Stockholm, Sweden, ranks sixth among destinations with the fastest-growing U.S. flight search interest in Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2027 report. The only Nordic destination in the top 10, Stockholm saw a 99% year-over-year increase in flight searches from the United States, while American visitor numbers in the Swedish capital continue to reach new highs.
Stockholm's historic Riddarholmen and City Hall, overlooking the waterways that connect the Swedish capital's 14 islands. Photo: Björn Olin/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se (Download)
The United States has been Stockholm's largest international visitor market by guest nights for several years, generating nearly 600,000 hotel guest nights in the city in 2025. The trend continued in summer 2026, when American visitors accounted for the largest increase among international markets, with more than 52,000 additional guest nights compared with the previous summer, according to Stockholm Business Region.
The figures also align with what Americans say interests them about Sweden. According to Visit Sweden's U.S. target group analysis, city experiences, Swedish culture and lifestyle, and food are among the leading interests of American travelers considering Sweden.
Stockholm's Dining Scene Turns Up the Heat
On October 22, Swedish chef Björn Frantzén, whose namesake Stockholm restaurant holds three Michelin stars, will open Emberlin, an open-fire restaurant offering a more informal dining experience and an extensive à la carte menu.
Emberlin joins a growing number of acclaimed Swedish restaurants embracing open-fire cooking, including Michelin-starred Ekstedt in Stockholm and Knystaforsen in Halland.
Beyond open-fire cooking, Stockholm's diverse dining scene ranges from traditional Swedish cuisine and neighborhood restaurants to internationally acclaimed chefs and global influences. Alongside the restaurants, fika — the Swedish tradition of taking a break to recharge over coffee and something sweet — remains part of everyday life in the city's cafés and bakeries.
750 Years of History in a City That Keeps Evolving
First documented in 1252, Stockholm combines medieval streets with contemporary city life. Built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, the city is roughly one-third water, one-third parks and green spaces, and one-third urban development.
Visitors can explore the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), independent shops and cafés in Södermalm, or museums and parkland on Djurgården.
Beyond the city, the Stockholm archipelago stretches across approximately 30,000 islands, islets, and skerries. The much-publicized Stockholm Archipelago Trail connects hiking routes across 20 islands, accessible by ferry.
Where the Commute Can Be by Boat
In Stockholm, water isn't just scenery. It's part of everyday life. Commuter ferries are integrated into the city's public transportation network, connecting waterfront neighborhoods and surrounding communities.
The waterways are also a testing ground for innovation. Swedish company Candela's fully electric P-12 hydrofoil ferry operates in Stockholm's public transportation system. According to a 2026 evaluation, the ferry reduced travel times from approximately 55 to 30 minutes and carbon dioxide emissions by 94% compared with diesel vessels on the route.
A City to Explore at Your Own Pace
Stockholm's walkable neighborhoods, extensive public transportation, and widespread English proficiency make it relatively easy to explore independently, whether visiting historic sites, discovering local restaurants, or spending time outdoors.
In December, Stockholm's connection to science and innovation takes center stage as the city welcomes this year's Nobel laureates, including Americans Francis Halzen, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, and economists Robert E. Hall and Michael Woodford. Nobel Week culminates on December 10, when the laureates are traditionally presented with their awards at Stockholm Concert Hall, followed by the Nobel Prize banquet at City Hall.
The celebrations extend well beyond the ceremony. From December 5–13, Nobel Week Lights will illuminate streets, squares, and public spaces across Stockholm with large-scale light installations inspired by Nobel Prize-winning discoveries and ideas. The free festival brings the spirit of Nobel Week into the city, inviting residents and visitors to share in the celebrations.
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Visit Sweden – Stockholm
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High-resolution images of Stockholm are available through Image Bank Sweden.