STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: The Venice of the North

Guest blogger Margo Trott, reports back to you from her exploits as a professional vacation destination tester in Sweden's beautiful capitol city. Just like the many travelers who are making cruises on the Baltic Sea more popular than ever, she discovered the multitude of wonders that make Stockholm the perfect way to extend a cruise vacation--or the perfect place for a fabulous Scandinavian adventure.

As I mentioned in an earlier post here at Iobst Travel American Express blog, I am a dedicated professional. That's why they send me on assignments to far off places full of mystery, intrigue and excitement. I soak up the fabulous sites, sounds, history and charm, test the great shopping and entertainment, and sample the incredible food. This all sounds horribly dangerous, I know, and you're all probably wondering, "Why does Margo dare to do this?" The answer is simple: I run reconnaissance for you, dear readers, because I care.

Today, I bring you my report on one of Europe's most amazing cities, Stockholm, Sweden.

I love this city! The capitol of Sweden is all at once historic and modern, relaxed and exciting, sophisticated and cool. There is literally something--actually many things--for everyone in Stockholm and it's surroundings. No wonder it attracts over a million international visitors each year, including yours truly in 2010. You should be next!

The city itself is built on 14 islands and is part of the Stockholm archipelago, which is made up of roughly 30,000 islands, rocky islets and peninsulas. That means endless photo opportunities and plenty of waterfront activities. Because it is a major harbor on the Baltic Sea, it is also home to endless attractions, including museums, theaters, boutiques, tours, sporting events, leisure activities, nightclubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels. In August, my family and I explored this city, and in just three glorious days became huge Stockholm fans. Read on to learn why:

It's a great place to stroll around. Stockholm is one of the most walkable cities I have ever visited. In fact, walking around is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery, especially in places like Gamla Stan, the "Old Town" district, where you can wander the narrow, cobblestone streets that lead off of  Stortorget ("Big Square") for hours. This is the oldest part of the city and the atmosphere and architecture are spectacular. While you are in and around this historic area,  The Royal Palace("Kungliga Slottet"), Stockholm Cathedral ("Storkyrkan") and City Hall ("Stadshuset") are must-see places, in my humble opinion. 

• SOME OTHER DISTRICTS TO CHECK OUT: There's also the bohemian-type district of Södermalm (a popular setting for so many Stieg Larsson novels) and an elegant waterfront area called Strandvägen. Click here for more Stockholm neighborhoods to meander.

And when your dogs start aching or you start channeling your inner Viking, make use of some of the many sightseeing boats, ferries, tour buses, or public transportation options in the city. Taxis and bicycle rentals are also available.

• Click here for more information about transportation in and around Stockholm.

Museum-aholics, Get Your Fix. If you are a museum lover like me, Stockholm will not disappoint. There are tons of world-class museums to choose from, and so many different themes and exhibits there literally is something for everyone. Even my kids had a hard time deciding which museums not to see on the enormous list from which they had to choose. Here's what we were able to cram into our three day stay:

• Aquaria Water Museum: This was a huge hit with my young marine biologists. The museum houses a tropical rain forest and living exhibits on the seven seas and Nordic lakes. You also can climb down into a replica of the city sewer system to learn about the importance of clean water, but I strongly recommend you do this after you enjoy some lunch or snacks at the great cafe they have.
• Nordic Museum: This massive, regal building is sometimes mistaken by visitors for the Royal Palace, but it is actually one of the leading museums for Scandinavian culture and history in the world. My family loved stepping back through time in the furniture exhibits, one of many extensive collections there.
• Skansen: The world's first open-air museum, where you can wander in and out of 160 historical buildings, farms and village shops from Sweden's long history. It also has a zoo that features animals native to the country.
• Vasa Museum: Amazing, amazing , amazing! This museum houses the world’s only surviving 17th century ship, and the story of her rescue off the harbor floor 333 years after she went down is as dramatic as the tale of how she sank. You will regret it if you don't see this museum while you are in Stockholm.
• Swedish Royal Armory: The Royal Armory is the oldest museum in Sweden, established in 1628 by King Gustav II Adolph when he decided that his clothes should be preserved. (Does that make him the first royal clothes horse?)
  
• Riddarholmen Church: This is the final resting place of Swedish kings dating back as far as the 1200s, and Stockholm's only preserved medieval monastic church.
• Click here to learn about more about the over 100 museums and historical attractions in Stockholm.

Get Entertained Any Time, Day or Night. This is the land of ABBA and Bergman! Of course there's great music and theater life here. We had lots of fun checking out the street musicians and artists around town, but there's a lot more in the way of Stockholm's performing arts venues, such as the Royal Swedish Opera House, Royal Dramatic Theater, House of Dance and Stockholm Concert Hall.

• For a great listing of entertainment venues in Stockholm, click here.

Swedish Shopping Does Not Disappoint. Downtown Stockholm's shopping district is a great place to go check out Sweden's fashions and wares, but terrific boutiques and shops abound in just about every corner of this town.

• Click here for a useful selection of articles on where to shop in Stockholm.

 Dine (or Just Nibble) on Fabulous Food. Stockholm is a cosmopolitan city where you can easily find cuisines from all corners of the world--even phenomenal pizza. Menus are usually posted outside the doors with English translations, making it easy to figure out what's offered where. Countless cafes also give you a place to enjoy simpler meals (both hot and cold) and awesome pastries. And while you will see fast food places from the States around town, my kids and I strongly recommend you give Max Hamburgare, Sweden's biggest burger chain, a try.

• For a good selection of current articles on the restaurants, cafes and all other manner of eatery in Stockholm, click here.

Find Accommodations That Will Charm the Socks Off You. Hotels in Stockholm are a special experience, and even in modern facilities with the most contemporary decor, you will find old-world warmth in the service and amenities. Perhaps the most famous and luxurious hotel in Stockholm is the Grand Hotel. It's where all the celebrities stay when in town, and it sits just across the channel from the Royal Palace, in the heart of the city.

• SOME OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS TO CHECK OUT: Depending upon your preferences, itinerary and budget, your Iobst Travel consultant can help you find the perfect Stockholm hotel for you. For some great insights on Stockholm hotels, check out this New York Times online review.

Combine a Stay in Stockholm With Your Cruise! Iobst Travel offers spectacular cruise packages that will take you to incredible destinations along the Baltic Sea. These trips depart and return through Stockholm, so combining the wonders of the city with the splendor of a the Baltic Sea couldn't be easier. Check out our current special offer:

Azamara Club Cruises: Set Sail Next Summer On A Baltic Adventure
This is an American Express Mariner Club Sailing, which provides our clients with exclusive amenities you won't soon forget. Passengers will enjoy complimentary benefits including:

• Personable, professional, and experienced host
• Unique and exclusive Shore Excursion- Morning tour with lunch to Tallin, Estonia
• Private cocktail party
• Azamara Club Cruises offers all suites with butler service

Azamara Journey is sailing July 14 - 21, 2011 round trip from Stockholm, with stops at the following amazing destinations:

• Helsinki, Finland
• St. Petersburg, Russia
• Tallinn, Estonia

Rates start at $2,149 per person.

 Consider Getting a Stockholm Card. The Stockholm Card gives you free entry to over 75 of the cities most popular museums & attractions and free unlimited travel on Greater Stockholm’s public transportation, so you can reach all parts of the county by metro, bus, commuter train, tram or ferry. And it comes with a 194 page guidebook (available in English) containing hours of operation, special offers, maps and directions to every tourist attraction included on The Stockholm Card. This a great deal for anyone planning on seeing several sites in one day. My family saved money and loved the convenience of not having to stand on line to purchase tickets, plus we went and explored a lot of attractions we stumbled upon and probably wouldn't have without the cards.

Margo Trott is a freelance writer whose riveting expose about Swedish Pizza published on her Ladies’ Home Journal blog “Ha, Ha, Ha...No, Seriously” has won her no journalistic accolades whatsoever. When she is not covering topics about travel, landscaping, health, nutrition or exercise, she is busy writing overly complimentary bio lines about herself, just in case no one else is.

All photos courtesy of Margo Trott & Bertil Mukkulainen.