Meet the woman behind the invitation to visit one of the most lesbian-friendly cities in the world. Plus, find out how you can visit this sapphic Scandinavian city!

Christina Guggenberger loves Stockholm, so much so that she has made a fulltime job out of it. As project manager of Stockholm Gay & Lesbian Network, a partner network within the Stockholm Visitors Board, her role is to market this lovely Swedish cultural center to lesbians from all around the world.

Each day, she puts on her lesbian thinking cap and liaises with the Stockholm travel industry to be able to offer the most interesting angles to the Sapphic traveler. Recently nominated as Hetero of the Year at the prestigious QX Gay Gala Awards, Guggenberger took time out of her hectic schedule to extend a warm welcome to lesbians.

What do you love about your job?

Everything! I love working with Stockholm, I just love my city, it’s so beautiful and I am proud to live in a city where respect, openness and diversity are core values. Also, to work with the gay and lesbian communities is so much fun. The response we have had since we started has been fantastic both from the gay community in Stockholm as well as around the world.

What do you most love about Stockholm?

The beauty, the people, the warm welcome.

Name six essential things lesbians must see or do when visiting.

My morning dog walk at the Djurgården Island. Just 15 minutes from the city centre this is the most beautiful green area that offers such a beautiful encounter with nature.

I love Millesgården sculpture park, all year around, as beautiful with snow as during summer with lots of flowers. One of my other favorites right now is the Fotografiska photography museum, one of our newest attractions.

My city is literally floating on water and I love using the water for transportation. Taking the ferry from Djurgården to Gamla Stan (the historic Old Town) or going all the way out to the Stockholm Archipelago, with its more than 30,000 islands.

Having a glass of wine at Mälarpaviljongen by the water, an outdoor restaurant and bar open during summertime. Södermalm, Stockholm biggest island has a special atmosphere both for shopping at great vintage stores, having a drink at one of the many cozy bars and restaurants. Finally, a visit to my hairdresser, SachaJuan will have you looking fabulous!

Why must Curve readers make it a priority to put Stockholm at the top of their travel wish list?

Stockholm is a city where the water is clear and the air is fresh. It’s full of history, beautifully preserved houses, lots of culture, restaurants and fun nightlife . My city is also one of the most open-minded gay and lesbian friendly places on earth. Gay, gay-friendly, or simply friendly, whatever you’re looking for, you can count on a warm and laid-back, welcome in Stockholm.

For your chance to win a vacation to Stockholm

These six guys and six girls represent the various themes, and people can choose the guy/girl they want to meet based on the program they have tailored to their specific theme. The Ambassadors hoping to show their Stockholm include the stewardess Malin, the rugby player Daniel, the stylist Magnus and goldmedal awarded sport girl Linda.

“The guy or girl that receives the most votes will be the winning theme, and the person who will win a date with Stockholm is based on their motivation. As Stockholm has just been awarded the title Favorite LGBT-Friendly City, we want to give gays and lesbians the unique chance to experience this wonderful city with a local who can show them all the hidden gems that you won’t find in your average guidebook” says Christina Guggenberger, head of the Stockholm Gay & Lesbian Network within Stockholm Visitors Board.

Win a date with Stockholm will run throughout the month of June and will be found at the Stockholm Gay & Lesbian Network’s Facebook page and blog, which can be found at

Stockholm has received several nominations from the LGBT media during the last years. Recently the readers of the leading Magazine EDGE have voted and chosen Stockholm as the winner of the award “Favorite LGBT-Friendly City” in the 2011 Best EDGE Awards!

Scandinavian Airlines, SAS was named “Favorite Airline” and the Stockholmer Alexander Skarsgård was awarded “Favorite Actor in a Gay-Friendly Series.”