VisitSweden Nominated for Prestigious Prevue Award

VisitSweden is Recognized for its Visionary Work in the Meeting and Incentive Industry
VisitSweden together with Stockholm Convention Bureau, Scandinavian Airlines and the ICEHOTEL has successfully worked with the prestigious publication Prevue to highlight and give our destinations a bigger exposure. The ad campaign has been to showcase Stockholm and ICEHOTEL with clever and out-of-the box thinking messaging and beautiful images of the destinations. Our creative Freelance director, Andre Landeros Michel has really helped us with this target. Prevue has become an important cornerstone in our overall Meetings & Incentives Campaign.

Prevue has recently announced its first annual Visionary Awards celebrating the forward thinking and vision defining the meeting and incentive industry. Visit Sweden has been nominated by their editors for a Visionary Award under the category: Destinations: Europe.

The Visionary Awards are being voted on by meeting and incentive planners and the public at large between now and August 1, 2012. There are also three Pillar category awards that are voted on by a panel of judges made up of prestigious planners and industry executives. Along with this award nomination, Visit Sweden is also considered by the panel for all three Pillar category awards.

Learn more about the awards, the nomination and all of the nominees by visiting www.prevueonline.net/visionaryawards.

Eco‐cool in Stockholm – the first European green capital

The need for urban sustainable development has never been greater and to promote and reward such efforts the EU has created the European Green Capital Award. Stockholm is the first city to claim the title and will thereby be European Green Capital of 2010.

Love and respect for nature are key elements of the Swedish soul and a vital part of modern society. Outdoor life, the right of common access known as “allemansrätten,” clean drinking water and international work for the global environment are three clear, concrete examples of how the Swedes express their relationship to the environment. Swedes take pride in their enjoyment of outdoor life. The population of 9 million inhabitants – this translates into 22 inhabitants per square kilometer – has plenty of room in which to do just that. Parks, urban nature and water are obvious characteristics of Stockholm.

It is said that water and park areas make up two thirds of the Swedish capital city. For instance, Lake Mälaren virtually starts at the steps of City Hall. The amazing Baltic Sea and the archipelago, with its 30,000 islands, begin just in front of the Royal Palace. Did you know that Stockholm’s water is so clean that you can fish for salmon in it, swim in it and even drink it? Water is celebrated every August during international World Water Week and at the awards ceremony for the Stockholm Water Prize. Stockholm is a perfect place to explore urban nature and enjoy a vibrant city at the same time. Why not go totally eco while you are here. Rent a bike or a canoe, visit the first National Urban Park and stay and eat at ecological places. More ideas on activities:
http://beta.stockholmtown.com/en/To‐Do/Activities/

The first National City Park
Stockholm is home to an unbroken area of royal park land, which has been designated the world's first National City Park, known as the Ecopark. Its area, 6,671 acres, extends from Skeppsholmen to the west to the island of Fjäderholmarna to the east and as far as Sörentorp to the north. Three royal parks, Djurgården (North and South), Haga and Ulriksdal unite along the shores of Brunnsviken bay. The islands of Skeppsholmen, Kastellholmen, Beckholmen and Fjäderholmarna are also included in the Ecopark area. However, the park has more to offer than just rural areas; here you will find historic buildings and some lovely cafés along the way, among them the copper tents in Haga parken and Rosendals gardens café on Södra Djurgården. See separate feature on the National City Park


Stay in Eco‐style
A strong involvement in a sustainable society is one of the cornerstones of the Scandic Hotel chain. Theirs were the first hotels to use an environmentally-friendly system for shampoo and soap; they installed economical, low-flush toilets and low-energy light bulbs. Their most recent goal is to reduce carbon dioxide by 100 percent by 2025. All of their Swedish hotels have been selected for the Swan Eco Label, and their breakfast menu bear the KRAV label, which denotes that is has met specific organic standards. They were recently presented with “The Sustainability Award” at the European Hotel Design Fair SLEEP in London. The chain’s flagship hotel is Scandic Hotel Anglais in Stockholm.

The Swan, the official Nordic ecolabel, was introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Below is a
list of the Swan Hotels and youth hostels in Stockholm County. More info in English at
www.svanen.nu .

Eco‐cool and eco‐food in Stockholm
The fashion industry has become very interested in sustainability. Several places in Stockholm sell trendy eco-clothes and eco-products, known as “fair trade.” The restaurant Babajan only has organic raw material as a base for their food, and many of the leading chefs in Stockholm take pride in the fact that they only cook with locally grown raw ingredients. Among them is Pontus Frithiof, who is now at work in his new restaurant Pontus! And the restaurant Operakällaren is the first restaurant that has been awarded with the ecological brand Svanen for their work.


Winter activities
The months of November through March are considered off-season to most people. However, if you would like to spend a lot of time outdoors, don’t miss the winter season in Stockholm. Try skating, skiing or just “being.” Inexperienced skaters will enjoy the ice skating rinks in Kungsträdgården and the groomed lakes at Hellasgården or Norrviken, for example. Experienced skaters may want to test their skills on smaller lakes, on Lake Mälaren and even in the archipelago. The ice can be thin at times, so we suggest that you join a skating tour. Stockholm has some 10 to 15 ski tracks for cross-country skiing.

The closest is located at Hellasgården, which offers trails with electric lighting, a groomed skating rink, winter swimming and a sauna. There are seven ski slopes in the Stockholm area. Hammarbybacken, the slope that is closest to Stockholm, is the perfect ski destination for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Daily information on the ices: www.isplanket.se

Summer activities
Stockholm is the perfect destination for a city break, as well as for hiking or experiencing a great adventure from a bicycle or kayak or in the hills surrounding Stockholm. The popular, 621-mile long Sörmlandsleden hiking trail takes you through pine forests and bogs and along flat rocks and rivers. The Upplandsleden Trail (186 miles) goes along the beaches of lush Lake Mälaren to Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, while the Roslagsleden trail (75 miles) passes ancient monuments and beautiful lakes all the way to Norrtälje. Another alternative for a city break is the unique Tyresta National Park, with its eight different trails, which vary in length from 1.5 to 8 kilometres. One trail can even accommodate baby carriages.

Parts of the trails are also popular with mountain bikers. The Ecopark, Nynäsleden and Mälardalsleden trails are three great choices for longer sightseeing tours on bicycles. In the Stockholm area you will also find peaceful streams, bewitching lakes and the magnificent archipelago, with its thousands of islands suitable for paddling. Families and novice paddlers will enjoy the silent waters of Långholmskanalen. Choices abound, from wild nature along the lovely Ältaån stream (5.5 sea miles) to difficult sea paddling along the 32-sea mile long Långviksskär tour, starting from Dalarö.

Swedish eco nature‐related phenomena
Carl von Linné (Carl Linnaeus)
An interest in nature has been passed from one Swedish generation to the next from time immemorial. Beginning in the18th century, people became more aware of nature in their everyday lives. The Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who lived and worked in Uppsala, not far from Stockholm, contributed to this growing interest. Known as the King of Flowers, he spent his life categorizing plants and animals into families and traveled throughout the known world to talk about his work. His system, the binary nomenclature, is still used all over the world, as well as in Sweden, of course. Visit Uppsala, Linnaeus’s home and his gardens.

Adult education
Adult education is very popular in Sweden, and the range of courses offered is wide and varied. Swedes love to enrol in language, cooking and pottery classes. Making new friends is an added bonus. Traces of the Swedish adult education atmosphere can still be found in Stockholm: Arthur Hazelius created Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum, and the Nordic Museum on Djurgården to showcase Swedish and Nordic culture. Even today, they are beloved “living museums” for Stockholmers and visitors alike. Three other individuals, Ernst Thiel, Prince Eugene and Countess Wilhelmina von Hallwyl, spent their lives collecting beautiful art and fine objects. Their homes are now museums where one can catch a glimpse of their lives and admire their collections. Don’t miss these important Stockholm attractions – Thielska Gallery, Waldemarsudde and Hallwylska Palatset. KA Almgrens Silk Weaving, Northern Europe’s last silk textile factory and a fully preserved industrial site, is just one of the city’s many other unusual museums. Music is another vital part of the adult education tradition.

Sweden is one of the world’s largest music exporters; perhaps this is because at least half a million Swedes sing in a choir . Experience the joys of singing during a sing-a-long (Allsång) at Skansen. Read more about Stockholm – the first Green Capital of Europe
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/green_cities_submenu/awardwinner_2010.html
Welcome to our press room www.stockholmtown.com/press

Here you will find contact information, features, updated news and our imagebank where you can download pictures for free:
Log in: press@stockholmtown.com Password: pictures

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Stockholm!
Johanna Nilsson, Sylvie Kjellin, Birgitta Palmér and Ann‐charlotte Jönsson,
svb@stockholmtown.com

Love Stockholm 2010 - A Party In The Name Of Love, Open To All

Impressive program during LOVE Stockholm 2010; the city organizes festivities all over town – there will be something for everyone

June 6th LOVE Stockholm 2010, Stockholm’s own celebration of love, kicks off with festivities and performances all around the city. And there’s something for everyone. The event is a way to honor the upcoming Royal wedding and the Royal couple to be wed, Crown Princess Victoria and Mr. Daniel Westling.

It is also a chance for Stockholm to show its best side to the world.

The work planning LOVE Stockholm 2010 is in full swing. On Thursday a selection of the program that is offered to all during the two weeks that the festivities are ongoing, from June 6th to June 19th, was presented.
The international superstar Paloma Faith, with the hit “New York”, will come to LOVE Stockholm for her first concert in Sweden. The Australian performance group Strange Fruit will present their show, a spectacular mix of dance, theatre and circus. Swedish rock stars tAKiDA will perform alongside Stockholm Concert Orchestra, on Skeppsbron. The Royal Opera will go on tour in the outer boroughs and suburbs of Stockholm with a show called Hjältedåd och Kärlekskval (“Valor and the Throes of Love”), mainly aimed at children and families.

– With LOVE Stockholm 2010 we can show the world how amazing our city, The Capital of Scandinavia, really is, says Stockholm Mayor Sten Nordin. With the upcoming Royal wedding the eyes of the world are upon Stockholm and we have a unique opportunity to show Stockholm as the warm and caring event city it is – to the people of Stockholm, visitors and businesses. The event is also an opportunity for Swedish corporations to present themselves. LOVE Stockholm 2010 is realized in close co-operation with around 20 Swedish companies which benefits both these business and the city, says Sten Nordin.

Something for everyone

At the recreation area of Djurgården families with young children will get their fill. They can experience the world’s most luxurious pram and buggy parking, nature walks and an opportunity to meet beloved characters from the books of Swedish children’s writer Astrid Lindgren and favorites from popular children’s TV shows.

– We are working to ensure that everyone finds an event, a performance or an area they like, says Berit Svedberg, Director of Cultural Administration, City of Stockholm and in charge of the LOVE Stockholm 2010, festivities. Performances by both Swedish and international artists, fairy tale strolls for our youngest visitors and a midsummer celebration that goes on for two weeks and much more – and everything is done in the name of love!

During the day, the area of Strömparterren acts as a lounge area, perfect for hanging out and relaxing. At night it is transformed, with the help of more than 50 DJs, into a space for dancing and clubbing.

In the suburbs of Farsta, Vällingby, Kista and Skärholmen it is possible to sing ”love karaoke”, look at international bridal fashion at the ”Love Walks” and enjoy different kinds of activities for children and grown-ups alike.

After two weeks, on the 19th of June, the very day that Crown Princess Victoria weds Mr. Daniel Westling in Storkyrkan (“The Great Church”), LOVE Stockholm 2010 ends. The grand finale will take place at Strömparterren and at Gustav Adolfs Torg (“Gustav Adolf Square”) with celebrations into the small hours.

– A perfect ending to a real love celebration, says Berit Svedberg.

Press photos
Press photos can be downloaded at www.lovestockholm2010.se Login: PRESS
Password: LOVE

For additional information about LOVE Stockholm 2010 please contact
Ms. Anna Klynning, anna.klynning@kultur.stockholm.se or +46 76 12 31 919 for questions regarding artists, activities and events and interviews with Mrs. Berit Svedberg.

Mr. Jany Plevnik, jany.plevnik@stockholm.se or +46 8 508 29 250 for general questions regarding the City of Stockholm and LOVE Stockholm 2010.

Ms. Helena Widegren, helena.widegren@stockholm.se or +46 8 508 29 878 for interviews with Mr. Sten Nordin.
www.lovestockholm2010.se

Feel like a princess in Royal Stockholm

Stockholm is caught up in a whirlwind of Royal wedding plans. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden is engaged to Daniel Westling, and preparations for the Royal wedding are in full swing. The couple will say “I do” on June 19, 2010 in Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) and their official residence will be Haga Palace in Hagaparken. For visitors wanting to experience the Royal spirit of Stockholm before the big event, the possibilities are nearly endless. Stockholm has several Royal settings with many interesting attractions and beautiful natural scenery. Why not go shopping at purveyors to His Majesty the King and see several magnificent castles, some of which also offer overnight lodging? We’ve collected several ideas for how to feel like a princess in Stockholm.


The Royal Palace in Gamla Stan
A walk through majestic halls, where kings and queens once lived and worked, evokes a grand and solemn feeling. With its 608 rooms, the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan is one of Europe’s biggest. Part of the Palace is built on the remains of the first one, Tre Kronor, which was almost completely destroyed in a fire in 1697. For a long time, the Royal family called the Palace home, but in 1981, they moved to Drottningholm, just south of Stockholm. Today the king and queen maintain their offices at the Palace, producing a unique situation: the Palace is open to the public while the Royal couple is working there.

Large areas of the Palace are open to the public; however, in addition to walking through splendid rooms and halls, visitors won’t want to miss some of the building’s museums. Livrustkammaren displays fascinating objects that belonged to previous sovereigns. The unique collection includes the fancy-dress costume that Gustav III wore the night he was murdered (1792) and Streiff, the horse (now stuffed, of course!) Gustav II Adolf rode into the Battle at Lützen (1632). In Skattkammaren (The Treasury), you can look at the monarchy’s most important symbols, the regalia that are still worn at Royal weddings, baptisms, and funerals. A model of the old Palace before it was ravaged by fire, along with objects saved from the flames, are on display at the Tre Kronor Museum. You can also visit Gustaf III’s Museum of Antiquities, The Royal Chapel and The Bernadotte Library.

Don’t miss the changing of the guard
One event you won’t want to miss when you’re in Stockholm is the changing of the guard, which takes place every day at noon. With pomp and circumstance, the participants ride horses or march through the city to the Palace. The main guard has been at Kungliga Slottet since 1523, and today, military units and bands from all over the country participate. From May through August, the changing of the guard generally takes place at 12:15 p.m. except on Sundays and holidays, when the ceremony begins at 1:15 p.m. If you would like to get a closer look at the king’s horses, magnificent coaches, and handsome uniforms, stroll over to Hovstallet on Väpnargatan, not far from the Palace. A guide will take you through the Royal Mews.

Royal attractions
Djurgården - It doesn’t take much time or planning to visit one of Stockholm’s Royal lands. These oases are surprisingly close to the center of the city. One particular island, Kungliga Djurgården, is a favourite haunt among Stockholmers and tourists alike, in part because of all the attractions and activities it offers, but also because of its natural surroundings, which give visitors some respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can get to Djurgården by boat or bus or on foot. Simply stroll down Strandvägen until you reach Djurgårdsbron. Among Djurgården’s most popular attractions are Skansen, Junibacken, Vasamuseet, and the amusement park, Gröna Lund. The painter prince Eugene’s Waldemarsudde is of course worth a visit, but also the Thielska Gallery, Rosendal Palace and the lovely Rosendals Trädgårdar (gardens) with its famous café.

Beautiful Hagaparken - Hagaparken, founded by Gustav III, at the end of the 18th century, greets the visitor with beautiful architecture and relaxing natural surroundings. Among its many interesting cultural-historical buildings are Kinesiska Pagoden (Chinese Pagoda), Haga slott (Palace), Koppartälten (Coppertent) and the Gustav III pavilion, all of which are all open during the summer months. The Fjärilshuset (Butterfly House) is open year round. Haga Slott (palace) will be the official residence of Crown Princess Victoria and her fiancé Daniel after their wedding in June 2010.

Ulriksdals Palace - Ulriksdals Palace, built in 1644, has been used by Royalty since the days of Karl XI. King Gustav VI Adolf and his family lived here during most of the 20th century. The apartments furnished by among others, Carl Malmsten, contain many exquisite antiques. Centrally located in the grounds by the Palace lies the greenhouse, nowadays used as the Orangery museum. The Palace theatre, known as Confidencen, built in 1753 is also well known.

Drottningholms Palace - Drottningholms Palace, now the Royal family’s permanent residence, is located near Stockholm. Magnificently situated on the water, the Drottningholm Palace is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It is the most well-preserved Royal Palace built in the 1600s in Sweden. The combination of the exotic Chinese Pavillion, the Palace theatre (Drottningholm Slottsteater) and the magnificent Palace gardens make the visit to Drottningholm a unique experience.


During the summer, boats travel to and from Drottningholm at regular intervals with departures from
the City Hall. Strömma Kanalbolaget has boat tours where they serve a three-course set menu and a
guided tour of the palace park is also given.

Royal Shopping ‐ By appointment to His Majesty the King of Sweden
Only the best will do for kings and queens and why should you be satisfied with anything less? Of Sweden’s 130 purveyors to the court, about sixty are located in Stockholm. In order to become a Royal purveyor, a business must have made regular deliveries of goods or services to the Royal household for an extended period of time.

A regal shopping trip might begin at Svenskt Tenn on Strandvägen, where interior design is the focus. On the same avenue, Gaudy makes and sells jewelry and ornaments that the Royal celebrities wear. If you take a short cut through Stockholm’s more fashionable neighborhoods on Östermalm, you will be rewarded with handmade chocolates from Ejes Chokladfabrik on Erik Dahlbergsgatan. The list of Royal purveyors is long: looking for a regal hat? Then visit Kittys Hattar. Something nice to wear?

Steens Herrmode, Leather products at Palmgrens, jewellery and silver at W.A Bolin or Atelier Borgila, antiquities at Bukowski Auktioner, glassware at Orrefors and Kosta Boda etc .

“I slept at a Palace…”
A number of Palaces and manor houses located in the Stockholm area come to life during guided tours. Even more exciting, some of these Palaces offer overnight accommodations. Why not complete your Stockholm experience with a night in one of these grand old abodes?

You can spend a night at both Södertuna Slott and Sundbyholms Slott. Throughout the centuries, regents and distinguished landowners have visited these Palaces, which are splendidly situated near the water. Södertuna Slott, constructed in the 18th century, is located 70 km [43 miles] south of Stockholm. Sundbyholms Slott is west of Stockholm and can be reached by car in about one and a half hours. While both Palaces still retain much of their former glory, they have been brought into the 21st century with the addition of some modern conveniences.

In addition to Palaces, you can spend the night at any number of country estates. One of these, Krägga Herrgård is 50 km [31 miles] north of Stockholm. The home’s first owner, in the 14th century, was none other than Ulf Gudmarsson, Saint Birgitta’s son. Friiberghs Herrgård, another estate near Stockholm, dates to the 17th century.

Life at Palaces and country estates makes it easy to feel like a prince. Sports and recreational activities, excellent food, and wine tastings in splendid surroundings will combine to make your stay very special.


Facts and links
Royal environments mentioned in the article
Boats: Strömma Kanalbolaget (Sightseeing), www.strommakanalbolaget.se
Changing of the guards, www.hogvakten.mil.se
Confidencen, Ulriksdals Slottspark, Bergshamra, Solna, www.confidencen.se
Drottningholmsteatern, Drottningholm, Ekerö, www.dtm.se
Fjärilshuset (Butterflies), Hagaparken. www.fjarilshuset.se
Gröna Lund, L. Allmänna Gränd 9, Djurgården. www.gronalund.se
H.M Konungens Hovstall (Royal Mews), Väpnargatan 1, Östermalm. www.royalcourt.se
Junibacken, Galärvarvsv, Djurgården. www.junibacken.se
Koppartälten (Coppertents), Hagaparken. www.koppartalten.se
Rosendals Trädgård, Rosendalsterrassen 12, Djurgården. www.rosendalstradgard.se
Skansen, Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, Djurgården www.skansen.se
Thielska Galleriet, Sjötullsbacken 6-8, Djurgården. www.thielska-galleriet.se
Waldemarsudde, Prins Eugens v. 6, Djurgården. www.waldemarsudde.se
Vasamuseet, Galärvarvsv. 14, Djurgården. www.vasamuseum.se
Royal shopping - A complete list of shops appointed by the Royal family is available at
www.hovlev.com.

Palaces and Estates where you can stay (km from Stockholm)
Gripsholms Värdshus, Kyrkog. 1, Mariefred (65 km). www.gripsholms-vardshus.se
Görvälns Slott, Järfälla (25 km). www.gorvelnsslott.se
Häringe Slott, by road 73, Västerhaninge (35 km) www.haringeslott.se
Krusenberg herrgård, road nr 255, south of Uppsala. (50 km) www.krusenbergherrgard.se
Kohlswa Herrgård, Herrgårdsallén 14, Kolsva, Köping. (150 km) www.kohlswa-herrgard.se
Såstaholm, Såstaholms Allé 12, Täby (25 km) www.sastaholm.se
Smådalarö Gård, road 227, Dalarö. (45 km) www.smadalarogard.se
Söderköpings brunn, Skönbergagatan 35, Söderköping. (177 km) www.soderkopingsbrunn.se
Södertuna Slott, by road 57, Gnesta. (70 km) www.sodertuna.se
Sundbyholms Slott, Eskilstuna. (110 km). www.sundbyholms-slott.se
Krägga Herrgård, Bålsta. (50 km) www.kragga.se/
Trosa Stadshotell, V. Långg. 19, Trosa, (65 km) www.trosastadshotell.se
Ulfsunda Slott, Margretelundsvägen 125, by road 279, Bromma. www.ulfsundaslott.se
Villa Söderås, Elfvik, Lidingö. www.villasoderas.se


Collection of Palaces round Mälaren open to visitors:
www.malarslott.se
The Swedish Royal family consists of
HM King Carl XVI Gustaf
HM Queen Silvia
HRH Crown princess Victoria and Mr Daniel Westling
HRH Prince Carl Philip
HRH Princess Madeleine
www.royalcourt.se

For additional information: www.stockholmtown.com/press

Stockholm – the first European Green Capital

Stockholm is the first city to be awarded European Green Capital by the European Commission. During 2010, Stockholm will be the first European Green Capital. That has been decided by the
new EU initiative.

"More than half of the global population is now living in cities, and in Europe more than 80 percent. Cities play an important role in improving the standard of living. This award is an excellent opportunity to inform and inspire others about the successful environmental achievements made by the City, people and the companies of Stockholm,” said Sten Nordin, mayor of Stockholm.

Everything from water protection plans, to public transport and work to omit fossil fuel emissions was reviewed. In all aspects, Stockholm is considered a front-runner.

The following is an excerpt of the jury’s motivation:
“Through its well-conceived communications strategy, Stockholm has shown its commitment and eagerness to share their experience and act as inspiration for other cities.

Strong networking and the involvement of local and international stakeholders will ensure that Stockholm and other cities further their efforts and boost environmental awareness across Europe. A separate organisation will be established to monitor the communications programme as a Secretariat.”

Read more about Stockholm – the first Green Capital of Europe
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/green_cities_submenu/awardwinner_2010.html

Welcome to our press room www.stockholmtown.com/press
Here you will find contact information, features, updated news and our imagebank where you can download pictures for free:
Log in: press@stockholmtown.com Password: pictures

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Stockholm!
Johanna Nilsson, Sylvie Kjellin, Birgitta Palmér and Ann-charlotte Jönsson, svb@stockholmtown.com

Welcome to our new blog for MEETinSWEDEN, Broaden Your Horizons

Vitalize Your Meeting in Stockholm & IceHotel, Sweden!

From the idyllic, untouched, wild north – the coolest hotel, the ICEHOTEL, where art and science collide to, one of our true jewels, the vibrant and majestic capital of Stockholm whose energy is boundless.

Sweden steeped in history and an illustrious past is redefining modernity. Move past your perceptions, go beyond the known and broaden your horizons and get examples of 3 perfect days, Swedish lifestyle.