Things to see and do Svealand

The castle, which was ordered built by Gustav Vasa in 1549, is today the residence of the governor and the seat of the regional administration. The Rikssalen, or State Hall, where Queen Christine renounced the crown, is worth a visit. It was also here that Erik XIV, in a fit of madness, had influential nobles executed in 1567 (history remembers this event as the "Sture murder"). The castle also houses several museums, including the Uppsala Museum of Fine Arts (Uppsala konstmuseum).

Many talented artists live in the capital, and if you want to acquire a work of art during your trip to Stockholm, you are spoilt for choice. Opened in 1991, Andrehn Schiptjenko is one of the most important contemporary art galleries in the country and exhibits the work of many Swedish and international painters and photographers. It's worth a visit just to see what's going on in the Swedish art world, to soak up the atmosphere of the place or to discuss the latest trends with real connoisseurs!

Nature and art intertwine in this cultural site. The permanent exhibition of "sculptures in nature" is an open-air exhibition, between beach, forest and paths, which you can discover gradually at your own pace. From early December, you can enjoy a Christmas meal served on site. Traditional dishes are served, with ingredients supplied by local producers from Värmdö and the surrounding area. You can also take part in a "forest bath", wellness exercises with an instructor in the forest.

Of all the things you discover in Sweden, snus seems to be one of the strangest Swedish practices, which may explain why they've turned it into a museum. Why not learn more about this way of consuming nicotine, banned everywhere else. One area is devoted to snus, another to matches, and another to the founders of snus. Exhibits include objects and photographs. You'll be done in less than an hour!

Explore the Stockholm archipelago with the Archipelago Tour and enjoy an extraordinary experience. Tours of 1 hour 30 minutes, 2 hours 30 minutes or 3 hours can be booked online to discover the 30,000 islands of this unique landscape. With a guided tour available in English, learn more about the places, islands and sights you'll be passing through. On board, enjoy a restaurant offering lunch, dinner and even brunch options! The views are breathtaking and will leave you with unforgettable memories!

The Vasa Park is, in summer, widely visited by the inhabitants of Norrmalm. It is hard to imagine that during the First World War the site was used to grow potatoes to feed certain classes of the starving population. When the weather is fine, the lawns are full of people and the terraces of the little sheds are always full. There is a large artificial football pitch and a children's playground. The statue Arbetaren (the worker) is a tribute to the working class.

With six stops at key points of interest, starting from the former royal hunting grounds, this long bike ride is an opportunity to realize how, in Stockholm, city and nature coexist in harmony. Bike, helmet, poncho in case of rain, map of the island... all included, plus a stop for refreshments and a chat with the guide. All you need to do is reserve an hour for the French commentary... A wonderful walk! From May to September, every Wednesday at 2pm.

Step off the Liljeholmen metro to find a peaceful, bucolic lake surrounded by forest. Here, in summer, you can enjoy the refreshing waters of the lake for a swim and sunbathe at Trekantsbadet beach. With a walking trail along the lake, you can jog around the park followed by a refreshing dip in the cool water. In winter, when the lake is frozen, why not go ice skating? In Stockholm, it's a very popular activity with the locals, and the children's favorite!

During your visit to Gamla Stan, take the time to stop off at the museum, which features exhibitions on democracy, human rights and equality for all. Each of them will encourage you to reflect and make connections between past and present. There are both permanent and temporary exhibitions. The only drawback is that everything is in Swedish. A library with a few books in English is available for consultation.

The Shipwreck Museum is a truly innovative museum! Featuring rusty objects through interactive technologies, you can dive to the bottom of the Baltic Sea to discover the remains of our civilization, swallowed by water and time. Between immersion and curiosity, we can lie on our backs facing the ceiling, as if we were also at the bottom of the Baltic. At the same time, we are invited to study the objects found, or to enter a virtual reality simulation of the skeleton of a ship dating from the eighteenth century ...

It may seem surprising to find a museum dedicated to spirits in a country where alcohol has been a state monopoly since 1955. This unique venue offers an immersive and educational experience on the history, production and influence of alcohol through time. Through its permanent and temporary exhibitions, let yourself be transported by the scent of hops and discover the traditions of spirits production. You can also take advantage of the bar, which offers tastings of artisanal beverages. Skål!

The Wooden Horse Museum is a small museum with the feel of a souvenir store, where you can contemplate a gigantic collection of small wooden horses originally known as dala horses. Dala horses were children's toys originating in the Dalarna region of Sweden. This typically Swedish object can be found everywhere: on Christmas trees, as a table decoration, printed on a pillow, etc. Take this opportunity to bring one of these horses home as a souvenir!

In 1795, the Jewish congregation moved into a former auction house at Själagårdsgatan 19, where the museum has been renovated today. The building was the center of Jewish life in Sweden for almost a century. The museum invites everyone to discover the Swedish-Jewish heritage and the place of Jewish culture in Sweden. A large part of the exhibition highlights Sweden's role as protector of Norwegian and Danish Jews during the Second World War.

Exhibitions are spread over two buildings, the second of which opened in 2021. The old building was Sweden's first independent public gallery for contemporary art, founded in 1916. As for the second building, it was highly controversial, its architectural style being rejected by some Stockholmers who wanted to treasure the aesthetics of the old building. That said, once inside, the new building is brightly lit, highlighting the works of art.

If you are looking for information about the beautiful town of Sigtuna, this tourist office is the place to go. You will find all the information you need to visit the city and its surroundings, as well as some good tips. The office also has a shop where you can buy small souvenirs and things to tide you over. The house opens onto a beautiful garden which slopes gently down to the lake. You can start your visit here before going to the lake.

Built on a rocky outcrop called Brunkebergsåsen, St John's Church was built in only six years and completed in 1890. The interior, in pure neo-Gothic style, is well worth seeing. The organ and the stained glass windows are superb, and the brown and orange colours that adorn the pillars and the arches are original enough to surprise the visitor. The park around the church is quite nice and Stockholmers sunbathe in the summer.

Have you always dreamed of being a DJ? This is the place for you! This Avicii tribute museum takes you to the heart of music, revealing the fascinating life of this iconic artist. Go behind the scenes of his career and immerse yourself in the creative world of the musicians and producers who have been part of his career. Imagine yourself on stage, in front of an audience, ready to set the dance floor alight. An immersive experience where you can sing, dance and mix in front of thousands of fans! It's as if you were there!

This large park, shaded by rows of large plane trees, was created in the 16th century by King Johan III. In the past, it was used for extensive hop cultivation. A popular place of recreation and rest, it now extends behind the imposing Royal Library. In its centre is a statue dedicated to the naturalist Carl von Linné. A good place for a picnic or a nap. Take a stroll on the National Day, as impromptu concerts are held here. It is only a few metres from the famous Sturebadet

Two guided tours are available (in English and Swedish only), divided so that you can do both in half a day:

The classic tour takes you, behind an archaeologist dressed as a Viking, from the cemetery to the old village site, then into the fort and up to the cross of the evangelist Ansgar.

The "dramatic" tour takes you behind guides in disguise, familiarizing you with ancient Viking customs, allowing the imagination to conjure up houses and ships that have been gone for over 1,000 years.