Stockholm’s strategic location between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren provides the backdrop for a range of excursions that offer an insight into Swedish life and history. To the east lies the beautiful archipelago with its 30,000 island and skerries. To the west are the more sheltered shores of Lake Mälaren with a cultural heritage stretching back to the time of the Vikings. Around Mälaren are many majestic palaces, elegant manor houses and several charming small towns like Mariefred and Sigtuna, which have retained their old-time character.

|
Stockholm Archipellago
On the eastern side of Stockholm are the 30,000 islands of the archipelago with their traditional wooden houses, cosy restaurants and hotels — a sanctuary for wildlife and a summer retreat for busy Stockholmers. » |

|
Drottningholm Palace
 The current residence of the Swedish royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the palace is surrounded by a baroque garden and English park, and houses the Chinese Pavilion and the Court Theatre. » |

|
Sigtuna The oldest existing town in Sweden, founded in 980, today offers many historical sights, good shopping and excellent cafés. »
|

|
Gripsholm Castle Gripsholm, a Renaissance castle from the 1500s, is situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren and boasts a unique collection of furniture and artwork as well as the Swedish National Collection of Portraits. » |