Valborg in Stockholm
The biggest advantage of living right in the center of Europe is the abundance of possibilities for weekend trips. And if your best freind is located in another country (like mine) what could be better than meeting up somewhere in the middle . bonus points if you have friends scattered all across the globe that you can visit while you're at it.
This is how we found ourselves in the middle of Gamla Stan one fine Saturday morning. We found a wonderful Airbnb in the middle of the old town from which it was easy to explore. So with the sun out and our sunglasses on we set off.
Our first stop was Tyska kyrkan - the German church - a magnificent building inside and out. Dating back to the early trade and salesman there is a rather active German community in Stockholm.
From there we went on to the Nobelmuseet but saved the exhibition for the next day. I didn't make any photos inside but if you are interested in the Nobel price itself or small anecdotes of modern history this is just the spot for you. Make sure you have the Nobel ice cream in the museum cafe.
Continuing on we made our way across cobble stones and little alleys. At every turn there were hidden gems like this Western Store.
It's quite easy to get lost in Gamla Stan as the streets are winding and there is so much to see that you happily walk the same path thrice without noticing that you've been there before.
We've met up with a ouple of friends from university and crossed the bridge south to Södermalm.
From there we had the best view over the city starting with the Stockholm stadshus (city hall).
Gamla Stan in all its glory.
And some quirky local establishments.
Moving on we walked down the path along the harbour front before making our way into the heart of Södermalm. There we had a short break for coffee and tea. Eventually we made our way to the stadshus.
The city was showing off its brightest colours including sparkling blue waters.
We fianlly made it but to our disappointment the tower was not yet open to go up. It only allows visitors during the summer months (which apparently does not include late April/early May).
This is where the Nobel banquet takes place every year. I had been inside during an earlier trip to Stockholm and it's hard to believe just how many people supposedly fit in the dining hall when it's completely empty.
Slowly we continued our tour to the other side of the city passing Kungliga Operan (Royal Opera), Riksdagshuset (Parliament) and Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace).
On and on we wnet through streets filled with beautiful buildings.
Eventually we arrived at Skansen an outdoor museum detailing Swedish culture. 30th April is Valborg night in Sweden which is celebrated by grand bonfires and in our case an open air concert by the Royal Opera.
But first we found some new friends.
And watched the sunset over Stockholm.
Finally we made our way to the stage and listened in awe as the best of Swedish talent sarenaded us.
All the while we were eying the bonfire pit being prepared for later.
Unfortunately we missed the lighting ceremony in favour for some (damn good) burgers and fries. But the fire in front of the ever darkening night sky was enticing all the same.
The flames cackled, giving off a wall of heat that made it impossible to look at them for too long.
This is how we found ourselves in the middle of Gamla Stan one fine Saturday morning. We found a wonderful Airbnb in the middle of the old town from which it was easy to explore. So with the sun out and our sunglasses on we set off.
Our first stop was Tyska kyrkan - the German church - a magnificent building inside and out. Dating back to the early trade and salesman there is a rather active German community in Stockholm.
From there we went on to the Nobelmuseet but saved the exhibition for the next day. I didn't make any photos inside but if you are interested in the Nobel price itself or small anecdotes of modern history this is just the spot for you. Make sure you have the Nobel ice cream in the museum cafe.
Continuing on we made our way across cobble stones and little alleys. At every turn there were hidden gems like this Western Store.
It's quite easy to get lost in Gamla Stan as the streets are winding and there is so much to see that you happily walk the same path thrice without noticing that you've been there before.
We've met up with a ouple of friends from university and crossed the bridge south to Södermalm.
From there we had the best view over the city starting with the Stockholm stadshus (city hall).
Gamla Stan in all its glory.
And some quirky local establishments.
Moving on we walked down the path along the harbour front before making our way into the heart of Södermalm. There we had a short break for coffee and tea. Eventually we made our way to the stadshus.
The city was showing off its brightest colours including sparkling blue waters.
We fianlly made it but to our disappointment the tower was not yet open to go up. It only allows visitors during the summer months (which apparently does not include late April/early May).
This is where the Nobel banquet takes place every year. I had been inside during an earlier trip to Stockholm and it's hard to believe just how many people supposedly fit in the dining hall when it's completely empty.
Slowly we continued our tour to the other side of the city passing Kungliga Operan (Royal Opera), Riksdagshuset (Parliament) and Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace).
On and on we wnet through streets filled with beautiful buildings.
Eventually we arrived at Skansen an outdoor museum detailing Swedish culture. 30th April is Valborg night in Sweden which is celebrated by grand bonfires and in our case an open air concert by the Royal Opera.
But first we found some new friends.
And watched the sunset over Stockholm.
Finally we made our way to the stage and listened in awe as the best of Swedish talent sarenaded us.
All the while we were eying the bonfire pit being prepared for later.
Unfortunately we missed the lighting ceremony in favour for some (damn good) burgers and fries. But the fire in front of the ever darkening night sky was enticing all the same.
The flames cackled, giving off a wall of heat that made it impossible to look at them for too long.
Feeling exhausted but with the biggest grin telling of a day spend in sunshine with laughter and adventures we fell into our bed.
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