About Stockholm
Discover essential details about Stockholm, such as normal business hours, the cost of key items, the required travel documents for Sweden, and more. We've got the answers to your pre-travel inquiries.
General Information
Stockholm by the numbers
Sweden covers an expansive area of 447,430 square kilometers, ranking it among the largest countries in the European Union. Surprisingly, its capital and most densely inhabited city, Stockholm, has a population of just over 780,000 residents.
Geography of Stockholm
One of Stockholm's most captivating features is its distinctive geography. The Swedish capital is composed of 14 islands, interconnected by an impressive network of 54 bridges, leading to its endearing nickname, the "Nordic Venice."
Furthermore, the Stockholm archipelago is the country's largest, encompassing over 30,000 islands. This idyllic landscape has served as a wellspring of inspiration for numerous Swedish writers.
The Fika tradition
The cherished "fika" tradition holds deep roots in Sweden. It revolves around a coffee break paired with a cinnamon bun and can be likened to the British tea time. Participating in a fika is a hidden secret behind Swedish productivity, as it helps to rejuvenate the mind and foster fresh ideas.
The world's longest art gallery
As strange as it may sound, the Stockholm metro system is known as the world's longest art gallery. Its extensive 110-kilometer (68-mile) network is filled with stations, each embellished with murals and reliefs that are true works of art.
Healthcare services
With the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can access medical care in Sweden without incurring any costs. If you reside in the European Union, this card can be obtained at your nearest Social Security center and is entirely free of charge, remaining valid for two years.
If you're not from the EU, you also have the option to buy budget-friendly travel health insurance through the following link:
Time zone
Sweden observes an official time in the UTC+2 zone, mirroring the time in most of Western Europe.
Electrical outlets
The electrical sockets in Sweden are fully compatible with those found in the EU. Swedish electricity operates at 220 volts, which means you won't need a surge adapter. If you're from the US, UK, or Australia, you can easily acquire an EU plug adapter at the airport.
Useful phone numbers
- Emergency: 112
- Sweden Country Code: +46
- Police: 114 14
- American Embassy in Stockholm: +46 8 783 53 00
- British Embassy in Stockholm: +46 8 671 30 00
- Australian Embassy in Stockholm: +46 8 613 29 00