The world’s capitals are divided into modern high tech capitals and ancient cities proud of their history and traditions. When we consider Stockholm, however, the 800-year- old city provides a very smooth blend and balance, a college of history and advanced technology.
Stockholm is 1/3 water, 1/3 vegetation and 1/3 urban area. The city was built on no less than 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. It is true that it can be described as a cold snowy city but it also experiences long days in the summers when the sun almost never sets.
Many of the things to see and do in Stockholm are special because of the unique nature of the city. It is multi-national and multi-cultural; one sees faces from all over the world. Other cultures are well represented; there is even an Islamic Museum.
A great advantage for international visitors is that virtually, all Swedish people speak very good English, which naturally makes the lives of tourists much easier than it might otherwise be. At the mention of ‘Sweden’ anywhere in the world, people will immediately think of Abba (the music group) and the Nobel Prize. The Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony is Stockholm’s most famous annual event after which a banquet is held. After the prizes have been awarded, the guests move to the Stockholm City Hall on the shores of Lake Malar. For a few hours each year, the media follows the events in the great Blue Hall — which is in fact red but is called blue because the designer originally wanted it to reflect the blue Swedish sky. There is also a Golden Hall in the City Hall where the walls are decorated with gold mosaics.
The Vasa Museum is another attraction unique to Sweden. The great warship, Vasa, sank to the seabed 333 years ago. It was recovered in 1956 and is now kept in the museum, which is open to the public. The ship contains about 95% of her original parts and was built on the orders of King Gustavus Adolphus. People enjoy the museum and are astonished and impressed by the legendary ship and the everyday items it contains — sailors’ boots and household utensils from the past. There plenty more to be seen in Stockholm. The city boasts an Opera House and there are events in the summer for everyone, ranging from modern art exhibitions to marathons and even rock concerts. What will remain in your mind is the friendliness of the Swedes themselves. They may use the net for everything but they have not lost their warm and human touch, which puts a smile on the face of their guests.
