Stockholm, Sweden: From Old Town to South Island this city is a traveler's dreamBillowy clouds languidly shift their configurations, as the warm sun filters through
scattering golden beams across Stockholm's renaissance, baroque and rococo
architecture. The reflected images dance on the city's sparkling quays amidst the
measured passage of sailboats and ferries.
Stockholm is considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. Sweden's capitol
ascends from the fresh water of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Comprised of 14
islands and connected by 54 bridges, the city is set against a magnificent landscape of
natural splendor.
With old-world architecture set in a cosmopolitan culture and an eminently walkable urban center, Stockholm is among the best cities in Europe to visit. In addition, the city's green spaces and easily accessed archipelago offer a sundry of outdoor adventures and activities. CityscapesThe core of the city is located on Kungsholmen (King's Island), Norrmalm (North Island) and Sodermalm (South Island), as well as Gamla Stan (Old town, located between north and south islands) and Djurgarden (Game Park). Vehicle and pedestrian bridges, walkways, roads and ferries connect these islands. Public transportation to and from the closely connected islands consists of readily accessible and easy to use bus, metro, great bicycle rentals, tram, light rail, and ferry.
Gamla Stan or Old Town
The most notable and scenic avenue to peruse and shop in Old Town is Västerlånggatan. This street is lined with wonderful small shops and boutiques selling everything from stylish Sweden clothing, such as Gerd Inez, to tasteful souvenirs and quaint restaurants. For a wonderful lunch with a traditional Swedish menu and reasonable prices, try the Restaurant Kaffegillet. The venue provides comfortable outdoor terrace seating and a historic gothic lower level for dining that is well worth a visit.
Djurgarden The Vasa Museum was built to house the magnificent Vasa warship. In 1628, the Swedish royal ship launched from Tranbodarna on her maiden voyage only to capsize and sink after sailing only 1300 meters. The impressive warship, with 48 big guns and artfully elaborate carvings adorning the vessel from stem to stern, was lost until the mid- '50s. The Vasa is in almost perfect condition after 100s of years under brackish water and now looms massively over the boardwalks inside the museum. What disaster befell the vessel and how was it found so amazingly intact? The Vasa's story is incredible and the museum a fascinating journey into the 17th century tale of a lost warship that was the pride of the Swedish Navy and a fearsome threat to the country's enemies. Tivoli Gröna Lund amusement park is great fun for all ages. The park is a bit on the small side but overlooks the sea with fantastic views of Stockholm. With over 30 different attractions such as roller coaster and haunted house rides, Gröna Lund offers the characteristic invigorating amusement atmosphere. In addition to the rides, the park is popular for its pop and rock concerts featuring local and international musicians. Open from April to September, the park is frequented by locals and visitors and is often crowed on weekends. Make sure to arrive early and expect typical prices for park fare.
Patrice Raplee is an experienced travel photojournalist and editor of Travel Excursion and Seattle Spotlight for Positively Entertainment magazine.
She is a member of North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) and the Recording Academy. Her photographs and articles have appeared in
numerous international publications, as well as NW newspapers such as the Seattle Times, the Stranger, Seattle Weekly and the Oregonian. As a freelance
photojournalist, she has also worked with acclaimed musical entertainers, such as Santana, Billy Joel and Steven Tyler. Patrice has written several
children’s short stories and is currently working on an adult fiction novel for publication.Photos courtesy of Patrice Raplee. © 2008 |
Adjacent to the palace in the center of town stands the Stockholm Cathedral.
Originally, the cathedral was of Gothic design and then became remodeled in a baroque
style in the mid-1700s. The brick, plaster and stone interior is lovely with gilded accent
carvings, an elegant pipe organ and a dramatic wooden statue of Saint George and the
Dragon created by Bernt Notke in 1489.
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