The capital of Sweden and spread out over 14 islands on the coast of Lake Mälaren, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and combines the traditional and modern in sleek harmony. HAPPYCAR, the online comparison portal, is here to help you find the best car hire Stockholm has to offer so you can take full advantage of this vibrant city, and our rentals are all available straight from Arlanda Airport. We check the prices of international and local providers so that you don’t have to check each website to provide you with the best deals to make your money go further on a rental car that fits your specific vacation needs.
General Information
Stockholm is known for its huge expanses of greenery, its fresh sea air and an almost homely, village-like feel despite its bustling commercial heart and hi-tech sheen. The city has come a long way since the 19th century, when it was still essentially rural, but even today its 750 year history is evident wherever you walk. Stockholm offers a wide range of experiences, from the big city life to its grand history and quiet natural surroundings. Whether you’re in Stockholm for a day or a week, there is plenty to see and admire in this elegant place. You’re in for a treat if you visit in winter, when the city transforms into a winter wonderland.
To Do
Stockholm is rooted in maritime history and it's many museums are definitely worth a visit. The Vasa Museum is a particular treat, featuring the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world. When you see the beautifully carved sculptures decorating Vasa’s hull, it will come to no surprise that it is the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Take a trip down Gamla stan, one of the largest and most preserved medieval city centers in Europe and the site of Stockholm’s founding in 1252. As you walk down the tightly-packed cobblestone streets and pass the stucco walls of its red and orange buildings, you can pass by stores full of handicrafts, galleries and cafes. The Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral, stunning displays of elegance and power, can also be reached from this district. After winding your way through the streets, take a ride on a Skyview gondola and ascend to the top of the world’s largest spherical building for an incredible view of the entire city.
Attractions
The City Hall, with its three-crown spire, is one of the more well-known silhouettes in Stockholm, and one of the best examples of romantic architecture. Guided tours are available for the curious and you can also climb up the tower to get a great feel of the old city. In Skansen you’ll find the oldest open-air museum in the world in a beautiful location in Royal Djurgården, where you can learn all about historic Sweden. This charming part of the city also celebrates many Swedish traditions that you will be clamoring to take part in. An entire third of the city is made up of parkland and there is no better example than the Royal National City Park, spanning six miles through the city and replete with an exceptional wealth of species. Deer, rabbits, foxes and moose can be seen in the forests, and there is a wealth of things to see and do in this decidedly un-city-like haven.
Eating
Stockholm is in the midst of a culinary boom and new gastronomic trends are being invented every week. It is hardly surprising that the city has a total of eight Michelin star restaurants and encompasses culinary regions from all over the world. The best Swedish produce can be found in the Östermalms Saluhall market where you can breathe in local cod and herring. Michelin-starred Lux is a bold departure from traditional Swedish cuisine, and should not be missed.
Excursions
As alluring as Stockholm is, there are plenty of treasures to discover around the area. A deluge of historical sites, charming towns, forests and archipelagos are within easy distance of the city, which is why a car hire in Stockholm very worthwhile. To the west, you can visit Lake Mälaren, with its gorgeous wooded coves and world heritage sites. Above Stockholm is Uppsala, a quaint university town and the Baltic Sea, with 30,000 islands. To the east, you can discover Nacka and the porcelain town of Gustavsberg, and to the south, numerous hiking paths and the county of Nynäshamn, a picturesque location that is home to many famous Swedish authors.
If you want to take a road trip around Scandinavia, you can take your rental car Stockholm to Oslo, Norway or take the ferry to go to Denmark or Finland! The options are endless when you book through HAPPYCAR!