Medieval Sights & Vibrant Culture: Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Visit The Friendliest City In Europe

Colorful Gamla Stan In Stockholm, Sweden

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Touring to Europe in winter shouldn’t be an concept that appeals to most folks:

It is chilly, for certain, daylight are restricted, particularly up north, and throughout many international locations, locals are usually not precisely at their most welcoming selves––can you actually blame them when it is 23°F out?

Colorful Gamla Stan In Stockholm, SwedenColorful Gamla Stan In Stockholm, Sweden

Like every part in life, there may be all the time an exception to the rule: on this case, not the freezing temperatures, however how thrilling, vigorous, and welcoming a metropolis may be regardless of the awful climate, or extra apparently even, because of this of it.

Consider it or not, Stockholm is the good metropolis break through the festive break, rating the best for friendliness throughout the pond, in line with Condé Nast Traveller, and providing a fairytale-like winter expertise (with the medieval Outdated City and interesting Historical past to go along with it).

It is from being a sunny getaway, however it may as effectively soften your coronary heart:

Uncover Sweden’s Colourful Medieval Capital This Winter

Gamla Stan In Winter, Stockholm, SwedenGamla Stan In Winter, Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is built across 14 islands distributed round an archipelago on the Baltic Sea, all linked by as many as 50 bridges, an in depth underground system––which we’ll get to in a bit––and a number of ferry routes.

With a inhabitants of over 1.6 million folks, it’s the largest metropolis not solely in Sweden, however the entire of Scandinavia, so it will possibly really feel a bit overwhelming at first, with a lot to see and so little time, however should you’re visiting this winter, a great place to begin is Gamla Stan.

Swedish for ‘Outdated City’, this centrally-located island is known for its cobbled streets and thin, ocher-colored homes relationship again centuries.

Gamla Stan Cathedral In Stockholm, SwedenGamla Stan Cathedral In Stockholm, Sweden

It is true Stockholm is kinder to sightseers in summer time when it is (considerably) nice out, and there is extra sunshine in comparison with the remainder of the yr, however we would argue winter is when it is at its most magical:

It’s the friendliest metropolis in Europe, as per the most recent survey performed by Condé Nast Traveler, the place it scored a formidable 94.07, and certainly, strolling into any bakery or restaurant or asking locals for instructions, you will be greeted with courtesy and a hospitable smile.

Possibly it is the mysa spirit, possibly it is the actual fact you’ll be able to by no means get grumpy with a contented tummy filled with cinnamon buns from Café Saturnus, the satisfaction and pleasure of Stockholm’s coffeeshop scene; both method, Swedes are able to welcome you with open arms.

Archway In Gamla Stan, Stockholm, SwedenArchway In Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

And you realize what they are saying, there isn’t any dangerous climate, simply dangerous clothes:

It is So Stunning You Will not Thoughts Being Outdoors

Stockholm is supposed to be seen on foot, and you will be spending loads of time exterior.

Temperatures vary from the mid-20s to low 40s in winter, and that is the Baltic Sea, in spite of everything, so it will get windy––undoubtedly be sure you put on sufficient layers to guard your self from the teeth-chattering chilly and do not maintain again on the mulled wine and scorching choccie.

Warning given: do not miss a snow-dusted, Thirteenth-century Storkyrkan Cathedral dominating the skyline, the majestic Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish Royal Household––yep, they’ve one among their very own, in case you did not know!––and the spearing, red-brick Metropolis Corridor.

gold crown on a bridge in stockholm with royal palace in the backgroundgold crown on a bridge in stockholm with royal palace in the background

For unashamed wintery enjoyable and an overload of tradition, be sure you pay Skansen a go to: a brief ferry experience away from town middle, that is Stockholm’s world-famous folks park, depicting life in a rural a part of Sweden as if it was nonetheless the olden days.

Add to that winter markets stuffed with stalls, providing a variety of merchandise, from superb smithing and ceramics to Swedish road meals faves like sausages and pickled herring, and historic celebrations with conventional music and dance, and also you get the gist of it.

Escape The Chilly Underground

Colorful Metro Station In Stockholm, SwedenColorful Metro Station In Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is hella chilly this winter, and whereas there’s undoubtedly some sightseeing to be finished, and the freezing temperatures should not maintain you from exploring the picturesque Gamla Stan, you’ll be able to all the time take refuge in one among many indoor sights:

Take a look at Moderna Museet, an unlimited assortment of contemporary and modern artwork housing lesser-known work from artists like Matisse and Picasso, or Vasa, a museum completely centered round a well-preserved, Seventeenth-century warship.

The ABBA Museum is one other must-do whereas in Stockholm, an exciting exhibit (and celebration) of Sweden’s biggest musical act, and do not forget concerning the often-overlooked Stockholm Metro:

Lava-Shaped Metro Station In Stockholm, SwedenLava-Shaped Metro Station In Stockholm, Sweden

‘Wait, the metro?’

Sure, the metro.

Overlook about London’s soiled tube seats and the rampant pickpocketing plaguing the Paris underground: Stockholm’s is a literal gallery of surrealist artwork, with stations which have ceilings that seem like boiling lava or spaceships and another artistic design in between.

We’re not speaking about one or two stations: every of them has a specific, particular person attribute that units them aside, with vibrant colours or psychedelic patterns, and the metro system itself is taken into account the world’s longest artwork gallery.

All we will say to you is comfortable exploring!

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