04 Mar Stockholm, Explore the City of 14 Islands

Stockholm is no regular European capital. Unlike most, it’s not situated on either side of the banks of a river. It’s instead spread across 14 islands which are connected by over 50 bridges. That’s probably why the locals refer to Stockholm as “beauty on water”. The city’s chic style, obsession with contemporary design, gastronomy and coffee elevate it above many other rival destinations in northern Europe. 

Here are some of the highlights that await anyone who books a budget flight and takes a well earned city break in Stockholm.

Take a ferry to Djurgården

Stockholmers love nature and serenity, so it figures that one of their favourite hangouts is the tranquillity of the river bank on the island of Djurgården. And on this island you’ll also find the city’s largest cultural institutions including the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, the Abba museum and Skansen. The island is the place to go on a summer’s day, perfect for relaxing or a spot of people watching.

Get away from it all in Hellasgården 

If you fancy getting out of the city for a little while, then the Hellasgården recreational area is just 20 minutes from downtown Stockholm. The place is chock-a-block with walking, jogging and cycling paths during the summer. And during the winter months you can find ice skating, cross country skiing, and er…a big hole cut in the ice for any maniacs that want to go swimming in Lake Källtorp.

If you fancy something a little more subdued, there are plenty of Swedish saunas to be found here as well. Be prepared to enter completely naked though, as clothing is not permitted.

Dance until dawn in Stockholm’s nightclubs

Anyone travelling to Stockholm between May and September can experience the mother of all parties at Trädgarden. This outdoor summer club located under the Skanstall Bridge feels more like a festival than your average city nightclub. During the winter months, the club transforms into Under Bron, (Under the Bridge) an electro club spread out over two floors.

Cinnamon buns and photography

Located in a converted industrial building (where else!) is the most important photography gallery in Stockholm, Fotografiska. The gallery hosts regular exhibitions from some of the most famous photographers in the world. Once you’ve perused the exhibition, visit the café at the top of the building for fika (that’s Swedish for “coffee and a cake break”). Here you’ll find some of the best views of the city’s skyline along with kanelbullar, which is a Swedish cinnamon bun that’s eaten by pretty much all Stockholmers.    

Explore the secret gardens of Tantolunden

With over one hundred allotment plots and brightly coloured tiny wooden houses, the Tantolunden meadow is one of the most peaceful and charming places to be found in Stockholm.  Not to mention an ideal spot for some Instagram photos. And once you’ve taken your perfect holiday snaps, watch the boats go by along the river.

Stockholm Travel Insurance

Now for the boring but important bit! If you’re planning on taking a trip to Stockholm, remember to buy travel insurance. Even if you have an EHIC card, this doesn’t guarantee access to medical services that are free at the point of delivery for all types of treatment. It also won’t cover you for cancellation, baggage and money, and trip delay, as well as the many other benefits that travel insurance provides.

Here at Coverontrip, travel insurance to Stockholm starts at just £2.53 for 3 days of cover for a 25 year old. So if you’re off to Stockholm, get a quote from Coverontrip today and see how much you can save.