Exploring STOCKHOLM 🇸🇪 A Journey Through Scandinavia's Capital
Gamla Stan
The island of Gamla Stan is the city’s old town, with cobbled streets and colourful 17th and 18th-century buildings. I really enjoyed walking down the narrow streets, eating at some little cafes and shopping for souvenirs. Stortorget is a public square in Gamla Stan. It is the location of the Stock Exchange Building (Börshuset) and the Nobel Prize Museum. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays so plan your visit accordingly. I did not visit the museum, but I still went inside and browsed in the souvenir shop. The entrance fee is 120 SEK ($17 CAD) and free of charge for 18 years and under.
Vasa Museum
The story behind the Vasa is incredible! How often do you get to visit a ship that spent 333 years at the bottom of the ocean?! The Vasa was a Swedish warship that was built between 1626-1628. The ship foundered after encountering a wind stronger than a breeze just outside of Stockholm’s harbour after sailing only 1 300m during its maiden voyage in 1628. Upon completion she was one of the most powerfully armed vessels in the world. However, the ship was dangerously unstable and too heavy. Despite all of that, she was ordered to sea and sank. Amazingly, in 1961, the Vasa was salvaged with a largely intact hull. It is now a seven story museum! The Vasa Museet is located on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm. I highly recommend you visit! PS, the food I had at the museum was delicious!
The Royal Palace
Did you know that Sweden had its own Royal Family? I didn’t! The Royal Palace (Kunglia Slottet) is the official residence of the Swedish monarch King Carl XVI Gustaf. The Palace is located on Stadsholem in Gamla Stan. The palace was erected on the same place as the medieval Tre Kronor Castle which was destroyed in a fire in 1697. Its construction was complete in 1754.
Saluhall Market
The Saluhall Market is a food hall with antique stalls selling produce, seafood & gourmet goods, and has several cafes. That’s where I purchased some Lingonberry jam. Lingonberries are known as mountain cranberries. They are usually paired with Köttbullar (The classic Swedish meatballs! Yes, the same ones you can get at IKEA but a 1000X better!). The market is closed on Sundays.
Riddarholmen Church
Riddarholmen Church is the church of a former medieval abbey. It serves as the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs. It is located close to the Royal Palace. Parts of the church date back to the 13th Century!
ABBA Museum
The ABBA Museum in Stockholm is a must-visit for any fan of the iconic Swedish pop group!
The ABBA Museum, located on DjurgĂĄrden Island in Stockholm, offers visitors an immersive journey into the world of one of the most successful music acts of all time. It's not just a museum; it's an interactive experience that allows fans to step into the glittering realm of ABBA's music, history, and legacy.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the phenomenon that is ABBA, a visit to the ABBA Museum is sure to be a fun and memorable experience that celebrates the timeless music and enduring legacy of this legendary pop group.
Pippi Longstocking's House
Also, did you know that Pippi Longstocking was from Sweden?!Â
While Pippi's fictional home, Villa Villekulla, is located in the fictional town of Lilla GĂĄrden, her spirit lives on in various forms of media and attractions, including a unique experience in Stockholm.
In Stockholm, you can find an attraction known as Junibacken. This magical museum and children's cultural center celebrates the works of Astrid Lindgren, including Pippi Longstocking. While it's not specifically Pippi's house, Junibacken offers an immersive journey through some of Lindgren's most famous stories, including a ride on the Story Train, where visitors can experience scenes from Pippi Longstocking and other beloved tales.
Have a great time in Sweden!
Marie - Mlle Wanderlust
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