🇸🇪 STOCKHOLM

In 2015 I went to Sweden and visited beautiful Stockholm! This destination quickly became a favorite of mine.

If you’ve read my previous posts you know that I usually make suggestions on where to stay. But the hotel we went to in Stockholm was by far the worst I’ve ever been to and it was $220 per night! So, if you don’t mind,  since I am an optimistic person who likes to talk about good things, we’ll skip this misadventure!

HOW TO GET AROUND?

Our hotel was very central so we were able to go everywhere on foot. I’ve heard that Stockholm as one of the most beautiful artsy subway stations (Tunnelbanan in Swedish). It’s a shame that I didn’t have enough time to see them. But if you’re curious, click here for more info!

ACTIVITIES

1- 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. The entrance fee is of 150 SEK  ($21 CAD) for adults and free of charge for 18 years and under. I highly recommend you visit! PS, the food I had at the museum was delicious!

2 – 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.

3 – 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.

4 – Östermalms Saluhall

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.

5 – 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!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Stockholm has a lot to offer! The food is great and the architecture is breath taking. Furthermore, Stockholm has an interesting history and the city is very clean! I also found that the Swedish people were very welcoming. Before I let you go, here are some interesting things about Stockholm. Did you know that the disco band ABBA was from Sweden? So if you’re a fan, why not visit the ABBA Museum? Also, did you know that Pippi Longstocking was from Sweden?! Finally, the world renown furniture store IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943.

Ha en bra resa!

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Mlle Wanderlust

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