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Sweden, officially called the Kingdom of Sweden, is located towards the north of Europe and is part of the Scandinavian countries, and of course, of the European Union. Its capital is Stockholm, with a residential population of 972,647 inhabitants; it is said to be the most populated city in Sweden, of which 2.4 million are located at the metropolitan area level.
Stockholm is a clean, modern, orderly, cosmopolitan city, where the main companies of the country are located, as well as the seat of the Government, the Supreme Court of Justice, the Palace of Parliament, the residence of the Prime Minister, the Royal Palace, which is the work center of King Charles XVI and the Drottningholm Palace, which is the residence of the Swedish royal family.
Stockholm is said to be the “Venice of the North”, as it is formed by 14 islands, which rest on the salt waters of the Baltic Sea and the fresh waters of Lake Mälaren; it has some 57 bridges, which connect the entire structure that makes up the city. However, some say that the archipelago and the surroundings have more islands; it is perhaps a difficult estimate, but it is calculated between 24,000 to 30,000.
Although it has many places to visit, the essential can be visited in a few days; it is mentioned that the best time to visit the country is between the months of April and October.
What are the main islands of Stockholm?
As already mentioned, there are 14 islands and the most mentioned and known are connected by 57 bridges between them. For example, the largest are: Kungsholmen, towards the westernmost and northernmost part of the city; then we have Djurgården, also to the north, but on the eastern side; finally, there is Södermalm, the largest of all and is located to the south; the 3 form a kind of inverted triangle.
Next and towards the central part we have several islands, such as Stadsholmen, Helgeandsholmen, Riddarholmeny and Strömsborg, the smallest of all; these make up the old city or historic center of this capital, where most of these important buildings are located; it also receives the well-known name of Gamla Stan.
Also, in this same area we have the Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen, although a little more to the east side, and Beckholmen to the southeast. Last but not least, the islands of Stora Essingen, Lilla Essingen, Långholmen and Reimersholme are located to the southwest.
Some places to visit on Stockholm’s larger islands:
On the island Kungsholmen:
On this quiet island is located the City Hall of Stockholm, a building that began its construction in the early nineteenth century and completed in 1923. Red brick building facing the sea, where the famous Blue Room is also located, for the annual ceremony and banquet of the Nobel Prize, which is awarded by the Swedish Academy, except the Nobel Peace Prize.
There is also a new area in Hornsberg Strand, which has promenades, restaurants, bathing areas and other environments where you can have a good time. Also, in the summer season some of the boats that are anchored on the Norr Mälarstrand promenade are converted into bars with live music.
On the island Södermalm:
It is the largest of the 14 islands, with a variety of different neighborhoods, making it a well entertained and multifaceted city. Its atmosphere is relaxed, with many artistic stores, different and eclectic cafes. There is also an old industrial building, where you can find a modern photo gallery or museum; fabulous for fans of this activity.
Also, you will find in this area the classic Swedish restaurants and breakfast places, around Nytorget square and Hornstull. If you go in summer, on the beaches of Tantolunden Park, in addition to swimming, there are many picnics.
On the island Djurgården:
Its name means Garden of animals. It is worth a complete tour, as it has art galleries, enough natural spaces to enjoy and museums. For example, the Nordic museum, the Vassa, the open-air museum of Skansen or the Kungsträdgården Park also called the King’s Garden, among others.
The Vassa Museum is installed in a seventeenth century ship called the Vasa, and that in his time sank on his first trip to continue his conquests, just 15 minutes after leaving Stockholm. It was built by King Gustav II Adolf and was supposed to be the most powerful ship. Then, with the remains it was decided to build this famous museum.
The Skansen Museum is located right next to the Vassa Museum and shows us what life was like for Swedes before the Industrial Revolution. It was founded in 1891 with the reconstruction of the last centuries at the level of their traditional houses, farms, churches, warehouses and stores.
Kungsträdgården Park, called the King’s Garden, is located towards the Norrmalm neighborhood and is very popular with tourists. To the left side of this park is Gustav Adolf Square, which contains a beautiful building: the Stockholm Opera House. At Christmas time a skating rink is usually installed in this park.
Places to visit in Stockholm in the old city:
In the 12th century the first settlements of the capital of Sweden took place in what is today the neighborhood of Gamla Stan, on the island of Stadsholmen. This old city encompasses other of its neighboring islands, as it has been expanding towards the island Helgeandsholmen, Riddarholmeny and Strömsborg, a circular island and the smallest of all.
On the island Stadsholmen or Gamla Stan:
Here we can know the main square of Stortorget, very famous and picturesque for its houses of the seventeenth and eighteenth century, of different colors, which belonged to the nobility of the time of Sweden. It is also remembered that in this place took place the famous Stockholm Bloodbath, that is, the massacre of November 1520 by the invasion of Christian II of Denmark, to prevent its independence.
Also in this square is located the old building of the Stock Exchange; today is the headquarters of the Swedish Academy and the Nobel Prize Museum. Also, we can visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas; of course, the main cathedral of the city, built in 1729 and where you can see the sculpture of St. George and his fight with the dragon.
Also, when you arrive at Västerlanggatan Street you will find a steep and very narrow alley, less than 1 m wide, with 39 steps: the Marten Trotzigs Gränd, with the narrowest streets in the world. It is named after a German merchant who owned several buildings in the area in his time.
Another important place is the majestic and beautiful Royal Palace, which is located at the entrance of Gamla Stan, welcoming the Old Town. This Palace functions basically for official receptions and protocol matters, since the residence of the kings of Sweden is located in the outskirts of Stockholm, in the Drottningholm Palace.
On the island Helgeandsholmen:
North of Stadsholmen Island is located Helgeandsholmen Island, the seat of Sweden’s Parliament: the Riksdag. That is, it is located in the most commercial area of the city, in the neighborhood of Norrmalm and the historic center.
To cross from one side to the other is done by the most beautiful bridge in the city: the Norrbro, or across the Riksbro bridge. Another important fact is that in front of the Swedish Parliament is located the Medeltidsmuseet or Museum of Medieval Stockholm.
On the island Riddarholmen:
Called by some “The islet of the Knights” or also “The island of the Knights”. Here are located several palaces of the seventeenth century that during the Reformation passed into the hands of the state; functioning today as court buildings, administrative, churches, among others.
The oldest building in Stockholm is located here. It is the Riddarholmskyrka and dates back to some 13th century buildings. It is the official burial place of Sweden’s kings, including some from the Middle Ages, from 1632 to 1950. The only exception is Queen Christina, as her remains rest in the Vatican, in St. Peter’s Church.
Strömsborg Island:
The name Strömsborg comes from a merchant named Berge Olofson Ström, who acquired this uninhabited island in 1740 and where he later built a castle-like house. This small palace was built between 1895 and 1897, receiving its present form between 1929 and 1930; it is the only building on the island.
Today it houses the offices of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and the international organization IDEA, or International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
