Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is a city of singular beauty, and it's not only my opinion: everybody, who has ever been to Stockholm would agree with me. Many people get really amused by how the areas managed to save their unique style and charm. You will never mix the elevation changes with their fantastic panoramic view of Soder area with the narrow streets of the medieval Old Town or the endless parks of Djurgarden, located on the place of former grazing lands. Their own individual characters also have the market streets in Stureplan and the roofed market in Ostermalm.

The Skansen Museum. The Skansen is the oldest open-air ethnographic museum in the world. Since 1891 it is the favorite place for having quiet walks of almost every citizen of Stockholm. In the Skansen Museum it seems that the past times return back. There one can have a look at peasants' or landlords' ancient houses and workshops from all corners of Sweden. Where else you can see a smith or a glass-blower working, or buy custom-made lollypops in a small candy shop? On the territory of the park (which is, by the way 300 000 m2) takes place the zoo, where in the spacious aviaries live various northern animals: wolves, bears, gluttons, reindeer and of course elks.

The Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is one of the most popular sights of Stockholm. The guard change in the middle of the day always becomes a breath-catching show for many tourists. But it's not the only thing that the Royal Palace can offer its visitors (it becomes clear after just a quick glance at the front). The luxurious style of 608 rooms was developed by the best masters of Europe. It's three times larger than Buckingham Palace, which lets us call the largest palace in the world. Besides the posh apartments, the ceremonial hall and the palace church you should also visit the knightly order house, the treasury, the museum 'Tre Kronor', the Arsenal and the Antic Museum of Gustav III. There is also a special tourist tradition: every year the King opens for visitors another one room of the Palace.

The Stockholm City Hall. Shining with gold the City Hall of Stockholm can be left unnoticed. It can also boast of a fascinating view on the city and the beautiful decoration of three crowns from the Stockholm emblem. Speaking about both the architectural and art sides, the City Hall is one of the most interesting and important buildings in Sweden. In the opened for visitors Blue Hall is usually carried out the annual banquette in the honor of the Nobel Prize laureates. The Golden Hall is also of great interest: its walls are decorated with the mosaics, consisting of 19 million of golden foil pieces.

The Storkyrkan Cathedral. The Storkyrkan Cathedral is the oldest one in Stockholm, some of its detail s are more than 700 years old. The cathedral was founded in the 13th century by Jarl Birger (he's also considered to be the founder of Stockholm). Time passed and the cathedral often changed its look for, that's why nowadays the building is a mixture of such styles, as baroque, gothic and some other. From the 14th century till 1873 it was of the inauguration of Swedish kings. In the Storkyrkan Cathedral also took place the solemnization of Gustav III and Silvia's marriage. Inside the cathedral you'll find a lot of priceless art objects, for example, the silver altar, the sculpture 'St George and the dragon' and also the Royal chairs, on which the royal family sits during the solemn ceremonies.

If you travel with children, it would be a good idea to visit the Junibacken. There you you'll have an opportunity to get into the world of Astrid Lindgren's stories: Pippi Longstocking, Emil of Lönneberga, and Karlson… The magic train will get you right to the 'Hen Villa' and other pavilions. Along with the characters by Astrid Lindgren you can get acquainted with the other personages of Swedish literature.

The Royal Opera. Being an good example of the rare Late Renaissance since 1935the Royal Opera is under the protection of the architectural monuments committee. The most famous room there is 'the Golden Crush-room'. It's 28 m long and 11 m high and has the decoration of rolled gold and ceiling painting. The crystal luster and mirrors make the impression even stronger. The roof lamp decoration of the principal staircase is so marvelous, that you can't but admire it. There they expressed Poetry, Singing, Dancing, Instrumental Music and uniting all of them Harmony. The Royal Opera's restaurant offers its visitors not only delicious food, but also special atmosphere. The walls are also berthed with wooden boards, the ceiling is supported by the gilded columns with hunting motifs and the fireplace is made of Swedish murmur.

If to look at Stockholm from a bird's eye view, you get an impression that the city is just bathing in the water, surrounding it. The widest panorama on the city is available from the 155-meter TV-tower Kaknastorn. Another place with an amazing view is the City Hall on Riddarholmen Island or Galma stan, which is a part of the Old Town. If you want to enjoy the night view on the city, you'd better go the observing point of Katharinahissen Elevator. But if you want to try something exotic, the best choice will be the deck of the ferry, going to Djurgarden.