Stockholm for the family

Description:

This was the first open-air museum to open in the world, back in 1891 -- and it's still going strong. It's even better than when we first discovered it on visits to Stockholm as teenagers. Even if you can't escape into the Swedish countryside, head here for a look at how Swedes lived in the days of yore.

Often called "Old Sweden in a Nutshell," this open-air museum features more than 150 reconstructed dwellings scattered over some 30 hectares (74 acres) of parkland. They were originally erected in sites throughout Sweden, from the northern frontier of Lapland to the southern edges of Skåne. Most date from the 18th and 19th centuries, and each has benefited from the lavish attentions of scores of scholars, librarians, and craftspersons. The exhibits include windmills, manor houses, blacksmith shops -- even a complete town quarter that was meticulously rebuilt. Visitors can explore old workshops to see where book publishers, silversmiths, and druggists plied their trades in olden days. Many handicrafts for which Swedes later became noted (glass blowing, for example) are demonstrated, along with traditional peasant crafts, such as weaving and churning. For a tour of the buildings' interiors, arrive no later than 4pm.

On-site is a small zoo with 70 different animals, most of which are Swedish fauna, including wild animals from the cold north such as reindeer, seal, lynx, brown bear, and wolverine. Most impressive is the elk, the largest mammal in Sweden; the greatest predator is the fierce brown bear, considered the best "salmon fisherman" in the north.

Although it's hardly comparable to the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Skansen is also a summer playground for Stockholmers. Folk dancing and open-air concerts, in some cases featuring international stars, are occasionally scheduled during summertime. Check at the Tourist Center for information on special events and for info on nightlife options.

Description:

The entrance to this water museum is under a cascade of water. Inside there is an artificial jungle with showers, piranhas and mudskippers. The children's favorites are the frogs that almost look like candy in all different colors, and the enormous sharks swimming in the glimmering water. And it is a real adventure to crawl into the shark aquarium and look up at the awesome creatures. Outside you can watch the salmon jumping up the artificial streams.

Description:

This beautiful hotel is located within the former royal hunting grounds of Djurgården. It is surrounded by spacious green forests area and walking paths. It is a quiet area, especially in the winter, and cars are allowed in on summer evenings and weekends (and with a special permit). Skansen open—air museum, Museum of Nordic History, and Gröna Lund amusement park are in the vicinity. All rooms are well-equipped with amenities and feature crisp, clean linens.

Our Local Expert Says:

Visitors with a love for roller coasters and cotton candy should definitely check out this famous Swedish amusement park. Even if high intensity rides aren't your thing, there are always a wide variety of summer concerts featuring famous Swedish artists. In the end of August and early September you can even take part in the park's version of Oktoberfest.

Description:

If you are visiting Stockholm in the summer, don't miss Gröna Lund. Stockholm's most famous amusement park, it attracts both locals and tourists alike. Opened in 1883, it offers every kind of amusement park attraction-rollercoasters, rides, a house of fun, free-fall, haunted house and lots more. There are several cotton candy and hot dogs stalls too. A wide variety of concerts by both Swedish and international artists take place here. The Grönalundsteatern theatre is also found at this lively venue. You can even go on a cultural walk or check out an art exhibition. A variety of ticket options are available. The park is open from late April to early September.

Description:

This beautiful hotel is located within the former royal hunting grounds of Djurgården. It is surrounded by spacious green forests area and walking paths. It is a quiet area, especially in the winter, and cars are allowed in on summer evenings and weekends (and with a special permit). Skansen open—air museum, Museum of Nordic History, and Gröna Lund amusement park are in the vicinity. All rooms are well-equipped with amenities and feature crisp, clean linens.

Our Local Expert Says:

A must-see museum even for those not interested in boat history.

Description:

In 1628, the highly-decorated warship, Vasa sailed from Stockholm on her anticipated maiden voyage and sank. However, three centuries later, in 1961, Vasa was discovered and salvaged, and is now the world's only preserved 17th-century ship. It has now been converted into a museum. The cleverly constructed museum allows you to view it from six levels. The history of the ship is documented with slide shows, movies and exhibitions. Information is available in 10 different languages. Check the website for admission prices and other details.

Description:

This puppet theatre, most unusually has a minimum age limit: spectators must be at least two years old. Special productions are put on with both puppets and live actors. The theatre company was founded in 1977, and has spent a lot of time touring. But finally in 1994, the group got its own stage here in Stockholm. If you can't make it to Lundagatan, they do visit and perform in libraries and local kindergartens.

Description:

This beautiful hotel is located within the former royal hunting grounds of Djurgården. It is surrounded by spacious green forests area and walking paths. It is a quiet area, especially in the winter, and cars are allowed in on summer evenings and weekends (and with a special permit). Skansen open—air museum, Museum of Nordic History, and Gröna Lund amusement park are in the vicinity. All rooms are well-equipped with amenities and feature crisp, clean linens.

Description:

This is a favorite haunt of the young and young at heart. Meet Pippi Longstocking, Madicken or Emil in Lönneberga, or take the fairytale train around the most beloved scenes from Astrid Lindgren's books. There is also a bookshop and a restaurant for those who want to buy some books or grab a cup of coffee. Tickets cost SEK85 for adults, and SEK60 for senior citizens and children (aged three to 15). During the summer, book your tickets in advance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Always full of action - in the winter and summer. In the summer there are often temporary art exhibitions in the park worth seeing. In late spring come for the Taste of Stockholm festival.

Description:

The King's Garden is located in central Stockholm. This park serves dual purposes, as an outdoor concert venue in summer, and an ice-skating rink in winter. It also has an abundance of benches and is surrounded by fountains, restaurants, and cafés. During winter, you can hire a pair of skates and enjoy a few laps around the rink.

Description:

Hard Rock Café has a restaurant in almost every major city of the world. This Stockholm outlet follows the chain's concept of hearty American food on the menu, and rock 'n' roll memorabilia on the walls. Customers can enjoy live performances during the evening. The Sunday brunch is good value-for-money and very popular, and there's plenty options in the place that will keep kids happy. Don't forget to buy a mug, T-shirt, or a Fender pin with the Hard Rock Café logo from the souvenir shop on your way out.

Description:

The Cultural Centre's "Room for Children" consists of 700 square metres of fun for children. There is a library, an image workshop and a science corner, as well as music, drama, and film activities. Rum för barn is also a source of inspiration for adults interested in children's culture. Teachers and parents participate in the activities. Seminars for adults are held on a regular basis.

Description:

Teater Tre, runs Rosenlundteatern in collaboration with Studiefrämjandet. Studiefrämjandet mainly aims their programmes at older audiences, while Teater Tre is exclusively for children. Studiefrämjandet's studio classes stage their final projects at the end of the semester, and there are also special performances of both amateur and professional theatre. Teater Tre's artistic director is Bengt Andersson, and director is Lena Stefanson.