Your favourite places in Stockholm?
Dec 2nd, 2014, 04:54 PM
#21
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Whether you decide to visit Uppsala or not, I'm glad you now see reasons to consider it. 
I didn't eat while there, so can't help you with that.
BTW, re the ferry and buffet -- I seem to recall (but could easily be wrong) -- a thread in which those buffets were discussed, and the ultimate conclusion was that taking advantage of the buffet would mean not being able to see the archipelago because of the short hours of daylight during the holidays. You might want to take that possibility into consideration.
I didn't eat while there, so can't help you with that.BTW, re the ferry and buffet -- I seem to recall (but could easily be wrong) -- a thread in which those buffets were discussed, and the ultimate conclusion was that taking advantage of the buffet would mean not being able to see the archipelago because of the short hours of daylight during the holidays. You might want to take that possibility into consideration.
Dec 2nd, 2014, 08:09 PM
#22
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Yes kja, this is certainly a practicality to take into consideration. The main point is to see the archipelago ... we can - and will - eat later!
About food: we will mostly rely on self catering. I do have Odin's excellent suggestions re supermarkets. Any ideas about fresh food markets where we can buy things Swedish?
About food: we will mostly rely on self catering. I do have Odin's excellent suggestions re supermarkets. Any ideas about fresh food markets where we can buy things Swedish?
Dec 2nd, 2014, 08:25 PM
#23
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Sorry, kovsie -- I was there too long ago and on FAR too short a shoestring to have any useful suggestions about food. If you've got Odin's suggestions, you should be in good shape. And FWIW, my experience is that Frommer's guidebooks typically provide better-than-average information about local markets, though I can't speak to the adequacy of coverage for Stockholm in particular or Sweden more generally.
IMO, Stockholm is gloriously beautiful -- I hope you find it so, too!
IMO, Stockholm is gloriously beautiful -- I hope you find it so, too!
Dec 2nd, 2014, 09:37 PM
#24
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oh I am sure we will!
I am just struggling a bit to get info. I do have two guidebooks (Eyewitness and something else) but I still struggle to find, for example, how to tour the archipelago - where to start, where to go, costs.
I thought GOTLAND would be interesting, but as I understand the ferry times, you will have to stay overnight. It is +- a 3 hour trip, so I thought we could start early, enjoy the day and return late afternoon. Does not seem to work that way. Earliest ferry leaves some days at 11.30, arrives at 14.10. Then it is almost sundown! Train takes 7hours.
Would really love to travel down a FJORD, but it too seems too far from Stockholm.
Anyway - thanks for you support and replies kja!
I am just struggling a bit to get info. I do have two guidebooks (Eyewitness and something else) but I still struggle to find, for example, how to tour the archipelago - where to start, where to go, costs.
I thought GOTLAND would be interesting, but as I understand the ferry times, you will have to stay overnight. It is +- a 3 hour trip, so I thought we could start early, enjoy the day and return late afternoon. Does not seem to work that way. Earliest ferry leaves some days at 11.30, arrives at 14.10. Then it is almost sundown! Train takes 7hours.
Would really love to travel down a FJORD, but it too seems too far from Stockholm.
Anyway - thanks for you support and replies kja!
Dec 2nd, 2014, 11:21 PM
#25
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FWIW, the Rough Guides generally provide excellent transportation information, with the Lonely Planet as a close second.
When I was there -- and again, this was many years ago -- one could just go to the main pier area, review the options, buy a ticket, and board. BUT that was then, and in mid-summer .... Nonetheless, I'd be less concerned in the actual destination than in the route. As I recall, my boat went to (and I think beyond) Waxholm, and the views were everything I had hoped they would be -- but I wasn't aiming to visit Waxholm (even though it was a picturesque place to stop); my goal was to take a boat on the archipelago.
I'm no expert on Stockholm, but I don't think Gotland would be an ideal destination if your goal is to visit the archipelago in/around Stockholm. Gotland is, by my maps, south; the archipelago, I think, stretches more-or-less east-west.
I hope that helps and I hope others with greater knowledge weigh in!
When I was there -- and again, this was many years ago -- one could just go to the main pier area, review the options, buy a ticket, and board. BUT that was then, and in mid-summer .... Nonetheless, I'd be less concerned in the actual destination than in the route. As I recall, my boat went to (and I think beyond) Waxholm, and the views were everything I had hoped they would be -- but I wasn't aiming to visit Waxholm (even though it was a picturesque place to stop); my goal was to take a boat on the archipelago.
I'm no expert on Stockholm, but I don't think Gotland would be an ideal destination if your goal is to visit the archipelago in/around Stockholm. Gotland is, by my maps, south; the archipelago, I think, stretches more-or-less east-west.
I hope that helps and I hope others with greater knowledge weigh in!
Dec 3rd, 2014, 01:16 AM
#26
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Yes, I have seen that Gotland is a bit to the south. I was actually impressed with what I have read about Visby - apparently a lovely place. Anyway, I think that is not to be for this trip. Have just returned from our bookstore with the Rough Guide to Sweden!
Dec 3rd, 2014, 01:35 AM
#27
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Happy reading!
And don't rule Visby / Gotland out just from what I said -- I didn't mean to say you shouldn't go there -- I just wanted to be sure you knew that doing so wouldn't be a substitute for a cruise through the archipelago. Sorry for the confusion!
Again, I trust the experts will speak up.
And don't rule Visby / Gotland out just from what I said -- I didn't mean to say you shouldn't go there -- I just wanted to be sure you knew that doing so wouldn't be a substitute for a cruise through the archipelago. Sorry for the confusion!
Again, I trust the experts will speak up.
Dec 6th, 2014, 10:38 AM
#29
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Here are some links you might find helpful:
Christmas and more in Stockholm:
http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/See...-in-Stockholm/
A Christmas concert at Maria Magdalena church on Södermalm (on Hornsgatan a main thorough fare)
December 21
tickets required
More things to do on Södermalm:
Hornstull's Christmas market the 20/21 December
I would not recommend Visby in December. It is really a summer destination and I imagine much of the things to see and do are closed in the winter. Too bad as it is a lovely Island.
Christmas and more in Stockholm:
http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/See...-in-Stockholm/
A Christmas concert at Maria Magdalena church on Södermalm (on Hornsgatan a main thorough fare)
December 21
tickets required
More things to do on Södermalm:
Hornstull's Christmas market the 20/21 December
I would not recommend Visby in December. It is really a summer destination and I imagine much of the things to see and do are closed in the winter. Too bad as it is a lovely Island.
Dec 7th, 2014, 02:43 AM
#30
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Thanks FCBoW! Your comment on Visby makes me feel better. It is a bit far and the ferries run only once a day (but not every day) so with regret I have decided not to go to Gotland. Next time perhaps we will go in summer!
I have been looking for christmas concerts in churches. Last year in Prague we were spoilt for choice. So thanks for the reference to Maria Magdalena. Can't see where to book though. Will perhaps go and look for them after we have arrived. I have also found a concert on Christmas afternoon in Catharina Church, but not much else.
The web link you have posted is delightful!
I have been looking for christmas concerts in churches. Last year in Prague we were spoilt for choice. So thanks for the reference to Maria Magdalena. Can't see where to book though. Will perhaps go and look for them after we have arrived. I have also found a concert on Christmas afternoon in Catharina Church, but not much else.
The web link you have posted is delightful!
Dec 7th, 2014, 12:01 PM
#31
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It looks like there were more music choices on Christmas Eve, Day and after at the Katarina kyrka (church) than the Maria kyrka and it appeared no pre booking required. You might have better luck there.
Enjoy your stay in Sweden!
Enjoy your stay in Sweden!
Mar 18th, 2015, 11:57 AM
#32
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This is really a good thread, thanks to all for the information. My family and I are going to Sweden in Sept. My daughter in law is from Flen, Sweden about an hour from Stockholm. We are taking our new grandchild to meet his Swedish grandparents and family and to give them time to bond my husband and I would like to travel around and see parts of the country. I think we will be there for 3 weeks so thanks for the suggestions and comments.
