Travel from Dubai to Stockholm for some Scandinavian charm

Khaleej Times

27-02-2025

Think Stockholm and it immediately conjures images of pristine greenery, deep-blue archipelagos, abundant waterways, insightful museums and an engaging old town. Beyond this, the city which is also called the Venice of the North, is a bustling modern metropolis where Nordic charm blends seamlessly with history, making it a perfect combination of the classic and the contemporary. A centre for technology, fashion, arts and even gaming, Stockholm which is built on as many as 14 islands is perched at the point where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea.
Stockholm archipelago
It is well known that the Swedes have a deep-rooted passion for living amidst nature. They love enjoying the outdoors in a relaxed, non-competitive way. The concept of Friluftsliv (free-air life) is ingrained in their culture and reflecting this philosophy is their famous saying 'there is no bad weather, only bad clothing'. The Stockholm archipelago which was recently voted as one of the best 25 places to visit in 2025 by National Geographic is the ideal destination to savour the outdoors and get a taste of the Swedish way of life. Called skärgården locally, the archipelago which consists of multiple islands is easily accessible by ferry. There are several boats that depart from the centre of the city and once you reach the islands, there are a plethora of opportunities to bond with nature. Whether you choose to hike, swim, kayak or even cycle, there is plenty to see and do in this pristine paradise. For avid nature lovers, the Stockholm Archipelago Trail is a well-crafted experience consisting of about 20 islands. Traversing these islands is one of the best ways to soak in the local culture by visiting the idyllic villages, bond with the folks, enjoy the cuisine and buy in farm shops and craft stores. If you are short on time and are on a whirlwind tour of Stockholm, take time to visit some of the most popular islands like Fjäderholmarna, Gustavsberg, Värmdö and Artipelag.
Charming City Centre
With an interesting mix of royalty, culture, history, art and architecture, Stockholm offers attractions aplenty for tourists. Start your day by visiting the resplendent Drottningholm Palace which is a UNESCO World heritage site. This 17th century palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Located on an island in Lake Malar, and inspired by the palace of Versailles, it is a stunning piece of architecture. The complex consisting of the palace, theatre and the Chinese pavilion is set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens making it a treat for the visitors.
The Swedish capital has other historically and politically significant buildings and these include the Royal Palace of Stockholm and the Stockholm City Hall. Often referred to as one of the most dynamic and largest palaces in Europe, the Royal Palace of Stockholm is the official residence of His Majesty, The King. Most of the palace which is built in Baroque style is open for public and consists of a whopping 600 rooms and apartments. Replete with ornate sculptures, paintings and furniture, the palace offers a peek into the life and times of Sweden's royalty.
The Stockholm city hall which is the seat of the Stockholm municipality is one of the city's most famous attractions and has several offices, conference rooms and ceremonial halls. One of the best ways to explore the city hall is via a guided tour which includes a visit to the main sections of the building like the Blue hall, the Golden Hall and the Council Chamber. The city hall is also the venue of the renowned Nobel banquet that is hosted in honour of the Nobel prize winners. A perfect idea if you're interested in politics, history, art and architecture.
Eclectic Old Town
Dating back to the 13th century, Gamla Stan is Stockholm's original old town. Teeming with cafes, museums, galleries, boutiques and old townhouses, this eclectic quarter exudes oodles of old-world charm. With heritage structures, meeting squares, narrow alleys and a labyrinth of streets, the antiquated vibe here is hard to overlook. Do not miss visiting the Stockholm Cathedral as well as the Nobel Prize Museum. Take a moment to admire the ochre hued tall narrow buildings dating to the 16th and 17th century in Stortorget which is the main square of old town. Traversing the waterfront is again a wonderful idea; a stroll along the placid waters is sure to treat you to some wonderful views of the city.
Walking along the old town is a great way to experience the native culture of the city. Do not miss visiting the tiny wooden horse museum in the town centre that houses a treasure trove of information about the Dala (Dalecarlian) horse, a quintessential symbol of Scandinavian culture. The old town is also the perfect place to sample some traditional Swedish fare in one of the many cafes. If not a meal, take time to enjoy one of the most cherished Swedish customs, fika. The latter is simply taking a coffee break with friends, colleagues and the like. The coffee is usually accompanied by a snack which could be a bun, cake or pastry.
Skansen: Culture calling
If you are a fan of museums, the island of Djurgården houses some of the country's most famous museums. While the ABBA museum is extremely popular with visitors and locals alike, take time to learn about some Viking history at the interactive Viking Museum, which gives great insights about the country's famous and brave seafarers. The Vasa Museum is yet another engaging place that traces the journey of the 64-gun warship Vasa that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The museum preserves the 17th century ship which has been maintained impeccably and visitors can visit the ship and its related exhibits.
One museum that is a must visit is Skansen which is the world's oldest open-air museum. It showcases farmsteads, old buildings, schools etc and gives visitors an insight into Swedish customs, traditional art, culture, music and even dance. A great place for children and adults alike, this one is akin to stepping back in time and living in Sweden of the yesteryears.