Gamla Stan, Medieval
The old town, located on four islands, is a small pedestrian paradise with cobbled alleys and massive palaces. The former form a tortuous labyrinth bordered by high houses with copper roofs over time. They contain coffees as dark as warm and antique shops. Irregular squares aerate the neighborhood, organize the streets and stage remarkable historic buildings, including the imposing royal palace. Built since 1200 from the Château des Trois-Courtiers, it has grown steadily over the centuries, becoming fortress and then opulent Renaissance palace. After watching the guard, you will visit some of the 608 pieces of the building, whose decoration was influenced by the French rococo style. Don't miss the treasure room that houses the jewels of the Swedish Krona. By rushing through the medieval town, you will lift your eyes to beautiful churches with various bell towers, then visit the Nobel Museum before crossing the bridge leading to Knights Island (Riddarholmen). In this peaceful haven, beautiful palaces and special hotels close around the Swedish Pantheon.
On the King's Island (Kungsholmen), the very photogenic city hall (Stadshuset) appears to float on the water. Completed by Ragnar Östberg in 1923, this red brick vessel is the flagship of the national romantic style. Courtyards, gardens, arcades and terraces are dominated by a square, sober and majestic corner tower; Three golden crowns, symbol of Sweden, shine at its peak. Do not hesitate to approach them closest to the city.
Culture and shopping in Norrmalm
On the hillside of Norrmalm, shimmering in the xviie century, the streets were laid straight to raise palate and bourgeois houses. Many have disappeared in the 1960 s in disputed urbanism programs, which are trying to repair mistakes. From Gamla Stan, you reach the heart of the modern city by crossing the island of Saint-Esprit where Parliament is throne. Once the bridges have been crossed, the reception is provided by the equestrian statue of Gustav ˇ II Adolf, surrounded by the Rococo Opera House and the superb Dance Museum.
If you're looking for an underground fever, follow Drottninggatan, a long pedestrian street lined with far too well known signs… Further north, Sergels torg is the symbol of the molt of the post-war neighborhood. There is the House of Culture, the work of Modernist Peter Celsing.
By browsing through the halles of Hötorget, you will discover Swedish food products -a recognition of the terrain before your dinner tonight.
But before you get to the table, why not swim in the Centralbadet colonnade pool, a 1904 Art Nouveau temple.
To the east of Norrmalm is Östermalm, this elegant chess area. If you're in a hurry, join the subway and discover some of the superb stations (Bredäng, Farsta Centrum, Rinkeby) that are the pride of the storage network. Beautiful, eclectic hotels make up the Strandvägen and diplomatic enclave of Diplomatstaden. A few blocks away the Golden Triangle, a favorite area of art lovers and so famous Swedish design.
Museum Islands, Park Islands
Before joining the islands, go through the National Museum to discover great Swedish painters. Along the calm island of Boats (Skeppsholmen), there are two remarkable museums: that of oriental antiques and modern art, housed in a bold and bright building signed by J.R. ╚ Moneo, to admire Munch or Dalí.
The vast island of Djurgården is a weekend destination alone! Gardens, restaurants, museums, sports areas and views to watch the boats go there. It's up to you to choose ↓! Your children will guide you towards the Junibacken, dedicated to the fantasy world of the stories of Astrid Lindgren. Nearby, the unmissable Vasa Museum houses a famous xvii century royal ship. If northern cultures fascinate you, linger in the vast Museet Museet before offering you a trip through Sweden in the outdoor museum of Skansen, the oldest in the world (1891). Various types of regional habitats tell the Swedish daily.
Finally, islands where walking and bathing (Grinda, Finnhamn, Utö, Ängsö), charming villages (Vaxholm, Sandhamn) can be the object of unforgettable excursions. Most tourists join Drottningholm, reached after 1 hour of navigation. This is where the royal family stands. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Versailles à la Swedish features a beautiful baroque apartment, a harmonious theater, sumptuous gardens and an unexpected Chinese pavilion.
White nights in Södermalm
Located south of Gamla Stan, this fashionable working area offers a summary of the capital. Various architectural styles and atmospheres blend in. You will go along the wooden houses of Fjällgatan, admire the modern and bold creations of the Arc de Bofill or the sphere of Globen, take the streets of the picturesque districts of Åsöberget or Skinnarviksberget and visit the city museum (Stadsmuseum). Södermalm is also the ideal area for a fashion shop and decor in designer and second hand boutiques… before enjoying the crazy weekend evenings! At sofo (Götgatan, Nytorget), the fashionable bobbone district, artists and students align with pleasant coffees dedicated to the fika, a convivial snack during which young Swedes come around with a variety of pastries and drinks. When the moon takes over, it is time to join the pubs and clubs where we move on all possible rhythms. One more surprise for this capital really not like others!
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When is it? From May to September, join the Swedes who enjoy sun on terraces, in parks and at festivals. In December, snow-covered and illuminated streets can be enjoyed.
Go there. By plane, several daily direct flights are offered from Paris between 70 and 200 €.
A daily train from the Gare du Nord in Paris, with a change in Cologne and Copenhagen for 23 ¾ hours of travel.
By bus, one to two departures per week from Paris, Lille and Brussels for 20 ¾ hours of travel.
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Useful. To find brochures and maps.
STOCKHOLM TOURIST CENTER
