"We're one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe, with both regal grandeur and chocolate-box charm. Completely devoid of heavy industry, we're sparkling clean to boot."
As cities go this one is pretty scenic, but its lively atmosphere and no-nonsense natives ensure it never gets too sickly.
It's a conservative city full of fairytale vistas and colourful cobbled streets. Perfect for a peaceful stroll but not the place to run wild in the aisles.
Stylish and sophisticated, Stockholm is not the city in which to look scruffy. Beautiful buildings and pristine streets are readily matched by the locals.
The city's surprisingly moderate climate sees warm summers and mild autumns, but if you're here in winter you'll definitely need your hat and gloves.
Swedish meatballs are the dish of the day. Made from a combination of pork and beef, the tasty morsels are traditionally served with creamy mashed potato and lingonberry jam.
Stockholm's celebrity chic was secured in the fifties, following the Hollywood hits of the city's glamorous daughters - Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. The city was also home to Nobel Prize founder, Alfred Nobel.
Stockholm has one of the highest numbers of museums in the world - there are more than 100 spread across the city, which are visited by millions of people every year.
"When I first encountered the name of the city of Stockholm, I little thought that I would ever visit it, never mind end up being welcomed to it as a guest of the Swedish Academy and the Nobel Foundation." - Seamus Heaney
The official residence of the Swedish royal family, the baroque palace (Kungliga Slottet in Swedish) and its 600 rooms - including the Treasury and Tre Kronor Museum - are steeped in regal history.
Parking spaces are available adjacent to the palace.
Storkyrkan is the oldest church in Stockholm's Gamla Stan (Old Town) and an important example of Swedish gothic style. Filled with art and historic artefacts, its many treasures include a 13th-century wooden statue of Saint George.
Try the 24-hour OK/Q8 car park on Katarinavägen.
Stockholm's maritime museum sits on the city centre island of Djurgrden and houses the Vasa - a 17th-century warship that was salvaged practically intact. Perfect for old sea dogs.
If the on-site car park is full, try the parking garage at Karlaplan.
Open from mid-November to mid-March, the outdoor ice rink has a buzzy atmosphere with live music and food stands serving hot drinks and warming snacks. Even better - skating is free.
There is a car park on Sveavägen, a few minutes' walk from the ice rink.
One of Stockholm's most spectacular buildings, City Hall is home to the Golden Hall - a glittering show of excess. Access is only granted through guided tours.
Try the waterfront Norr Malarstrand, which has a number of parking spaces.
The most popular ski resort outside the Swedish mountains, Romme Alpin attracts more than 200,000 visitors each season. With 23 runs for all abilities, it's easy to see why.
Follow the E18 north-west and take the exit towards Sala/Mora, merging with Route 70. Follow signs for Borlänge - the journey should take just over three hours.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an impressively well-preserved castle of royal proportions complete with exotic Chinese pavilion, theatre and magnificent gardens.
Just 20 minutes from Stockholm, head east along Routes 275 and 261.
Everything you always wanted to know about Vikings but were afraid to ask. Situated on an island in Lake Malaren, Birka is an ancient Viking settlement and current archaeological dig site.
The island of Bjorko is a 30-mile drive from Stockholm. Head west on Route 275 and take the Adelson-Ekeron ferry.
As well as 22 mixed-ability ski runs, the centre boasts facilities for dogsled rides, ice fishing, scooter safaris and cross-country skating.
Follow Route 80 and merge with Route 70, taking exit E45 towards Mickolavagen. The centre is 200 miles north-west of Stockholm.
The official residence of the Swedish royal family, the baroque palace (Kungliga Slottet in Swedish) and its 600 rooms - including the Treasury and Tre Kronor Museum - are steeped in regal history.
Parking spaces are available adjacent to the palace.
Storkyrkan is the oldest church in Stockholm's Gamla Stan (Old Town) and an important example of Swedish gothic style. Filled with art and historic artefacts, its many treasures include a 13th-century wooden statue of Saint George.
Try the 24-hour OK/Q8 car park on Katarinavägen.
Stockholm's maritime museum sits on the city centre island of Djurgrden and houses the Vasa - a 17th-century warship that was salvaged practically intact. Perfect for old sea dogs.
If the on-site car park is full, try the parking garage at Karlaplan.
Open from mid-November to mid-March, the outdoor ice rink has a buzzy atmosphere with live music and food stands serving hot drinks and warming snacks. Even better - skating is free.
There is a car park on Sveavägen, a few minutes' walk from the ice rink.
One of Stockholm's most spectacular buildings, City Hall is home to the Golden Hall - a glittering show of excess. Access is only granted through guided tours.
Try the waterfront Norr Malarstrand, which has a number of parking spaces.