There are over 24,000 islands in Stockholm's archipelago. Here's the island where modern Sweden first began.
Kiwi-Swede Sofia Ambler of Heletranz shares her top tips for New Zealanders visiting Sweden.
Best museum
In Stockholm, you have to visit The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) —it's a maritime museum located onthe island of Djurgarden. The museum displays an almost fully intact 17th century ship the only one thathas ever been salvaged— the 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
Best people-watching
There are many great places for people watching in Stockholm, one hipster-trendy area is the SoFo section of Sodermalm and Nytorget. Urban Deli is a kind of "market hall", with groceries, a bar, and a restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Go there for a drink. It's agood spot for families. Located next door is Nytorget, which has a popular playground for kids. The "bankers" still hang around Stureplan.
Swedes traditionally enjoy coffee and a cinnamon bun. Mr Cake at Radmansgatan 12,run by one of Sweden's most famous pastry chefs, is a terrific spot.
Best meatballs
Head for "back pocket" of The Royal Swedish Opera, called Bakfickan — they are to die for. Here you can have all the Swedish traditional foods and my favourite starter is Lojromstoast, caviar toast.
Winter tip
Go skiing in Are. A trip can be combined with a couple of nights at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi and you might spot the famous northern lights.
Sofia Ambler, of Heletranz, with her family in Are, Sweden.
Summer tip
Head out to one of 24,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago. I love Huvudskar, it is a Swedish archipelago and lighthouse.
