The Venice of the North

I have to admit my initial impression of Stockholm was that it's expensive - it certainly has that reputation, but as it turns out, it doesn't need to be.  One thing I know how to do is plan, so a bit of research later I found myself at the airport boarding a short and inexpensive flight to Sweden's capital, sometimes referred to as 'the Venice of the North'.  On arrival, it wasn't difficult to see why.  The city consists of easily navigable islands separated by sparkling waterways which account for a third of the city's total surface area.

I decided for this trip I would step out of my comfort zone and not plan an itinerary - just go with the flow and see what happens.  This is completely against my nature, I'm a keen traveller and my previous trips have been planned down to every. last . detail.  This is usually after meticulous research, checking various top attraction lists and guide books, determined to tick them all off the list.  But this time was different.  I arrived in Stockholm without a plan and although I did feel an initial sense of panic (I hadn't even pre-booked the bus from the airport to the city!) it all turned out for the best. After buying tickets for the bus at the airport and were soon in the city, checking in to our impeccably clean and quiet hostel.  I have to admit at this point I did have a pre printed map of the location of the hostel - baby steps!  It was late on a Friday when we arrived and my first impressions were that it was peaceful and quiet, not much like it is at the same time back home on a weekend evening. 

old town

The next morning we headed to the tourist information centre to decide what to do.  A triathlon was on at the time affecting the sightseeing bus route so we opt for a boat tour instead, taking in the sights of the beautiful waterways that connect the city.  Next we head over to old town to check out the old alleyways and cobbled streets. We don't pay attention to the map and just wander and find a lovely cafe where we stop for a drink and some people watching. The old town is beautiful, if a little busy with tourists but not so much if you wander off the beaten track.  We decide to go back later for some Swedish meatballs for dinner (when in Sweden!) and find a cute little place with photos on the menu which helps us with our choice. 

sunset view over the city

As the sun starts to set we head up to Monteliusvagen - a short walk along the tops of the cliffs of Sodermalm.  It's a bit of a walk to get there but we are rewarded with a fantastic view of the old town and city hall during a stunning red and pink sunset which seemed to last for ages.  As night fell, we walked down past the water which looked like glass in the moonlight, reflecting the beautiful old buildings lit up.

love locks on the bridge

The next day we spend some time at the park, sitting in glorious warm sunshine at the edge of the water, watching with fascination as windsurfers persevered on their boards, not moving at all due to the lack of wind!  We then walk across the adjacent Western Bridge which connects the North and South City.  At the middle of the bridge we find love locks - padlocks affixed to the bridge by couples to symbolise their everlasting love.  It was a fantastic view from there of the entire city - and not one included in any of the 'must do' lists for visitors to the city.  On our way back we walk through the park again and I come across a few smiley faces - one drawn on the ground, one on a climbing wall and one a shop sign and stop to take photos of them.

 

changing if the guard at the Royal Palace

Later we walk back to the old town again to watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace then pick up some souvenirs and everything we find is expensive, even a small bottle of water cost the equivalent of £2.10.  The scandinavians are known for their high standard of living and it's evident here but we've managed to keep the costs down in travel and accomodation and it was well worth it.



I didn't tick off all of the top 10 must see sites, but I really found the heart of this beautiful city and found my smiley face in more ways than one, where will you find yours?