Prior to our Baltic capitals cruise we spent a few days in Stockholm, Sweden.
Being my first time in Scandinavia, I wasn't quit sure what to expect.
That large, remote figure always looked so daunting on the map.
I though it would be barren, cold, and filled with burly-looking men descended from Vikings.
Being my first time in Scandinavia, I wasn't quit sure what to expect.
That large, remote figure always looked so daunting on the map.
I though it would be barren, cold, and filled with burly-looking men descended from Vikings.
My preconceived notions were thrown out the window before we even touched the ground...
As our plane made its slow descent, I looked out the window to find
hundreds of dark-green, pine covered islands scattered about.
It turns out this little archipelago consists of over 30,000 islands,
giving Stockholm the nickname "Venice of the North."
Here I was thinking Sweden was just part of one giant blob on the map,
when in reality it is made up of well over 200,000 islands!
hundreds of dark-green, pine covered islands scattered about.
It turns out this little archipelago consists of over 30,000 islands,
giving Stockholm the nickname "Venice of the North."
Here I was thinking Sweden was just part of one giant blob on the map,
when in reality it is made up of well over 200,000 islands!
| Want an up close look at these islands? Visitors can take a three hour archipelago tour with companies like Stromma. OR Stay overnight on a 22 hour archipelago cruise with Birka Cruises. |  Birka Cruises |
For the more adventurous traveler,
buy an island hopping boat pass valid for several days or up to an an entire month.
Stay at bed & breakfasts, hostels, or even go tent camping
on some of the most remote islands... talk about a retreat!
buy an island hopping boat pass valid for several days or up to an an entire month.
Stay at bed & breakfasts, hostels, or even go tent camping
on some of the most remote islands... talk about a retreat!
Once our plane landed in Stockholm, we took the Arlanda Express train into the
northern part of the city known as Normalm.
This district contains the central train station, hotels,
and the main shopping street known as Drottninggatan.
During the day, this area is buzzing with people enjoying the cafes, markets, and shops.
northern part of the city known as Normalm.
This district contains the central train station, hotels,
and the main shopping street known as Drottninggatan.
During the day, this area is buzzing with people enjoying the cafes, markets, and shops.
 | Crossing the bridge west of central station will lead you to City Hall. Wander the grounds for free, take a guided tour, or climb the tower for panoramic views of the city  |
Town Hall
Crossing the bridge south of central station leads you into the old town (Gamla Stan).
This island is teeming with cafes, pubs, and souvenir shops.
This island is teeming with cafes, pubs, and souvenir shops.
Further south you will find Sodermalm,
a residential neighborhood offering great views of the city
and many ethnic restaurants to choose from.
This area is popular with backpackers and hipsters.
a residential neighborhood offering great views of the city
and many ethnic restaurants to choose from.
This area is popular with backpackers and hipsters.
| From Swedish meatballs to authentic Thai food or Italian gelato, you're bound to find it in Sodermalm! |  |
Swedish meatballs
Another neighborhood worth spending some time in is called Ostermalm.
Here you can find some of Stockholm's best architecture and museums.
Here you can find some of Stockholm's best architecture and museums.
Anywhere you go, there's bound to be a beautiful building nearby...
Ostermalm includes the eastern part of the city and the island known as Djurgarden.
As you walk along the waterfront, you will find several houseboats, floating restaurants, and bars.
As you walk along the waterfront, you will find several houseboats, floating restaurants, and bars.
The island is home to several museums, historic buildings, and an amusement park
Grona Lund amusement park
Djurgarden is home to one of the MOST visited museums in all of Scandinavia...
the Vasa Museum!
the Vasa Museum!
This war ship sank off the coast of Stockholm harbor during its maiden voyage in 1628.
What makes it so remarkable is that this ship was salvaged almost fully intact
after being submerged for over 300 years.
Its preservation can be mostly attributed to the cold, brackish (mixture of salt and fresh) water,
which made it difficult for microorganisms involved in decomposition to survive.
What makes it so remarkable is that this ship was salvaged almost fully intact
after being submerged for over 300 years.
Its preservation can be mostly attributed to the cold, brackish (mixture of salt and fresh) water,
which made it difficult for microorganisms involved in decomposition to survive.
Stockholm was so much more than I had expected.
From the remote islands to the bustling neighborhoods,
there's bound to be something to explore!
Now follow us as we set sail across the Baltic Sea...
From the remote islands to the bustling neighborhoods,
there's bound to be something to explore!
Now follow us as we set sail across the Baltic Sea...
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