Stockholm: A Little Town With Big History
I zipped between evocative old-world charm, amazing architecture, yacht culture, and evergreen parks in Stockholm, a city that hovers above stone age legends. A city that is both the tiniest big metropolis and the largest little village on the planet.
Stockholm attracts millions of people each year, making it the second most visited city in the Nordic region. This stunning capital of the Royal Kingdom of Sweden is the world’s smallest large metropolis. While I was here, I reached the conclusion as to why Stockholm is Sweden’s famed crown. To begin with, this metropolis is built on 14 islands connected by 50 bridges. This meant I spent the entire visit island hopping, but instead of sailing, I drove to the most prestigious Swedish islands.
Stockholm’s sprawling 12th-century archipelago has an eerie similarity to Italian beaches, earning it the moniker “Venice of Northern Europe.” This analogy, I believe, is confined to canals and the ochre-coloured dwellings that surround them.
The rest of Stockholm has its own distinct artistic design and architectural character. Something that piqued my interest in the city’s old town! Stockholm, it turns out, was created in the eleventh century by Birger Magnusson, a Swedish politician. Birger Magnusson was the great-grandson of King Sverker I of Sweden and was born to Ingrid Ylva. Inside the Varnhem Church, his face has been carved. Even though he was a Norse Chief, a Jarl, he is best remembered as Birger Jarl.
Birger Magnusson was an active member of the House of Bjelbo in addition to being a Jarl and politician. He commanded the 2nd Swedish Parade, which resulted in Sweden’s consolidation and the establishment of Swedish control in Finland. Regardless of his background, Birger grew up to become one of Sweden’s most powerful military leaders. Pay a visit to the Birger Jarls Torg public square in Gamla Stan’s old town while you’re in Stockholm. This plaza was known as Riddarholmstorget until the mid-nineteenth century when it was renamed after the city’s founder.
Exploring Sweden’s cultural, political, and economic centre was a fascinating experience. I zipped between evocative old-world charm, amazing architecture, yacht culture, and evergreen parks in Stockholm, a city that hovers above stone age legends. Stockholm is both the tiniest big metropolis and the largest little town on the planet. A visit to the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize venue, several museums, open-air concerts, Globen stadium, and the world’s longest art gallery-subway station highlights Sweden’s cherished cultural history.
Stockholm also appeals to me since it is devoid of the heavy industrial spectre. The city also holds the honour of being the cleanest city in the world, which is a well-deserved distinction. Swedes devote all of their efforts to preserving and cleaning up the environment. It’s nice to go for a walk in a clean atmosphere where you can breathe fresh air and feel the sea wind. Last but not least, the UNESCO world heritage monuments in Stockholm will make you a slaver. Each is enshrouded in opulence and exquisite designs are from a bygone period.
Stockholm not only has a distinct cultural relativism, but it also has an express gastronomy culture. Smörgsbord, a Swedish feast with meatballs, small sausages, and cured salmon, is sure to refresh your appetite. To make travelling easy, get a 4-day Stockholm pass, which grants you access to over 70 world-class attractions, museums, and unlimited public transportation rides. The Town Hall, Stockholm Royal Palace, Vasa Ship Museum, Ericsson Globe Arena, and the Absolut Ice Bar are just a few of the notable sights worth seeing. Souvenirs of Swedish legends such as Abba, Cardigans, and Roxette are a must-have for music fans.
