Stockholm, the capital of Sweden is a city of culture and history and by far the largest city in the country. Let’s check out points of interest of the city of Stockholm on what makes it a great city in Europe.
Also, much of early Stockholm’s city early development coincided for centuries with the development of what is today. Much of these resides today in the Old Town or known as Gamla Stan.
You can find older classic buildings in the old town. They typically spot a distinct European architecture popularized in the 17th centuries and modernized today. Additionally, Stockholm was first mentioned as a town in 1252, with most of it built by the Swedish ruler Birger Jarl.
Thereafter, it grew rapidly as a major trade hub with a strong maritime history. Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK) which also shares a similar name to the Icelandic króna.
Getting around Stockholm City, in style
The city is well connected by a modern subway and a network of public buses which serves the outskirts beyond the metro subway, such as the Millesgarden sculpture garden. Also, the Stockholm underground metro is your preferred form of travel for pretty much most part of central Stockholm. It is clean, fast and operates past late till 1am daily.
Moreover Stockholm is well connected via an underground Metro station covering over 100 stations. One interesting thing is that they are well-decorated and painted like art installations in their own right. I gave an entire night exploring these stations for its uniqueness. Check out my adventures in a separate post here.
Furthermore, the Stockholm central railway station serves as the city main travel artery which is connected to major European cities via a high speed rail network. Also, high-speed rail travel in Europe is apparently a more efficient way to travel by air. You can catch a high-speed train to Copenhagen in a matter of hours for instance.
Interesting sights in Stockholm City island
Moreover, Stockholm itself is a very developed and urban city. There is a city square where most of the city’s activities and night life reside. It is not uncommon to find the city buzzing with nightlife with concerts in the old town and city hall area.
If its of interest to you, there is a city Hardrock cafe here, as well as a sports arena by the name of Tele2, named after the Italian regional television channel.
Also, the city hall is a nice spot by the riverside to spend a quiet day. It is surprisingly secluded from the main parts of the city and spots a number of river side bronze sculptures dotted along the area.
Furthermore, Stockholm library located in downtown Stockholm is a nice impressive place to chill if you have a couple of hours or so. Also, it is open the public and an architecture eye candy in its own right too.
Stay on a boat hotel
Moreover, it is not unusual to find accommodation in Stockholm involving staying on a boat converted into a hotel. This traces back to largely a Swedish heritage where they were explorers and conquerors of the sea.
Also, their rich history is one which traces back to the Viking era. Staying on a boat is actually surprisingly affordable and typically is around a 3 star standard. Also, it is quite an experience of its own. And don’t worry these boats are moared and won’t sail out.
Visit the peculiar Ericsson globe
Interesting and notable sights in city includes the iconic Ericsson globe. It is essentially a huge white indoor events building. Also, the peculiar thing about it is a ferris wheel type outer gondola which runs in the exterior center circumference of the globe structure.
Also, it allows you to catch high vantage views of the city of Stockholm. The capsules are enclosed air-conditioned bubble gondolas where two operates running independently.
Watch the change of guards at the Royal Palace
Furthermore, a highlight to catch here at the Stockholm Royal Palace would be to catch the change of guards.
The Stockholm City hall and palace has a central semi-circular square where the guards do their rounds. It is flanked by a couple of cannons. Also, the palace here at Stadsholmen, in Gamla stan (old town) is the official residence and major royal palace of the Swedish monarch.
Moreover, the palace has two courtyards- an Inner and outer courtyard, with the changing of the guards held here at the outer courtyard.
Notably, the actual residence of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia is at Drottningholm Palace and not here at Stockholm Palace. Also, the Royal Guards Ceremony at the Royal Palace of Stockholm typically begins with a marching band, accompanied by the main marching guard contingent.
Additionally, the parade lasts under an hour and typically around 40 minutes. It starts at 12:15pm in the palace outer courtyard on weekdays, and at 1:15pm on Sundays.
A parade, rain or shine
Additionally, the parade also runs regardless of weather and much to tourist fanfare too. Also, interestingly, during the parade, a member of the band, who is an announcer also takes the opportunity to talk about history during the parade.
The announcer on top of providing a voice over of the parade also runs through about the significance of the parade and the other attractions worth visiting here at Stockholm for your to spend your day. It reinforces the largely laid back culture of the parade, and for the city of Stockholm for that matter as one of the leading European cities.
Also, I found the parade largely symbolic than necessary, much something to akin of keeping tradition alive, particularly in these modern times.
And visit museums
Moreover, in-addition to the change of guard highlights, the Stockholm royal palace is home to a couple of museums and a treasury housing antiquities and national treasures. The palace is laid out in 4 sector rows, each with their own representations. For instance, the northern row represents “Power”. The southern row “The Nation. Moving on, the western row The Male Qualities” and the King and the Eastern row symbolizing the Female Qualities” and the Queen.
Attractions of interest here are the Gusta antiquities, the Stockholm Treasury and the TreKronor Museum. These galleries are pretty minor and won’t take over half a day to explore.
Additionally, Stockholm is also home to a number of world-class museums and a museum island. The museum island is home to the Vasa museum and Skansen open-air museum, with each in their own right takes almost an entire day out.
Also, one museum worth visiting is the Nobel museum. It is an official museum run by the Nobel prize foundation showcasing renowned and notable achievements of the award. Additionally, the Nobel museum is located in the Stockholm Old Town, also known as the “old Stockholm Galam Stan”.
Check out Stockholm old town
Lastly, Gamla Stan is a chill town full of culture and history. Here, you can find some pretty chill cafes here with open-air outdoor seating, as well as restaurants great for a lunch break.
Also, the streets here are narrow and cramped, a throwback to the olden European towns of the 17th century. Also, to add to the atmosphere, you can also find several street buskers performing at Stortorget. It is the old town’s scenic square where the Nobel museum resides.
Also, interesting, the town dates back even to the 13th century. It consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and notably, archaic architecture. Moreover, there is also a strong North German architecture which had an influence in the Old Town’s initial conception and construction.
All in all, Stockholm City is a beautiful city Swedish city, full of culture, history and notable sites of interest. Whether it is for knowledge and history, family time or just chilling, Stockholm never disappoints.
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