Help with planning Stockholm holiday
Nov 12th, 2007, 12:14 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Help with planning Stockholm holiday
Hi we are planning (airtickets purchased already) to visit Stockholm arriving 19th March 08 afternoon and departing 26th March 08 early morning. I would be grateful about guidance how to plan my days there. Please bear in mind I have no knowledge about Sweden, its weather and climate and average prices though from what I am reading its quite expensive. Also would appreciate knowing the approximate normal weather conditions in March. (I come from Malta where our lowest average temp is 16°C) Do you think I can manage to see snow 
We were planning on staying at a hotel in ALVSJO rather than Stockholm centre for budgetary reasons. But than again I want to be sure that I wont be spending the same amount should I be travelling to and from ALVSJO to visit the sites, as than I would rather pay the same and be in the centre. I have 6 full days available from Thursday to Tuesday and would love to plan them ahead with your help.
Appreciate any guidance with regards to the most important site etc.
Thanks
We were planning on staying at a hotel in ALVSJO rather than Stockholm centre for budgetary reasons. But than again I want to be sure that I wont be spending the same amount should I be travelling to and from ALVSJO to visit the sites, as than I would rather pay the same and be in the centre. I have 6 full days available from Thursday to Tuesday and would love to plan them ahead with your help.
Appreciate any guidance with regards to the most important site etc.
Thanks
Dec 27th, 2007, 03:45 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You ask for help on hotel, sites, and overall planning but include ZERO input on what you consider budget, what do you like, ages, how many travelers, likes, dislikes, etc, etc...
Case in point: I consider the Vasa Museum a Disneyland-type, boring exhibit of a warship built by the Dutch that never saw battle. It said nothing to me about Sweden. Some will tell you that it is the most important sight in Stokholm. Go figure....
Case in point: I consider the Vasa Museum a Disneyland-type, boring exhibit of a warship built by the Dutch that never saw battle. It said nothing to me about Sweden. Some will tell you that it is the most important sight in Stokholm. Go figure....
Dec 27th, 2007, 05:15 PM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well. first of all in April the average high is about 7 and the average low is zero. March will be a little colder and you will probably have some snow. So - you'll need to be sure you have some proper winter clothing (winter coat,, hat, scarf, gloves and waterproof sturdy shoes or boots with ridged sole for sure footing on ice or sleet).
Can't give you a price perspective since I haven;t been for 5 years - but then it was similar to NYC - and I assume more than Malta.
Without knowing who/how many you are and your budget it's difficult to give recos. And some things that I really enjoyed (boat rides among the islands, visit to Drottingholm, Skansen fold park, etc - aren't open or don't make a lot of sense in the winter.
Frankly this isn't a time of year I would visit Stockholm - I would go in June for Midsummer Eve or August for the beautiful summer weather (highs around 22 or so).
Can't give you a price perspective since I haven;t been for 5 years - but then it was similar to NYC - and I assume more than Malta.
Without knowing who/how many you are and your budget it's difficult to give recos. And some things that I really enjoyed (boat rides among the islands, visit to Drottingholm, Skansen fold park, etc - aren't open or don't make a lot of sense in the winter.
Frankly this isn't a time of year I would visit Stockholm - I would go in June for Midsummer Eve or August for the beautiful summer weather (highs around 22 or so).
Dec 27th, 2007, 06:33 PM
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also visited in the summer (2006) and loved the city.( except around the train station ).
Stockholm is on the Baltic Sea and lake Malaren on (I think) 14 islands.
With all that water it might be rather cold.
You are best to read a good guide book
and ask more specific questions afterwards.
Stockholm is on the Baltic Sea and lake Malaren on (I think) 14 islands.
With all that water it might be rather cold.
You are best to read a good guide book
and ask more specific questions afterwards.
Dec 30th, 2007, 02:05 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Its going to be me and my husband both in early 40s.
I read from reviews and guides that its expensive so would love to get the most from what I spend.Like spending money on a not so important musuem.
We choose this time of year specifically for the weather since it is very difficult for us coming from Malta to see this type of weather (snow etc). Would love to ski as never tried it before that is why i would not visit during June as we have a good fair of boiling hot summer season and thought the winter atmosphere would be nice to see in another country and my dates happen to fall at Easter so It would be nice to see another country at that time of year. so yes any help about the best places which we should not miss would be appreciated.
Thanks again for all your comments
I read from reviews and guides that its expensive so would love to get the most from what I spend.Like spending money on a not so important musuem.
We choose this time of year specifically for the weather since it is very difficult for us coming from Malta to see this type of weather (snow etc). Would love to ski as never tried it before that is why i would not visit during June as we have a good fair of boiling hot summer season and thought the winter atmosphere would be nice to see in another country and my dates happen to fall at Easter so It would be nice to see another country at that time of year. so yes any help about the best places which we should not miss would be appreciated.
Thanks again for all your comments
Dec 30th, 2007, 03:06 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From my viewpoint, visiting the Wasa exhibit is certainly worthwhile. This ship was sunk during it's maiden voyage and never left the harbor. It seems that the ballast shifted and the gun ports went under the water level.
This ship was sunk somewhere in the 1600's year and considering it was found 300 years later, it's worth having a look.
I saw the Wasa when it was started to protect the old wood. Each time I visited to Stockholm, I would take another look and see how much had refitted. I've never seen the final museum but if I return, it would be one of my first visit in this city.
Visiting to Gamla Stan is special too. This is the oldest part of Stockholm. For lunch you could try the "Two Small Houses" but it's in Swedish's name.
March still might have a bit of snow although it should have a ice-free harbor.
Stockholm is expensive but it depends on what you buy. Restaurants will be high priced. If you buy booze, expect to pay a premium. Yet, you can buy some very nice watercolours at smaller prices in comparison with other cities.
For something to buy to bring home, look for some Swedish fabrics. The table cloths are special and all of the other table ornaments are only Scandinavian.
If you have a chance to visit's some home, you'll see how lovely their tables are arranged.
Costly for a visit, maybe. Will you see something special, I think certain.
Blackduff
This ship was sunk somewhere in the 1600's year and considering it was found 300 years later, it's worth having a look.
I saw the Wasa when it was started to protect the old wood. Each time I visited to Stockholm, I would take another look and see how much had refitted. I've never seen the final museum but if I return, it would be one of my first visit in this city.
Visiting to Gamla Stan is special too. This is the oldest part of Stockholm. For lunch you could try the "Two Small Houses" but it's in Swedish's name.
March still might have a bit of snow although it should have a ice-free harbor.
Stockholm is expensive but it depends on what you buy. Restaurants will be high priced. If you buy booze, expect to pay a premium. Yet, you can buy some very nice watercolours at smaller prices in comparison with other cities.
For something to buy to bring home, look for some Swedish fabrics. The table cloths are special and all of the other table ornaments are only Scandinavian.
If you have a chance to visit's some home, you'll see how lovely their tables are arranged.
Costly for a visit, maybe. Will you see something special, I think certain.
Blackduff
Dec 30th, 2007, 03:11 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,000
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
madar,
I've been to Stockholm several times. The last was two years ago. It has always been very expensive. Beer and booze is through the roof. If you drink bring the max through duty free.
Eat big at lunch. Try appetizers like herring with potatoes. Very filling. Picnic in your hotel, but even groceries are expensive.
Look for a B+B to save on room costs and food costs.
The Wasa is a magnificent artifact, and a real item as opposed to Dizzyland. See it. Also, the National Museum is very good. Stroll Gamla Stan.
Bundle up. Dress in layers.
Take an overnight ferry to Helsinki and back the next night. Great buffet on board for under €40, including all the beer and wine you can drink in 2 hours. Go for the second seating to avoid the children. Good entertainment. Beautiful ships on Silja Line.
Helsinki is even more expensive than Stockholm. You can take a day ferry from Helsinki over to Tallinn. Everything except hotel rooms is really cheap there, and the city is a real old timer.
If you want snow and skiing go to Austria or anywhere in the Alps. That is much closer to you.
Swedish blown glass tableware is beautiful. Have a look and maybe bring home a souvenir. Boda and Oreforrs are two good brands.
I just noticed the post by blackduff. I ditto the comments.
I've been to Stockholm several times. The last was two years ago. It has always been very expensive. Beer and booze is through the roof. If you drink bring the max through duty free.
Eat big at lunch. Try appetizers like herring with potatoes. Very filling. Picnic in your hotel, but even groceries are expensive.
Look for a B+B to save on room costs and food costs.
The Wasa is a magnificent artifact, and a real item as opposed to Dizzyland. See it. Also, the National Museum is very good. Stroll Gamla Stan.
Bundle up. Dress in layers.
Take an overnight ferry to Helsinki and back the next night. Great buffet on board for under €40, including all the beer and wine you can drink in 2 hours. Go for the second seating to avoid the children. Good entertainment. Beautiful ships on Silja Line.
Helsinki is even more expensive than Stockholm. You can take a day ferry from Helsinki over to Tallinn. Everything except hotel rooms is really cheap there, and the city is a real old timer.
If you want snow and skiing go to Austria or anywhere in the Alps. That is much closer to you.
Swedish blown glass tableware is beautiful. Have a look and maybe bring home a souvenir. Boda and Oreforrs are two good brands.
I just noticed the post by blackduff. I ditto the comments.
Jan 1st, 2008, 09:09 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
These are the hints I needed.I will have to start working (studying) on the overnight ferry trip to Oslo.Do you think I can manage Helsinki and Tallin in just one day?
Really helpful thanks again.
Really helpful thanks again.
