Stockholm: The City in the Land of the Midnight Sun

While Stockholm, Sweden is over 700 years old, it has enough modern conveniences to make experiencing its Viking traditions comfortable.

Built on 14 islands connected with each other by a system of 57 bridges, Stockholm is one of the most picturesque capitals in the world. The city has perhaps more green space per square kilometer of area than any other city, and its combination of modern and traditional buildings, museums, and other attractions make it a perfect place for a different kind of vacation. The Royal National City Park, the first National City Park in the world, is a welcome natural relief from the pressures of urban life. In Stockholm, you can experience big-city life, history, and natural scenery in the same day without moving too far from one spot.

Things to Do

One of the first things you'll want to do when you arrive in Stockholm is take a boat cruise through the city. As if 14 major islands aren't enough, the waterway system of Stockholm has 30,000 small islands, islet rocks and skerries in an intricate archipelago facing the Baltic Sea. Cruising this system gives you a sense of what the ancient Vikings saw as they sailed these waters.

Stockholm is also an easy city to see on foot. From many of the hotels downtown, for instance, it's a relatively easy walk to the island of Djurgarden where many of the city's most popular attractions are located. There is, for instance, the centuries-old warship the Vasa, a galleon that will transport you back in time.

You'll also want to visit the National Museum with its collection of art ranging from the 16^th century or Slottskrykan, a church from the Rococo period located in the east wing of the Royal Palace.

For a really unforgettable experience, visit City Hall and climb the hall tower for a panoramic view of the city. Gamla Stan, Stockholm's oldest attraction, is one of the best preserved medieval city centers in the world, and home to the National Palace.

Shopping, dining, night life, or just enjoying the sights; Stockholm has it all. If you visit during the spring, when the days last all day; be prepared for the shock of blue skies at midnight, and if you visit in the winter, don't be put off by dark skies at noon. This is all part of the charm of Scandinavia and its proximity to the Arctic Circle.

Where to Stay

Stockholm is not an inexpensive city, with good hotels starting at around $200 per night, and $500 and up not unusual.

Hotel Oden, Stockholm

Karlbergsvagen 24

Stockholm 11327

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-325418-hotel_oden-i;_ylt=AtD7nTTDKZRqe1mum4DAEtriphQB

References:

http://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/Regions--Cities/Stockholm/

http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/