Stockholm

[eash]

I am going to Stockholm in a couple of weeks, on my own, but staying with a friend I know out there. However, she can't get the time off work so it means exploring the city on my own by day which to be honest I am a bit scared about! Mainly because I don't know any Swedish... (I have bought a Learn Swedish CD but it's not really going to help me understand the language especially if it's spoken fast and fluently!)

Anyway, my question is has anyone who has been there got any suggestions of what to do and where to go etc?

I am staying for 5 nights/4 days.

Thanks

[swedeheart]

Well I live there... here... in Stockholm and I can assure you you don't have to worry about not speaking our lingo. Swedes in general are happy for a chance to show off their command of English, so if you can tolerate our bork-bork-bork pronunciation you'll be alright :) Before WWII German was the compulsory second language taught in school but as a result of the war it was changed to English. And even those who went to school earlier than that still speak a bit of English due to the fact that Swedish television has always broadcast American movies and British television series, so you'll be ok, I promise.

Regarding what to do, I honestly don't know where to start. I love my city so much and there's so much I could tell you but it's too much...! Tell you what, why don't you start here and then if you have a more specific question I'll be happy to help. I'll drop by this thread again.

[Andyvon]

I've spent most of my life travelling eash. The best way to discover a city and get a flavour of the country and people is to spend a week or so exploring the city on foot getting lost in side streets, parks and gardens. You discover much more than those who just stick to the organised tours or guide books.

That's OK for me as I'm 47, 6ft 4" and streetwise. I've had many occasions in back streets where people are obviously weighing me up but I make it quite plain I'm not a gullible tourist who's lost and they'd better not try anything. I tower over them and look them straight in the eye but I always smile and stay polite. They all walk away.

I guess you are younger and maybe of the fairer sex. In that case I would advise you to keep to the more populated and busy areas of a city, even somewhere like Stockholm which should be quite safe.

I've always found local people to be surprised and pleased when I make the effort to use their language. You don't need to be fluent or understand the grammar. All you need are a few basic words which will serve you well wherever you go. It only takes an evening and I always make sure I know the words for 'hello', 'please', 'thank you', 'yes' and 'no' as well as the numbers from one to ten. I also learn a few other words such as 'coffee', 'milk' and 'sugar'. That way, you can order drinks in a cafe or bar, buy entry tickets etc. You can also pick up words from posters, shops and menus and within days you can order meals in the local language. Although locals like the chance to use their English (which is usually excellent) they do appreciate you making an effort to talk in their language and you will be treated differently to those Brits who arrogantly bark at them in English on the basis "'I don't speak your language so you'd better speak mine!"

Stockholm's a beautiful city and the people are too. Don't worry eash because you'll love it.

[VHG]

Most scandinavian people can speak excellent English, and as soon as they realise you are English they can switch from swedish or danish or whatever to English in a second.

I remember reading in a tourist magazine once that Danish police have to pass an English exam before they can become a policeman which I found strange.

Anyway, I travelled all over the world on business (even Japan) and cannot speak any foreign language and managed to cope.

You will get by.

[VHG]

I spent 2 weeks in Stockholm on busines once.

I found the area Skansen Zoo and open air museum interesting See here

http://www.skansen.se/pages/?ID=221

[VHG]

How about the Vasa museum in Stockholm.

In 1628 a boat called the Vasa set sail on its maiden voyage but sank in the harbour in Stockholm and about 50 people died.

Being fresh water it survived and in the 1960s they brought it to the surface and it was in amazing condition.

Here is a picture of it
http://www.hnsa.org/ships/img/vasa1.jpg

The have now put it in a museum with all the other things they have brought to the surface.

I have to say it is an amazing museum, to be able to stand that close to a tudor ship in almost perfect condition.

Museum web site

http://www.vasamuseet.se/InEnglish/about.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasa_(ship)

[eash]

Wow, thanks for all your help guys, I've only managed to have a quick look at all the links so far but I will definitely be looking at them better later this evening when not at work!

I have travelled to Oz and NZ by myself but stayed in hostels then so met like minded people. (Plus everyone spoke English) Staying at a friends is great but means I won't get to meet many people but like I said I am only going for 5 nights 4 days so am sure I can keep myself amused in that time and have to agree walking is the best way to see a city/place.

I think the thing I am now most worried about is getting from the airport to my friend's place without being ripped off, or getting lost, as I am a tourist and will the taxi driver understand me or can I get a bus? I have asked my friend this but she is yet to reply!

Thanks again for all your help so far.

[jno]

there's an airport train to the middle of town, but it depends where your friend lives.

[jno]

http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/countries/ sweden/stockholm-transportation-airport.htm

[swedeheart]

...or if you arrive at the other major airport, Skavsta, you'll find the getting to-and-from facts on this page.

Whenever I go by taxi I tend to use this company; I don't think they're better than any other company, it's just that I know they ARE a company (there are many unauthorized drivers out there, beware) and their phone number is easy to remember:) (but there will always be a line-up of hopeful cars at an airport of course). Negotiate the price before you get in, ask around, maybe at the info desk before you leave the premises, what a fair price would be.

The one small problem - as you are worried about not being understood - is that many taxi drivers are immigrants and don't necessarily speak English. Perhaps you should prepare for that possibility by printing a map out from the internet and mark your friend's address on it, if it turns out when you're already in the car that your driver needs further directions and his map screen is out of order, as is sometimes the case;-) Here's one way of doing that:

Go to this site. Fill out the form like so and press HITTA (find). This will generate a new page where you'll se her name and adress and phone number. You will also see a link which says VISA P� KARTA. Click it, it means show on map. To maneuver the map, don't scroll, it's hellish, just zoom and drag if you need to. When you're pleased with your map, hit SKRIV UT (print). I can't give you any detailed info on the printing out process lingo as I don't have a printer myself, but you can always take a screen shot instead if it doesn't work out.

You'll be fine :)

[VHG]

As I said, I have travelled the world on business.

There is ALWAYS some sort of coach or bus service from the airport to the centre of the nearest city.

I never used to catch the taxi (even though I was on business) and always caught the bus or coach.

If in doubt ask at the airport information desk.

[eash]

Thanks swedeheart, it is much appreciated :-)
Oh and thanks to everyone else too of course!

[eggnoglatte]

Hi -We were in Stockholm in April. The Vasa Museum is great. However, be warned it is sooooo expensive and I have a great standard of living and I could not believe it. I thought Oslo was expensive but this is something else. Be prepared to spend lots of money on pretty basic stuff.