Things to do in Stockholm
Stockholm boasts an array of inviting attractions for visitors to enjoy.
However, with its wonderful waterways, one of the best – and cheapest – things to do in Stockholm is to simply enjoy the water and take a trip out onto the Baltic Sea. The deep blue, calm waters provide the perfect place from which to admire the beauty of the city.
The city is an impressive mix of both new and old cultures, with the history of Stockholm not weighing down on it or preventing the city from moving forward. A perfect example of this is Stockholm's Globen, which is an amazing work of architecture and an awe-inspiring arena. Hosting a variety of sporting and cultural events, the massive white globe can hold 16,000 spectators – and frequently does! Although the cost of events at the Globe Arena (to give it the official title) varies, this is such an amazing structure that a trip out of the centre simply to look at it is worth the visit. It is the world's largest spherical building and is a symbol of modern, innovative Stockholm.
At the other end of the architectural scale, however, is Stockholm's cathedral. Built in the 13th century, this austere establishment was originally meant to be a small parish church. But as the influence of Stockholm grew, so the church was transformed into a large cathedral fit for the city. It contains some of the most important works of art in the country and in the world, such as the sculpture of St George and the Dragon which is said to be the finest piece of Late Gothic work still surviving on the continent. The cathedral also houses the oldest preserved painting of the city of Stockholm, known as Vädersolstavlan.
Skansen can provide a wonderful opportunity to learn much more about the long history of this city. Established in 1891 and billed as the world's first outdoor museum, it offers visitors the chance to get to know more about the history of Stockholm and also gives travellers wonderful views over today's city. To get a good idea of Stockholm's cityscape, a visit to the top of Skansen is a must. Skansen also contains the city's only zoo, which includes a variety of animals native to this part of the world. Elk, bears and wolves are all on display here.
While London has the Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Stockholm pays tribute to its own seafaring heritage with the Vasa Museum, dedicated to the Vasa ship. It is thought that the ship was one of the world's most powerful warships when it set sail in 1628, but despite that fearsome reputation, she sank on her first voyage. Recovered in 1961, the ship is still being restored to this day and the museum offers visitors an opportunity to see both how life would have been when the ship was built and the restoration work that has been underway since it was raised 45 years ago.
Sweden's capital contains, unsurprisingly, a number of museums. The most famous and also visitors' favourites are the Natural History Museum and the Modern Museum. The latter has built up an impressive reputation since its establishment in 1958 for the innovative artwork that has been put on show there by both local and international artists. Its collection includes works by the likes of Picasso, Dali and Rauschenberg.
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Things to Do
