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Stockholm � Gay Capital of Scandinavia In recent years, Stockholm has become a favorite destination for people looking for new trends, culture, fashion, design, music, entertainment, good food and a relaxing environment. Stockholm has become a favorite with gays and lesbians who demand more than just an area with friendly bars. In Stockholm, the motto is integration. Apart from the familiar establishments where you can have a beer, a bite to eat or spend an entire evening out, Stockholm has become world-famous for its wide range of cultural offerings. Stockholm EuroPride '98 gave both traditional and modern gay culture in Stockholm the final boost in self-confidence it needed for the city to compete seriously with established gay travel destinations and become the Gay Capital of Scandinavia. A great evening doesn't have to end after one of the many theater, opera or avant-garde dance performances that Stockholm has to offer, but can continue at a dazzling array of hip, new restaurants that have sprung up all around the city. "Restaurangen," "Elverket" and "Storstad" are examples of trendy spots with a gay-friendly atmosphere, unless you want to cross paths with even more kindred spirits at places such as "Mandus," "Torget," "Spisa hos Helena" or "Babs Bar." Meet your friends later at a gay bar to find out what's going on. Follow the crowd to one of the huge parties that the Stockholm gay scene is famous for organizing. Sometimes these are held in downtown Stockholm, with an enchanting view of the City Hall (where the Nobel prizes are awarded), sometimes in less polished surroundings, such as the old shipyard in Finnboda. S�dermalm is the part of town that has the most to offer gays and lesbians. In the areas around Mariatorget and the Stockholm S�dra train station, plenty of rainbow flags can be seen, and there are also a number of bars, pubs, club rooms, and the "Positiva Gruppen" (see below) � not to mention the best leather club in Scandinavia. Stockholm's Gay Center, with its well-stocked bookshop, caf� and political headquarters, is located at Sveav�gen 57 right downtown. This is where a large part of the successful struggle for gay rights has been organized, even if most people today contact the Center via the Internet. On Sveav�gen you can also find "Tip Top," a club with a bar, restaurant and popular disco. The free monthly entertainment guide QX is available at all these places, as well as at Sweden House (Sverigehuset). A must for anyone who wants to take advantage of Stockholm�s thriving gay culture. Naturally, Stockholm is also host to Scandinavia's biggest Pride festival. In contrast to other cities' isolated parades, Stockholmers celebrate for five days, with a jam-packed festival program during summer evenings, and seminars, exhibitions, a film festival, theater and a large festival area open during the day. In 2001, Stockholm Pride will place August 1�5. The festival�s grand finale is the now traditional parade, on the 4th of August. Few capital cities measure up to Stockholm in terms of beautiful surroundings. The water is so clean and pure that in the summer, a refreshing dip in downtown Stockholm or far out in the archipelago is highly recommended. On the old prison island of L�ngholmen and by Frescati next to Stockholm University you�ll find droves of sun-worshipping gay men. If nocturnal adventures on the dancefloor or the daily shopping rounds have taken their toll on you, then maybe the best is still to come. Take a long trip on a beautiful archipelago boat to one of the islands, which have both guest houses and restaurants. Of course, after recharging your batteries, you�ll be warmly welcomed back in town! Nicke Johansson |
Stockholm Information Service Postal address: Box 7542 103 93 Stockholm Visitor address: Sverigehuset Hamngatan 27 Tel +46 8 789 24 00 Fax +46 8 789 24 50 web editor E-mail [email protected] tourist information E-mail [email protected] Member of: |