5 Unique Things To See & Do In Stockholm, Capital Of Sweden
Stockholm, Sweden [Image by brightfreak from Pixabay]Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is spread over 14 islands, connected by more than 50 bridges on the Baltic Sea. The city is a mixture of cobblestone streets in its old town, Gamla Stan and its modern side with attractive architecture. While the city as a whole is unique and unusual, Stockholm features a number of must-see attractions for visitors to enjoy. Among them is the world’s most unique art gallery, Sweden’s answer to the Titanic, an open-air museum, exciting street art and the chance to enjoy a Nobel banquet.
1. Unique art gallery on Stockholm’s metro
Kungsträdgården metro station in Stockholm, Sweden [Image Wikimedia Commons]In most cities in the world, the metro or subway is just a way to get around the city, but not in Stockholm. The Swedish capital has 100 metro stations, 90 of which have been transformed into elaborate art installations. Moreover, each station is different, with varying paintings, sculptures, mosaics and installations. Meanwhile, all it costs to see this artistic splendor across the city is the price of a metro ticket.
2. Vasa Museum, Galärvarvsvägen 14, Stockholm
Vasa Museum [Image by Monika Neumann from Pixabay]It turns out Sweden has its own version of the Titanic, except that this one is much easier to visit. Back in the 17th century, the Swedish navy built an amazing flagship, the Vasa, planned to be a giant floating fortress. To get an idea of its strength, the ship had two large cannons, 48 light cannons, six large howitzers and eight “three pounders.”
Meanwhile, all the firepower might be good for defense, but it did look like it would be in danger of capsizing. Despite this, the Royal court ordered that the ship be completed on schedule. Due to the rush, when the Vasa set sail on August 10, 1628, it capsized after only one nautical mile. Nowadays, the ship is still fully intact and can be visited in all its glory at the Vasa Museum.
3. Skansen Open Air Museum, Djurgården, Stockholm
Skansen Open Air Museum [Image by Michelle Raponi from Pixabay]For history buffs keen to know more about the old days in Sweden, the Skansen Open Air Museum is a must-visit. The museum was founded in 1891 by Swedish folklorist, Artur Hazelius to display pre-industrial life in the country. Nowadays it displays historic structures like traditional homes and log cabins from all over Sweden. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy a series of folklore and music festivals here. Moreover, the museum has a small zoo and a cafe for refreshments.
4. Snösätra Graffiti Gallery, 3 Snösätragränd
Snösätra Wall of Fame, Stockholm [Image Wikimedia Commons]In 2014, a rundown industrial area of Stockholm was transformed into one of the largest graffiti exhibitions in Europe. In fact, the owners of the buildings were more than happy to allow street artists from around the world to transform the area. The artists decorated every inch of available space into an eye-catching and colorful art gallery. Meanwhile, the result of their work has become popular to share on Instagram. Moreover, each year, artists visit again in spring to update their work.
5. Enjoy a Nobel banquet at Stadshuskällaren, Stockholm
Stadshuskällaren Nobel banquet [Image Wikimedia Commons]Few people get the opportunity to attend one of the annual Nobel banquets in Stockholm. However, it turns out anyone can enjoy the feast, just like an actual Nobel prize winner. The Stadshuskällaren (City Hall Cellars) offers visitors and locals the chance to dine on any of the Nobel banquet menus from over the years. One example is the 2017 Nobel banquet, where guests dined on a crispy saddle of lamb served with bilberry bavaroise. Even better, diners can eat the feast on the actual green and gold Nobel china and cutlery used at the annual banquets.
Explore these and other attractions and locations in Stockholm, Sweden this year for a unique experience.
Anne Sewell: Anne is a freelance writer and travel writer who has spent much of her life in southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and is now living on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.