Stockholm is a very special place, with its laid-back people, history and intricate island layout; it is a visually stunning place to be. When you think of anywhere in Scandinavia you will probably be skeptical of the weather. Tourist season, which runs into September,
has high temperatures of up to 70 degrees F. and lows in the 50s, with the added benefit of very long days of sunlight. Winter of course can get quite cold, with temperatures mostly in the 20s F.
To really appreciate all of Stockholm, it is best to visit there in the summer, and first acquaint yourself with the city with a boat trip, which could take a couple of hours. The city is built on 14 island strategically located between the large Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea. The latter half of the 20th century saw Stockholm expand into a modern, technologically advanced city, as modern architecture began to spring up. But areas such as Gamla Stan, Sodermalm and Ostermalm fortunately for us retained their historic feel by surviving the renovation.
Gamla Stan is the historical, geographical and cultural heart of Stockholm. Stockholm began as a settle in 1252, and this island at the center of the city is still intriguing with its cobblestone streets winding through beautiful churches, museums, restaurants and bars. The Nobel Museum is here, and check out the Stockholm Cathedral and Royal Palace, where there is a daily changing of the guard, which draws a lot of people but is quite long and drawn out.
Gamla Stan is really a lot of fun, and very interesting. You can see a whole lot of the city just by walking around, and I would suggest hiring a guide to do a two-hour walking tour. We were there in July, and although there was quite a bit of rain, other than that it was quite comfortable. But I've heard that when the snow falls in the winter the city can take on a story-book feel.
Stockholm is a great walking city, but if you want to explore out further the metro, called the Tunnelbana (T-Bana) is one of the best in Europe. Its 66 miles make it one of the longest networks in Europe. For a 3-day pass you can buy a travel card for all public transportation in greater Stockholm for about $23. Getting around to the various larger islands in the archipelago can be accomplished year-round (winter ice conditions permitting), and several taxi boat companies are available.
If you are going to cruise the Baltic, a cruise I would highly recommend, you will probably start or finish in Stockholm. I think you will be rewarded if you plan to spend a few days on one side of your trip in Stockholm. It is really a fascinating city.
Stockholm, Sweden is really an interesting city with history old and new. Check out our website http://bestvacationeurope.com/ for information on other great cities in Europe, and for ways to navigate your way around Europe by train. Glen Wheaton is a writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe.
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