Stockholm for a weekend

Stockholm is known as “Venice of the North.” The landscape of the city consists of 14 Baltic Sea archipelago islands woven together by 50 bridges. Stockholm’s cobbled streets, medieval old town (Gamla Stan) and Gothic churches make the Swedish capital the second most visited Scandinavian city.

Stockholm is an ideal weekend destination. It has the islands, boats, nature and the “must see” attractions. To make the most of the trip “Stockholm Pass,” a money-saving visitor city card, grants you access to various attractions and museums. Stockholm Pass can be purchased at the Tourist Information Center.

MUSEUMS

For photography lovers, Fotografiska, Swedish contemporary photography center, opened in 2010, will make an impression. Exhibiting numerous well-established artists, it includes the portrait photography shots by the talented Patrick Demarchelier of Princess Diana, Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie, and showcases a concept of childbirth photography by Lennart Nilsson who cut the ribbon during the opening of Fotografiska.

The museum is housed in a factory-like brick building, just by the sea. It can be accessed by the “hop on and hop off” tourist boat, which is included in the Stockholm Pass coverage.

The next famous Swedish museum is called the “Vasa Museum.” In 1628 the Vasa warship sailed for its first ever journey and sank within 20 minutes—yes, just 20 minutes! The shipwreck was extracted after 333 years under the sea. It was one of the largest warships of the 17th century.

SIGHTSEEING

How frequently do tourists walk on a roof? Well, in Stockholm—daily. Instead of sightseeing the city during a regular guided tour, Stockholm can be observed from different roof peaks, during a Rooftop Guided Tour!

A great novelty, the tour takes around 1 hour and all participants wear a body harness, connected to the wire system. During the tour, visitors are told Stockholm’s history. It’s an incredibly exciting tour, but not for those who fear heights.

CUISINE

If you have ever been shopping at IKEA, you may have already had a brief encounter with some Swedish delights, including meatballs called Kottbullar. One cannot leave Stockholm without trying them. Meatballs for the People restaurant serves 100% organic meatballs. This classic dish is served with a potato purée, cream sauce, pickled cucumber and lingonberries. It’s a meal of delicious simplicity.

For anyone with a sweet tooth a well-preserved Vete Katten cafe, has been serving Kanelbullar, Swedish cinnamon rolls, for decades. These cinnamon pastries are a Scandinavian classic and Swedes practically live on them.

Stockholm certainly has a lot to offer. If you decide to visit, your weekend will be filled with excitement and a full agenda. WOW air offers cheap flights to Stockholm, Sweden, from the USA, Canada and Iceland, four times a week, all year round.

by Ania Neuman