In Stockholm (1.2 million inhabitants.) the advertising slogan "beauty on the water" matches, perhaps it does not even go far enough. Indeed, except water, the beauty of Stockholm also offers a lot of green. A rule of thumb is: Stockholm is one third water, one third built area and one third green. The more than 750 years ago founded the city consists of numerous islands, of which the historical old town of Gamla Stan and former workers district Sodermalm are the best known. Because the center is relatively small, you can get around well without a car.

Gamla Stan The Old Town is the historical center of Stockholm and shines through their excellently preserved, for the most part from 300 to 400 years old buildings. Imposing small merchant houses lined streets and generous places. In the courtyard of the royal castle is regularly the change of guard celebrated. The castle along with arsenal and treasure can be visited. (Middle of May-Aug. daily. 10am-4pm, Sept.-middle of May Tue-Sun 12pm-3pm. entrance 80 SEC). The core of the old town forms Stortorget, the former main square, where there is also the Nobel Museum situated.

Kaknastornet From the 150 meters high broadcasting tower you have the best look over Stockholm and its environment. At lunchtime there is the restaurant of the tower a cheap buffet, in the evenings meals à la carte. Sept. to April daily. 10am-9pm, May to Aug. daily. 9am-10pm. entrance 30 SEC Morka Kroken 28-30

Stadshuset The brick tower with the three crowns on the top is the symbol of the swedish capital. The view of Gamla Stan, and Sodermalm Kungsholmen is unique. In the blue hall and the golden hall of the city hall in December will be the Nobel Prize dinner instead. Oct.-May daily. 10am and 12pm, June-Aug.

shopping Although Sweden gave the world two of its most ubiquitous megastores – H&M and IKEA – the Stockholm scene is, in fact, more about smaller shops with high standards of quality and service.

The main shopping streets are located in the vicinity of Sergels Torg, a few minutes walk from the main railway station. The department store Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) in the Hamngatan houses numerous renowned swedish and international fashion brands and a department for glass and crafts. In Gamla Stan, there are mainly tourist shops, souvenirs such as the classic wooden Dalarnahorses are sold in Södermalm around the Folkungagatan many smaller fashion boutiques are situated.

food Many pubs in Stockholm, such as Pelikan (Blekingegatan 40) on Sodermalm, serve traditional Swedish dishes.                                                                                                                                                                                                             Brasserie Godot Excellent kitchen in a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. French-inspired dishes. There is also a cheaper Barmenu. Sun closed. Grev Turegatan 36                                                                                                                                               Operas Bakfickan Here are mainly traditional Swedish dishes such as fish on the menu. Sun closed. Operahuset, Karl XII.s torg.      Wedholms Fisk The chef of Wedholms Fisk knows well the preparation of marine animals. Sun closed. Nybrokajen 17

where to stay                                                                                                                                                              Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen The best-known hostel in Sweden is housed in an old sailboat. There are also rooms in the adjacent building. 293 beds. Flaggmannsvagen 8                                                                                                                              Clarion Art Hotel in Sodermalm with individually decorated rooms. The bar attracts with its live music and relaxed atmosphere not only hotel guests. 562 rooms. Ringvagen 98                                                                                                                        Langholmen Combination of youth hostel and hotel in an old prison. Close to the beach. 102 rooms. Langholmen                           Lydmar Directly located at the Stureplan, its an artist hotel with rooms which are individually designed and equipped with art. 62 rooms. Sturegatan 10                                                                                                                                                     The Rival (Mariatorget 3, 1,695kr-2,890kr) boasts destination drinking, stylish rooms and plasma screens                                      Clas pa Hornet For a historic atmosphere, visit Clas pa Hornet (Surbrunnsgatan 20, 1,095kr-1,795kr), with its late 18th-century Gustavian furnishings.

Plane Many direct flights with Ryanair and SAS to Stockholm.