Hello, travel-lovers! Our journey through the cool winds of Northern Europe brings us to a brand-new
stop: Stockholm. As we sailed away from Helsinki and glided through the calm
waters of the Baltic Sea, colorful houses, slender towers, and islands
connected by graceful bridges slowly appeared on the horizon, whispering that
we were approaching Stockholm.
Sweden’s capital is also the country’s hub of culture, art, politics, and
economy… in other words, a true “northern capital”!
Spread across 14 islands, the city immediately captivated us
with its historic streets and elegant touches of modern life. Gamla Stan’s
ancient stones blend seamlessly with Djurgarden’s deep-blue nature, history
and modernity walking hand in hand.
Stockholm: First Steps in the City of Islands
With its fjord-like canals, the shores of Lake Mälaren,
colorful façades, and spotless streets, Stockholm gives real meaning to the
words “clean, orderly, and peaceful.” The city is both deeply historic and
incredibly modern and best of all, it makes you feel as if you’ve known it
forever.
Stockholm City Museum: Stadsmuseet
Our first stop was the Stockholm City Museum, the keeper of the city’s memory. Seeing how Stockholm transformed from a small trading town into a global metropolis was fascinating.
We explored models of old Stockholm, examined everyday objects, and admired the
city’s architectural evolution through the centuries.
Gamla Stan: The Heart of Stockholm
If you’re searching for Stockholm’s soul, look no further
than Gamla Stan. Founded in 1252, this Old Town is a magical maze of narrow
alleys, colorful buildings, historic squares, and a fairytale-like medieval
atmosphere.
Here, we:
• Visited the Nobel Museum and learned about Alfred Nobel’s story
• Explored the Parliament Building, Stockholm Cathedral, and the Royal Palace
• Wandered around the picturesque Stortorget Square and sipped our coffee at
the famous Chokladkoppen
• Discovered a hidden gem "The Nobel Library" and tasted the iconic Nobel ice
cream (it really does stay on your palate!)
Gamla Stan is best explored on foot; we spent hours
uncovering treasures on every street.
Skansen Open-Air Museum: The World’s First Open-Air Museum
On Djurgarden Island, we visited the Skansen Open-Air Museum. It’s not just a museum but a large cultural park combining a traditional village setting with a small zoo. We loved seeing historical Swedish houses, traditional clothing, craftsmen, and scenes from everyday life.
Djurgarden Island: Stockholm’s Cultural Center
Djurgarden is truly the cultural heart of the city. Just a
9-minute ferry ride away, the island is home to:
• ABBA Museum
• Vasa Museum
• Skansen Open-Air Museum
• Gröna Lund Amusement Park
and many more attractions. We enjoyed both the museums and
the peaceful walking paths surrounded by nature.
Vasa Museum: A Treasure From the 17th Century
The Vasa ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was
recovered in 1961. Inside the museum, we explored the ship’s story, daily life
on board, and the artistic details of the era. The ship itself is breathtaking, we lost track of time here!
Stockholm City Hall: Home of the Nobel Banquet
Located on Kungsholmen Island, Stockholm City Hall is one of
the city’s most iconic landmarks. Every year on December 10th, the Nobel Prize
Banquet is held here. We joined a guided tour and climbed the 106-meter tower
for a stunning panoramic view of Stockholm... absolutely worth it!
Colorful Streets and Squares of Stockholm
• Västerlånggatan: One of the oldest streets in Gamla
Stan, full of cafés and souvenir shops
• Stortorget: A picture-perfect historic square... ideal for photography
• Järntorget: The second-oldest square with a lively atmosphere and cozy
cafés
• Tyska Kyrkan (German Church): Gothic architecture and a striking
interior
Shopping in Stockholm
For shopping, our favorite spots were Drottninggatan, Gamla
Stan, Hamngatan, and the Gallerian Mall.
In summer, Skansen’s craft stalls also offer beautiful handmade items.
Our Notes: Stockholm Tips
• Cafe Konditori: A warm, modest bakery in Järntorget
• Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: The narrowest street in Stockholm...perfect for
photos
• Fika Time: Sweden’s beloved coffee-and-pastry break...don’t leave
without trying it
• City Hall Tours: The 45-minute English tour was excellent
• Galärvarvet Area: Home to many museums, from Vasa to the Viking Museum
• National Museum: A free art museum worth visiting
• Sofia Church: Offers beautiful city views
• Stockholm Metro: 150 stations, each with unique artwork... if you have
time, do a metro art tour!
After a Northern Fairytale…
Stockholm, with its island lifestyle, historic streets,
tranquil lakes, and unique culture, has earned a special place in our hearts.
Here we found not just beauty, but also peace, inspiration, and the joy of
discovery.
And now… our journey continues toward another northern
wonder: Norway!
Flåm, Bergen, and Stavanger are waiting for us & see you among fjords,
fairytale train routes, and magnificent nature!
