House of travel Northern, Central & Eastern Europe Brochure 2017 | Page 35

Stockholm, Sweden With the central city stretching across 14 islands, the outlying archipelago comprising 24,000 islands and over thirty percent of its area made up of waterways, you’ll soon understand why Swedes refer to Stockholm as the “Venice of the North”. One of its most popular islands is Djurgården: home to Skansen, the world’s oldest openair museum, plus parks, galleries and loads of open spaces. It’s like taking all the best bits of Sweden and putting them on one small island. For a taste of old Sweden, walk the streets of the “Gamla Stan”, then when your feet grow weary of cobblestones, you can descend into an underground café for a restorative coffee. Our favourite things to see and do Vasa Museum – One of the most visited museums in all of Scandinavia, this maritime gem is home to the 64-gun warship ‘Vasa’, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961, it’s located on the tranquil green island of Djurgården, a short walk or ferry ride from the city. Stockholm Hop on Hop Off Tour – Discover the renowned Royal Palace, Swedish design-ware shops and excellent cafés and restaurants. Hop aboard and explore Stockholm and its sights at your own pace. Each stop is carefully chosen and includes the City Hall, the Vasa Museum and Skansen. Explore Stockholm’s Culinary Scene – Follow your guide to seven different stops in restaurants, specialty shops, farmers’ markets and bars over the course of a 3.5 kilometre walk. Taste Swedish specialities such as salty licorice, gourmet chocolate served at the royal weddings, fish soup and Sweden’s famous meatballs. Rune Stone, Taby Ghost Walk and Historical Tour – Learn about Gamla Stan’s haunted history on a ghost tour. Hear tales of spirits and vampires, myths and legends about murders and unsolved mysteries. Follow a guide with a lightened lantern down the narrow alleyways of Stockholm’s oldest neighbourhood, where history and mystery will come alive through storytelling. Delve into Viking History – Uncover the mysteries of Sweden’s rich history with Our favourite places to stay: • • • Hotel Lilla Rådmannen Freys Hotel Victory Hotel a guide and visit sites of profound cultural interest. See a collection of ancient runic stones at Täby; decipher ancient inscriptions at Granby; and visit Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna, to browse bespoke boutiques and wander charming medieval streets. Image Gamla Stan ©Henrik Trygg 31