Remote both geographically and syneidisiaka from classical Europe and the flagship cities, Stockholm is one asimo, however, "exotic" destination. The image of the Nordic capital, living in quiet rhythms, absolute order and social welfare is not far from reality, but the atmosphere of the city embraces many more ap'osa beyond the imagination of notioefropaiou.
It maintains aloviti of the aristocratic side, with the royal palace to dominate the center, and medieval identity, as the fabric of the old city not only maintained but also hosts an interesting piece of the life of the city. It supports both the modern character of the modern center, dominated by modern buildings, perivoito Swedish design, excellent transportation, and infrastructure.
Through this balanced shell, allowing the existence of several free public spaces and parks (which allowed the slightest sunshine), a ypothalptei boemiki neighborhood, which expresses the most "worried" side of protefousianon Swedes, and also maintains the famous Scandinavian and melancholy inwardness, that synantamai in Bergman films.
It sounds paradoxical, but Stockholm is an island capital - less charming than Venice and softened by New York-but with strong personal character. Located on the east coast of the Scandinavian peninsula at the entrance of Lake Melaren. The central parts of the city include fourteen islands and shores of the archipelago where the lake meets the Baltic Melaren Thalasssa, and the tissue is linked by 53 bridges.
The centre of the city is essentially placed on the water at bay Rintarfgernten. It is a rather small area in the capital and population (residents reach only 1.5 million. The Swedes also impressed with the extent of Athens and its 5.5 million inhabitants).
The first reference for the city comes in the middle of the 13 st century where the government official Birgker Tzarl ordered to build a fort in one of the islands to check into the lake Melaren. It controlled the movement of ships in the waterways through the use of logs (Stock) placed as frachtis. Holm is a small island, so Stockholm (Stock holmen) took its name from there.
The first evening of my arrival, the city seemed almost "Christmas" (later I learned that there are Christmas markets operate all year!), And there was mild snowfall, created paramythenia atmosphere and incentive for a stroll in the old town, Gamla Quarter Stan.
In the alleys and alees of the old city, between the historical monuments and renovated medieval buildings are amazing with many antique nautical items (maps, miniature sailing, naval uniforms and instruments of navigation), palaiovivliopoleia, shops with sweets and a few small cafes and bars , To meet a visitor from the bitter cold.
In prometopida of the old town is the Royal Palace, an imposing building, which is open to visitors. It seems a little joke of course, when you know the social democratic tradition of Sweden, but assumed that the "Swedish model" fit and noble. Incidentally, the descendants of Goustafoy, living in a palace outside Stockholm and is extremely popular with the people, and a substance is not terribly demanding and privileges.
Another interesting area of the old Stockholm is Skansen, which is located on the island of Djurgarden. To Skansen open is the oldest museum in the world with samples of old buildings and had joined the royal park on the island, which operates and zoo. It also operates and the famous Christmas market - which only slow the eve of New Year-and where you get incredible Christmas ornaments.
In the same island has been established and the Vasa Museum, which essentially created to peritylixei the nafagio war ship Vasa. This sinking of the 17 th century, the oldest who saved the world. The conservators, who tried the anasyrsi, fearing destruction, left the coast of the island and created the museum to study safely and naturally to the rescue.
Apart from the Vasa, interest and the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), which is located on the hill of Skeppsholmen (very near the National Museum and across from the Palace). Apart from the Swedish modern visual artists, a special section on modern architecture, but the design and production of Swedes, who besides operating is really special.
It certainly is worth a trip in the Stockholm archipelago with 24,000 islands. The tours with boats range from Stromkajen and Strandvagen and make stops at various points of the archipelago which they operate restaurants and tourist accommodation.
On the modern side of Stockholm now, apart from browsing in the commercial pezodromous and squares, there is the possibility of a panoramic view of the city from the top floor of dimarchiakou glass tower. It even takes place and the annual dinner of the Nobel Prizes.
The most modati and interesting area of the city, however night and not only escape is SoFo! In essence this is the abbreviation of the South of Folkungagatan. The truth is that finding the Swedes very volepse us, because the pronunciation of this language is not that easy. Nevertheless, the Swedes speak English all extremely (and other European languages) and is very friendly and helpful although asynithistoi the logic of tourists. The SoFo, gathers the most interesting part of night life with many bars and clubs, and other entertainment concepts, such as galleries which hosted concerts or performances.
Also there are many shops with alternative clothing, jewellery and types of art, but also second hand markets.
Impressive is also a plethora of live music scene and especially jazz bars, which are katamesta.
Besides SoFo interesting bars exist in the modern center of Stockholm, as Riche or Rival Bar, which lies within the homonymous boutique hotel. Of course the great attractions is the Ice Bar, inside the hotel Nordic Light Hotel. As the name of all here is ice (even from the water of the river Torne). The seats, walls, bars and glasses. Eiserchesai the bar, dressed as Eskimo and remain half-hour. Served only vodka (specific brand) in various cocktails. The book is considered necessary.
Please note that alcohol consumption in Sweden is measured (in the decade of 80 was also ban) the reasons for the increased incidence of alcoholism. Thus, portions of alcohol are small and panakrives (about 20 euros for a drink an average bar). Smoking is prohibited everywhere! But there Ashtrays outside bars and restaurants where ametanoitos smoker, endured the polar cold.
Eating Stockholm is not worth although it is underpinned by fish. The gourmet efforts directed towards foreign kitchens, but there does not succeed terrible things. Nevertheless restaurants have very interesting decoration and art de la table, while the air is warm despite the cold proideasi for the Swedes. Prices, however, is tsouchteres everywhere. Illustration a snack and a coffee reaches the 10 euro in more laika points. For water does not talk, bottles of 500 ml costs EUR 5!
However worth dine in Republik (Tulegatan 17) with French cuisine, but very endiaferon decorations and fun. Also in Lejontornet (Lilla n nygatan 5), which served Scandinavian dishes, expensive whiskey and great wines.
Also a trip to the PA & Co synostizetai the bright world of Stockholm (actors, models and celebrities). For the midday meal a super design individual must Fredsgatan 12.
To stay there you have to propose the following: By far the best option is the Grand Hotel Stockholm, located on the river and the view is breathtaking. Prices enough tsouchteres, start at 290 euros for a standard double room overlooking the river and breakfast. Next proposal for the Nordic Light Hotel, the famous Absolut Icebar. Prices here start from 230 euros for a double room with breakfast. Finally, interesting option is the Rival Hotel, after each of the 99 rooms is decorated differently. The prices here are fluctuating depending on the day or month, indicative but we can say that for a double with breakfast start at 160 euros.
