Sweden - Becky Ohlsen [39]
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Directly south of Norrmalm, the narrow channels of Norrström separate the downtown from the small island Stadsholmen, which, alongside its neighbouring islets, accommodates Gamla Stan (Old Town). Bridges connect these districts.
On the south side of Gamla Stan, Centralbron (Central Bridge) and the Slussen interchange connect the Old Town to the thriving island of Södermalm, and its spine Götgatan.
To the east of Gamla Stan sits the museum-lined island of Skeppsholmen and its tinier neighbour, Kastellholmen. East of Norrmalm lies the exclusive Östermalm district, the pleasure-boat berths at Nybroviken and the grand waterside boulevard Strandvägen. From Strandvägen, a bridge cross to leafy Djurgården and its mix of nature, museums and fun park.
Mälaren, the lake west of Gamla Stan, contains many other islands. Also in the city’s west, the E4 motorway crosses Stora Essingen, Lilla Essingen (and Kungsholmen) on its way north. Yet another series of bridges connects bathing hot spot Långholmen with the western tip of Södermalm and the southern edge of Kungsholmen.
Maps
The free What’s On Stockholm tourist booklet has good maps, but the folded Stockholms officiella turistkarta (Skr25) covers a larger area; both are usually available from tourist offices and hotels.
If you’re heading into suburbia, detailed maps of outlying areas can be purchased from tourist offices or map shops. The best available street atlas, Atlas över Stor-Stockholm (Kartförlaget; Skr255, in Swedish), covers greater Stockholm.
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INFORMATION
Bookshops
Hedengrens (Map; 611 51 28; Sturegallerian) An excellent selection of new books in English.
Kartbutiken (Map; 20 23 03; Kungsgatan 74) The city’s widest range of maps and guidebooks.
Kartcentrum (Map; 411 16 97; Vasagatan 16) Also a good selection of maps and guidebooks.
Konst-ig (Map; 20 45 20; Åsögatan 124) A savvy selection of lush books on international and Swedish art, architecture and design, as well as a sip-tastic cafe.
Press Stop Slussen (Map; Götgatan 31); Kungsgatan (Map; Kungsgatan 14) Found at a few locations around town, and good for both special-interest and international magazines.
Pressbyrån (Map; Centralstationen) For English-language newspapers and paperbacks.
Sweden Bookshop (Map; 789 21 31; Slottsbacken 10) A broad selection of high-quality books in English about Sweden and Swedish themes.
The English Bookshop (Map; 790 55 10; Lilla Nygatan 11) Another good choice for Anglophones.
Emergency
24-hour medical advice (32 01 00)
24-hour police stations Kungsholmen (Map; 401 00 00; Kungsholmsgatan 37, Kungsholmen); Södermalm (Map; 401 03 00; Torkel Knutssonsgatan 20, Södermalm)
AutoAssistans (020-53 65 36) Roadside assistance for vehicle breakdowns.
Emergency (112) Toll-free access to the fire service, police and ambulance.
Internet Access
Nearly all hostels have a computer or two with internet access for guests, and most hotels offer wi-fi access in rooms. There are also wi-fi hubs in Centralstationen. Those without their own computer have a number of options around town.
Sidewalk Express (www.sidewalkexpress.se; per hr Skr19) Cityterminalen (Map; City Bus Terminalen); Kungsgatan (Map; Kungsgatan 44); Slussen (Map; Götgatan 25); Vasastaden (Map; Odenplan 22) Rows of computer monitors and tall red ticket machines mark out these self-service internet stations, which are scattered across the city.
Internet Resources
www.alltomstockholm.se Features loads of information on events, restaurants, sports etc; in Swedish.
www.stockholmtown.com With excellent tourist information in English (and many other languages).
www.visit-stockholm.com A newly updated source for travellers, with nearly 500 pages of information on sights, food, accommodation, shopping and getting out of town.
Laundry
Laundry options are limited – it’s best to find a hotel or hostel with facilities. A handy, central