Sweden is in the geographical region known as Scandinavia in northern Europe. Lush, large forests cover half of the country and over 100,000 lakes dot the landscape.
“Once the travel bug bites there’s no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life”—Michael Palin
Visit Abba museum
Whatever your opinion is on pop culture, there is no question when it comes to Abba and their influence on pop music or music in general.
Three decades have passed and yet their music is present in movies and TV shows.
Visiting their museum, you can go on Waterloo exhibit and dive into the 1974 Eurovision Contest that Abba won with song Waterloo.
Gamla Stan
If you are starting in Stockholm, be sure to visit Gamla Stan. The old city of Stockholm is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
Stockholm is located on three islands—yeah you read that right.
Sweden’s foundations are laid down on three stunning islands you can visit via bike, train, or a ferry. If you prefer, you can also take a walk and explore them on foot.
Gamla Stan is well known for its souvenirs and handicrafts.
The narrow winding cobblestone streets, with their buildings in so many gold shades, give Gamla Stan its unique character.
Even now, you can find cellar vaults and frescoes from the Middle Ages behind the visible facades. On snowy days, the district feels like something from a storybook.
Royal Palace
Containing five museums and more than 600 rooms, this 18th century Palace is home to Sweden’s King. Yes, Sweden is still a kingdom, and all major royal events still take place in the palace.
Take time and check the reception rooms, the royal apartments, the Rikssalen (Hall of State), and the Ordenssalarna (Halls of the Orders of Chivalry).
One of five museums, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities has ancient Greek and Roman sculptures bought by the king during his trip to Italy in 1783.
Fotografiska
The Södermalm old pier of Stadsgården is one of the world’s top photography galleries.
Every year, there are four major high-profile exhibitions with 20 smaller shows.
Since the exhibitions frequently rotate and there’s no permanent collection, each visit to Fotografiska is different.
The City Hall
One of the buildings that makes Stockholm worthy of a visit is the City Hall.
This 106-meter tall building with a tower and spire was built back in 1923. Composed of 8 million bricks, it is a perfect expression of the Nordic National Romantic style.
Inside the City Hall, you will find the famous Blue Hall, where the Nobel Banquet is held every December.
After the Nobel dinner, the dance is held in Golden Hall, adorned with 18 million gold mosaic tiles.
Nordic Museum
Established by Artur Hazelius, the Nordic Museum shows the history of Sweden from about the 16th century onwards, showcasing its traditional costume and textiles, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and folk art.
Sami, Sweden’s only indigenous culture, is a big part of Swedens history. In the Nordic museum, you can delve into their culture, beliefs, and ways of living.
This Neo-Renaissance palace was finished in 1907 after a 19-year construction and is worth the visit alone. Isak Gustaf Clarson designed it.
Södermalm
After visiting Fotografiska and enjoying its magic, you’ll realize that you’ve only scratched this island’s surface south of the center.
Sodermalm is a supercool neighborhood with many small coffee shops, restaurants, designer clothes stores, and vintage stores.
Walking through this area will inspire you to take some great photos. While here, don’t forget and try the famous salty licorice candy, which is well-known in Sweden.
The reason why Nordic people love salty candy is that in the past, they had to rely on salty meats to survive through the cold winters.
My personal experience with salty licorice is beyond explanation. When you visit the famous Lakrisroten and try their licorice ice cream, you will know what I’m talking about.
Vasa Museum
At the West shore of Djurgården, you will find this fantastic relic from the 17th-century.
King Gustavus Adolphus used this ship for his conquering, even though the ship went down on its first voyage in 1628.
It remained deep in the ocean until 1961 when it was lifted to surface and slowly restored.
The ship has almost all of its original material and is the only 17th-century ship of this size.
And with the ship came a payload of artifacts that tell us the story of sailing with Vasa.
These are shown in ten exhibition rooms, and there’s a multilingual movie about the ship and its resurrection.
Kiruna
Kiruna’s town lies close to the border with Northern Norway and Finland, 140 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.
Although the Swedes officially founded Kiruna in 1900, the native Sami people have been here for much longer. Evidence suggests that they have roamed these lands for at least 6,000 years.
At Kiruna, you will find a famous IceHotel.
This Hotel is completely made of ice and every year tourists from all over the world come here to experience what it’s like to stay in IceHotel.
Each year, the hotel is reconstructed by artists that make this place unique and a must-visit for your bucket list.
Go for Fika
Probably the most popular word in Sweden is Fika. Slow Down, eat some cinnamon bun, drink some coffee, and enjoy the life right this moment. You can go for Fika anywhere in Sweden or the world.
Fika’s whole point is to stop what you are doing, make some coffee, sit outside, and enjoy the moment with close friends.
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