 |
||
|
City Hall
Gold Hall decoration
Blue Hall
Palace Guard
|
It all started with one island, Gamla Stan, but the modern city of Stockholm is amazingly situated on 14 islands linked by 57 bridges. Historic Gamla Stan is barely recognisable as an island with so many bridges connecting the narrow water ways to the rest of Stockholm. On one side of Gamla Stan lies the Baltic sea while on the other a huge fresh water lake, Lake Maleran. A little planning beforehand will help you get the best out of limited time. For the independently minded, consider the advance purchase of a Stockholm card. Alternatively, a card can be purchased at the tourist information centre where the ships dock. The Stockholm Card gives you free entry to 75 museums and attractions, free travel by public transport, free sightseeing by boat as well as several other bonus offers. You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. A 24 hour card cost 270 SEK (£20/36$)/2006 The card will not be valid until it is stamped with the time and date the first time you use it. Two child cards can be purchased per adult card. The card is valid once per attraction and entitles you to unlimited travel by metro, bus and commuter train. City Hall Entrance to the City Hall (Stadshuset) requires a guide so, on this occasion, it may be best to join the Cruise line’s organised tour. City Hall is an impressive building with two major features, the Blue Hall and the Gold Hall. The Blue Hall hosts the Nobel Banquet. The Vasa museum
The Vasa museum is often coupled in the same tour with the City Hall. The Vasa dented more than a few ego’s on her maiden voyage in 1628, she capsized. It was a mighty ship built on the command of King Gustav Adolf and explanations of her failure were made directly to him. After 333 years on the bottom of the sea, the Vasa was salvaged and is now on display in the museum. It is unique in being the world’s only preserved 17th century ship. A morning will take care of the above two trips which leaves the afternoon for the historic centre. Cruise ships docks about 20 minute walk from Gamla Stan but the easiest way is to take the shuttle bus laid on to the Opera House and from there is a short walk back. Gamla Stan
Bustling Gamla Stan, so full of history, is a mega attraction for tourists. Apart from the atmosphere in the narrow streets where traders are keen to sell Nordiska or Wasa crystal, handicrafts, food, coffee, ice cream or just about anything else, there are museums and historic buildings awaiting. This is easily explored on foot. Leaving the Opera House where the shuttle bus dropped me off, I headed back over the bridge. Spotting the peaceful setting of a waterside café below the bridge, I took this opportunity for a light lunch and I am glad too otherwise I might have missed the Medeltids Musem located beneath the bridge. My Stockholm card was waived away with a smile because this excellent museum is free. It lies in a crypt under the bridge and portrays the cities Medieval development built around a remaining section of 16th century city wall. The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace lies before you as you cross onto Gamla Stan. Completed in 1754, it is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden. Guided tours are available when official receptions are not taking place. The Royal Palace is guarded by military units from all over Sweden in turn. If you are around at midday, you might see the parade of guards as they change. I missed the main event but caught sight of the mounted guards on their return.
Wandering the streets of Gamla Stan will absorb any spare time before you need to head back for that sail-away cocktail. Return to Baltic Gems Cruising Return to Contents |
|
