Travel Excursion
Stockholm, Sweden: One Of The World's Most Beautiful Cities
Billowy 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.
Cityscapes
The 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 is a wonderful and central place to start exploring. The 13th century town is a picture book of cobblestone streets and medieval alleyways; some of these passageways barely allow room for two pedestrians.
The surrounding architecture is remarkable with old ornate buildings lining the harbor. And, the Royal Palace with the formal changing of the guard on horseback through the streets provides a grand spectacle.
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 wooden statue of Saint George and the Dragon created by Bernt Notke in 1489.
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.
The island of Djurgarden is located east of Old Town and is just a short ferry ride (about 15 min.) across. The Vasa and Nordic museum, the Tivoli Grölna Lund amusement park and the world's oldest and largest incomparable open-air museum Skansen, are several of the major attractions located on Djurgarden. This island offers a great deal to see and experience and is an essential visit while in Stockholm. Visitors should plan at least a full day to sightsee.
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.
Skansen is unlike any other park/museum in the world! Founded in 1891, Skansen is a combination of Swedish living history, park and gardens, animals/zoo, special events, crafts, restaurants and entertainment.
Upon entering the park, veer toward the aquarium area. The aquarium displays many different colorful species of fish but also houses the fascinating World of Apes. Visitors are even allowed to walk around the free-roaming Lemur area. The little black and white rascals playfully engage with each other and may end up chewing on a visitor's daypack strap when their back is turned.
From the Aquarium, the park leads to a children's carousel area and then to the Swedish living history buildings and Scandinavian animals. Within houses and farmstead buildings, historical interpreters dressed in period clothing demonstrate and explain to visitors the traditional Swedish activities, such as spinning wool, weaving, pottery, bread-making and crafts.
The Scandinavian animals reside in natural habitat areas. There are over 75 different species, such as reindeer and brown bears. The captivating habitats intertwine with the living history buildings and encircle the park.
Skansen provides guests the chance to relax and enjoy the lush gardens, green spaces and animals, while experiencing Swedish historical life. This amazing open-air museum even hosts the most popular live television show in the country during the summer months, Allsång (Sing-a-long). Allsong features top local and international artists, such as Ricky Martin performing on the outdoor Solliden stage on Tuesday evenings. Locals and visitors lineup for the concert starting at dawn to watch Abba's Benny Andersson perform with his fabulous orchestra and members of the exciting original Broadway cast of Mama Mia.
For a traditional Swedish smorgasbord and to watch the summer Allsong show from a comfortable seat, visit the adjacent Solliden Restaurant. The interior is impressive with a beautifully lit, midnight blue, starry night ceiling presiding over crisp linen-covered tables and gorgeous views of Stockholm. The Solliden smorgasbord offers the most luscious and largest selection of traditional Swedish cuisine in Stockholm. Try the Swedish meatballs and lingonberries, as well as the fresh Gravlax (marinated salmon) and herring.
The Solliden cuisine is excellent and the restaurant is always busy; reservations are necessary if you want a seat. Make sure to check in advance for the days and times the smorgasbord is available. For additional information on Skansen, Allsong and the Solliden, visit www.skansen.se.
South Island
Sodermalm is the place for breath-taking views, museums, nightlife, shopping and excellent accommodations. The south island has grown in popularity and is considered the "hotspot" in Stockholm.Stroll along Götgatan during the day for one of your shopping expeditions and you'll find numerous trendy, creative fashion boutiques and salons. Take a break at one of the little cafés serving large, warm cups of cafe au lait with cinnamon. The cafés exude a European character that is appealing and worth lingering in while you watch the world go by.
In the evening, Götgatan turns into a thriving club scene with a Soho feel but without the trashy element of large cities. The clubs run the length of Götgatan and the interiors range from elegant minimalist to bright and causal.
Another wonderful street to find unexpected treasures is the East end of Hornsgatan. It is a main thoroughfare; however, there are a myriad of interesting shops and side streets to explore along this route. Look for The Tea Centre of Stockholm, located on Hornsgatan 46. The Tea Centre's exterior is unassuming and when visitors find this gem and walk through the doors, a quiet gasp is the usual response. Aromatic blends of sublime fragrances meld with the teashop's exquisite dark-wood interior and turn-of-the-century design. Shelves of fine quality teas, porcelain teapots, exquisite tea canisters of every design and glass display cases of miniature epoch figurines encompass the shop.
Vernon Mauris, proprietor of the Tea Centre, has been in business for over 30 years and was the first tea exporter in Stockholm. Mauris and his son, affable gentlemen, are importers, blenders and suppliers of the highest quality teas and posses a blending and tasting room for serious buyers and connoisseurs by appointment.
The shop is an aficionado's reverie and if you wish to purchase some excellent tea, try the Tea Centre's blended Special Earl Grey or their famous Söderblandning i Linnéburk (Blend of South Stockholm). For additional information, visit
www.teacentre.se.
Stockholm offers many outstanding hotels; however, a specific boutique hotel located on Sodermalm has garnered an exceptional reputation. The Hotel Rival, owned by Benny Andersson of Abba fame, is a visitor's redeemer. The sleek and stylish Rival was renovated in 2003 with great attention paid to the comfort and needs of today's sophisticated traveler.
Contemporary, chic and colorful, the design of the hotel is reminiscent of a cinema premise. This reflection accentuates the guest rooms with a movie-image still, placed prominently above the tremendously comfortable bed. A neighboring plush velvet curtain, hung semi-circle, stands adjacent to the expansive view window. The rooms also feature flat-screen plasma TVs, DVD movies (with 100 free additional choices upon request) and a desk with office working essentials. And, when you've finished a bath, or shower in the divinely appointed bathroom of mosaic glass, marble and heated floors. You may want that hot cafè au lait you promised yourself. Simply saunter down to the 4th floor and make your own espresso or tea drink from the Rival’s large, professional espresso machine with accompanying beverage accouterments (Complementary for hotel guests).
The hotel stands unique in Stockholm with its friendly and impeccable service, restful rooms and many fortes, including the Rival Cinema that was remodeled in the style of its original 1937 construction. The Rival's fabulous bistro bar, café, private lounge, cocktail bar and popular gourmet restaurant draws a large crowd of locals as well. All of these attributes entice guests to stay at the Rival and it's the reason they return. For additional information, visit www.rival.se.
The Only Way To Fly
International flights have increasingly become as unpleasant as domestic air travel. Yet, a few carriers still subscribe to customer service and comfort. SAS - Scandinavian Airlines provides excellent service that spans Europe and several US major hubs, whether travelers fly economy, premium economy or business class. Passengers are delighted and surprised to find comfortable economy seats, above par in-flight meals and friendly and considerate flight attendants. SAS's ticket agents are even helpful and smiling, without the annoying attitude found elsewhere.For a wonderful international flight experience to Europe that will enhance your visit, book a business class flight. The comfort of SAS's new sublime Business Sleeper that fully reclines into a bed with plenty of private and personal space will help to alleviate stress and fatigue upon your arrival. Moreover, the amiable SAS flight attendants make sure their guests receive the best possible service and attention without hovering.
Business Class offers many desirable benefits such as superior meals served on Royal Copenhagen tableware with designer Georg Jensen silverware, a refreshments area that is filled with all sorts of scrumptious snacks and beverages for guests to help themselves. In addition, guests receive the coveted SAS goodie bag, lots of personal storage room for handbags and laptops, bonus miles, movie selection and much more. For additional information on SAS Airlines, visit www.flysas.com.
Join us next month for an adventure on Stockholm's Archipelago and West coast city of Göteborg, Sweden.