Stockholm – Beauty on the Water
Stockholm touts itself as ‘beauty on the water,’ and rightfully so. This Scandinavian capital was built on 14 islands where Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea. The adjacent archipelago comprises more than 24,000 islands and islets.
One-third water, one-third greenbelt and one-third city area, Stockholm was founded in 1252, and has been Sweden’s capital since 1436. Maybe you know about the city’s Nobel Prize, famed annual jazz festival and perennial smorgasbord, but there’s more to discover. It’s trendy and sophisticated, yet beckons with a small-town feel.
A good place to start is Old Town or Gamla Stan, a compact, walkable island of cobblestone streets and colorful historic buildings. Here, the Royal Palace stands as a testament to Sweden’s era of great power in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The Honor Guard has been positioned at the palace since 1523. If you’re near the courtyard around noon, pause for the changing of the guard.
Meander the narrow streets of Old Town, and browse the boutiques, antique stores and local handicraft shops. Sweden is known for its sleek and innovative designs, while its crystal and glass art are legendary.
Learn about past laureates at the Nobel Museum. The Nobel prizes have been awarded in Stockholm since their inception in 1901. Industrialist Alfred Nobel’s will stipulated that his fortune’s interest be distributed annually to those who have excelled in the fields of the arts, sciences and peace.
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Added 2008/06/29 @ 22:32:29
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