Introduction :
Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden housing a population of more than 2 million. Stockholm has always been the centre of Sweden’s cultures, media, economy and politics due to its stragegic location on 14 islands on the coast in southeast Sweden at the mouth of Lake Malaren meeting the Baltic Sea. It is known for its buildings and architecture together with beautiful parks and is often referred to as the Venice of the North.
Aerial view of the city
Image attribution to Sandy Milin @ Flickr
Some attractions :
Drottningholm Palace – A World Heritage Site built during the late 16th century and home to the Swedish royal family during the 18th century onwards. It is built on the island of Lovon and located in Drogttningholm
Vasa Museum – Maritime Museum and home to the most complete and well preserved ship wrecks of the past with an almost fully intact 17th century ship salvaged. It is located on the island of Djurgarden in the middle of Stockholm
Birka and Hovgarden – Established in the 8th century during the Viking Age and regardest as the oldest town in Sweden. It is an archaeological complex of a Viking trading settlement more than 1000 years ago.
Millesgården – Art museum and a sculpture garden with a park built on terraces. It is located on the island of Lidingo
The Old Town – The oldest part of Stockholm with its history walking areas and buildings construction from the 15th to 18th century. It is located primarily on the island of Stadsholmen
World Heritage site Drogttningholm Palace
Image attribution to Claudio_Ar @ Flickr
The Maritime Museum
Image attribution to Bssenol @ Flickr
Sculpture of Poseidon at Millesgarden
Image attribution to Thomas @ Flickr
History :
Most parts of Stockholm was formerly known as Gamla stan (The Old Town) until the 1980s and the history starts at 790 AD with the Viking trading centre in Birka and the first written records started at 1252 by King Valdemar. It has always been the largest city in Sweden although inhabitants were estimated to be less than 7000 during the end of the 15th century.
Swedish science and art blossomed in the 18th century and allowed the creation of unique architectural buildings.
Walkway and buildings at Gamla Stan the Old Town
Image attribution to Alcaide @ Flickr
Stockholm City at night
Image attribution to Myregrund @ Flickr
Getting there :
As Stockholm is a modern and capital city Sweden, it is globally accessible and there are 4 airports within with the biggest international airport Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) located in Sigtuna which is 37km north of Stockholm
