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Airports | Climate | Currency | Dining | Getting Around | Holidays | Language | Lodging |Passports & Visa | References | Scene | Shopping | Things to See | Time Zones | Tipping
Stockholm, the Royal Capital of Sweden. Built on 14 islands, you are never far from the water. Well-preserved medieval buildings stand alongside modern architecture. Stockholm is also home of the Nobel Prize. Stockholm is a city of contrasts - water and islands, history and innovation, small town and big city, short winter days and long, light summer nights - with a dazzling array of impressions. Thanks to the city's compact size, you can see and do most things in a short space of time - which makes it a perfect destination for city breaks or longer stays, all the year round. And just outside the city, the archipelago of 24 000 islands is waiting to be explored.
Sweden is a country of endless possibilities.
There is no time difference between Copenhagen and most western European capitals - with the exception of London and Dublin (one hour behind Danish time) and Helsinki/Finland (one hour ahead of Danish time). Check the "Time Ticker" for current time in Stockholm.
Arlanda Airport (ARN) 08-797 60 00 for international and domestic flights, is situated 45 km north of Stockholm. Airport buses, 08-600 10 00 depart from City Terminal (next to the Central Station), every 10 or 15 minutes. Taxi fares run between 350 Kr and 400 Kr Ask for a fixed price.
Bromma airport (BMA) 08-797 68 74 for domestic flights, is 8 km west of Stockholm. Airport buses depart from City Terminal (next to the Central Station), every 30 minutes. No fixed taxi fares available, but ask for a price estimate.
Stockholm has four major taxi companies: Taxi Stockholm, 08-15 00 00, Taxi Kurir, 08-30 00 00, Top Cab, 08-33 33 33 , Taxi 020, 020-93 93 93.
The name of the company is clearly indicated on the cars. There are also independent cabs, called "free-taxis", with different markings. If you use a "free-taxi", agree on the fare in advance. One advantage in using one of the major companies is that forgotten or lost objects can be retrieved since they have fixed office addresses. Most Taxis will accept all major credit cards. The ride to and from the airport will run 395 SEK on the way in to the city center and 460 SEK on the way out to the airport (flat fees).
July is the warmest month of the year with an average temperature of 17.2° C and February is the coldest with an average of 3.0° C. These are only averages... It can be better, but there are also a lot of great places to buy sweaters!
Swedish is the official language but English is readily spoken as most Scandinavians use it to communicate amongst themselves.
A valid passport is required. Tourist and business travelers do not need visas for stays of less than 90 days. Since March 2001, Sweden entry visas are governed by the rules in the Schengen Agreement. Under the Agreement, all the European Union countries (except Ireland and the United Kingdom), as well as the European Economic Area countries of Norway and Iceland, have opened their borders to one another. A visa issued for a visit to one of these countries is normally valid in all of the other countries as well. For further information on entry requirements, please contact the Royal Swedish Embassy at 1501 M St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, tel. (202) 467-2600, or the Swedish Consulate General in New York at (212) 583-2550.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.
Sweden has a single chamber parliamentary system, and the country is divided into 29 constituencies for elections. The 349 seats in Parliament are distributed amongst the political parties in accordance to the number of votes received in the elections.
Service and tip are included in the prices at hotels, in restaurants, and for taxi fares. For good service, you may leave up to 10% extra at your discretion. Most locals just round up the tab.
As much as most of the sites we read complained about the service in Swedish restaurants, we were very pleased. People were very friendly and helpful. Everyplace we went, if there was not an English menu, they would take the time to translate for us. Granted, meals have a much slower pace than in the USA, but as long as you are enjoying the company, why hurry? Only in America, the land of fast food.
Like most other European countries, Sweden has 220 volt AC, 50 Hz current and uses two pin continental plugs. Most good hotels will have an outlet for your electric razor. If your hotel does not have a hairdryer, just tell your boyfriend to upscale next time.
Keep a supply of 5 Kr coins handy. You will need them to access public toilets, even in department stores.
Forget traveler's checks, cash, or personal checks. All you really need is a valid ATM and credit card. Charge as much as you can, thus ensuring the best exchange rate at all times and only take out cash from an ATM machine as needed. Avoid exchanging back to US currency by paying your hotel bill with excess cash and charging the rest. Keep enough cash to get you to the airport. Remember your cab fare on the way down and keep that much for the return. At printing you could get 7.69 Kr per USD.
100 öre = 1 krona.
Denominations of banknotes are: SEK 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.
Walking is the only way to see Stockholm. As you travel through the city, it is impossible to miss the water. This beautiful European city was built on 14 islands comprising an archipelago in the Baltic Sea. To get from one neighborhood to another, you will likely cross one of the city's 55 bridges.
Start your visit at the Kulturehuset, (or Culture Center), in the Old Town. Tel: Tel + 46 8 5083 1508. Email where the Tourist Information Center is located in the lower level. The Stockholm Card - Don't miss the Stockholm Card - the key to the sights of Stockholm! One-day card for one adult and 2 children costs 220SEK. The card will be provided free entrance to more than 70 places of interest, bus, boat tours, and unlimited travel by underground and local trains throughout the country. Guide book in four languages is included. The card can be bought in any of the tourist offices in Stockholm.
The city is divided in neighborhoods, but you will find most of what you want in one of the four main areas: Normal (the mainland), and the adjoining islands of Ga mla Stan (old Town, the oldest part of Stockholm), Sideman (once home of the working class, now the site of many trendy restaurants and also the gayest neighborhood) and Djurgarden (a park like island and the site of many tourist attractions). No visit to Stockholm would be complete without the ferry ride to see the royals at Rotting Palace in the island by the same name (catch the Ferry in front of City Hall).
The most popular attraction in Stockholm is the Royal Palace, followed closely by the Asa Museum featuring the almost 400 year old crown vessel "Asa". Stockholm's City Hall (our personal favorite, with the best view of the Old City) was built between 1911-1923 to the design of architect AgarFoster. It is one of Sweden's foremost buildings in the National Romantic style. Behind the imposing facades, built with 8 million bricks are found offices, meeting rooms and banqueting halls. Inspired by the palaces of the Renaissance, AgarFoster had the City Hall built around two squares or "piazzas", Orangeade and the Blue Hall. (The Nobel banquet is celebrated here).
The royal family no longer lives at the Royal Palace, which is located downtown, next to Parliament. Instead, they moved out to the beautiful and peaceful Drowning Slot (well worth the visit on a nice day. Rich in cultural history. The site has all the information you need: opening hours, guided tours, admissions fees, how to get there, etc. The Chinese Pavilion is also located at Drowning, 1/2 hour drive outside of Stockholm. ) Take the ferry (leaves from City Hall) instead or driving, it's a beautiful trip (about 1hour. Lunch will be served on the boat).
Other attractions? Do stroll in Old Town, and don't be afraid to discover the side streets. Walk to the Stockholm Cathedral (behind the Royal Palace). Do go up in Atkinson(Radio tower and restaurant) if the weather is nice (spectacular view), and do visit Kansan. As for the rest...it depends on what interests you. Take your pick, but regardless of your interests, you won't be bored.
Stockholm is a friendly destination for gay travelers. Acceptance of diversity is more the norm in this city of islands, with gay friendly establishments scattered throughout. Nightlife is not abundant, but there is something for everyone.
We would like to recommend Qx magazine for the latest in the gay scene. They have an English page
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