Stockholm, which is the capital of the Kingdom of Sweden, is built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. Home to roughly one million residents, it blends medieval history with modern, forward-thinking innovation.
History & Culture
- Founded in 1252: The city was officially established by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl.
- Venice of the North: Stockholm is connected by 57 bridges, which span across islands like Södermalm, Djurgården, and Kungsholmen.
- Gamla Stan (Old Town): This 13th-century district features cobblestone streets and North German architecture. It’s also home to Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, one of the narrowest alleys in the world, which is barely 90 centimeters wide.
- Nobel Prize Host: The city hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremonies at the Stockholm Concert Hall and Stockholm City Hall.
Landmarks & Attractions
- World’s Longest Art Gallery: The Stockholm Subway (Tunnelbana) stretches 110 kilometers and features paintings, mosaics, and sculptures in over 90 of its 100 stations.
- Vasa Museum: Located on Djurgården, it houses the Vasa—a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It is the only fully preserved 17th-century ship in the world.
- UNESCO Sites: The region boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Royal Palace of Drottningholm and Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery).
Society & Sustainability
- Cashless Pioneer: Sweden is one of the most cashless societies globally, with most locations accepting exclusively digital and card payments.
- Less Heavy Industry: Thanks to the absence of heavy manufacturing, Stockholm is known for having some of the cleanest air of any metropolitan area globally.
- Clean, Green & Blue: Water in the city center is so clean that you can swim and fish right in the middle of town! Additionally, Stockholm was the first city named European Green Capital.