Explore More - 2019

STOCKHOLM Set on an

STOCKHOLM Set on an archipelago of 14 islands and with a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere, the Swedish capital is one of the most enchanting cities to visit on a Baltic cruise lthough the Stockholm area had been settled since the Stone Age, the city was actually founded in 1252 by notable Swedish statesman Birger Jarl. The famous Riddarholmen Church was built during this period and remains one of the city’s most vital landmarks. Stockholm became an influential European power during the 16th century, and its importance as a trade and cultural center continued to grow during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Stockholm is considered one of the most culturally significant cities in Europe and remains the most populous city of the Nordic countries, with around a million people living within the city. MUST-SEES One of the best things to do is to take a walk around the 13th-century Gamla Stan, the historic Old Town, which captures the essence of the city’s 800-year history with its beautifully preserved medieval buildings and narrow winding cobblestone streets. Visit the charming cafés here for fika (the traditional Swedish midmorning coffee break), and during midsummer, there are fireworks and festivities to enjoy. The island of Djurgården, easily reached by ferry from Gamla Stan, is where you will find many of Stockholm’s incredible museums, including the Vasa Clockwise, from above: An aerial view of Stockholm; Östermalms Saluhall food market; a boutique on Södermalm; the Vasa warship 36 VIKING.COM EXPLORE MORE 2019

CITY GUIDE Museum, which houses the wonderfully restored 17thcentury Vasa warship. It is also home to Skansen, an open air museum where you can find authentic re-creations of houses and workshops from 1720 all the way through to modern times. And, of course, no visit to Stockholm would be complete without a trip to the interactive ABBA The Museum, where you can sing like the Swedish fab four and see wonderful memorabilia including their costumes and the famous helicopter from the cover of their 1976 album, Arrival. Fans of Stieg Larsson (author of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) should definitely sign up for a Millennium walking tour starting at Bellmansgatan 1 on Södermalm—the home of one of the trilogy’s main protagonists, Mikael Blomkvist. The two-hour tour is a great way to explore the city from the unique perspective of the novels. EATING Foodies will be in their element at colorful Östermalms Saluhall, an indoor food market with fabulous fishmongers and delicatessens, as well as restaurants. Meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, cured meat and cheese feature heavily on traditional menus, but Stockholm also boasts nine Michelin-starred restaurants, a reflection of the city’s excellent gastronomic scene. In fact, there are more than 1,200 restaurants throughout the city catering to every possible taste. SHOPPING Sprawling and creative Södermalm is the best island for chic, cool boutiques. Nordiska Kompaniet, or NK as it is known, is one of the most famous department stores in the world, housed in a luxurious art nouveau building. It is also well worth visiting Designtorget, which sells contemporary Swedish designs, and Sturegallerian, an exclusive mall in the middle of Stureplan square. Go online: To watch a video of what you can see in Stockholm, visit voc.com/videos EXPLORE MORE 2019 VIKING.COM 37