Most Scandinavian cities are imbued with an incredibly picturesque atmosphere that gives tourists who visit them fantastic views.
Stockholm, the Swedish capital that welcomes thousands of curious people every year intent on exploring its natural, cultural and traditional beauty, is certainly no exception.
Many of them choose to charter a private jet to get there, a travel solution that allows them to move with flexibility, privacy, speed and comfort thanks to the many premium services offered and designed just for them.
There are so many experiences to be had in Stockholm: the many parks, museums, historic buildings and most iconic attractions are all fully visitable thanks to as many as 19 hours of sunlight per day during the period between May and July, a segment of the year where one can easily lose track of time spent outdoors.
But let's analyze Stockholm's major points of interest in this guide!
Historical and geographical background on Stockholm
Stockholm's location is on the east coast of Sweden; however, its population center spans as many as 14 small islands located at the exact point where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea that bathes the city. In fact, it is no coincidence that the historic center of the capital is located on the water, in Riddarfjarden Bay, a very large and open area where the wind almost always blows. Since its founding, Stockholm has always been the most important center of Sweden, as well as one of the most technologically advanced housing realities in Europe; however, its earliest historical traces date back to when the Vikings were the owners of the Scandinavian lands before, in the mid-13th century, Swedish King Jarl founded the city with the purpose of creating a defensive core that could defend the nation from outside invasions. The city's heyday was when it joined the Hanseatic League, a coalition in which Oslo and Copenhagen were also members; it was not until 1436 that Stockholm became the capital of Sweden in official form. Over the following centuries, there were many kings succeeding on the Swedish throne, just as many wars occurred against other Scandinavian countries. The straw that broke the camel's back and exploded the warlike tension between Sweden and its neighboring nations was the event that has gone down in history as the Stockholm Bloodbath, allor when Danish King Christian set a trap for Swedish nobles, clergymen and politicians by killing them during what appeared to be a simple banquet celebrating the royal coronation. From then on, Denmark and Sweden were constantly at war until Stockholm succeeded in gaining independence in the mid-sixteenth century. In modern times, the Swedish capital experienced another very prosperous period economically, thus financing the construction of the subway in the 1950s finely decorated in each of its stations. The resounding focus on sustainability, environmental preservation and greenery in the city is evident from the obsessive use of bicycles to get around urban areas, which has enabled it to be the first European Green Capital. Today, multiculturalism and being cosmopolitan allows it to be token and coveted by many wealthy travelers.
What to do and see in Stockholm
The bridges and the historic center of Stockholm
Visiting Stockholm cannot be separated from an extensive tour of its Old Town, the beating heart of the city where more than 50 bridges are located connecting the various islets that make up the capital. The uniqueness of the Swedish city can already be detected by flying over it in a chartered private jet: the central urban island, in fact, lies in the middle of the current and is composed of a medieval-like street grid in which to get lost in long walks. Some of the most iconic monuments include the Cathedral, the Adelsstandet, i.e., the former home of Swedish nobility, as well as the Royal Palace, all of which can be perfectly visited thanks to the many private guided tours that wealthy tourists can take part in to discover Stockholm's thousand-year history.
Stockholm's glamorous events
Stockholm's city center is home to a large number of theaters, museums and cultural institutions such as the Royal Swedish Opera or the Royal Theater of Dramatic Art, true centers of culture where the world's best-known classical and opera concerts are held during the performance season; therefore, there are many opportunities to attend the most glamorous, chic and refined theatrical events of the year for VIP tourists and international celebrities visiting the city. Important museum hubs include the Nationalmuseum, the National Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Nordic Art, and the one devoted entirely to ABBA, a historic Swedish band still active today. Another special event that Stockholm hosts is the Culture Night, one of the most beautiful and intense evenings where the city organizes theatrical, cultural and folklore performances to attend, as well as the Sailing and Motor Boat Show and the Stockholm Film Festival, events that attract a large number of boating enthusiasts and movie stars.
Shopping in Gamla Stan
Stockholm's Old Town, also known as Gamla Stan, is a central district of the city overlooked by buildings and architecture dating back to the 13th century, picturesque homes, and a large number of high-class boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and exclusive cafes where wealthy tourists can relax while sightseeing. There are many high-fashion brands that have a boutique in Gamla Stan, ranging from Gucci to Dolce & Gabbana, via Bulgari, Dior, Klein, and Armani.
The top hotels in Stockholm
The luxurious Grand Hotel in Stockholm is certainly a grand hotel characterized by a very refined and elegant structure with unprecedented service; inside, it is possible to enjoy an atmosphere of total tranquility, while the services offered pass from the presence of a spa equipped with swimming pools and saunas. The Ett Hem, on the other hand, is a 12-room mansion in which it is possible to stay: its opulent luxury, jewel-toned fabric walls, oil paintings, a library, and private garden make it one of the chicest stay options in all of Stockholm.
Climate and best time to visit Stockholm
Stockholm's prevailing climate is continental, with mild summers and decidedly harsh winters due to Siberian and Arctic winds that blow almost constantly. Swedish spring is characterized by still fairly cool weather with the last snowfalls that may fall as late as April; in general, the aftermath of the winter that has just ended is still being felt until mid-May, from which time the weather gradually begins to warm up. Indeed, summer is known to be very mild, with average temperatures hovering around 25°C during daylight hours and rainfall never lacking. In any case, the pleasant climate allows the city to hold numerous annual outdoor festivals and kermesses. Autumn in Stockholm is but a prelude to winter: in November, temperatures drop considerably and the likelihood of seeing the first snowfall increases. Nevertheless, events continue to be organized even though the autumn months are very gray and marked by frequent rains. Temperatures become almost freezing in winter: the thermometer could drop to as low as -20°C especially during December and January due to Arctic winds that freeze the city. The best time to charter a private jet to Stockholm is definitely summer, the segment of the year where temperatures are the most pleasant and the weather is perfect for getting around the city far and wide.
How and why to fly private to Stockholm
Stockholm Arlanda International Airport (ICAO code ESOW) is Sweden's most important hub; however, its origins date back to the 1950s, when it was built to replace the old airport that served the city but could no longer cope with the growing number of annual transits. Several expansions were carried out in the 1970s and 1980s until today, when it contains as many as 4 terminals and 3 runways, as well as a number of exclusive services designed for private flight passengers in the dedicated general aviation terminal. Premium privileges enjoyed by this special category of travelers include, first of all, a separate VIP entrance from which one can reach the luxuriously furnished VIP Lounge; not only that, there are several conference rooms, catering and hangar service, a free WiFi connection, stores, party rooms, refreshment stations, and separate check-in desks. Thanks to the total absence of restrictions on night flights, it is possible to take off or land in Stockholm in any time slot with any jet. The distance separating the city from the airport is more than 40 km, a stretch of road that can be traveled either by ground transfer services such as cabs or rental cars, or by private helicopter to get to the city in no time.
How much does it cost to fly private to Stockholm
Stockholm's geographic location means that it operates multiple routes that are almost always long distance; however, this does not prevent its airport from being well connected to other major tourist destinations such as Ibiza, which is about 3 hours and 30 minutes away by flight. You can rent a Light Jet for about 20,000€ with a fuel stop, a Medium Jet for 37,000€ and a Large Jet for about 51,000€. Somewhat less distant is certainly Paris, separated from Stockholm by about 2 hours and 40 minutes of flight time; a Light Jet is available for €14,000, a Medium Jet for €25,000, and a Large Jet for €35,000. One can also leave from Amsterdam with a flight of a total duration of about 2 hours to the Swedish capital by opting for a Light Jet at about 11,000€, a Medium Jet at 20,000€ or a Large Jet at about 30,000€.
The best jet for flying to Stockholm
For short- to medium-distance travel, the Cessna Citation M2 is a very reliable light jet that offers great comfort to its 5 accommodating passengers. The maximum speed at which it travels exceeds 750 km/h, while the range is about 3,000 km and allows the aircraft to make flights starting from more or less distant destinations. The Embraer Legacy 450, on the other hand, is a Medium Jet that consists of a larger cabin capable of seating up to 8 passengers, flying at over 850 km/h and covering a distance of 4,000 km on a single tank of fuel. What's more, its cabin is equipped with sofas, reclining seats and side tables for a surely comfortable ride. For much longer trips, it is ideal to opt for the Gulfstream G350, Large Jet with as many as 14 seats in its huge and spacious interior cabin equipped with every comfort and extra amenity, from onboard WiFi to seats that give capacious head and leg room to passengers!
The most frequent flights to and from Stockholm
Below of the most frequent connections to Stockholm:
