The Delightful European City Rick Steves Calls 'Green, Clean, And Underrated'

Stockholm, affectionately known as "The Open City," is an unassuming Scandinavian destination that is welcoming, friendly, inclusive, and a world-leader in technology and innovation. So much so that European travel expert Rick Steves has been singing Stockholm's praises on his website as a "green, clean, and underrated" destination for decades. A vibrant and bustling city that is "one-third water, one-third parks, one-third city," according to Steves, Stockholm embodies the perfect balance between urban energy and environmental consciousness.

More than just a catchy tourism slogan, Stockholm weaves environmental and climate sustainability into every aspect of daily life, from individual habits to corporate practices and government rule. With efficiency efforts dating back to the 1980s, the city has made remarkable progress in reducing its environmental impact and shaping a greener future. Its public transportation system runs largely on renewable energy, with nearly 80% of all trips taken via public transit. In line with its goal of becoming fossil fuel–free by 2040, Stockholm continues to invest heavily in renewable energy solutions such as wind and solar power.

As a major European city, Stockholm is easily reachable from the United States. The Stockholm-Arlanda Airport (ARN) is roughly 24 miles from the city center, with multiple flights and airlines servicing the airport. Keeping with the city's green and clean mindset, there is an 18-minute train, the Arlanda Express, that whisks visitors straight from baggage claim to Stockholm's bustling city streets.

With a heavy focus on green spaces, recycling, and bike paths, residents and tourists alike reap the benefits of Stockholm's environmental initiatives. The award-winning Kungsträdgården, or King's Garden, is located in the heart of the city and is a popular destination for festivals, ice-skating, and even life-sized chess games. Open year-round with several public buildings, water features, and endless rows of plants and trees, Kungsträdgården truly serves as Stockholm's environmental center.

Located in Sweden, the country with more islands than any other in the world, it's no surprise that Stockholm's "green oasis" is the lush island of Djurgården. Recipient of the Green Destination Platinum Award in 2022 and 2024, the centrally located island is also a popular destination for recreation and entertainment. The island is home to Gröna Lund's Amusement Park, and a plethora of museums, including the ABBA Museum, the Liljevalchs Konsthall Museum, the Museum of Ethnography, and Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde. The island's Royal National City Park is the world's first national urban park, and is filled with a variety of wild animals, winding canals, secluded swimming spots, centuries-old trees, and modern attractions.

According to Rick Steves, no trip to Stockholm would be complete without a trip to Europe's first open-air folk museum, Skansen. Also located on Djurgården, the museum offers a window into the Stockholm of yesteryear, with exhibits and demonstrations highlighting Swedish heritage, traditions, and the evolution of Swedish culture through the ages. The museum hosts daily animal treks where nature lovers can connect responsibly with native Nordic wildlife and farm animals. With an on-site aquarium and home to the Baltic Sea Science Center, Skansen also emphasizes environmental education and the importance of preserving local ecosystems, tying the city's rich cultural history to its green and sustainable future.

Apart from Stockholm's clean, green exterior, there are several unique and underrated attractions worth seeing in and around the city. Deep within the Tunnelbana, Stockholm's underground metro system, hides what's often called the world's longest art gallery, consisting of a network of tunnels, tracks, and platforms stretching nearly 70 miles. A simple art project that began in 1957 has since evolved into a citywide art exhibition, where sculptures, murals, and mosaics transform otherwise ordinary commuter spaces into vibrant expressions of Swedish creativity and culture.

A unique take on a traditional maritime museum, The Vasa Museum is centered around its towering and imposing namesake vessel, which infamously sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, not even able to leave the city's watery confines before meeting its murky demise. For another look into Stockholm's intriguing past, head to Jönköping City. Home of the Church of Sofia, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture and one of the tallest buildings in the region, the city also has a buzzing nightlife and on Saturdays, hosts one of the largest farmers' markets in the country.

If time affords, Steves highly recommends venturing beyond the city to explore the islands that make up Stockholm's breathtaking archipelago. Among his favorites is Svartsö, the largest of the mid-archipelago islands. During the summer solstice, the region is drenched in more than 18 hours of sunlight, making it the ideal time to rent a bike, explore the island's scenic trails, and cool off in one of its many lakes. Also home to a small convenience store, a handful of restaurants, and a scattering of rentable cottages, Svartsö offers a charming, no-frills escape for travelers looking to slow down and truly embrace the "fika" lifestyle.