Overview
View of Stockholm © Preben Kristensen
The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is not only Scandinavia's
largest city but also its most enchanting, with its centuries-old
alleyways and squares being spread across an archipelago of 14
islands. Locals are extremely proud of the fact that here one can
go ocean-fishing in the heart of the city.
This historic metropolis with a small town heart also boasts a
multitude of museums, an abundance of restaurants, a plethora of
parks, fun fairs, a never-ending nightlife (licensing hours extend
until 5am) and a rich cultural life. It all adds up to 'never a
dull moment', particularly in the summer when the sun virtually
never sets because of its position in the far northern
latitudes.
Most tourists are initially drawn to the quaint Gamla Stan (old
town), a warren of narrow cobbled-stone streets overshadowed by
historic houses, radiating out from the sumptuous Royal Castle
where Swedish royalty has resided since the 13th century. Despite
the medieval heritage, Stockholm is no staid, old-fashioned
enclave. Citizens have developed a reputation for being trendy,
daring and innovative, especially in the global realms of IT and
fashion, often setting the pace in the design and technology
fields.
Stockholmers are also immensely concerned with the environment,
and the city-scape is made up of one-third water, one-third green
space, one-third buildings and the cleanest air of any city in the
world. Take a deep breath, pack a picnic, hop aboard a ferry, and
make for one of the parks where you will undoubtedly be treated to
a free concert; or head for the legendary shopping districts of
Biblioteksgatan (exclusive European boutiques), Odengatan (antique
treasures), Drottningsgatan, Harrngatan, Hotorget or Stureplan.
There is culture to be soaked up too, with more than 150 museums to
visit, art festivals galore, architecture to be admired (including
the City Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet takes place), and a
world-renowned Opera to attend.
It may be old, but Stockholm is a destination for the young and
energetic, as yet not over-run with tourists like many other
European capitals.
