Gamla Stan
 Stockholm is built on 14 islands at the point where the large (and mostly island-filled) Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea. Founded in the 13th century, the oldest part of the City - called Gamla Stan ("The Old
Town") - is on the central group of islands . From the quayside, a series of narrow lanes lead up to the small main square at the highest point of the island.
They call Stockholm "The Beauty on the Water", and there is no doubting that, but the city also has a suprising relief, with hills, high cliffs and rocky outcrops. So as well as lots of bridges and quays, there are tunnels, steps and steep streets too.
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Stockholm City Museum
The City Museum provides a very useful introduction to the history of Stockholm and its citizens. With lots of information in English it is worth a visit.
Some of the reconstructions of domestic interiors are very convincing - at one point we really thought that we had accidentally gone into a careakers flat. Another noteworthy exhibit was the gallery of clocks on the top floor, one of which had the memorable slogan "There is no time - only clocks"
Official website (English): Stockholms Stadmuseum
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Warship Vasa
 Sweden's equivalent of the Mary Rose, the warship Vasa sank a few minutes into her maiden voyage in 1628. However, due to the brackish water in Stockholm's harbour it's timbers were much better preserved when it was salvaged in the
1960s.
The ship is 69m long (226ft), and a truly awesome sight as it sits gleaming like old gold in its specially designed building.The rich carvings that decorate much of the ship are perfectly preserved, and the layout of the building allows you to get a good look from virtually any angle.
The Vasa is definitely not to be missed if you are ever in Stockholm.
Official website (English): Vasamuseet
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Wine and Spirit Museum
As Andrew wasn't feeling very well the two Daves spent a fascinating hour and a half exploring this museum. Although we probably found out more about the industrial process of making drink than is good for you.
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Nynäshamn
 Right at the end of Stockholm's southern commuter rail line, Nynäshamn is a Baltic port 58km and an hour's train ride from the city.
Way off the tourist beat, we didn't know what we would find - we feared that it would be a largely industrial port, a scandanavian equivalent of Tilbury or Rotterdam. What we found was a very attractive and friendly archipelago town with a "bolt-on" (and largely out of sight) ferry terminal, and a sea so blue that you are left in no doubt why that colour features so prominently in the Swedish flag.
The day we were there the town was getting ready for its annual Harbour Festival, with music stages and beer tents being erected all over the place. This gave the place a bit more of a "buzz", and there was a very freindly and relaxed atmosphere.
More Pictures in the Photo Album
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Vaxholm
 About an hour from Stockholm on one of the scheduled boat services, Vaxholm is the main town on the 24,000 island Stockholm Archipelago, which spreads out 40 miles into the Baltic Sea.
The main town is quite small, with most of the activity concentrated around the marina. This was a more up-market (and expensive) place than Nynäshamn, and had a rather snobby and less friendly feel about it. However, it is possible to find some very plesant and sechluded spots, like the tiny Norrhamn (North Harbour) pictured here, which is away from the town on the North side of the island.
More Pictures in the Photo Album
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Birka
 The island of Björkö in Lake Malaren is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and includes the site of theViking town of Birka - the oldest settlement in Sweden. Birka was founded around
AD 760 and is the site of the largest Viking cemetery in Scandanavia. It is also important as the site of the first Christian mission to Sweden by the Benedictine monk Ansgar in AD 830.
Birka is a 1¾ hour boat trip from Stockholm, winding through the waterways between the many islands that almost fill-up the lake. Once on the island you are free to roam where you like (but subject to some strict conditions designed to protect the carefully managed landscape and ecology that keep the site preserved). The day we were there was warm and sunny and it was very relaxing being able to wander round the ancient graves and ramparts before joining one of the archeologists who provided a
refreshingly open guided tour.
More Pictures in the Photo Album
Official website (English): Birka Vikingastaden
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