Stockholm, Sweden

A couple of weeks ago, we traveled north to visit two Scandinavian cities—Stockholm, Sweden and Oslo, Norway.  Stockholm was first on the itinerary…

As the capital of Sweden and Scandinavia, Stockholm is the country’s most populous city.  It spreads out over 14 islands, making its waterways a popular place to cruise.  With simply spectacular weather during our visit, we spent time on the water admiring the city and its attractive landscape. Here are the highlights from land and lake…

In Old Town (Gamla Stan)

The narrow, cobblestone alleys and striking architecture make Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) a favorite with tourists.  This medieval center dates back to the 13th century and offers plenty of cafés, restaurants, and retail shops, along with churches and museums.

Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan)

Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) is the oldest church in Old Town (Gamla Stan).  It is home to several treasures, including the well-known statue of Saint George and the Dragon and The Candle Globe below.

The Candle Globe

The Candle Globe, representing the world, is an assembly point for prayers within the Cathedral.

Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall (Stockholms Stadshus) is a unique city hall.  Not only does it contain the usual office space, but a major tourist attraction―restaurant Stadshuskällaren, the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet each year.

Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

The Vasa Warship

The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) contains one of the best preserved ships salvaged from a shipwreck.  The 17th century Vasa warship sank on its first journey minutes after departure.  It was raised in 1961 and pieced together like a puzzle.

Skansen

Owl at Skansen

Sheep at Skansen

Founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius, Skansen is an open-air museum and zoo.  It represents a living history of Sweden through the centuries, complete with traditional buildings, farmsteads and guides dressed in costume.  It is (how they phrase it) “Sweden in miniature.”

Cruising around Stockholm’s waterways in perfect weather was definitely a high-point of our visit.  Our boat tour explored a number of the city’s bridges and the locks that connect Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea.  It was a great way to end our visit.  Tack, Stockholm!

And now, off to Oslo…