Notable Places Around Stockholm

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful and photogenic cities in Europe. Here are some of the most notable places to visit around the city.

The Swedish capital is home to many museums and galleries, but there are also some lesser-known ones that are well worth checking out! If you're a fan of photography, for example, check out Fotografiska.

1. The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the most prominent landmarks in Stockholm and a great way to explore the Swedish capital's rich history. The opulent Baroque building was completed in 1760 and has a magnificent Italian-Baroque facade that makes it one of Europe's most unique royal palaces.

The Palace is the official residence of Sweden's Head of State, where he performs his constitutional, state ceremonial and official duties. It's also the setting for most of the monarchy's official receptions, which are open to visitors year round.

It's not hard to imagine why the Palace has been a popular tourist destination since it was erected in 1754, designed by master architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger who drew inspiration from the architecture of Rome. The enormous structure boasts more than 600 rooms divided between 11 levels.

As you explore the palace's halls and reception rooms, it's easy to lose yourself in the lavishly decorated spaces and lavish furnishings. The breakfast room, for example, was created to look like a German tavern and features a carved marble ceiling and a collection of gilded silver candlesticks from Germany.

A stroll through the palace's garden reveals rows of trees, fountains and a construction of cascades and hedge groves that give the park a secluded, romantic atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to relax and recharge after an exhilarating day of sightseeing in the city.

While you're at the Palace, make sure to visit the Livrustkammaren (the Royal Armoury), a free museum that tells the story of Sweden's monarchy through armor and clothing. You'll find a large collection of crowns, swords of state and other artefacts that have been passed down from generation to generation over four centuries.

Tourists consider renting a car one of the best ways to enjoy all that Sweden has to offer. Renting an economy class car in Stockholm Airport will cost about 18 euros per day, in Malmo Airport - about 19 euros per day.

2. The Cathedral of St. Nicholas

St. Nicholas, also called Stockholms Domkyrkoforsamling (Stockholm Cathedral) is the city's oldest church and dates back to 1200 AD. It is located in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, and was built at the site of a fishermen's chapel that burned down in 1306.

Inside the church are several important works of art. One of the most famous is a medieval sculpture group of Saint George and the Dragon, which was created by Bernt Notke from Lubeck in 1489. It is carved from oak wood, painted and partly gilded.

Another famous work of art in the cathedral is Vadersolstavlan, or the Parhelion Painting. It depicts a phenomenon seen above Stockholm on April 20, 1535, when six "sun dogs" were seen to converge over the city.

In addition to these artworks, the cathedral contains other interesting historical items. These include a silver altar from 1650, two royal chairs - both sculpted by Burchard Precht - and a pulpit.

Interestingly, the church also houses the tomb of Olaus Petri, who was a leading figure in Sweden's Protestant Reformation. He died in the 16th century, and is buried underneath the pulpit.

The church has a unique relationship with the Swedish royal family. This has led to many events taking place here, including coronations and weddings.

The cathedral is also home to some of the most impressive artworks in Sweden. One of these is a large sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon, which was commissioned to commemorate the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471. The sculpture is carved from oak wood, elaborately painted and partly gilded.

3. The Museum of Medieval Art

The Museum of Medieval Art is built around the remnants of the 16th-century city walls and is a fascinating place to learn about life in medieval Sweden. Its extensive collection includes a range of different artefacts, from relics to furniture.

The collection covers a variety of topics, but its most important focus is on medieval European art. It has a unique collection of medieval works that are not replicated elsewhere in the world.

Its collection of European art is a diverse one, with examples of Gothic sculpture, Romanesque architecture, and Islamic arts. It also features a large selection of illuminated manuscripts and glass roundels.

In Sweden, the medieval period was a time of religious and cultural change, influenced by Christianism. The majority of the collection features art that was produced during this time, with religious statues, crucifixes, and stained-glass windows.

Another section of the Museum of Medieval Art is dedicated to pre-Christian art, with carvings that were made during the Stone Age. These included images of lions, monsters, and birds.

Swedish art began to depict more human figures during the Bronze Age, but the Iron Age and Viking eras saw the emphasis shift to animal forms. The zoomorphic shapes that were common in runic stone carvings are a reminder of this period.

The National History Museum (Historiska Museet) in Stockholm is a huge institution covering Sweden from prehistory to the present. It is possible to see most of the exhibitions in a single visit but you would be better off visiting on separate days.

The museum is free to enter and has a vast range of exhibitions, from ancient civilizations to modern art. Among the most interesting are the Vikings and the treasury in the cellar, which is arguably the best collection of gold and silver treasures in Europe.

4. The Nordic Museum

The Nordic Museum is one of the most popular museums in Stockholm and is a must-see for tourists visiting the city. It houses a massive collection of Swedish culture and heritage. It is also a great place to visit for kids and adults alike, as it has a children’s playhouse that is filled with items from Swedish history.

The museum’s vast collections include clothing, toys, swords, and other objects that depict the life of both modern and traditional Sweden. They also have a collection of Swedish housing, furniture, and art.

Founded in 1873 by Artur Hazelius, the Nordic Museum is a cultural heritage, ethnography, and folk art institution that covers 500 years of Sweden’s history. Its impressive collection includes textiles, clothes, dollhouses, and other artefacts that illustrate the country’s traditions, lifestyles, and culture.

It is located on the island of Djurgrden in central Stockholm and was designed by architect Isak Gustaf Clason. It was originally intended to house the nation’s material inheritance as a national monument.

Today, the Nordic Museum is a large multi-story building that displays much of Sweden’s cultural heritage. It is a great way to learn more about Sweden’s history and culture, as well as see some of the country’s most iconic works of art.

Visitors can see a variety of exhibits, including ones about fashion and trends, jewelry, interior design, furniture, glass and porcelain, and more. They can also explore an area devoted to the Sami people, as well as a thought-provoking exhibition about the Arctic.

The museum was recently renovated to include new galleries and a more interactive experience for visitors. Its new core exhibition, Northern Exposure, focuses on the art of the Nordic region and its influence on contemporary arts. It was curated by a team of art historians, including Klaus Ottmann, Jonathan Sajda, and Robin Kaufman.

5. Skansen Open Air Museum

Located on the island of Djurgarden, the Skansen Open Air Museum is the world’s oldest open-air museum and one of the most popular Stockholm attractions. Founded by Artur Hazelius in 1891, the museum showcases life before the industrial revolution and is a must-see for travelers looking to gain an insight into Swedish culture and heritage.

The museum is made up of around 150 traditional houses from all parts of Sweden and many are from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. The buildings are all arranged along paths lined with elm, oak and maple trees.

Each building is unique and explains how people lived in their respective regions. The museum also includes a zoo with Scandinavian animals such as reindeer, moose and lynx.

There are many events held at the Skansen Open Air Museum, including summer sing-along nights and folk music performances. These events are great for families and are a fun way to spend a day.

Visitors can also take part in a wide range of crafts and traditional activities at Skansen. For example, they can dress up in the traditional clothing and perform traditional dances or songs.

It is a fantastic place to visit for the whole family and is sure to be one of your favorite Stockholm attractions. There is a zoo, horse rides and other activities for the kids to enjoy.

In addition to displaying buildings, the Skansen Museum also has a number of shops that sell various artisan products. The museum also hosts several events throughout the year, including the famous Singalong evenings Allsang pa Skansen and a Christmas market.