I recently returned from a thrilling vacation in Sweden and Denmark with my friend Michelle. Before this trip, I had visited many European countries but had never seen Scandinavia. I had heard wonderful things about the area, and assumed I would love Stockholm and Copenhagen as much as the other great cities of Europe. I was wrong — I liked them even more! Stay tuned to my upcoming posts to learn why.
Our first stop was Stockholm, which thrilled me with its perfect balance of architecture, nature, history, and modern culture. The city sits on several islands, so a calming, spacious water view is always nearby. The people were friendly and laid-back, and they seemed happy — no, downright joyful — to be out enjoying a gorgeous Swedish summer.
I was captivated by the city right away, and managed to walk 30,000 steps on my first full day there. I didn’t want to stop exploring this gorgeous place! Here are some of my views around Stockholm.
Landscape view of Gamla Stan (Old Town), as seen from from Monteliusvägen in Stockholm
My lovely friend Michelle while wandering through the Katarina-Sofia area of Stockholm
A selfie of an overjoyed me while I was watching the sunset high above Stockholm
Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town
One of the narrow cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan
A couple enjoying a sunny summer day along the waterfront
Gamla Stan
Picnics at a park along the Monteliusvägen walking path. So many people of all ages were out enjoying a summer sunset, and it was a joy to see them making the most of the weather.
A painter enjoying the vivid colors of Stortorget, a beautiful square in Gamla Stan
Not a bad view for a commute
Colorful streets of Gamla Stan
Stockholm skyline
Fotografiska, a phenomenal photography museum in Stockholm
Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s waterfront amusement park
The first of many amazing meals we had in Scandinavia!
Summer’s late setting sun
I never realized how pretty salmon could be.
Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s waterfront amusement park
Stockholm skyline
A park in Djurgarden
Stockholm skyline, as seen from from Monteliusvägen
Stockholm waterfront
Reflections in Katarina-Sofia
Stockholm sunset
The changing of the Swedish Royal Guard outside the Palace
Colorful Stockholm
Seen while shopping for fun stuff!
Twilight
Gamla Stan view from across the water
The Skånska Gruvan building, a former exhibition hall with an amazing staircase
Stortorget, a beautiful square in Stockholm’s old town of Gamla Stan
Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s waterfront amusement park
Kulturhuset Stadsteatern – Stockholm House of Culture and City Theatre
Enjoying the sunset from the Monteliusvägen cliffside trail
Stockholm
Coming up tomorrow: Photos of our adventure in the islands of the Stockholm archipelago!
