Fabulous Stockholm
Europe pleases us with its fairy tale cities, discoveries, scientists and writers. But today we will talk about the beautiful capital of Sweden - Stockholm. It is the largest city and cultural center of the country. Her pride and beauty. It is famous for its medieval center - Gamla Stan. But the new “liberal” architecture, which harmoniously complements the capital, goes very well with the conservative center. The state has always taken care of the quality of life in Stockholm, so there are no heavy industries here. According to many international ratings, this is one of the most comfortable cities in the world. There are many museums and green parks in Stockholm, which will be discussed later.
Geographic location of Stockholm.
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, located in northern hemisphere. The area is 188 km². It is located between the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. The population is approximately 976 thousand people. The name of the capital is translated as “island built on piles”. This is not surprising, since the capital of Sweden is built on 14 islands. It, along with St. Petersburg, is called the “Venice of the North”. Stockholm was not affected by any wars or conflicts, so the center has been preserved in excellent condition. The time of construction of houses starts from the 15th century. 30% of Stockholm's routes are waterways, and another 30% are parks and green spaces.
< p class="ql-align-justify">Climate.The climate is temperate maritime, although it is a northern country. The city is located in the temperate climate zone. The climate is also determined by the Baltic Sea. The cold air from the Arctic is compensated by the warm current of the Gulf Stream. Winters are cold, but the average temperature is above 0°C. Summer is mild and warm. Precipitation falls in sufficient quantity. Average T in January -1-2.5°C, Average T in July +18°C. An amazing fact: there are more hours of sunshine in the Swedish capital than to the south of Paris or London. There are about 1800 of them in Stockholm. Autumn and spring are cool, but mild. Locals advise tourists to come from late spring to early autumn. So you can admire the white nights.
Stockholm Landmarks
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, one of the most beautiful and comfortable countries in Europe and the world as a whole. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are many attractions that cannot be missed. Below is the top of the most unusual, beautiful and popular. First of all, this is a royal palace — Kungliga slottet. The building was built in the 18th century and is about 120 meters long. It impresses tourists with its power and majesty.
In general, the city itself is one big attraction, especially its historical center Gamla Stan. The history of Stockholm began with him. The first fortress was founded in the 13th century. Most of the buildings belong to the 16th-17th century of construction, but you can also meet the 15th century. There are many museums, cafes, brand shops in the area. This is where the Royal Palace is located.
Museums.
Vasa museum. This is one of the most unusual museums in Stockholm, as it has one exhibit. This is the flagship of the Swedish Navy Vasa. It sank in 1628 on its first launch due to design errors. He stayed under water for 333 years until they got him. The museum complex will show the ship in full scale, personal belongings of the crew, sculptures and decor items.
Nordiska Museet. The largest historical museum in Stockholm. It tells about the culture of Sweden, its history, past, present and future. The first hall of the museum starts from the 16th century, and the last one ends with the 21st century. The owners of the museum say that there are more than 1.5 million exhibits from different times.
Skansen. This is an open-air ethnographic museum. Its style corresponds to ancient Sweden. Under the shade of centuries-old oaks, there are old wooden houses, windmills, churches and much more. Museum staff are dressed in national costumes and play the role of ancient Swedes.
Stockholms stadshus. This is Stockholm City Hall. Climbing the 365 steps of the tower to a heightof 106 meters, you will see amazing views of the city!
Humlegården. This is a quiet and nice park, located right in the center of the city. It houses the national library. The park is also suitable for picnics.
What to see near Stockholm
Besides Stockholm, you can go to other places (in surroundings). To the south of Stockholm lies the town of Torö. Its main feature is a beautiful pebble beach on the Baltic Sea. This is a quiet, calm and cozy place combined with nature and harmony. In winter there are not so many people, but in summer the houses are filled with guests. You should definitely come here if you want to relax from the bustle of the capital.
Sigtuna. It is the oldest city in Sweden. Built in 980 by the first Viking king Eric the Victorious. It was the first capital of Sweden. In the Sigtuna center you can see over 100 runestones, as well as the remains of a 13th century church with a graveyard. When you get here, it's like being in the Middle Ages.
If you want to come here, you need to take Stockholm Central Stationto a train that goes to Märsta station. Then you need to take buses #570, 575 and 579 and get to Sigtuna Busstation. And then ask the locals how to get to the church.
Where to eat in Stockholm
Kitchen history.
If Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, then the cuisine is mostly Swedish. It was formed over the centuries under the influence of geographical location, Viking traditions and climate.
Sweden is a northern state, so it was very difficult to achieve good harvests. Because of this, the Vikings plundered the southern states or their neighbors.
Meals are mostly those that keep for a long time. But they are simple and tasty. Mostly game and fish. Processing technology - smoking, salting, drying and pickling. And now closer to the restaurants.
The best restaurants in the capital.
Below will be the top restaurants in Stockholm.
1) Frantzen. This restaurant became a sensation in 2019, as it received 3 Michelin stars. His address is Klara Norra kyrkogata 26, 111 22 Stockholm, Sweden. Phone: +46 8 20 85 80.
2) gastrologik. This restaurant has been awarded 2 Michelin stars. It prepares dishes of the new Scandinavian cuisine, and very worthy. Address: Artillerigatan 14, 114 51 Stockholm, Sweden. Phone: +46 8 662 30 60.
3) Restaurant Oaxen Krog & Oaxen Slip. This restaurant has also been awarded 2 Michelin stars. It prepares dishes depending on the season. It has an unusual design: the restaurant is located in the workshop of a former ship repair company. Address: Beckholmsvägen 26, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden. Phone: +46 8 551 531 05.
4) Lilla Ego. This is a new restaurant where award-winning chefs prepare excellent dishes at affordable prices. Address: Västmannagatan 69, 113 26 Stockholm, Sweden. Phone: +46 8 27 44 55.
5) Wärdshuset Ulla Winbladh AB. This is a cozy and comfortable restaurant near the Vasa and Nordic Museums. It has a long history, and there you can taste homemade Swedish cuisine. Address: Rosendalsvägen 8, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden. Phone: +46 8 534 897 01.
But if you want to eat inexpensively and quickly, then pay attention to cafes and restaurants with the inscription dagens lunch and lunchbuffé. This means that the establishment has a buffet system you are familiar with, or there is an inexpensive dish of the day.
About Parking in Stockholm
Briefly about transport.
Since Stockholm is the capital of a developed European country, transport must run flawlessly, and it is. Everyone praises this city for its developed transport system. Here go: ferries, metro, trams, buses. Trains and buses run to the suburbs. Also you can rent a car. On the Bookingautos.com website, you can rent cars from economy to comfort class at affordable prices. There are several airports in the capital. International: Bromma (BMA), Arlanda(ARN). Others: Skavsta, Västerås. The latter serve mainly low-cost airlines from Europe. Now for the parking lots.
Parking lots.
Parking a car can be tricky, especially for a foreigner. There are a lot of explanatory signs in the parking lots in Swedish, although Sweden meets all European standards. In case of non-payment of parking, a fine will be issued. The main problem is the large number of parking lots, the authorities are working on this. Below is a list of some of the car parks. Now parking lots are divided into zones. Depending on them, the tariff varies: from 5 to 100 kroons per hour. Payment is made using a mobile application or a parking machine.
● Samuel Owens Gata 2;
● Hantverkargatan 1;
● Hantverkargatan 2;
● Klarabergsviadukten 82, 111 64;
● vasagatan 2;
● Master Samuelsgatan 69, 111 21.
