Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden. The city is made up of 14 islands connected by some 50 bridges on Lake Mälaren, which flows into the brackish Baltic Sea, and passes the Stockholm archipelago with some 24,000 islands and islets.
The city is a lively, cosmopolitan place with both modern Scandinavian architecture consisting of ample amounts of brass and steel, alongside fairytale towers, a captivating Old Town (Gamla Stan) and an abundance of green space. Over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways and another 30% is made up of parks and green spaces, giving Stockholm perhaps the freshest air of any European capital.
Arlanda Airport ARN; ESSA) is the main international airport (served by and many others) and is situated 40 km (25 mi) north of the city.
- There are several methods for travelling between Stockholm and Arlanda.
- By dedicated rail: The Arlanda Express Train, which leaves from the lower level (basement) of each terminal (Arlanda South/Södra and Arlanda North/Norra), costs (Nov 2011) 260SEK one-way, (490SEK return), (children, youth up to the age of 25, and ISIC card holders 130SEK, two adults 280SEK during weekends and holidays), but gets you to the Central Station in 20 minutes and departs every 15 minutes during the day. Tickets can be bought from kiosks at the platform and online (50SEK extra is charged when buying a ticket on board.
