Stockholm, Sweden

The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is also the center of the province of the same name, Stockholms län. Although Stockholm lies only a third of the way from Sweden’s southernmost point to its northernmost point, the region is known as the heart of the country. Its location between Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s third-largest and widely branching lake, and the Baltic Sea has always made it attractive to settlers.
A total of 25 independent municipalities surround the city of Stockholm itself. The region as a whole accounts for about 1.6 percent of Sweden’s land area, yet 1.9 million people live here—21 percent of the Swedish population. Nevertheless, the population density of Stockholm County is only slightly higher than that of Germany as a whole.

This gives Greater Stockholm its distinctive character as a popular holiday region. Perhaps nowhere else in Europe can the atmosphere of a major city and the solitude of virtually untouched nature be found so close together as in Stockholm. After visiting the many museums in central Stockholm, city visitors can retreat to the seclusion of the Swedish countryside after just a short drive—to pick berries, go jogging or sail. The often-cited triad of Swedish nature—forest, water and rock—is found in Stockholm even within the city limits. The Swedes’ close connection with nature is such that they have established Europe’s first national city park in Stockholm.

The area around Stockholm is characterized by its archipelago of 30,000 islands, which, unlike those on the west coast, are mostly wooded and dotted with “stugas,” or vacation cottages. Saltsjöbaden and Vaxholm are more upscale seaside resorts in the archipelago. Major ports with ferry services are located in Stockholm itself (ferries to Finland), Nynäshamn to the south (to Gotland), and Kapellskär to the north (to Finland). Destinations offering a glimpse into Swedish history include the historic town of Sigtuna and Gripsholm Castle near Mariefred, both on Lake Mälaren.

Greater Stockholm offers a miniature version of all Sweden in a compact area, yet with the country’s characteristic spacious feel, encompassing every aspect of its landscapes, infrastructure and leisure opportunities. The region has also seen strong growth in tourism for years, whether in hotels, vacation homes or campsites.