Summer in Stockholm, Sweden - a Short Travel Guide

Summertime in Stockholm, Sweden and my first impressions as a summer exchange student was of a pristinely clean city filled with flowers and parks. Each apartment window downtown had a flowerbox, and the historic buildings gleamed in the light. Gorgeous blond people of all ages bustled through the city on bicycles, rollerblades, or on foot. With a lot of waterfront property, there were boats everywhere. Summer is short and the Swedes take their water sports seriously.

Midsummer Day is celebrated on June 21st. A good place to go for the festivities is Skansen Park. Historic homes from the 16th century are open for visits. Outside of the grass covered buildings, some artisans demonstrated skills such as cobbling horses or forging iron. The park has a zoo with reindeer, elk, and even a polar bear.

The highlight of the Midsummer festivities was the maypole rising. The pole is decorated with flowers. Then with Swedish folk music playing, men in colorful outfits work to raise the pole. Once it is planted, people grab the streamers and begin to dance around it. Outer tiers of folks clasp hands and dance in the opposite direction. Some people are wearing historical garb, most are in T-shirts and shorts. Drinking beer and laughing, Swedes and tourists alike enjoy the celebration of summer and the longest day of the year.

As an exchange student, I was fortunate that my family exposed me to many aspects of Swedish life and culture. Living in the suburb of Stockholm, it was easy to catch the train and head downtown to explore. I remember how safe I felt, with no compunction about heading out on my own for the day. At fifteen, I would not have thought about heading into Philadelphia by myself. The family had me visit a Swedish nursing home/hospital. The mother worked there and felt I should see an aspect of the Swedish healthcare system. The Swedes pay very high taxes, but in turn medical care is guaranteed no matter the age or income.

There is plenty of old and new to see in Stockholm. Old Town Stockholm has a rather forbidding, formal air. The narrow cobblestone streets are now home to shops and restaurants. However, you can envision the streets teeming with workers, horses, and cows in ancient times. The royal palace of Stockholm is another historical stopping point. The changing of the guard gathers a crowd, as well as the tour of the royal treasury. The collection of crowns, swords, and other jewels is breathtaking.

Built for queens in Sweden, Drottingholm Palace is a large lovely palace built overlooking water. Huge portraits in gilded frames adorn very wall. Ornate carvings, silk wall coverings, and shiny wood floors are found in this beautiful castle. The gardens and grounds are in mint condition, and ornate fountains dot the landscape. There is also a smaller castle, called the China castle on the grounds, as well as a theater, newly restored and in use.

With Stockholm linked so closely to water, an historical ship, the Wasa, is a must-see. Back in the 1600s, the Wasa set sail as the flagship for the Swedish armada. On her maiden voyage, before cheering crowds, she sank in the harbor. After 333 years below the sea, the Wasa was plucked back from the sea and restored. Treasures were preserved in the cold sea. They say that a gold coin was not originally placed beneath her mast, which is an ill omen for sailors.

Stockholm is a gorgeous city with plenty to see and do. The people are friendly and happy to point the way to various sights. In the summer, it stays light late into the evening, so you have plenty of time to eat and stroll about. The ice cream itself is worth the trip. It has been a long time since I visited Sweden, but fond memories abound and I have no doubt I shall return someday.