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Looking for eco-friendly hotels, tours and urban adventures in Stockholm? Here are some of our favorite places and experiences for a perfect city trip to the Swedish capital.

Stockholm and sustainability

Stockholm is the perfect destination for those seeking an eco-friendly lifestyle. The first-ever European Green Capital, through its integrated city administration has been considering environmental aspects in budgets, operational planning, reporting and urban monitoring for years. Stockholm is also on a mission to be fossil fuel-free by 2050.

The district Hammarby Sjöstad is a sustainable city concept put into action, and serves as a role model for urban development projects around the world (I stayed at Motel L which has great rates and is very close to the neighborhood).

The Stockholm Royal Seaport project promises to meet even more stringent sustainability requirements.

Eco-friendly Stockholm hotels

Stockholm is the city with the highest number of eco-labelled hotels in the world. Here a few suggestions for places to stay when visiting “the capital of Scandinavia”.

Scandic Hotels

All 18 Scandic hotels in Stockholm carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Among many other things, Scandic has abandoned bottled water and uses only local water. The staff is trained in sustainability measures, such as using as little resources as possible.

Check availability and rates


Downtown Camper by Scandic

Amidst the unmistakable big city vibe of central Stockholm is where Scandic has opened a new signature hotel for urban explorers. Downtown Camper is within walking distance of the central station as well as shopping, restaurants, excursions, parks and cultural events. This is the ultimate base from which to explore the city.

Compare reviews and rates here


Clarion Hotel Stockholm

Located on Södermalm island – a vibrant district famous for its large selection of restaurants, bars, shopping and galleries. Being the largest hotel in the city with 558 bedrooms, the Clarion has extensive conference facilities and a spa, which is a great option to warm up if you travel in winter. The hotel won an award for its environmentally friendly construction approach: materials were transported by train, which reduced carbon emissions. The hotel management continues the sustainable way of maintenance through a recycling program and more efficient use of energy and water.

Compare reviews and rates here


What to do in Stockholm

Take the metro

Stockholm underground station
Stockholm underground station

Ever heard about the incredible Stockholm metro? It is worth visiting, even if you are a fan of city walking. A showcase of renowned Swedish design, each subway station has its own style, inspired by natural conditions. Colorful rocky walls, graffiti, monuments, and you can even see a wall covered with moss – just like in a forest.

Tip: to travel between the city’s islands, you better buy an SL travel card which gives you unlimited access to public transport services: subway, trams and commuter trains, buses, ferries – and even the bicycle system with its more than 760 km.


Cruise the Stockholm archipelago

Water is a vital element of everyday life in Stockholm. The city is built on an archipelago which consists of thousands of islands, where (some) people live and (many) go for holidays.

Many ferries cruise within the Stockholm archipelago. Voyaging from island to island is an amazing opportunity to get to know the city from the water, and to enjoy stunning scenery.

Strömma offer different tours through the archipelago, using classic ships and knowledgeable guides. Their archipelago cruise was one of my favorite experiences last time in Stockholm.

Tip: the Stockholm Pass includes the archipelago cruise.

Stockholm Archipelago
Cruising the Stockholm archipelago

Skansen: an outdoor experience of Swedish history

The world’s oldest open-air museum is a walk through the history of Sweden. Explore its culture and traditions, and the way of living of the Sami indigenous people. The museum offers educational lectures and workshops on nature conservation both for kids and adults.

Near Skansen museum is the Royal Djurgarden Nature Reserve, where you can walk, cycle and enjoy nature at its best.

Ancient wooden barn Skansen
Ancient wooden barn in Skansen park

Discover the art of photography at Fotografiska

I very much enjoyed this museum of photography. Not just because of the great exhibitions but because its bar and restaurant follow sustainability principles. Great views of Stockholm skyline as well. More about Fotografiska here.


Vasa museum: life on a 17th century ship

A must do when visiting Stockholm. The Vasa ship was capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. After 333 years on the sea bed the mighty warship was saved and the voyage could continue. Vasa is the world’s only preserved 17th century ship and among the most popular museums in Scandinavia. More here


Explore Hammarby Sjöstad

Hammarby Sjostad Stockholm

This neighborhood was built on an old industrial site and wow – what a nice place to live. Take in the sun on one of the many benches and watch the ferry pass by. The rhythm is different here. At one end of Hammarby Sjödstad is a nice park (in winter a place for skiing) with jogging routes which I discovered by chance (sometimes you just need to let yourself get lost..).

There’s so much more you can do in Stockholm, depending on your time. Those are just a few ideas which will easily fill three days. We hear that the recently reopened National Museum is also very good. And of course castles, cathedral, the list goes on.


Foodie insider tip: check out Haga bakery. Best vegan sandwich in Sweden, among many other delicacies. Vegetarian soup of the day – and not far from Hammarby Sjörstad.


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Stockholm Destination Guide: Eco-Friendly Hotels, Tours and Urban Adventures
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