According to BRIDGAT, Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden. The entire urban area has about two million inhabitants. The city has its origins in the thirteenth century and experienced its greatest growth in the sixteenth century. In the old town there are still enough streets that remind you of earlier times. However, Stockholm is above all a well-designed modern city, where there is enough space for a number of spacious squares and the necessary greenery within the city. Stockholm offers its guests a good infrastructure, beautiful museums and beautiful buildings such as the City Hall and the Stockholm Castle.
Stockholm ‘s top 10 sights
#1. Gamla Stan
In the center of the cosmopolitan city of Stockholm lies the island ‘Stadsholmen’. On this island you can actually find the original and now old center ‘Gamla Stan’ of the city. It is therefore not surprising that the royal palace is located here. Some parts of the old town date back to the 13th century. There are a number of historic buildings including the cathedral Storkyrkan, a large square Stortorget and a German church Tyska Kyrkan.
#2. Royal Palace
Stockholm’s Royal Palace was built on the foundations of a former medieval castle. It took about 57 years to build this oldest palace in the world, which is still inhabited by the royal family. A museum has been created in the basement of this palace where you can learn more about the royal family. The changing of the guard attracts many visitors every year. You will find this palace in the old city ‘Gamla Stan’ on the water.
#3. Sergels Torg
The most famous and largest square in the city is ‘Sergels Torg’. Various markets or demonstrations are regularly organized here. The square is actually split into three parts. A pedestrian zone, a roundabout and an open space towards the busiest road of the center ‘Sveavägen’. In the middle of the roundabout is the obelisk Crystal, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
#4. City Hall
The special city hall of the city has a prominent place on the water. There are several rooms to admire, including the blue room. This room, which is not blue by the way, is often the stage for the famous ‘Nobelfest’, which is held every year on December 10th. If you feel like climbing the tower, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the city.
#5. Vasa Museum
This very interesting museum houses a ship from the 17th century. This ship ‘Vasa’ sank in 1628 on its first voyage. You can still see that the ship was under water for at least 300 years before it was exhibited in this museum. The entire history of this ship can be found in this museum. The ship Vasa was built under the direction of the Dutch ship’s carpenter Henrik Hybertsson. There are regularly various changing exhibitions in this maritime museum.
#6. Opera
building In the Norrmalm district in the center of the city, you will find the beautiful Royal Opera building ‘Kungliga Operan’. The world’s greatest ballet and opera pieces pass by on the stage of this imposing building. Careful attention has been paid to the appearance, both on the outside and on the inside.
#7. Drottningholm Castle
Just outside the city of Stockholm lies the regal estate of Drottningholm Castle. The palace was commissioned by Hedwig Eleonora of Holstein-Gottorp, the widow of Charles X Gustav of Sweden. Later, the park and the English garden were designed. Special is the Chinese pavilion ‘Kina Slott’ which does not fit in at all.
#8. Nordic Museum
If you didn’t know that this majestic building is a museum, you’d probably think it’s Stockholm’s Royal Palace. The Nordic Museum is located in this beautiful building, which tells you everything about Scandinavian history.
#9. Skogskyrkogården
This cemetery is so special that it is a cultural heritage and has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can find this cemetery in a suburb of the city. Most striking is the sublime combination of landscape and architecture. According to many, this cemetery has been an example for many others around the world.
#10. Djurgården
This green part of the city is located east of the center. A number of special museums can be visited on this former hunting ground, including the maritime Vasa Museum, the Skansen open-air museum and the Nordic Museum. It is also very nice for children. There is also an amusement park ‘Grona Lund Amusement Park’ and a zoo.
