Stockholm: An Overview
Spread out over 14 islands, with an eye towards the Baltic Sea to the East, Sweden’s capital city of Stockholm is a beautiful, colorful, vibrant, and modern 700-year-old European city. It’s also a lot of fun to take photos in!
I had a chance to visit this great city back in March and really fell in love with it. Here’s a quick tour of the city of Stockholm photos.
Stockholm in Pictures
One of the places you must surely visit in the Old Town of Stockholm (Gamla Stan). This is the oldest section of town, which dates back to the 13th century, although most of the buildings date to the 17th century now. I really love the colorful buildings on the various town squares.
How to Visit Gamla Stan, Stockholm
The best way to visit Gamla Stan is on foot, where you will find a labyrinth of cobbled streets and colorful buildings. Wandering (a.k.a. getting totally lost) is a blast. Be sure to stop and take in the reflections of the old, colorful buildings in the river.
Royal Palace of Stockholm
The Royal Palace, or Stockholm Palace, also situated in Old Town, is the actual residence of the Swedish Monarch. It’s a beautiful building that is hard to miss not only because of its color and architecture but also because of the guards that watch the entrance.
We happened to be visiting Stockholm at the time when their beloved Princess Lillian died at the age of 97.
About Princess Lillian
Known as the people’s Princess, Lillian met Prince Bertil when she was 28, and they were lovers for 30 years but could not marry. Due to Sweden’s strict royal succession rules— which at the time did not permit a contender for the throne to marry a commoner—King Gustav VI Adolph would not give his blessing to the union.
Therefore, they lived as lovers for 33 years before they were finally married when times, and opinions, had changed enough to permit it. These royal guards marched in front of the Royal Palace during her funeral procession, which was a moving experience.
Bicycles of Stockholm
What can I say? I love bikes, and I love photographing bikes. I’ve found many European cities to be great for taking photos of bikes. Stockholm is no different. Shiny European bikes shot in black and white with shop windows and flowers behind them create stunning images. While I wouldn’t say there are a ton of bikes in Stockholm, there are certainly enough to satisfy any photographer.
Stockholm Nightlife
Stockholm has a lively nightlife as well. Here, patrons dine at the famous International Press Club. You can check out the photos on the wall of all the famous people who have been here!
Moreover, they serve some of the best European beer in the bar—a must for a drink or dinner while visiting Stockholm.
Viking History
Another “MUST” for any visit to Stockholm is the incredible Vasa Museum. How often do you get to come face to face (or face to stern) with a 17th-century Swedish warship? This magnificent ship sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage out of Stockholm and is on display in full regalia at the impressive Vasa Museum. For more information on the ship, check out the Vasa museum website: http://www.vasamuseet.se/en/
Best Sunset Spot in Stockholm
Sunset in Stockholm is a magical time. Be sure to be near the water (which is hard to avoid because it is everywhere) when the sun is going down. You will get to see Stockholm in its magic hour.
I’ll leave you with this final image of the sun setting behind a steeple and bridges. If you get the chance, take a visit to Stockholm. It’s a beautiful, cosmopolitan, modern, and vibrant city that is incredibly enjoyable for photography!
