ostermalm district of Stockholm, Sweden, one kilometre from the Old Town. The hotel offers a number of facilities to its guests, including a library, nearby fitness centre and a conference room for guests.

Cheap Hotel Stockholm

The following hostels are all in or near Stockholm city centre, making them prime locations from which to shop and see the sights. Hostels means guests, generally speaking, should expect to share close quarters with fellow travellers, and that includes communal showers and toilets. It can make for a great way to get to know people from around the world.

City Backpackers Hostel in Stockholm
City Backpackers is in downtown Norrmalm, about a quarter-mile from the train station, at Upplandsgatan 2A. The hostel holds 100 beds and is open year-round. It holds security in high regard, with a security service checking the area nightly and the reception desk staffed until 2 a.m. Female-only rooms are also available.

In the way of amenities, guests can expect to find TV, laundry, sauna, lockers, and a kitchen, where there’s free pasta for guests to cook themselves. Breakfast is not included, but there’s also free tea, coffee and Internet access, and no curfew. Towels and sheets may be rented (sheets go for about 50 kroner). There’s a shoes-off policy inside the hostel, as well.

With regards to sleeping at City Backpackers, prices range from about 230 kroner to bunk in an 11-bed room, to 650 kroner for a two-bed private room. Potential guests may make reservations online, and advance bookings are recommended.

City Lodge Hostel in Stockholm
City Lodge Hostel sits a block in front of the central station on a quiet side street, at Klara Norra Kyrkogata 15. The kitchen contains a microwave, but no stove, and there’s laundry, lockers, TV, a lounge and free Internet access via wireless broadband. There’s no curfew here, either — guests may come and go as they please.

Sleeping with sheets on the beds is compulsory at City Lodge Hostel, and guests may rent them for about 50 kroner. Paper sheets are also available for about 30 kroner. Prices to stay overnight range from 200 kroner to bunk in 18-bed dorm, to 530 kroner for a single room. In the morning, guests may tuck into a buffet breakfast for about 60 kroner. Bookings may be made online, and should be made in advance.

Bed and Breakfast in Stockholm
Bed and Breakfast, at Rehnsgatan 21, is a tiny and woody hostel with 39 beds in various dorm-style rooms, near the Rådmansgatan subway station. Female-only rooms are available here, as is breakfast, which is included in the price of rooms. Guests may also enjoy tea, coffee and Internet access for free, but if they want to smoke, they need to go outside.

Bed and Breakfast has a kitchen, laundry and TV, but it doesn’t permit sleeping bags. Therefore, sheets are a must-have on the beds. Guests may bring their own, or rent them for about 50 kroner. Towels may be rented for about 10 kroner. The price to sleep in the hostel ranges from 270 kroner for a spot in a 10-bed room, up to 570 kroner for a single room. Bookings can be made online.

Af Chapman Hostel and Skeppsholmen Hostel in Stockholm
STF Youth Hostel Af Chapman/Skeppsholmen, located in the city centre at Flaggmansvägen 8 on the island of Skeppsholmen, offers guests the chance to sleep in a ship’s cabin after a day of seeing the sights nearby. The Af Chapman Hostel is the ship, docked near the yellow, 19th-century building that houses reception and additional rooms.

Beds are allocated in the boat hostel and the hostel building, bringing the total capacity to 280 guests. Amenities include TV, kitchen, laundry service and Internet access. The reception desk is open 24 hours, and there is no curfew. Breakfast is available for about 80 kroner.

An overnight stay at STF Youth Hostel Af Chapman/Skeppsholmen costs (for members) 185 kroner for a bed for an adult, to 520 kroner for a single room. Sheet rentals are 75 kroner. There is an additional fee of about 50 kroner for non-members. Bookings, which should ideally be made in advance, can be made online.

Central Stockholm offers travellers a few hostels to choose from, which include basic amenities for little cost. The savings can translate into more funds that can be spent on exploring Stockholm or the rest of Sweden, for those heading further afield. Travellers are advised to book their all their hostels in advance, to increase their chances — and peace of mind — of having places to stay.

Skansen, a famous open-air museum

Skansen in central Stockholm is a kind of cultural and historic museum offering environments from different parts of Sweden. Every single building is authentic, as the founder, Artur Hazelius (1833-1901) travelled all over Sweden in order to buy houses and buildings that were typical for different regions. Every piece of wood was sent to Stockholm to be put together again, now as part of the huge open-air installations at Skansen. The oldest house dates back to the 13th century.

An interesting fact is that all the environments that were built up at Skansen remains practically the same today, more than 100 years later.

The name Skansen means “fortification” in Swedish. Now this wasn´t a fortification in a traditional meaning since it was built by the Swedish King Karl XIV Johan (1763-1844) as a playground for his son (Oscar I)…

Skansen recreates traditional Swedish surroundings

But Skansen is not only buildings and houses. The idea that Hazelius had was to recreate complete surroundings, thus you´ll find the corresponding gardens, crop fields, and town streets. In order to complete this authentic picture, these surroundings are alive with craftsmen, bakers and silversmiths in traditional dresses giving you the opportunity to study the way of life in old Sweden.

Zoo with Scandinavian animals like bear and elk

There is also an open-air zoo containing typical Scandinavian animals like bear, wolf and elk. Even though these animals are kept in captivity, their surroundings are in deed spacious recreations of their natural habitat. Skansen has aimed to be authentic since the very beginning.

Events

Skansen plays a central role in several events that takes place through the year. The Swedish Television broadcasts from Skansen every New Years Eve.

The National Day of Sweden (6th of June) also uses Skansen for several events, often inviting royal guests to the celebrations.

Skansen Winter market

The annual winter market at Skansen´s Bollnäs Square is a very popular event that attracts more than 20,000 visitors each weekend. The market has been held every year since 1903. Since December is a pretty cold month, you shoul buy Glögg, hot wine punch, a drink which practically all Swedes taste before Christmas.

Stockholm Tourist Information

If you love to walk around and explore cities, Stockholm is the right place to be for this vacation. There is a lot to do and see at Stockholm. Scenic views, natural wonders, historic monuments and entertainment-filled nightlife make Stockholm one of the most admired tourist destinations in the world. But be it a business tip or a family vacation
, a reputed travel organizer is required to make your trip to Stockholm exciting and comfortable. Book services of a travel organizer that can provide you with Stockholm transfers, sightseeing, and other packages.

Some major sightseeing attractions in Stockholm are described below –

Djurgarden: Djurgarden is thickly forested and sparsely populated island of Stockholm that lies about 3 km to the east of Gamla Stan (Old Town). The city has various parklands and bicycle paths inviting you to come down and explore it. Distinctly different from populated urban towns, this place is a right choice to spend some time with your family.

Stadshuset: Stadshuset, Stockholm's City Hall, is one of the most famous architectural wonders in the world. Located on the island of Kungsholmen, south of central station, Stadshuset is city's top attractions. Tours to Stadshuset cover two main courts, the Blue Hall and the Council Chamber. A tour to Stadshuset lasts for a couple of hours.

The Royal Warship Vasa: Lay at the bottom of the sea for more than 300 years, The Royal Warship Vasa sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage. It was in 1960s when the ship was finally salvaged in the 1960s and is the oldest and complete ship in the world and can be witnessed in the Stockholm's Vasa Museum.

Skansen: Another popular Stockholm sightseeing attraction, Skansen is considered to be one of the finest open-air museums of Europe. This is the place to have a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Sweden. Housing a collection of over 150 authentic buildings and houses, Skansen also earns the honor of being the first museum in the world opening to public.

Riddarbolm Church, Drottningholm Palace, The Royal Palace, The Nordic Museum, etc are other tourist destinations worth a visit in Stockholm.

Stockholms Resturants - Famous!

The S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant is not just some fancy countdown. It is the most highly credited, respected and acknowledged indicator of where to best dine in the multitude of places in the world. To be included in this much-coveted list is the aspiration of ALL restaurants. For more than a decade, Stockholm has consistently ranked as one of the World’s Best.

Stockholm is one of the most diverse and exotic culinary destination. Surrounded by rich waters and luscious vegetation, Stockholm has easy access to the freshest ingredients that are essential in preparing the most satisfyingly delicious and heavenly cuisines. Only the freshest frutti di mare, finest berries and exquisite spices are used.

In 2007, the Oaxen Skärgkårdskrog located in the picturesque island of Oaxen garnered the 39th position in S. Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. Around an hour drive and 10-minutes ferry ride away the metropolitan area, Oaxen Skärgkårdskrog is nestled in such serene countryside in the southern part of the Stockholm archipelago. Coined as the “restaurant of the archipelago”, Oaxen offers the most luxurious and poignant dishes to satisfy your discriminating palate.

I am greatly blessed to have sampled the food of this renowned restaurant. Believe me the experience is astonishing. The flavor of the dish heightens with every bite. An explainable feeling of pleasure and longing enveloped me. I never dreamt that I could taste something so good, and long to return to the warmth embrace of this gastronomical paradise.

Visitors can take their fill in admiring the panoramic view of Himmerfjärden beach while eating the most scrumptious cuisines. Agneta Green is in-charge of putting together the best aperitif and wines to complement the restaurant’s dishes, while Magnus Ek is the genius responsible for the culinary creations. A distinguished member of the Swedish Culinary Team, Magnus Ek is able to combine such kaleidoscope of flavors achieving such harmony in palate and throat. A certified master of food, Magnus Ek takes you on the heights of culinary delight. I am not the only one impressed by Magnus’ talent. Gastronomika Akademien awarded the gold medal to him for his “extraordinary achievement within Swedish food culture”.

With menus ranging from a la carte, vegetarian and Christmas buffet, Oaxen is indeed the best place to spend the summer and winter holidays. Sleep in the immaculate cabins of m/s Florence, the beautiful ship built in 1935 using oak, ebony, Brazilian rosewood, slate and marble. There are various cabins to choose from depending on your convenience namely the: Ship’s owner’s cabin, captain’s cabin, stoker’s cabin, navigator’s cabin, old office cabin, engineer’s cabin and the chief mate’s cabin.

Oaxen Skärgkårdskrog expert’s craftsmanship that stems from the restaurant’s ability to provide cuisines that unconventionally combines local ingredients and international flavor which is considered a breakthrough in culinary. They are one of the very few restaurants to revolutionalize taste and gastronomic enjoyment.

Oaxen Skärgkårdskrog’s food is luxurious, heavenly, delicious, and awe-inspiring. It is the best restaurant in Sweden and soon enough maybe the best restaurant in the world. The other awards and recognitions received by Oaxen Skärgkårdskrog include 1st place in the Gourmet 199 Tables, Winelist of the Year in The Cupbearer, the Best Restaurant of the Year in Masterclass, and many others.

Vasa Warship Museum - A must visit!

Vasa meets her final destiny in August 1628

Vasa initiated her maiden voyage on the 10th of August 1628, leaving the quay situated in central Stockholm in what is today known as the Old Town at Skeppsbron. But just a few minutes later something goes terrible wrong. Vasa starts to tilt more and more and she finally capsizes a few hundred meters from its quay. At least thirty sailors died in this catastrophe, but some material from this time indicates that up to 150 lives were spilled.

Vasa - a political knightmare for King Gustavus Adolphus

Sweden was a Baltic Sea superpower at the time Vasa was built, and the huge Vasa ship was supposed to become a symbol of Sweden and its influence. Documentation from this time tells us that the ship costed 200.000 riksdaler which would equal an enormous 5% of the total Swedish budget at that time.

A shipwright from Holland was brought in to lead the Wasa project. It seems that due to occasional miscalculations Vasa was not given the appropriate center of gravity. One factor behind this could be that the Swedish king at some point ordered that extra cannons were to be installed on upper gun deck. The extra ballast added was obviously not enough to keep Vasa in an upright position.

The captain of the ship was immediately sent to jail but soon to be freed due to lack of evidence. One interesting point regarding the aftermath of the Vasa catastrophe was that No one was ever found guilty and sentenced.

Wasa was kept sleeping on the bottom of the sea for 333 years
The warship ended its short duty 32 meters below the surface. Very soon most of the cannons were recovered by divers using a bell type of vehicle in order to submerge. But after that it seems that no one ever visited the ship until the 1950´s when the swede Anders Franzén initiated a salvage project. Then, in 1961, the ship was miraculously brought back to the surface, intact after more than 330 years on the bottom.

The fact that the Baltic Sea is free from shipworm explains the fact that the oak wood was preserved during all this time. Vasa is one of the best preserved 1700th century vessels in the world.

The Vasa museum
Despite the fact that this ship was resting on the bottom of the sea for more than 300 years, the ship and many of its artifacts are very well preserved. Even food and liquors were found of which some was consumed after the salvage in 1961.

The conservation of the wood and the rest of the materials has been a challenge. The oak wood has been trated with polyethylene glycol, but sources tell that staff at the Vasa Museum is continously testing new ways of preserving the wood.

The Vasa Museum is situated at Djurgården in central Stockholm, and is really a "must-see" museum if you´re visiting Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden.

Accommodation in Stockholm

Accommodation in Stockholm is by most people's standards rather expensive, but there are ways of finding more affordable options. Many hotels offer reduced prices at various times in the year, and the cost will vary depending on the area. Norrmalm and especially the area around the central station are the best bets for budget to medium priced lodgings, whilst the Old Town tend to be more expensive.

Unlike any other city, Stockholm is spread over 14 islands, creating a neighborhood effect and city development not seen anywhere else in the world.

The Old Town, or Gamla Stan as you will often see it referred to as, is at the entrance to Lake mallaren on the Baltic and is the foundation of the city. Dating back as a walled city to the thirteenth century, today the old town is the most popular attraction of the city, teeming with restaurants, antique shops, artisan's galleries and ancient architecture. The major shopping street of the Old Town, Vasterlanggatan, is an attraction in and of itself, as is the main square, Stortorger.

Langholmen, meaning "long island: was donated in 1647 by Queen Christina to the city and is now one of the largest green areas in the city, wonderful for evening strolls or afternoon picnics.

The area known as Norrmalm lies to the north of the Old City and if the Old City encapsulates all that is old, Norrmalm encapsulates all that is young. Here you will find the commercial and cultural centre of Stockholm including the Central Station, major shopping centre and Stockholm's most famous park, Kungstradgarden.

Vasastaden includes the "Off-Broadway of Stockholm" and lies north of Norrmalm. Very much the theatre land of the city, Vasastaden has become the perfect destination for a full evening out, as many trendy bars and restaurants have opened there. Here you will be able to rub shoulders with the young professionals of the city who have en masse made Vasastaden their home.

Kungsholmen is where you will find the Town Hall and will get a further taste of the historicity of this city. It is here that you will be able to appreciate the artful blending of the new with the old as this ex-industry and artisan centre has been given a face lift.

South of the Old City you will find the most densely populated area of the city, Sudermalm. This is another place worth checking out for cheaper accommodation options.

If you head east from the Old Town you will come to Djurgarden Deer Park, this wonderful island sounds just as it is, especially in the summer. This forested island positioned in the middle of a lake used in the summer as a recreation area, plays host to the Vasa man-of war, Nordic Museum, the pleasure garden, the Waldemarsudde estate with its beautiful gardens and the open air folk museum.

Stockholm Vacations


Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and part of the Stockholm Municipality, is located on Swedens East Coast where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea. There are numerous high-tech companies headquartered here. In spite of a full four season climate that includes substantial rain, tourism has doubled since 1991. So, there must be something about its people and places to attract so many visitors.

Heres a look at Stockholms luxury hotels, best restaurants, and what to see and do while visiting. The progressive city is on the rise and definitely a worthy destination for world travelers to notch on their boards.

Luxury Hotels in Stockholm

The First Hotel Reisen has been a center of refined hospitality since the 1700s. Aside from offering the best view of Old Town Stockholm from its waterfront location, there is the sauna, the swimming pool, and the sensational restaurant all set beneath 17th century vaults.

The Victory Hotel is part of the Bengtsson familys hotel chain. It is named after the English naval hero Lord Nelsons flagship the HMS Victory. Adjacent to Victory Hotel is the renowned restaurant, Leijontornet (the Lion Tower), which is named after a 14th century fortification wall that is on display in the main dining room. The decor of each room has a little captain in it with a portrait of Lord Nelson. Good Lord! The Hilton Stockholm Slussen is located in the center of Stockholm.

It, too, offers incredible views of Old Town Stockholm. The hotel was noted for being the best business hotel in 2003. The gym and sauna are world class facilities. Additionally, the hotel is a civic leader for its commitment to environmental safety issues.

Best Restaurants in Stockholm

Den Gyldene Freden is an 18th century establishment of great historic and epicurean proportions. The esteemed Swedish Academy holds its meetings here for members to enjoy the restaurants well made local dishes. Lux Stockholm is annually commended in the highly valued Michelin Guide for its excellent seasonal offerings and service.

Renowned architect Peter Hallen designed crystal lamps to lighten up our tables and color changing walls. Wardshuset Ulla Winbladh is an open air restaurant that serves gourmet lunches and dinners of Swedish fare. Due to the eaterys enormous popularity, making reservations in advance is strongly advised. The owners have five additional restaurants in Stockholm.

To Do in Stockholm

Checking out the Kulturhuset Cultural Centre is a good way to get better acquainted with the citys cultural offerings. There are exhibitions, theatre, dance, music, and other types of performing arts. Additionally, there is a library with a reading lounge and several restaurants in the vicinity. Skansen Open Air Museum is an open air museum that presents 150 historical buildings of Sweden.

The museum was founded in 1891. There also is a zoo with wild and tame Nordic animals onsite. The Skansen hosts many annual festivities and events. Here is a place where kids of all ages remain young and foolish forever. The Tivoli Grona Lund is among the favorite amusement parks with its adrenaline pumping roller coasters. The entertainment center proudly proclaims that it has the highest free fall ride in all of Europe. It is a big on fun boutique amusement park with approximately 30 compelling attractions.

Notes on Stockholm

What has six stories and 100 separate departments under one roof? It is the Nordiska Kompaniet. Many call this the greatest shopping center in the world. Products by Hermes, Mulberry, Prada, and YSL are represented as well as an array of well known Swedish brands, such as J Lindeberg and Flippa K. The majestic food market is fit to be graced by royalty with a variety of pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants. This is a favorite destination of the locals.


At last, if you want a travel guide with you; I recommend this one:



Stockholm Airport transport

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN / ESSA) is situated about 40 km north of Stockholm city, halfway to the town of Uppsala. The E4 motorway passes by just a few kilometers from the airport zone so if you have a car or someone who picks you up, the motorway will be the choice.

There are several other alternative ways of transportation that will take you safely from Arlanda to Stockholm city:

- Bus + Commuter train
- Airport coach
- Arlanda Express Train
- Taxi

Public transportation (bus + commuter train)
This is whithout a doubt the cheapest mean of transportation from Arlanda. As a matter of fact it's also pretty convenient. Bus 583 departs from Terminal 5 heading towards Märsta Station.

There you walk 50 meters to the commuter train (Pendeltåg). This train takes you to Stockholm Central in about 40 minutes, the main station in Stockholm and serves as a hub for railway, commuter trains (pendeltåg) and metro (tunnelbana).

This journey will take you about 1 hour. The Stockholm County has been revising the fare system several times lately. Check out the traffic planner of the SL web (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik), SL Journey Planner.

Airport coaches from Arlanda (Flygbussarna)
The Airport coaches have been serving the transportation needs between Arlanda and Stockholm for many years. They are indeed very comfortable, convenient and fairly cheap. Normally they will help you lift your suitcases on board.

A ride with the Airport coaches from Arlanda to Stockholm City Terminalen (don't worry, this is situated next to the Stockholm Central with all the connections with railway, metro and so on...) takes about 50 minutes. Visit their website for up-to-date information on departures, prices and conditions: Flygbussarna.

Arlanda Express - modern high speed train
The Arlanda Express train is the fastest transport alternative. In just 20 minutes this high speed train takes you from Arlanda Airport to the Stockholm Central. Check out for discounts and campaign prices. Sometimes they'll let you ride for half the price.

The train cars are very comfortable with several compartments for luggage in every car. In deed a comfortable way of travelling. For prices and timetable visit the web of Arlanda Express.

Taxi from Arlanda
A taxi ride between Arlanda and Stockholm will take everything between 30 minutes and 1 hour or more, as it depends on the traffic situation. But the Stockholm taxis are allowed to use specific bus lanes, a fact that normally keeps the taxi traffic flowing whitout problems.

The fares are maybe a little more complicated story. Nowadays almost all Stockholm taxi companies offer a fixed price for the Arlanda-Stockholm route. But be aware that this fixed price is variable between the different companies. According to regulations (although the taxi market in Stockholm is in deed very deregulated) you will also have the option to negotiate a price directly with the driver.

If you don't accept the fixed price nor negotiate a price with the driver then make sure that the driver turns on the taximeter. If not, the driver could charge you anything that suits him

Now this won´t be a problem as long as you stay with the major taxi companies, like Taxi Stockholm and Taxi 020.

Stockholm Guide

Stockholm is one of the most progressive cities in the world, and nowhere is this reflected more than in its social policy. Citizens are provided with housing, health care, and educational opportunities, all of which makes for happy, productive people. While taxes may be high, the money they generate is used to create a high quality of life, which makes Stockholm extremely appealing to the many hopeful immigrants that flock there each year. You don't need to move all the way to Sweden to make the most of what Stockholm has to offer; a simple trip will also allow you to experience this utterly unique metropolis.

The weather in Stockholm definitely reflects the seasons, from snowy winters to balmy summers. Spring brings the heaviest flow of tourists to the city, so you might want to wait until summer or fall to visit. Summer, naturally, brings the warmest weather of the year, with temperatures starting at 68 degrees. Fall is considerably cooler, when temperatures range from 41 to 64 degrees. Both of these seasons also include the benefits of fewer people and lower lodging prices, two definite musts for the smart and thrifty traveler.

European travel can be pricey, but in a city known for its fantastic design sense, you don't need to spend a lot of money to stay somewhere stylish. Travel + Leisure Magazine sites Hotel Rival (Mariatorget 3, S-118 91 Stockholm) as one of Stockholm's best hotels. This boutique hotel-owned by former ABBA member Benny Andersson-features 99 beautifully decorated rooms (which start at less than $200 a night for a double), each with 32" plasma screen TVs, CD/DVD players, and wireless internet access. Other amenities include a bar, bistro, caf, and a bakery known for serving up the best bread in the city.

There is much to see and do in Stockholm, including over 100 museums and a wide array of dining and shopping options. One convenient way to experience many of these entertaining possibilities is by purchasing a Stockholm Card online ahead of time. A one-day pass costs about $38 (a two-day pass runs around $59, a three-day pass, $75), and with it you gain admission to 75 of the city's top tourist attractions and unlimited access to its excellent public transportation system, as well as special deals from local shops and restaurants. You can arrange to have your pass mailed to you, or you may pick them up at the Stockholm Tourist Centre (located at Sverigehuset, Hamngatan 27).

Stockholm's many museums target different audiences. There are some specifically geared toward children (such as the International Child Art Museum, located at Vrby All 14 , 143 03 Vrby), while others cater to niche interests, like maritime navigation (such as the Vasa Museum, Galrvarvsvgen 14, 102 52 Stockholm). Keep in mind that museums worldwide are closed on Mondays for maintenance, so make sure to schedule the start date of your Stockholm Card for another day. Each museum includes a permanent collection, as well as special visiting exhibits. There are also many dining choices for tourists, featuring cuisine from all corners of the globe, including Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Europe. Shopping options are no less diverse, and visitors are sure to find that Swedish design extends to far more than just home dcor (a la IKEA). Make sure to check out Gamla Stan-an older region of Stockholm-for all your handmade gift needs.

Stockholm Hotel Tips


Every now and then, it is normal for everyone to crave something different and out of the way. One day, you might wake up and for no apparent reason feel like skipping work and spending the day at the movies instead. Or this need for variation may be exhibited in small, somewhat insignificant ways such as opting to order a cold latte with whipped cream instead of the usual hot decaf latte you start your mornings with or wearing white socks instead of the usual black.

Travel and vacations are considered by many as the ultimate form of deviating from the common daily routines we usually lead since it is on vacation and travel that we see new sights, meet new people, and experience new things. However, even vacationing and traveling can take on a humdrum vibe through repetition and consistency. Even you might feel bored with your vacations and travels if you visit a beach every summer, rent a cottage in the woods every winter or have dinner at a hotel every Valentine's day.

Of course, the answer to how you can make vacations and travels more interesting is by injecting some variation and seeking the unusual. One such city that can certainly give you a one-of-a-kind vacation and travel experience like none other is the capital city of Sweden called Stockholm. Take hotels for instance. Most of the rather resemble one another, a five star hotel in this street may be quite identical with the other on the next block. So here's a list of the top 5 most unusual hotels in Stockholm City that are guaranteed to give a pleasant and surprising twist to your usual vacations and travels.

Langholmen Hotel, Stockholm

This first unusual Stockholm hotel is not for the faint of heart. The main construction which is now called the langholmen Hotel, Stockholm was actually built for an entirely different purpose before it was converted into a hotel. Like a hotel, it once housed several “guests” too, although the reason why they are there are not really their decision and they cannot come and go as they please like in a normal hotel. Yes, the facilities which is now called the Langholmen Hotel in Stockholm was once a prison.

The Olde Crown Prison that once housed miscreants of all sorts now has a more inviting atmosphere to it since it was transformed into a hotel. Although the thick concrete walls and the heavy iron doors still remain, a lot of added comforts and conveniences, a touch of color and an overwhelming sense of history and curiosity has made this former prison a hotel you would not want to escape from.


Nordic Sea Hotel

The Nordic Sea Hotel is another Stockholm hotel that piques can easily pique the interest of tourists, travelers and vacationers. This Stockholm hotel is called the Nordic Sea Hotel because of the existence of a large, impressively noticeable aquarium in the hotel that houses hundreds of colorful fishes, plants and other marine animals.

And the presence of the Absolut IceBar definitely boosts up the popularity of the hotel too. You may need fur coats and mittens though because the entire bar, from floor to ceiling and even the glasses, are made from ice.

Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen

If you think a life at sea is both romantic and adventurous, then you might want to stay at the Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen hostel in Stockholm. The hostel is actually found in a boat, or rather the hostel is a boat. A British ship more than a century ago set is anchors along the shores of Sweden and several decades later, it was converted to the hostel we now know as the Af Chapman and Skeppsholmen. You are sure to get a good night's sleep in this Stockholm hotel since the waves of the Lake Malaren would rock you to sleep.

Nordic Light Hotel

If ice bars and humongous aquariums do not pique your curiosity, then maybe the enchanting northern lights would. Experience a dazzling vacation if you check-in at the Nordic Light Hotel also in Stockholm since the entire hotel is based upon the beauty and fascination that the northern lights are popular for. You can easily change the mood and color of your own hotel suite or room by changing the lights at the Nordic Light Hotel. If you're feeling light, a golden yellow lighting may be great and if you want to add a touch of romance, soft pink lights are perfect.

Vanadis Hotell & Bad

And finally, there is also the unusual and historic Vanadis Hotell & Bad which was made from a bathing facility. Bath houses are popular during the early 20th and late 19th century and one of these bath houses was converted into a hotel when the concept slowly lost popularity. The bath house theme is still present and can be seen at the amazing Vanadis Hotell pool area.


And at last, if you want to stay at the luxury hotel Grand Hotel, read the great history behind the hotel first! Here you will find the book: