Weather
The average daily temperature in August is around 17°C (about 62.6°F). Check the current local forecast here.
Currency
The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). Click here for currency conversion.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Stockholm, but they are not accepted everywhere. Carrying some cash is recommended, especially in restaurants and smaller stores. ATMs are the easiest way to withdraw cash from your home account - ensure you inform your bank before traveling abroad and be aware that you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before traveling to Stockholm.
Electricity
The power supply in Stockholm is 230 volts at 50 Hertz. Sockets accept two-round-pin style plugs. If you travel with a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need to bring a voltage converter with you. You may also need a plug adapter if your appliance's plug has a different shape.
Attractions
Nobel Museum
Nobelmuseet presents the history of the Nobel Prizes and their recipients, with a focus on the intellectual and cultural aspects of invention. It's a polished, contemporary space with fascinating displays, including short films on the theme of creativity, interviews with laureates like Ernest Hemingway and Martin Luther King, and cafe chairs signed by the visiting prize recipients (flip them over to see!).
The City Hall
Stockholm City Hall, with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, is one of the most famous silhouettes in Stockholm. It is one of the country’s leading examples of national romanticism in architecture. The City Hall was designed by the architect Ragnar Östberg is built from eight million bricks. The 106-meter tall tower has the three crowns, which is the Swedish national coat of arms, at its apex. Behind the magnificent facades are offices and session halls for politicians and officials, as well as splendid assembly rooms and unique works of art. Stockholm’s municipal council meets in Rådssalen, the Council Chamber.
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.
Vasa Museum
A good-humored glorification of some dodgy calculations, Vasamuseet is the custom-built home of the massive warship Vasa; 69m long and 48.8m tall, it was the pride of the Swedish crown when it set off on its maiden voyage on 10 August 1628. Within minutes, the top-heavy vessel tipped and sank to the bottom of Saltsjön, along with many of the people on board.
Kungliga Slottet
Kungliga Slottet was built on the ruins of Tre Kronor castle, which burned down in 1697. The north wing survived and was incorporated into the new building. Designed by court architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, it took 57 years to complete. Highlights include the decadent Karl XI Gallery, inspired by Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, and Queen Kristina’s silver throne in the Hall of State.
Skansen
The world’s first open-air museum, Skansen was founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius to provide an insight into how Swedes once lived. You could easily spend a day here and not see it all. Around 150 traditional houses and other exhibits dot the hilltop – it’s meant to be ‘Sweden in miniature’, complete with villages, nature, commerce, and industry. Note that prices and opening hours and days vary seasonally; check the website before you go.
Nordiska Museum
The epic Nordiska Museet is Sweden’s largest cultural history museum and one of its largest indoor spaces. The building itself (from 1907) is an eclectic, Renaissance-style castle designed by Isak Gustav Clason, who also drew up Östermalms Saluhall; you'll notice a resemblance. Inside is a sprawling collection of all things Swedish, from sacred Sami objects to clothing and table settings. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of paintings by August Strindberg, as well as a number of his personal possessions.
Stadshuset
The mighty Stadshuset dominates Stockholm’s architecture. Topping off its square tower is a golden spire and the symbol of Swedish power: the three royal crowns. Entry is by guided tour only; tours in English take place every 30 minutes from 9 am until 3:30 pm in summer, and less frequently the rest of the year. The tower is open for visits every 40 minutes from 9:15 am to 4 pm or 5 pm from May to September; it offers stellar views and a great thigh workout.
Visit the Tourism Bureau website for more information on traveling to Stockholm.