Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a city on the water. The core of the city is along the harbour, and various bridges go this way and that taking city goers from one island to the next. If walking is not the ideal solution, there are always the little harbour shuttle boats scattered along the docks that can take you this way and that.

The city is absolutely stunning. Old architecture with minute details only found in buildings 200 years old, small cobblestone roads, and unique boutique shops scattered about with smartly dressed locals bustling about on their daily journeys.

When I visited, it was nearing the start of fall (September), so things were starting to get a bit cold there. I arrived with sandals and shorts from Budapest, and I left with shoes, socks, and long pants. However, the cooling temperature seems to have brought clearer skies, which allowed me to get some beautiful photographs.

The City of Stockholm says some of the top places to visit in the city are:

1. Fotografiska
2. The Vasa Museum
3. The City Hall
4. Gamla Stan
5. The Royal Palace

I would also recommend walking across the bridge (with gilded crowns) to Skeppsholmen where there are a few museums:

1. Moderna Museet
2. Nationalmuseum
3. Östasiatiska museet

and then continue walking over the other bridge to Kastellholmen which you can walk around and enjoy the busy harbour go back and forth.

Now, I don’t want to overlook the richness of culture and history in Old Town, or Gamla Stan. It’s a must go see. On this island are little narrow streets that have the most curious boutiques and restaurants and hand made arts and crafts stores. Wandering these streets, zig-zagging around this part of time was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever had. Eventually you’ll find yourself looking at the Royal Palace, Livrustkammaren (Royal Armoury), Stockholms Medeltidsmuseum, Parliament of Sweden, Bonde Palace, I suggest wandering over to Riddarholmen, and then back to the main land over Riksgatan and up Drottninggatan, a long trendy road with no cars and lots of modern and fashionable shops to shop in. 

Usually when in a new city, and driven to explore as many things as possible, it’s worth it to buy a city card. Stockholm has the Stockholm card. They give you access to all the museums and public transportation, and so much more.

I bought a 72hr tunnelbana (metro) pass, and took two days to explore North and South of Stockholm. I had met two companions and we went South the first day, all the way to Nynäshamn, the end of the line. Here we walked along the coastline on a beautiful nature trail. The next day I traveled up North to Österskär. Both trips were beautiful and calming. It’s very romantic to watch the country life bustle about. I spent the afternoon in Österskär sitting on a patio I had found that overlooked the entire inlet, busy with sailboats and families, while I busied myself with tea and a book of poems.

Have you been to Stockholm and can recommend some other places?

. Photo credit: Ned Tobin | www.nedtobin.com