Top five attractions in Stockholm

Sweden's capital is also Scandinavia's most populous urban area. The history of this beautiful and eco-friendly city has been preserved in its neighborhoods, museums and people. Visiting Stockholm can be an inspiring and edifying experience.

Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Gamla Stan is where Stockholm was founded in 1252. It is one of Europe's best preserved city centers from the Middle Ages. Medieval frescoes and cellar vaults can be found among the winding cobblestone streets. Stortorget, Sweden's oldest square, is at the center of Gamla Stan. It hosts a popular traditional Christmas market every year. The square is also home to the Nobel Museum, where you can learn about the world-changing ideas of Nobel laureates and the coveted prize's rich history. Gamla Stan also boasts Storkyrkan (Sweden's national cathedral) and the Royal Palace (the official residence of the King). This 18th-century Italian Baroque style palace contains multiple museums.

Vasa Museum
With over 1 million visitors per year, the Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in all of Scandinavia. In 1628, the Vasa warship sank on its maiden voyage, and in 1961, the 69-meter warship was retrieved and restored. Over 95 percent of the ship is original, so your experience is close to that of someone viewing the vessel in its 17th-century grandeur before its untimely end. Nine different exhibits detail the significance of the Vasa, to deepen your appreciation of this historic ship.

Royal National City Park
Stockholm is one of the world's cleanest capitals. Stockholm was the first city to receive the European Green Capital title -- for good reason. The European Commission noted Stockholm's measures to reduce noise pollution, its protection plan for clean water, relatively low transport emissions and its innovative waste system. The city council strives to make Stockholm completely independent of fossil fuels by 2050--an ambitious and noble goal. The Royal National City Park upholds the city's environmentally-conscious ways. It is the world's first national urban park. Since the park is adjacent to the forest surrounding the city, you can encounter a variety of species, including deer, hares, foxes and moose. In this park, it's hard to believe you are in the middle of a major city.

Monteliusvägen
This walking path extends for a quarter mile with attractive houses and an exceptional view of the city. You can see Lake Mälaren, city hall and the Riddarholmen Church. The city hall's spire with three golden crowns is one of Stockholm's most iconic images. The hall's architecture is a prominent example of national romanticism. Built in the 13th century, Riddarholmen is Stockholm's last remaining medieval abbey and is the final resting place of Sweden's deceased aristocracy and monarchs.

Fotografiska
Fotografiska is Stockholm's center for contemporary photography, with 2,500 square meters of exhibition space. Every year, it presents four large exhibitions and approximately 20 small exhibitions. Overlooking the harbor, the top floor of this Art Nouveau style building provides one of the greatest vantage points in the entire city.