Home » Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

by Debra C. Argen
Grand Hotel Stockholm, Sweden

Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm, SwedenStockholm is the glorious capital of Sweden and celebrates culture, cuisine, and good living. It is a city that will dazzle your senses with its clear light and bright blue skies, castles, 24,000 islands in its archipelago to explore, and much more.


 

Edward F. Nesta and I flew SAS Airlines, which offers convenient non-stop service to Stockholm from Newark International Airport. Swedish hospitality began in the Lounge where we had our first taste of Sweden.

With the worldwide emphasis on becoming "greener," we were pleased to know that SAS Airlines has some innovative programs to help achieve this goal, including the fuel-saving green approaches, and the "intention to reduce climate-impacting emissions by 20% by the year 2020. They are replacing older planes, which will result in fuel savings of 30% – 35%, and will be one of the first airlines to use alternative fuels". To learn more about the programs, visit the SAS Airlines website: www.Flysas.com.

Staying at the legendary 334 rooms and 42 suites Grand Hotel Stockholm built in 1874, the oldest hotel in Stockholm is like returning to a second home. We have stayed at the Grand Hotel Stockholm on many occasions whenever we are in Stockholm, and returning in May 2008, we enjoyed experiencing how this elegant grand dame hotel not one to rest on its laurels, still continues to dazzle. Service is excellent as one would expect, and with the new Michelin-star The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren, there is yet another reason to stay at this luxury hotel.


Grand Hotel Stockholm

Read about the Grand Hotel Stockholm in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, and Chefs’ Recipes sections.

Grand Hotel Stockholm, Sweden
Grand Hotel Stockholm
Södra Blaisehomshannen 8
Box 16424
SE-103 27 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:    +46 86-79-3500
Fax:               +46 86-11-8686
Email:            
info@grandhotel.se
Email:            
reservations@grandhotel.com
www.GrandHotel.se

Mathias Dahlgren and his chefs of The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren, Stockholm, SwedenChef Mathias Dahlgren, formerly the chef and owner of the one-star Michelin restaurant, Bon Lloc in Stockholm, which he has since closed, opened The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren at the Grand Hotel Stockholm in May 2007, which consists of two restaurants, Matbaren (the food bar) and Matsalen (the dining room), has already won a coveted Michelin star and "rising star for two" the highest honor a new restaurant can obtain, in March 2008.

Since we had "discovered" Bon Lloc on previous visits to Stockholm, Edward and I definitely wanted to experience Chef Mathias’ new restaurant. We had lunch at Matbaren and were very impressed with the menu and the casual and contemporary ambience.

Matbaren of The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren, Stockholm, Sweden
Matsbaren

Soup of Morels - The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren - Stockholm, SwedenA few of the creative selections that we experienced included Soup of Morels from Turkey with poached egg, and green asparagus; Croquettes of nettles from Kälinge farm; and fried raw rhubarb from Holland, lemon sponge cake, quenelle of vanilla ice cream and browned sugar.

Matbaren is open for lunch Monday – Friday from noon until 2:00 pm, and for dinner, Monday – Saturday between 6:00 pm and midnight.

Read other articles on The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren in the Restaurants, and Chefs’ Recipes sections where Chef Mathias Dahlgren shares tempting recipes for a three-course menu (in English and in Swedish).

The Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren - Stockholm, SwedenThe Restaurant Mathias Dahlgren
Grand Hotel Stockholm
Södra Blaisehomshannen 8
Box 16424
SE-103 27 Stockholm, Sweden
Restaurant Telephone: +46 86-79-3584
Hotel Telephone:           +46 86-79-3500
Hotel Fax:                      +46 86-11-8686
Email:          
reservations@mdghs.com
Email:          
info@grandhotel.se
Email:         
reservations@grandhotel.com
www.mdghs.com
www.Grandhotel.se

St. Jacob Kyrka, Stockholm, SwedenThere is always something happening in Stockholm and serendipitously we chanced upon an Organ Concert given by Michael Waldenby at St. Jacob’s kyrka (St. Jacob’s Church), located in the park, Kungsträdgården, a short stroll from the Grand Hotel Stockholm.

The distinctive bright red church was built in 1643, and it was a delightful treat to be able to experience the organ music filling the church with magnificent sound. Ogan at St. Jackob's Kyrka (St. Jacob's Church), Stockholm, SwedenMr. Waldenby’s program included selections of Louis Vierne (1870 – 1937) Carillon de Westminster, Claire de lune (Månsken), Hymne au soleil (Solhymn); Léon Boëllmann (1862 -1897) Ronde française; Dieterich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707) Preludium & fuga E-dur; and Flor Peters (1903 – 1986) Aria, Ur Lied Symphony opus 66: Lied to the Flowers, Lied to the Mountains, Lied to the Sun.

St. Jacob’s kyrka
Västra Trädgårdsgatan, 2
11152 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 08-723-3038
www.StockholmsdomKyrkoforsamling.se

Chef Fredrik Björlin of Vassa Eggen, Stockholm, SwedenThe culinary and cocktail scene is booming in Stockholm, and we had an excellent dinner at Vassa Eggen Restaurant, an attractive, modern décor restaurant with an innovative culinary menu and a hot bar with a creative cocktail menu.

Scallops and Mussels by Chef Fredrik Björlin of Vassa Eggen, Stockholm, SwedenA few of the tempting selections that we experienced from Chef Fredrik Björlin’s inspired tasting menu included Terrine of chicken and duck liver, port wine, golden raisins, and green peppercorns; Bay scallops, fried mussels, salsify brandade, and parsley; and Glace au four, almond brioche, vanilla, and rhubarb.

Vassa Eggen Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Read more about Vassa Eggen Restaurant in the Restaurants section, and in Chefs’ Recipes where Chef Fredrik Björlin shares recipes (in English and in Swedish) for a tantalizing 3-course menu.

Vassa Eggen, Stockholm, Sweden
Vassa Eggen Restaurant
Birger Jarlsgatan 29
10395 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 821-6169
Fax:                 +46 820-3446
Email:            
info@vassaeggen.com
www.VassaEggen.com

Whenever we visit Stockholm, we always want to experience as many of the sights as possible, and found that the Stockholm Card (www.StockholmTown.com) is an effective and easy way to do that with free admission to more than 75 museums and attractions, free boat sightseeing trips, free public transport, and discounted admissions. What we especially like about the card is the convenience, and of course, the cost savings, which leaves more money for shopping.

Although we have toured the Royal Palace, the Official Residence of H.M. the King, located in Gamla Stan, which is within walking distance of the Grand Hotel Stockholm, we thought that it would be interesting to make a visit to Drottningholms slott (Drottningholm Palace) to see the primary residence of the Swedish royal family since 1981.

Boat to Drottningholms slott, Stockholm, Sweden
Boat to Drottningholm Palace

Lamb on Boat to Drottningholm Palace, Stockholm, SwedenWe boarded the turn of the century ship s/s Drottningholm at the Town Hall quay (Stadshuskajen) and enjoyed lunch in the dining room during the 50-minute ride to the palace where we dined on Bleak Roe with red onions and crème fraiche; Grilled aubergine and zucchini marinated in olive oil served with a mixed salad; and Lamb burger stuffed with feta cheese and served with root vegetables, olives and gravy, which we paired with glasses of white wine.

As we rounded the bend and Drottningholm Palace built from 1662 came into view, it was at once dreamy and fairytale-like, as the palace was stunningly reflected in the water. The grounds are gorgeous and since it was spring, we strolled though the gardens that were just starting to wake up rewarding visitors with spectacularly bright blossoms.

Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott), Stockholm, Sweden
Drottningholm Palace

After strolling the grounds, we took a self-guided tour of the palace where  a few of the highlights that we especially enjoyed were the dowager Queen Hedvig Eleonora’s State Bedroom with its heavily ornate painted ceiling, and gold and blue décor where even the clothing of the people depicted in the paintings were blue; and the ballroom, which also features a magnificent painted ceiling and gold crowns over the royal portraits.

Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott), Stockholm, Sweden
Drottningholm Palace Grounds

Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott) gardens, Stockholm, SwedenThe palace is a World Heritage UNESCO site and is open daily during the months of May – August from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm, daily in September from 12-3:30 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday during the months of October – April from 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm. Guided tours are available in English and Swedish, please check their website for days and times. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card.

Drottningholms slott (Drottningholm Palace)
Telephone:      +46 8 402-6280
Fax:                 +46 8 402-6281
www.Kungahuset.se

Edward F. Nesta boarding the Prins Carl Philip returning from Drottningholm PalaceOn the return ride, we sat on the top deck of the m/s Prins Carl Philip, to take a last look at Drottningholm Palace and to admire the scenery and the beautiful homes located along Lake Mälaren.

Family fishing in Stockholm, SwedenSwedes have always been close to nature, and as many times as I have visited Stockholm. I am still always amazed that you can swim and fish in the city center. The water is very clean and while out walking one day, we saw many people fishing from the bridges, and stopped to talk to the charming Palandra family, Sandra and Erik and their children Linn, aged 8, and Isak, aged 3, who were having a fishing outing. Although they had not yet caught any fish, the children were especially hopeful. I later found out that after I left, they caught a 2 kg (4.4 pound) salmon, which certainly added excitement to their day fishing.

The Grand Hotel Stockholm is perfectly located and is within walking distance of many of the city’s famous sights and attractions. The Nationalmuseum (National Museum of Fine Arts) is located next to the hotel, and during our visit there was an interesting Toulouse-Lautrec exhibition (from February 21 – May 25, 2008) with several of his most famous works including those of Jane Avril, from 1892, 1893, and 1899.

National Museum, Stockholm, Sweden
National Musuem

The National Museum of Fine Arts is Sweden’s largest art museum, and we also enjoyed the exhibit on the Faces of Time (which runs until October 19, 2008) that provided an enlightening educational insight into the evolution of timepieces over the past 500 years.

In addition to the temporary exhibits, the museum has an excellent permanent collection. The museum is open Tuesday – Thursday from 1:00 am – 8:00 pm (Summer months 11:00 am – 5:00 pm), Wednesday, Friday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card.

Nationalmuseum (National Museum of Fine Arts)
Södra Blaisehomshannen
SE-103 27 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 85-19-543-00
www.NationalMuseum.se

Debra C. Argen with royal crown on the bridge to Skeppysholmen Island, Stockholm, SwedenStockholm is made of islands, so after visiting the National Museum, we took a walk over the bridge with the decorative gold crowns, to explore the island of Skeppysholmen.

The island of Skeppysholmen has many museums to explore, is a nice place to take a stroll to look at the interesting architecture of the buildings, enjoy a coffee at a café, or just enjoy relaxing in the park.

Skeppysholmen Island  Building Skeppysholmen Island  Building
Island of Skeppysholmen
 

While we were there we took the opportunity to visit the Moderna Museet (Modern Museum), which has an interesting collection of paintings, photographs, and much more.

The museum is open Tuesday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, and Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 – 6:00 pm. Admission is charged, but is free for persons 18 and under or with the Stockholm Card.

Modema Museet , Stockholm, Sweden
Moderna Museet (Modern Museum)
Skeppysholmen
Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 51-95-052-00 
www.ModernaMuseet.se

The Arkitekturmuseet (Swedish Museum of Architecture) is located next to the Modern Museum, and we took advantage of its proximity to make a visit. The museum offers architects or those interested in architecture the opportunity to see exhibits on architecture, urban planning, and development.

Sculpture on Skeppysholmen Island, Stockholm, Sweden
Sculpture on Skeppysholmen

The museum is open Tuesday – Wednesday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, and Thursday – Sunday 10:00 – 6:00 pm. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card.

Arkitekturmuseet (Swedish Museum of Architecture)
Fredsgatan 12
Skeppysholmen
Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:  +46 58-72-70-00
Telephone:  +46 58-72-70-02
Fax:            +46 58-72-70-70
www.Arkitekturmuseet.se
 

Gamla Stan is located in the old part of the city and exploring the narrow twisting cobblestone streets is always an adventure. Besides the typical tourist souvenir shops, there are interesting clothing and crafts boutiques, and the area is also a great place to have an ice cream.

Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Gamla Stan

Royal Palace Guard, Stockholm, SwedenOf course, since our room at the Grand Hotel Stockholm overlooked the Royal Palace, we could not visit Gamla Stan without making a stop at the palace to watch the changing of the guards.

Chef Marco Baudone, le Rouge, Stockholm, SwedenAfter seeing the cultural sights of the city, we were ready to experience an evening of fine dining. We had an excellent dinner at the dramatic new restaurant le Rouge, where we entered the restaurant via a curved stairway. The décor naturally is red, and the ambience is sensual and romantic. Chefs Danyel Couet and Marco Baudone have an innovative menu with a French cuisine focus and an Italian element.

Beef dish by Chef Marco Baudone, le Rouge, Stockholm, SwedenA few of the excellent selections we experienced were the Black footed farm pig en Cassoulet; Oven Baked Dover Sole à la Moléne with asparagus and champagne; and Beef Tenderloin Moulin Rouge with spring vegetables, tarragon, and port.

le Rouge is housed over three floors and features two cocktail bars where the bartenders have created an interesting and well-crafted cocktail menu. The restaurant is open for dinner Monday – Saturday from 5:00 pm until 1:00 am.

Read about le Rouge in the Restaurants section and also in Chefs’ Recipes section where Chef Marco Baudone shares recipes in English and Swedish.

le Rouge, Stockholm, Sweden
le Rouge

Brunnsgränd 2-4
111 30 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 85-052-4430
Fax:                 +46 85-052-4435
Email:            
info@lerouge.se
www.leRouge.se

Strandvagen Residential area of Stockholm, Sweden
Strandvagan
 

We walked along the water and passed Strandvagan, the most prestigious residential area en-route to explore the many museums on the island of Djurgården. Crossing over the bridge to the island, we stopped to photograph the famous landmark Nordic God statues, including Thor.

Nordic god on Bridge to Djurgården Island, Stockholm, Sweden
Nordic God on bridge to Djurgården

If you only have time to visit one museum while you are Stockholm, be sure to visit the Vasamuseet (The Vasa Museum), which tells a very interesting albeit certainly a sad tale of the sinking of the warship on its maiden voyage in 1628 due to a minor miscalculation when the ship was built.

Vasa Ship at Vasa Musuem, Stockholm, Sweden
Vasa Ship

The ship was raised after spending over 333 years under the sea, and provides an educational look at shipbuilding, as well as life in the 17th century. The detail on the ship is a marvel to look at, notice the lions on the port doors, the carved figures along the sides of ship, and the Vasa coat of arms with two cherubs with a crown.

Vasa Ship at Vasa Musuem, Stockholm, Sweden
Vasa Ship

The museum is September 1 – May 31 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, (Wednesdays from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm), and June 1 – August 31 from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card. Tours in English are given Monday – Friday at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm, and Saturday – Sunday at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. Visit their website for additional information. Wheelchairs for disabled visitors are available at the entrance.

Coat of Arms on Vasa Ship at Vasa Musuem, Stockholm, SwedenVasamuseet (The Vasa Museum)
Galärvarvsvägen 14, Djurgården
Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 85-195-4800
www.VasaMuseet.se

If you are traveling with children, or are just young at heart and love the storybook character Pippi Longstocking, created by Astrid Lindgren, Junibacken is a delightful museum that will enchant the heart with its endearing Pippi stories.

Debra C. Argen as Pippi Longstocking at Junibacken Musuem, Stockholm, Sweden Edward F. Nesta visiting Pippi Longstocking at Junibacken Musuem, Stockholm, Sweden
Debra and Edward Playing at Junibacken

Each room of Pippi’s house, Villa Villekulla, is child-friendly and inviting. Children, as well as adults, can fly the SAS plane, explore each room in this creative child-size house, and sit in Pippi’s living room. While I was sitting on a tiny chair in Pippi’s living room, I met a darling little boy named Wilmer Rosenblom, aged 16 months, who under the watchful eye of his father, Marcus Linden, climbed onto a chair to have a "chat" with me.  

Wilmer Rosenblom chats with Debra at Pippi Longstockings house at Junibacken Musuem, Stockholm, Sweden
Chatting with Wilmer Rosenblom and Flying the SAS Plane

Junibacken is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, Mondays during June – August, and open daily in July from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card. Full disabled access.

Junibacken Musuem, Stockholm, SwedenJunibacken
jurgården
Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:   +46 85-87-230-00
Fax:              +46 85-87-230-99
Email:          
info@junibacken.se
www.Junibacken.se

Nordiska Museet (Nordic Musuem), Stockholm, SwedenI always try to visit the Nordiska museet, which is Sweden’s largest cultural museum, whenever I am in Stockholm, as I especially love their fashion collection with clothing from 1886. Their shoe exhibit featured glitz, glamour, and function, and was pure fantasy for shoe lovers. Although the entire collection was interesting, as I took a fashionable stroll down memory lane pair, it was a pair of blue t-strap high-heels from 1930 with Eiffel towers made of rhinestones that caught my eye as iconic footwear.

The museum has an excellent collection of folk art, silver, textiles and embroideries, and Swedish home interiors from the 16th century to present day. Nordiska museet is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, and on Wednesday from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm. June 1 – August 31 the museum is open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card. The museum is free for people 18 years and under, and is also free for everyone on Wednesday from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Nordiska Museet (Nordic Musuem), Stockholm, Sweden
Nordic Musuem

Nordiska museet
Djurgårdsvägen 6-16
Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 85-195-4600
www.NordiskaMuseet.se/

Since we had never visited the Biologiska Museet (Museum of Biology) on previous trips, we decided to take a look at their exhibit on Scandinavian mammals and birds. The museum was built in 1863 and the building has definite architectural appeal.

The museum is open October – March, Tuesday – Friday from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Saturday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, and daily from April – September from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card.

Biologiska Museet ( Musuem of Biology), Stockholm, Sweden
Musuem of Biology

Biologiska Museet (Museum of Biology)
Hazeliusporten, Djurgården
PO Box 27807
115 93 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 8-442-8215
Fax:                 +46 8-442-8298
www.BiologiskaMuseet.com

Clown Fish at Aquaria Vattenmuseum (Aquaria Water Museum), Stockholm, SwedenThe Aquaria Vattenmuseum (Aquaria Water Museum) is a fascinating place to visit with its excellent collection of sharks including leopard and black tip reef sharks. We also enjoyed watching the moray eels, the dazzlingly exotic lionfish, and maroon clownfish darting in and out of the anemones.

Shark at Aquaria Vattenmuseum (Aquaria Water Museum), Stockholm, SwedenThere are exhibits on the rainforest, tropical sea, Baltic Sea, coral reef, and much more to discover. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm. Check the website for longer summer hours. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card.

Aquaria Vattenmuseum (Aquaria Water Museum)
Falkenbergsatan 2, Djurgården
115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:     +46 8-660-9089
Email:            
info@aquaria.se
www.Aquaria.se

Another of our new stops was to visit the Liljevalchs Konsthall, which focuses on Swedish and international art where we had the opportunity to see the large scale exhibit entitled "Hubris" by the photographer, David, which consisted of more than 160 works.

Liljevalchs Konsthall, Stockholm, SwedenLiljevalchs Konsthall is open Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm with extended hours on Tuesday and Thursday until 7:00 pm. The museum is open Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card.

Liljevalchs Konsthall
Djurgårdsvägen 60, Djurgården
PO Box 27806
115 93 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:     +46 8-508-31-341
Email:            
info@liljevalchs.stockholm.se
www.Liljevalchs.com

Folk Music at Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden
Folk Music at Skansen

Skansen, the oldest open-air museum in the world, opened in 1891, and is like taking a step backwards in time. This is another one of our favorite places to visit, as there are 150 old houses that were transported from all over Sweden that provide an insight into daily living, there are interesting crafts demonstrations, shops, folk music and folk dance performances, animals, an aquarium, gardens to stroll, and so much more.

Candy Shop at Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden Painter at Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden
Candy Store  and Painter working at Skansen

While we were visiting this time, we met with a craftsman who explained how to make the famous red paint seen throughout Sweden and even provided the paint recipe should visitors want to make their own paint when they return home.

Lemurs at Skansen, Stockholm, SwedenAs a full-fledged animal lover, I also loved seeing the pygmy marmosets, golden lion tamarins, and especially the lemurs that posed along the rails. Especially endearing were the lemur babies being groomed by their mothers.

Hamadryas baboons at Skansen, Stockholm, SwedenWe also enjoyed watching the Hamadryas baboons where families of baboons were frolicking in the waterfalls, clamoring over the rock face, running along a rope bridge, and playing in an old jeep. We stood for quite a long time watching these delightful creatures as they foraged in the hay in search of food carrying their babies on their backs.

Carriage Ride at Skansen, Stockholm, SwedenLeave yourself several hours to explore Skansen as there is much to discover. Skansen is open January – February weekdays from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, and weekends from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; March -April daily from 10:00 pm – 4:00 pm; May 1 – June 19 from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; June 20 – August 31, from 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; September from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; October from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; November, weekdays from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and weekends from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm; and December from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, and on Christmas from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Please visit their website for additional information. Admission is charged, but is free with the Stockholm Card, however the card may not be valid for certain events.

Skansen House, Stockholm, Sweden Windmall at Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden
Buildings at Skansen

Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden
Skansen

Djurgårdslätten 49-51
PO Box 27807
115 98 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:     +46 8-442-8270
Email:            
info@skansen.se
www.Skansen.se

Edward F. Nesta and Debra C. Argen at Ulla Winbladh, Stockholm, SwedenUlla Winbladh is a charming restaurant that features traditional Swedish cuisine, and is located next to the entrance of Skansen. Although the day was warm and sunny, and many people were eating outside, we decided that we wanted to sit inside for lunch and savor the antique ambience of the restaurant.

Toast Skagen dish at Ulla Winbladh, Stockholm, SwedenTwo of the selections from our lunch included the typical Swedish appetizer of Toast Skagen and Kalix Roe, and Swedish Beef with Béarnaise Sauce.

Read about Ulla Winbladh in the Restaurants section.

Ulla Winbladh, Stockholm, Sweden
Ulla Winbladh

Rosendalsvägen 8
115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 85-348-9701
www.Ullawinbladh.se

Eddie Olivia performing at Nybrokajen 11, Stockholm, SwedenAfter a wonderful lunch at Ulla Winbladh we took the ferry from Djurgården to Nybrokajen where upon disembarking the ferry we noticed that we were just in time to attend a late afternoon concert at Nybrokajen 11 located across from the pier, featuring Italian guitarist and singer, Eddie Oliva. Hailing from Naples, but now living in Stockholm, Eddie Oliva entertained the audience with a selection of Italian songs including the famous Louis Prima song, Angelina.

 

Nybrokajen11, Stockholm, Sweden
Nybrokajen 11

Nybrokajen 11
111 48 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 8- 407-1600
Fax:                 +46 8-407-1650
Email:
nybrokajen11@rikskonserter.se
www.Nybrokajen11.Rikskonserter.se

We had a perfectly amazing day where it seemed that we were always in the right place at the right time, and walked past the pier in front of the Grand Hotel Stockholm, we noticed that there was time for us to catch the last Royal Canal Tour of the day on the Sightseeing by Boat cruise.

Views from the Sightseeing by Boat tour, Stockholm, Sweden
Sightseeing by Boat
 

One of the best ways to appreciate Stockholm’s beauty is from the water. During the 50-minute tour we learned many interesting facts about Stockholm including that it was founded in 1252. We also learned that the many flags flying at the Grand Hotel Stockholm represent the nationality of the guests staying at the hotel, and were delighted to see the American flag.

Views from the Sightseeing by Boat tour, Stockholm, Sweden
Sightseeing by Boat
 

The tour is narrated in multiple languages via individual headsets. The Royal Canal Tour runs daily from April 4 – December 21. Please visit their website for a complete list of their tours and schedules.

Views from the Sightseeing by Boat tour, Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm Harbor

Sightseeing by Boat tour, Stockholm, Sweden
Sightseeing by Boat

Telephone:      +46 81-200-4000
Fax:                 +46 81-200-4040
Email:            
sightseeing@stromma.se
www.StockholmSightSeeing.com

Seafood Stew dish by Chef Martin Brag at Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, Stockholm, SwedenIn the evening it was time for us relax and to discover Marcus Samuelsson’s new restaurant, Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, which opened in February 2008. Martin Brag is the talented Head Chef, and as one would guess from the name, there are Aquavit infused cocktails on the creative menu. The restaurant ambience is contemporary, long, and sleek.

Chef Martin Brag at Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, Stockholm, SwedenA few of the many selections that we enjoyed at dinner included Lobster Roll and Ginger Ale Granité; Wagyu Ravioli with tarot root and shitake mushrooms; and Seafood Stew with saffron, dill broth, and potatoes.

Read about Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar in the Restaurants section and Chefs’ Recipes where Chef Martin Brag shares a few of his recipes in English and in Swedish.

Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar
Östra Järnvägsgatan 35
PO Box 310
101 26 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:      +46 8-676-9856
www.AquavitGrillRawBar.se

After spending an exciting time discovering new places and revisiting some of our old favorites, it was time to say "hej dä" to Stockholm, although with so much to experience, we always look forward to returning to discover more of what this charming city has to offer.

Next on our Swedish agenda was Destination Skåne. Boarding an SAS Airlines plane for a 50-minute flight from Stockholm to Malmö, we were ready to begin our next adventure of discovering the Skåne region of Sweden.

Important information for Sweden

Sweden is not part of the European Union, and as such, the currency of Sweden is the Krona (SEK, SKr, or KR). Kroner are the plural of Krona. As of May 2008, the exchange rate was 5.9 Swedish Krona (SEK) to 1 US Dollar (USD), and 9.4 (SEK) to 1 Euro (EUR). The Swedish SEK is divided into 100 öre and the öre coin denominations are: 50 öre and 1, 5, and 100 Kr. Bank note denominations are: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 10,000 SEK.

Electricity is 220 volts and uses 2 round pins. Bring a converter if your appliances do not have dual voltage and plug adapters.

While most Swedes speak English, it is always helpful to have some basic language knowledge when traveling.

Guide to Pronunciation

ej = long a

Basic Vocabulary

   

English

Swedish

   

Do you speak English?

Talar ni Engleska?

I do not understand

Jag förstår inte

Excuse me     

ursäkta mig

Hello

hej

Good-bye

hej dä

Please 

snälla

Thank you

tack

Yes

ja

No

nej

Open

öppen

Closed

stängt

Where is?

var

Airport

flygplats

Boat/Ferry

båt/farja

Bus

buss

Hotel

hotell

Train

tåg

How much is it?

Hur mycket kostar den?

May I please have the check

Notan tack

   

Health

Dentist

tandkläkare

Doctor

doktor

Help

hjälp

Hospital      

klinik

Ill

sjuk

Pharmacy

apotek

   

Food

Restaurant

restaurang

Breakfast

frukost

Lunch

lunch

Dinner

middag

Dessert

efterrätt

Bread

bröd

Butter

smör

Beef

nötkött

Cheese

ost

Chicken

kyckling

Crab

krabba

Fish

fisk

Ice cream

glass

Lamb

lammkött

Pork

fläsk

Poultry

fågel

Prawns

räka

Salad

sallad

Seafood

skaljur

Vegetables

grönsaker

Vegetarian

vegetarisk

   

Beverages

Coffee

kaffe

Tea

te

Ice

is

Juice

saft

Lemon

citron

Milk

mjölk

Sugar

socker

Water/Mineral Water

vatten/mineralvatten

Beer

öl

Wine

vin

Cheers!

Skäl!

Read other articles on Stockholm in the DestinationsHotels and Resorts, Restaurants, and Chefs’ Recipes sections.

Read other articles on Sweden in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, RestaurantsChefs’ Recipes, Gastronomy, and Travel News sections.

For information on Sweden, please visit the website: www.VisitSweden.com. For information on SAS Airlines, please visit the website: www.Flysas.com.

© July 2008. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.

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