Stockholm, Sweden cruises
Your guide to Stockholm.
Scattered across 14 bridge-linked islands, Sweden’s dynamic capital is a faultless blend of old and new, where time slows in the dreamy old town and a palpable energy permeates the city. Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest district, is one of Scandinavia’s prettiest historic settlements with beautiful cobbled streets, chic bistros and fashionable shops that exude charm. It’s here, among the medieval lanes, that you’ll find The Royal Palace, the official residence of His Majesty The King. Explore the Palace’s living quarters, visit Storkyrkan, Stockholm’s oldest church, or venture beyond the city to Uppsala, with its famous library containing the Gothic Silver Bible.
Exploring.
Stockholm is spread over 14 islands, of which Gamla Stan is the oldest. Here you’ll find The Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum, Royal Armoury and Stockholm Cathedral (built in 1279). The area is picturesque with many colourful buildings to admire. Kungsholmen, to the west, is home to City Hall while The Royal Opera borders Gustav Adolfs Torg Square, a statue of King Gustav II Adolf marking its centre. Carl Milles’ celebrated Orpheus fountain sits in front of The Concert Hall in Hötorget while Ridderholmen church, a former Medieval Abbey and one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings, is the final resting place of many of Sweden’s monarchs.
Eating and drinking.
Stockholm’s culinary scene is increasingly exciting with everything from chic gastro-restaurants serving ‘new Nordic’ cuisine to fusion street food and coffee houses. While the Old Town is gaining a reputation as Stockholm’s ‘gastro-island’, Djurgården, Vasastan and Södermalm also offer an excellent variety of restaurants, while Östermalms Saluhall markethall is a veritable foodie paradise. Like elsewhere in Sweden, Fika (coffee and cake) is a well-oiled tradition in Stockholm, and bakeries serving cinnamon buns are abundant throughout the city. At lunchtime it’s possible to eat buffet-style at select establishments while smørrebrød (open sandwiches on thick rye) are also popular.
Shopping.
Shops in Stockholm range from independent traders selling artisanal crafts to upscale boutiques, flea markets and shopping malls. Depending on the island (and the day) you can have two very different shopping experiences in Stockholm and for this reason shopping is an incredibly fulfilling way to pass time in the city. The main shopping streets are Drottninggatan, Hamngatan, Biblioteksgatan, Kungsgatan and the Sergelgatan, which runs through the shopping area at Hötorgscity. Södermalm Island or the flea markets of Hötorget or Hornstulls Strand are best for unearthing a vintage treasure while Naturkompaniet, found in Östermalm, is Stockholm’s premier department store.
Beyond Stockholm.
Beyond Stockholm’s attractive cobbled streets lies the Royal Palace of Drottningholm, Lake Mälaren and historic Uppsala. The former was built between 1662 and 1681 and includes a centuries-old theatre, still retaining its original sets and auditorium. The 16th-century Gripsholm Castle can be found on a small island on the south shore of Lake Mälaren. Founded in 1537, the castle houses a fascinating collection of over 2000 historical portraits. The University City of Uppsala, an hour from Stockholm, is home to Sweden’s oldest University and largest Cathedral (13th century) respectively. The University, founded in 1477, famously contains the great Gothic Silver Bible within its library.