Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

Stockholm archipelago, Sweden,

Sailing out of Stockholm and past the Stockholm archipelago was one of the highlights of that Baltic cruise that we went on way back in May. I wonder how many of the population own a boat. If I lived near there I’d definitely have one, what freedom it must be to go sailing along there between the many wee islands, all looking like something out of a story book.

Stockholm Archipelago

By all accounts most families in Sweden have their own teeny summerhouse on an island which they can sail to – to get away from it all. Bliss.

Stockholm Archipelago

Some houses are really large, but I suspect they’re still only used during the summer months as it must be freezing out there – even more so than being on the east coast of Scotland!
Stockholm Archipelago

This serene sail was breathtakingly beautiful and seemed to go on forever with the scenery constantly changing.
Stockholm Archipelago

Later, as the sun went down, we were in our cabin and I was so thankful that we had a window in it and a wide ledge for me to lean on as I couldn’t tear myself away from the view.

Stockholm Archipelago,Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm Gardens, Royal Palace

Back at Stockholm, above is a photo of the royal palace and public gardens nearby.

Below is a statue of what Jack described as a disporting gent but we didn’t find a clue as to who he is.

adisporting gent , statue, Stockholm, Sweden

statue, Stockholm, Sweden

Below is definitely Linnaeus.

Linnaeus

One of a pair of waterfalls at the royal palace.

Royal Palace  waterfall, Stockholm

A church and street.

church, Stockholm

The national museum – below.

national museum, Stockholm

The Riksdag below is I presume the parliament building, I thought the plane flying past would have looked better than it does in the photo.

Riksdag + plane, Stockholm

Riksdag gateway.

Riksdag gateway, Stockholm

Eventually we found Gamla Stan which is the old part of the city and as you can see was stuffed with tourists. Shops selling Dala horses abounded, but we resisted as our old ones look nicer than the ones they sell now. I nearly bought an old children’s book with lovely illustrations but as the shop owner was on the phone all the time we were there – chatting with a friend – she didn’t get the sale. I’m still annoyed, but it happens here too, I just wonder why people have shops if they aren’t willing to serve the potential customers.

Gamla Stan, old Stockholm

Lastly is a photo of the waterfront. I don’t know what it would be like on a cold and grey winter’s day, but certainly in blue sky sunshine Stockholm is a stunningly beautiful city.

Stockholm waterfront

Stockholm, Sweden

When we were on that Baltic cruise back in early May Stockholm was one of the last places we visited. I have to say that it isn’t a place that I had ever yearned to visit, but it turned out to be one of my favourite cities. Of course the sun was shining which always helps, in fact – I was too hot!

Stockholm Bridges
There are lots of great buildings.

Drama Theatre, Stockholm, Sweden
But it wasn’t always obvious what they actually were.

Stockholm building

I really didn’t know too much about Stockholm and had no idea that it is built on a series of islands which are linked by bridges. That’s mainly what makes it so beautiful, it’s lovely to be in a city and to see all sorts of boats right in front of you.

Stockholm waterfront, Sweden

Stockholm,Canal + weir

But there’s plenty of greenery around too.

Stockholm, conifers

The building below is the Riksdag which is I believe their parliament building. What a location!
Rocks , Birds, Riksdag, Stockholm

I have lots more photos, but that’ll do for now. I hope you enjoyed this wee glimpse of Stockholm.