Things to do in Sigtuna

Sigtuna

Sigtuna, a small town on the banks of Lake Mälaren, Sweden's largest lake, is about 2 hours' drive outside of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. It is very suitable for a day trip from Stockholm. The small town was founded by King Erik Segersäll around 980 AD. Early Swedish coins were minted here from 995 to 1030. There are many old wooden houses on both sides of the street. Walking in the town, there are 18th century town halls and streets in the city, and beautiful lakesides. scenery, and medieval ruins.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Sweden

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is located on Stadsholmen Island in Stockholm's old town, built by the water as the official residence of the Swedish king. It remains the venue for the king's official duties, state receptions, and grand ceremonies, though the royal family's daily life mostly takes place at Drottningholm Palace in the suburbs. Its royal history traces back to a medieval defensive castle, while the current Baroque-style palace was rebuilt after the old castle burned down in the late 17th century. Designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, its construction spanned over half a century. The entire palace is built of brick and sandstone, with four wings enclosing a square courtyard. Its thick, elegant exterior walls feature the iconic pair of bronze lion statues at the northern "Lejonbacken" entrance. The changing of the guard is a traditional spectacle performed here year-round: Around noon, royal guards in dark blue uniforms complete the handover ceremony in the outer courtyard to military band music. For some time slots, you can also see the procession marching through the old town streets to the palace, lasting approx. 40 mins. During peak season, the viewing area gets crowded, so arriving early to secure a good spot is recommended. Check the on-site schedule for specific arrangements. The sentries standing guard with rifles at the palace gates are also popular photo subjects for travelers. The open sections of the palace are equally worth exploring: the royal apartments used for state receptions and ceremonies boast exquisite halls, while the treasury basement displays crowns and scepters from various dynasties. The three crowns museum preserves relics and historical records of the medieval old castle, and the royal armory in the basement houses armor, swords, and gilded carriages of past royal families. Travelers interested in royal culture may want to allocate half a day for a thorough visit.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Sweden

Vasa Museum

When you come to Sweden, you will be attracted by the variety of museums here, and the Vasa Museum is one of the more special museums. It was built for the exhibition of a wreck of the Vasa that was salvaged from the bottom of the sea. "Vasa" is an ancient warship of the seventeenth century. It was built in 3 years according to the will of King Gustav II of Sweden. Unfortunately, when the warship was on its maiden voyage, it was overturned by strong winds and waves, and the ship sank at an accelerated rate due to the excessive weight of the ship. It was not until 1961 that it was finally salvaged by the government and repaired in all aspects. Now walking into this museum, people can not only see the original appearance of the warship more than 300 years ago, but also appreciate more than 700 exquisite original sculptures on the ship. The decoration on this ship is very luxurious. If it weren't for those cannons, it is indeed difficult to associate it with warships. We have to marvel at the superb craftsmanship and carving craftsmanship of Swedish shipbuilding in the seventeenth century.

Skokloster Castle

Skokloster Castle is one of the best-preserved Baroque castles in Sweden and Europe, located on a picturesque peninsula by Lake Mälaren between Stockholm and Uppsala. Built between 1654-1676 under the direction of Swedish military leader Carl Gustaf Wrangel, the castle remained unfinished due to its owner's death, preserving rare original construction scenes like the "unfinished banquet hall." In 1967, the Swedish government acquired the castle and converted it into a national museum, opening it to the public. Its interiors house vast collections of 17th-century artworks, furniture, textiles, silverware, and one of Europe's finest private armories, with Giuseppe Arcimboldo's famous painting "The Four Seasons" being particularly valuable. The castle offers guided tour services year-round, with lakeside gardens and thematic exhibitions open during summer, making it a must-visit destination to experience Sweden's imperial grandeur and Baroque artistry.

Steninge Slottsby

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Sweden

Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall is located on the island of Kungsholmen by Lake Mälaren. Today, it serves as both the office of the Stockholm City Council and the venue for the banquet held after the annual Nobel Prize ceremony. The entire building is constructed of dark red bricks, with its horizontally expansive main structure forming a sharp contrast with the towering spire. Viewed from the water, it resembles a giant ship docked by the shore and is one of Stockholm's most recognizable landmarks. The walls of the Blue Hall are actually red brick. It can accommodate over 1,000 guests and houses a large pipe organ with over 10,000 pipes. Ascending the stairs leads to the Golden Hall, where the walls are inlaid with gilded glass mosaics. The patterns are inspired by Swedish history, with the massive "Queen of Lake Mälaren" being particularly striking. The tower stands at the southeast corner by the water. The three golden crowns at the spire are a national symbol of Sweden. Beside the base of the tower stands a gilded cenotaph of Birger Jarl, who is considered the founder of the city. Climbing the tower requires ascending over 300 steps, though you can switch to an elevator halfway up. The floor where the elevator is located houses the Tower Museum. Standing on the observation deck at the top, you can take in the view of the Old Town, Riddarholmen, and the Södermalm area, with over a dozen islands connected by waterways and bridges spreading out beneath your feet.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Sweden

Gamla Stan

Stockholm's Gamla Stan is located on an island in the city center. The area where the Royal Palace is located is all part of Gamla Stan, which has over 700 years of history and is the birthplace of Stockholm. Gamla Stan has narrow streets. Strolling through these ancient alleys, you will see many magnificent medieval buildings: the majestic Royal Palace, towering churches, and fragrant street gardens. The rich aroma of coffee wafts from the fairytale-like houses, allowing you to fully experience the blend of history and modernity. Because Sweden has not experienced war for over 200 years, Gamla Stan has well preserved its medieval character. From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, Gamla Stan was considered a slum, and many historic buildings fell into disrepair; after World War II, houses in 5 alleys were demolished to expand the Parliament Building. Since the 1980s, Gamla Stan has attracted a large number of tourists due to its medieval and Renaissance architecture, and the value of its buildings has been recognized. In addition to numerous historical sites, Gamla Stan also has many craft shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Gamla Stan's history dates back to the 13th century. The area features medieval alleys, cobblestone streets, and ancient-style buildings, heavily influenced by the North Germanic style. Because Sweden has had no war for 200 years, Gamla Stan is well-preserved and is well worth spending some time strolling through, especially along the streets by the river and the sea. The main attractions in Gamla Stan include The Royal Palace, Storkyrkan, the Nobel Prize Museum, and Riddarholmen Church.

Venngarn Castle

Eurostop Arlanda

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Sweden

Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize Museum is located in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, serving as a comprehensive cultural venue that blends history with modernity. Through engaging exhibitions and interactive experiences, the museum showcases the historical background of the Nobel Prize, the stories of laureates, and their contributions to human society. Visitors can explore outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The museum features multiple themed exhibition areas, such as "Journey of Discovery" and "Nobel Laureate Portrait Wall," allowing visitors to expand their knowledge in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Additionally, the Nobel Prize Museum regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and educational activities for children, offering diverse learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.