Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden, built on 14 islands, is the nation’s capital city, and is home to 70 museums, 1,600 restaurants, fantastic shopping, the world’s first protected national park and the annual Nobel Prize ceremony. When it comes to visiting Stockholm, the question to ask is not “why go?” but “when is the best time to go?” The answer: summer.

One particular reason summer is the best time to venture to Stockholm is to take part in the Midsummer holiday festivities. Celebrated on the weekend closest to June 24th, Midsummer marks the longest day of the year, where the bright Swedish sun never seems to go down. Many Stockholm residents retreat to the countryside to enjoy this holiday, since it is best celebrated outdoors, but Stockholm itself provides travelers and residents alike with plenty of options. The world’s largest open-air museum, Skansen, is just one Midsummer location in Stockholm where tourists can sample traditional Swedish foods, witness Swedish dances, and hear authentic Swedish folk songs. For tourists, Midsummer can serve as a great introduction to Swedish culture beyond what is readily witnessed on a day-to-day basis.

Beyond Midsummer, May through August is a great time to take in Swedish culture. The Summer Music Festival is held at the Drottningholms Court Theater, offering visitors the opportunity to see Swedish opera, classical music, and ballet featuring instruments native to Sweden. For those who prefer jazz, the Stockholm Jazz Festival takes place in mid-July. Besides music, there is also Smaka på Stockholm (or “A Taste of Stockholm) in June where food is the focus, and a gay and lesbian Stockholm Pride event is held in early August.

Realtraveler tnjonell has been studying abroad in London this year, and got to try some of the delicious entrees Sweden has to offer on a backpacking trip to Stockholm:

“We visited the Wasamuseet, or Vasa Museum, a place devoted to a recovered 1660s Swedish warship. Very cool. They had taken the skeletal remains of the crew members who had been trapped when it sank, and reconstructed what they looked like based on chemical tracings within the bone and etc… Very cool.” (more…)

Another, perhaps more obvious, reason to embark on a summer Stockholm voyage is the climate. Sweden is known for having harsh, cold winters, but mild, warm summers. Plus, as mentioned in relation to Midsummer, the days are long, perfect for tourists hoping to see all they can. Though there are those who elect to brave Stockholm during the colder part of the year, such as RealTraveler Rhoda, http://realtravel.com/e-230958-stockholm_entry-snowy_stockholm but most go during the summer. In fact, the tourist center is only open from June through August.

With such wonderful events and activities, as well as ideal weather conditions, summer seems the best time to see Stockholm. So when should you start considering a Stockholm summer vacation? The answer: now.

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