Stockholm island-hopping, Hotel Birger Jarl

Take a first stroll through Sweden ́s capital and explore some of the many sights and tourist attractions. 

Stockholm is stretched across 14 islands, today you explore three of them: Kungsholmen, Södermalm and old town Gamla Stan. Look forward to highlights such as the town hall (stadshuset), where the annual Nobel prize dinner takes place or the impressive Västerbron bridge, which connects Kungsholmen with Södermalm, the biggest of all islands. Your route leads mostly along water, just perfect for one or more bathing stops along the way. Last, but not least old town Gamla Stan is awaiting you with its huge royal palace, the smallest alley in the city, the oldest (sometimes even leaning) houses and many lovely cafés and restaurants - just perfect to taste yourself through the first, Swedish delicacies. Try for example a räkmacka (toast with salad, mayonnaise and shrimps), pickled herring in different styles or köttbullar, which are thanks to Ikea even well-known abroad (of course they taste so much better in Sweden).

A visit of the wonderful archipelago is a must if you are in Stockholm! You start your day with a bus- and boat trip to the western part of island Vaxön. About 1,5 hours later you start your walking tour through a beautiful forest and with views onto the sea towards Vaxholm, the “capital city” of the archipelago. Its name is probably a bit misleading, as the city only has about 5.000 inhabitants, the small town is however very popular amongst citizens and tourists. Once you have reached Vaxholm we recommend having a typical, Swedish fika, a coffee- and cake pause in one of the cafes in the harbour. Try for example kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) or prinsesstårta (princess cake). A visit of the fortress from the 16th century is also worth it, before you return by boat to Stockholm. 

It’s getting royal! Today you visit the island of Lovön, where Drottningholm palace is located. The UNESCO world cultural heritage from the 17th century is the best preserved palace of all palaces in Sweden and residence of the royal couple Carl-Gustaf and Silvia. Stroll through the impressive rooms and visit the huge park with its exotic Chinese pavilion and theatre, or have lunch or a coffee break at the café and restaurant (tip: try the waffles!). By boat (not included, in low season by bus) you return back to Stockholm. 

The greenest of all Stockholm islands delights locals and visitors with its huge national city park that also hosts numerous museums. The most well-known museums are the Vasa museum with it’s well preserved boat from the 16th century or Skansen, the oldest open-air museum in the world. If you prefer to have it a bit more edgy we recommend to visit the ABBA museum (with lots of information about Sweden’s most successful band from the 70ies), the Nordiska museet (Scandinavia's biggest historic museum), Prins Eugen Waldemarsudde (art museum and former residence of Prince Eugen), the Spritmuseum (with worth-knowing about Swede’s and their association with alcohol) or the viking museum Vikingaliv. Island Djurgården, which means “zoological garden” was a part of the royal hunting grounds in earlier times, until today you see a lot of flora and fauna along the way. Halfway we recommend to visit Rosendals café. The green pearl in the middle of Djurgården thrills its visitors with the ecologic cultivation of flowers and vegetables, an inviting shop and tasty pastries and dishes from the café. Perfect for a break! 

After breakfast your walking holiday ends. We are happy to extend your stay with extra nights.