I think Stockholm might be my favorite city we have visited so far. It is hard to compare because we’ve been on a whirlwind tour of so many fabulous places (and lets get real, I am a all about a Bavarian Christmas market!!) but there was just something special about Stockholm. This was also by FAR the most extravagant and beautiful palace and crown jewels we’ve seen as well 😊

The city itself is made up of 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. It’s a very beautiful and historic city, with gorgeous skylines and views.

I spent a lot  of my time in the Gamla Stan, or old town. The beautiful cobblestone streets and orange/rust colored buildings are home to the 13th-century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum. This was actually my first stop! It is a very small museum, but quite interesting to learn about the Nobel Prize and its winners in its place of origin.

A definite highlight was also the modern art museum. The museum houses Swedish and international modern and contemporary art, including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí and is surrounded by a colorful sculpture garden. If you ever visit, be sure to stop by the café near the back of the museum – it offers an unbelievable view of the downtown!

I stayed at a fabulous hotel, called the Hotel Rival. If I ever return (which I very much hope to do) I will absolutely be staying there again. It was walking distance to all of the wonderful sites and also had an incredible cocktail lounge/bar area in an antique theatre.

My favorite experience in Stockholm was the Royal Palace, The Kungliga Slottet. This royal residence has been in the same location in the northern part of Gamla stan in Stockholm since the middle of the 13th century when the Tre Kronor Castle was built.  The Tre Kroner Castle ruins are actually below the current Palace, and tourists are able to go see the original structure and archaeological remains. In the modern palace,

Tourists are able to view the Guest Apartments, the State Rooms, and the Royal Chapel.

The Hall of State was incredibly interesting to see – each time a guest dignitary comes to visit, they are given a uniquely customized Swedish medal to wear for the events! We also  went to the Royal Treasury to view all of the Royal regalia as well. The Swedish state regalia are used for royal weddings, christenings, and funerals. Among the priceless treasures are King Gustav Vasa’s sword of state, King Erik XIV’s crown, orb, and scepter, as well as room after room of sparkling crowns.

Stockholm was an unexpected highlight for our European and travels, and I highly recommend a trip to this northern city!

-MAL

Hotel: Hotel Rival – one of the best places we’ve stayed, I highly recommend. 10 minute cab to train station (and then a 20 minute express train to the airport) and about a 10/15 minute walk to the center of Gamla Stan.

Restaurants:

• Bistro Sud
• Hotel Rival Bar
• Bar/Restaurant at the Modern Art Museum
• Operakallarens Bakficka
• Paradiso
• Kornhamnstorg No 53

Sites:

• Gamla Stan
• Storkyrkan Cathedral
• Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace (new palace, old palace and crown jewels)
• Nobel Museum
• Modern Art Museum
• National Museum
• Opera House