It is a cold day at home and, somehow, instead of going for warm, I look at pictures of my cruise in the Baltic. But, in my defense, it was June there. Still not tropical weather but my eyes and mind wandered to my pictures of my stop in Stockholm, Sweden. And what I take away is what a great city it is to enjoy in summer time. I am sure it’s a great town any time of the year (I said having spent 3 weeks in Helsinki, Finland in the dead of winter many moons ago…). But in the summer the city is bright and alive.
I guess what I really liked about Stockholm compared to other cities by the water is that the transition from water to land felt more smooth. It did not feel abrupt with large man-made banks holding in a river (think London) nor city walls holding the sea back (think San Juan or Dubrovnik) nor being in the water proper (think Venice) nor with development keeping the city from the water (think Miami). I liked that the sea and city were seamlessly one. 
The islands around Stockholm
I also liked the many islands right by the city. I felt I could just skip and hop around endlessly.
Cruise ship approaching Stockholm passing through many islands
House on an island around Stockholm – nice spot!
History of that sea – the Vasa Museum
This close relationship with the sea around it is not limited to the landscape or topography. Stockholm and Sweden’s history is tightly related to the sea around it. No better place to see this come alive than the amazing Vasa Museum, itself on an island (see what I mean?). Shaped itself like a modern steel vessel, this well-designed set of exhibits walk you through maritime history and 17th century Sweden, with a great collection of items, all well-labeled. The Vasa was a ship found in 1960 in the waters around Stockholm which had sunk on its maiden voyage back in 1628 (what is it with ships sinking on the maiden voyage? think Titanic… I think I will avoid any ship’s maiden voyage just in case…) The entire ship is not the original (clearly after over 3 centuries over water, this was not to be). However, they have done a great job so that it is obvious which pieces of the ship you see are part of the reconstruction/reparations and which are original. The museum also includes actual ships moored next to it.
Man, that looks really nice. We haven’t made it to Stockholm yet, which is ridiculous considering the handful of friends we have there. Hopefully we’ll get there soon!
Ryan from Jets Like Taxis recently posted..New On the Site: Have Us Come to Your City!
Hey, Ryan. Thanks for stopping by. If you have friends there, go for sure! That’s be an awesome experience.
Raul recently posted..Crawling around Heidelberg
Some awesome pictures in this post Raul!
Thanks, Karl. Stockholm and the weather made it easy. Some of those clouds over the city make me think of The Simpsons!
Raul recently posted..Great Drive Series – A Switzerland Sampler
I had my first taste of Scandinavia earlier this year in Helsinki and loved it. Planning a trip to Oslo next week and I think Stockholm will be calling my name!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted..Eating my way around Palm Springs, California
I have been to all 3, Mrs. O, and all are quite unique. They each have a very different feel. I’d like to hear which “grabbed” you more after you visit all 3 (or 4 if you had Copenhagen). Of the 4, I have a clear favorite and a clear not-so-favorite. And two in the middle. But I won’t share until we can compare notes 🙂
I can see why you’d want to go back. I want to go with you.
I am sure we can find Guinness there, Mary Anne!
Seeing a real viking ship in Oslo is on my to-do list, but it looks like Stockholm will do just fine. That ship is awesome! I’ve never been to Scandinavia, which is a shame.
Leah recently posted..An Open Letter to Santa: My 2014 Travel Wish List
Leah, the one in Oslo is older and quite impressive. It is a simpler museum but nonetheless well worth the visit. Plus the boat ride to get there offers neat little vistas of the houses by the water.
I helped a relative plan a trip there last year, and as I did the research I really fell in love with the city. There is so much to see and do, and the design trends there are out of this world.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Winter Weather Road Trip Guidelines
Indeed, Lance, a very interesting place to visit. Hope you get to go after becoming so familiar with via your research! Did your relative share any neat places to not miss?
Stockholm looks incredible. We have yet to make our way to Scandinavia but this definitely has us looking up tickets.
There is a crazy long cross-country ski race in Sweden called the Vasa Loppet. I googled and it appears Vasa is the name of the king who is credited with creating the modern nation state of Sweden in the 16th century. It makes sense that it would be a common name since he was so important to Swedish history. Since the race is an insane length of 90 km, I think I might prefer a ride on the ship instead.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Sharks, surfing and springbok steaks: 5 of my most adventurous vacation moments
I’ve had this unnatural obsession with Scandinavia since, like, elementary school. You’ve added more fuel to the fire! Stockholm really looks to be a lovely city.
Francesca (@WorkMomTravels) recently posted..Sipping & sampling around Traverse City
like everyone is saying, scandinavia is SO on the list! iceland’s the closest i’ve been, and it definitely brought out my inner viking.
the lazy travelers recently posted..#LTfrancais: living the parisien life in saint-germain-des-prés
i’m getting myself to Sweden soon. i’d like to see Stockholm for sure and also stay at the Ice Hotel up north.
lola recently posted..#VisitPhilly – Beyond the Liberty Bell
Visiting the Vaasa must have been a great experience… Oddly, due to the fact that it stayed under water for so long, it was preserved for future generations, while so many other impressive old galleons were scrapped or destroyed in war.
Indeed – that one and the one in Oslo provide pretty neat insights into shipmaking -and more- of those times!