Water, water, everywhere…the archipelago stretches up along the coast. There are thousands of small rocky islands, some with commerce, permanent homes, legendary homes, all a boat ride away.
A city born of water, its colors soft against the stormy sky
A three hour tour allows us to experience the beauty ( Gilligan Island style!) The islands may be inhabited by the uber rich or the working Swedes who own a summer home or just isolated out droppings.
When the snow flies, the Baltic Sea may freeze allowing residents to walk across to larger nearby islands. In the consonance of international travel, we find ourselves seated a short distance away from a couple who live an hour from our house at home in the US. Her grandmother came from a town not far from David’s grandfather’s birth place. They were headed to Kalmar, where we had just left. Kismet!
One of thousands of islands in the Stockholm archipelago, each with its own quiet charm
We are squeezing in the possible sights we have left unseen. Skansen is an open air museum, full of Swedish daily life across the centuries and touristed by the locals, as much as the visitors.
A sign of history ahead — Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum
Homes and shops from all areas of Sweden have been transported and reassembled here to represent certain time periods. There is a segment of the park which showcases Nordic Animals, a zoo, and an aquarium which are a big draw for families and school groups.
Log-built farm buildings, preserved at Skansen to showcase rural life from centuries past
Upon our arrival, a school group of preschoolers in neon vests, tied together with a rope progressed into the park. Gardens and a large covered picnic area provide seating near a collection of food vendors serving traditional good, burgers, baked goods. Despite the heavy rains and intermittent showers, the venue is accessible.
An 18th-century manor reimagined with a tapestry of flowers — tradition layered with creativity
A visit to Stockholm is not complete without a tour of the city hall. The Blue Hall (made of red brick) and the golden hall (shimmering wash of tiny gold mosaic tiles) are the back drop for Swedish governance and daily life.
Stockholm by night — City Hall glowing on the water, a beacon of the capital
The tour provides a look at the life of the city from weddings to the Nobel Prize Dinner to the ballroom with the fresco by the Prince, it is a fascinating tour.
There are many museums and sights to see from Artwork in the parks to smaller museums such as the Photography Musuem, you cannot miss. The exhibit of Anton Corbijn’s work, who grew in fame and perspective as a music photographer, later movie director, was really provocative and intriguing, really capturing an essence of the many famous people he photographed.
Anton Corbijn — where photography meets rock ’n’ roll soul
The beautiful rooftop restaurant over looks the harbor and was a lovely spot to debrief the exhibit over a late night bite.
Through glass and city lights, a quiet moment together at Fotografiska Museum
Our tour of Stockholm ends with a trip on the city Metro system.The subway is perhaps the epitome of the Swedish people.
Underground, but unforgettable
The various station stops are designed with themes from caves, to tile designs to drawings. They are immaculate. The floors shine, there is no trash or unpleasant smells and the people riding are restrained, no crowding to board or disembark. They are quiet in their demeanor.
Beneath Stockholm, art meets commute — a fiery cave where the subway feels like a gallery
We leave Stockholmwith a sense of balance — between water and land, history and modernity, quiet order and vibrant culture. From the windswept islands of the archipelago to the golden shimmer of City Hall, from the lively traditions at Skansen to the underground artistry of the metro, the city reveals itself in layers. Even in the rain, Stockholm shines with its mix of natural beauty, rich heritage, and the everyday rituals of Swedish life — especially the pause for fika, the sweetest symbol of all.
Maureen and David’s Travel Blog 
Good to hear from you and your Stockholm experiences. Once again you’ve evoked memories of our time in Stockholm. I recall spending time at Skansen and City Hall. And using the Metro. A romantic rooftop dinner sounds like a great way to close out your Stockholm and Scandinavian journey. Wishing you safe travels on the remainder of your trip. Today we start our 2 Week Fall RV trip
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