Sweden for Christmas markets and a break. Stockholm vs. Gottenburg

[Flatoutnautilus]

Dear All,

Has anyone taken their kids to Sweden for the above? Anyone have any thoughts on whether Stockholm or Gottenburg would be best. Not sure there is that much to do in Gothenburg?

We are planning to do this shortly after the kids break up, if we go for Stockholm I'm trying to find recommendations for a hotel near/ish the Old Market Square as I think this is where the Christmas Market is located. I'm happy to do a bit of a splurge as we haven't been away for a while and I know Sweden is quite pricey anyway.

I'm not sure that the Christmas market alone will sustain us for three days. We have boys 6 and 5 who are pretty good travellers and quite adventurous eaters but not that thrilled by shopping (after a couple of hours!).

Also in Stockholm I've heard that the curiously named 'Tom Tit Experiment' museum is fantastic.

Thanks so much for any thoughts.
FlatOut X

Do you mean staying in Gamla Stan?

In Stockholm there's lots to do - the Vasa is good, as is the Junibacken museum, Skansen can easily take up a whole day

We usually stay with the Scandic hotel chain as they are very kid friendly and good value
There are a number in the centre of town and near the central station

I've stayed at the Scandic at the railway station in Stockholm, and the Hilton in the centre. The Scandic is really nice, and v convenient as you get the train direct from the airport.

Gothenberg is lovely, but less to see in the winter I think - if you really wanted, you can do the high speed train between the two. I've previously flown to Stockholm, got the X2000 across to Gothenberg, then got the train to Copenhagen from there and flown back from there (seeing customers along the way!)

My DH just come back from Gothenburg and loved it! He wants us all to go back

Tom Tits Experiment in S??dertalje (about 20 mins on the train) is awesome! My DS is 5 and regularly asks to go back. We have spent the whole day there with him on more than one occasion.

There is also Viking History and Viking Gold in the History Museum. The Vasa is amazing and inside on a wintry day. Excellent for children. Stockholm is expensive to eat out. We are used to travelling but you need deep pockets for very basic restaurants there. Eat well at breakfast!