At the beginning of the year we went skiing to Poland. We booked flight to Stockholm and then to Katowice cos it worked out cheaper. We had almost whole day to spend in Sweden. January, freezing but sunny, offered us experience not to be forgotten.
Skavsta Airport is approx 1,5 hrs away from city center, so not that close. We took a bus (adult return – 248,000 SEK – so around 28 EUR). What draw my attention was a sign on the window. Take a look:
Fur - No Fur
When we got to the city it was freezing. I mean really freezing. I had my whole winter gear together with ski gloves and I could barely feel my fingers by the end of our short and fast tour. But the sunlight was sharp and the views amazing. I really recommend it for a city break but do be wise and go in the summer.
Stockholm centre
The Old City is located on an island called Gamla Stan. We approached it from the Central Station and here are some pictures. Firstly the Parliament and a bit of Riddarhuset (The House of Nobility). During the Middle Ages the King of Sweden consolidated his power at the expense of the counties and the local chieftains. Centralization called for a standing army.
Stockholm city center
Taxpaying farmers were entitled to furnish a trooper with horse and arms to do military service. In return the farmer was granted exemption from land dues to the Crown and thus became member of the nobility. In time, from having been a class of farmers providing troopers for military service, the nobility became a class of military men and civil officers.
Riksdagen Swedish Parliament
During the 17th century nobility became a form of reward for services rendered. In the 18th and 19th centuries the nobility became a leading social upper class. Prominent scientists and industrial leaders were also raised to nobility. Gustav II Adolf had founded the Swedish House of Nobility in 1626. Here all the noble families were regis-tered in order of seniority. Nobility could be granted only by the King. In Stockholm a stately palace was built as a meeting place for the nobility during
Stockholm colorful town houses
parliamentary sessions. The war of 1809 split Sweden into two states. The Grand Duchy of Finland received its own House of Nobility in 1818. Here the Swedish noble families who had chosen to remain in Finland were registered. The Emperor – Grand Duke continued to raise deserving Finnish citizens to the nobility. More information click here.
Gamla stan – The Old Town, until 1980 officially Staden mellan broarna (The Town between the Bridges) consists primarily of the island Stadsholmen. The surrounding islets Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Strömsborg are
One of the Stockholm pubs & restaurants in the old city
officially part of, but not colloquially included in, Gamla stan. The town dates back to the 13th century, and consists of medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and archaic architecture. North German architecture has had a strong influence in the Old Town’s construction.
The area has Stockholm’s biggest ranges of restaurants, cafes, tourist shops stores full of handicrafts & antiques, studios and museums among them Nobel Museum it also comprises The Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral.
The Royal Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, with over 600 rooms. We didn’t go in but the palace is open to public and like in London you can see the parade of soldiers and the daily changing of the guard. More about our trip and photos in my next post. See you then!
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