Travel in Stockholm

( Transfer from http://www.travel-library.com/europe/sweden/stockholm/)
 Stockholm Local History

A fort was Strategically constructed in the mid 13th century by Birger Jarl on one of the islets where the fresh water entered the sea, and the traffic on the waterways were controlled by using timber stocks arranged as a fence or boom. Stockholm gets it name from this boom, Stockholm literally means 'tree-trunk islet.
The Oldest record of the city is dated 1252 and within a hundred years, Stockholm was the largest city in Sweden, dominated by an impregnable castle and surrounded by a defensive wall. The castle was never taken by force.
In the 15th century Stockholm became a significant commercial centre. Shipping of copper and iron to Europe was a lucrative trade, which was dominated by German merchants. The Danish King Christian I tried to besiege Stockholm in 1471, but was unsuccessful and retreated to Copenhagen. Trouble continued and things escalated in 1520 when city burghers, bishops and nobility agreed to meet the Danish King Christian II in Stockholm. At a banquet King Christian II arrested them and after a quick trial were found guilty of burning down the archbishop's castle near Sigtuna. The next day 82 men were beheaded at Stortorget (the main square by the castle). This event became known as the 'Stockholm Blood Bath' because after the beheadings it started to rain and the streets of Stockholm were flowing with blood.
In the 18th century science and art blossomed which allowed the creation of institutions and fine buildings. Today Stockholmer's live in high-rise suburbs built around pine forest and lakesides around the capital. They have a highly efficient infrastructure and one of the safest subway systems in the world. The city streets are relatively clean and safe.


Stockholm Shopping
Ahlens City This is the largest department store in Sweden and has a fabulous gift shop with genuine Swedish ornaments, which makes a fine gift or souvenir.
Brinken Konsthantverk This is an elegant shop selling handcrafted brass, pewter, wrought iron and crystal, and a bonus is that they will ship these items anywhere around the world. Most of the articles sold in the shop are made in Scandinavia.
Loppmarknaden I Skarholmen (Skarholmen Shopping Centre) This is the biggest flea market in northern Europe. You might just find a item form an attic in 'Varmland' which could be worth something, yes you might find just about anything here so don't be to surprised at what you see.
Svensk Hemslojd (Society for Swedish Handcrafts) Svensk Hemslojd offers a wide selection of glass, pottery, gifts and wooden and metal handicrafts by some of Sweden's best artisans. You can also find beautiful yarns for weaving and embroidery here.
Hotoret This was once the city's hay market and now it is a popular gathering place for an outdoor fruit and vegetable market.

Stockholm Activities
Skansen This is an open-air park, which has a petting zoo with lots of child-friendly animals. There is a miniature train that rides through the park.
Grona Lund Tivoli Located at Allmanna Grand 9. This amusement park is clean and well organized with rides, attractions and restaurants. During the summer time there are also a wide variety of concerts held here. Grona Lund Tivoli is also home to Europe's tallest free-fall amusement-park ride, the Power Tower is 80 meters tall and will keep you screaming for more.
Junibacken This is a storybook house where you travel in small carriages through the world of children's book writer Astrid Lindgren. The tales come alive and various scenes are revealed. Its great for children ages 5 and up.

Stockholm Parks & Gardens
Bergianska Tradgarden This beautiful Botanical Garden is located on a peninsula extending out into the small bay of Brunnsvik. The many paths weave along the water. There is a fabulous greenhouse (Edvard Anderson's Modern Vaxthus) with impressive Mediterranean and tropical environments, as well as the century-old Victoriahuset (Victoria House) that contains tropical plants as well as a collection of water plants, which is the best in the world.
Rosendals Tradgarder This garden is the perfect place to spend a few hours on a summer afternoon especially when the weather's nice. You can pick your own flowers from the vast flowerbeds, which you pay for by the weight of your load, or you can buy some produce from the farm shop.

Stockholm Beaches
Stockholm is situated where Lake Malaren meets the sea, and is built on 14 islands. You are continuously surrounded by water, which is clear and clean. This means that you can fish and even swim in the middle of the city.

Stockholm Restaurants and Bars

Stockholm's restaurant world could be described as a giant smorgasbord. They offer almost everything to suit any taste bud. For the past 20 years or so the Stockholm smorgasbord has developed enormously, they are inspired by the culinary arts from the four corners of the globe.

Stockholm Restaurants
Bakfickan Located at Joakobs Torg 12. This restaurant is tucked away behind the Operakallaren. The Bakfickan shares its kitchen with the Operakallaren; the prices here are more bearable than at its neighbor the Operakallaren. There is a horseshoe-shaped bar where many patrons prefer to eat. Many of the main dishes are likely to include salmon in several varieties, but there is also beef on the menu. The cuisine here is Swedish.
Berns Located at Nackstromsgatan 8. This is the most attractive restaurant in the capital. Three chandeliers light the main hall, and the Red Room (Roda Rummet) has plush furniture and is used by guests at Berns' Hotel. Everyday a new Swedish specialty is featured on the menu, as well as some very exotic dishes. The cuisine is Swedish and International.
Fem Sma Hus Located at Nygrand 10. This restaurant is furnished like a private castle with European antiques and oil paintings. Fem Sma Hus has cellars that date from the 17th century. The best ingredients from Sweden's forests and shores appear on the menu. The cuisine is traditionally Swedish and French.
Grand Veranda Located at Sodra Blasieholmshamnen 8. This restaurant has a stunning view of the harbour and the Royal Palace. The Veranda is famous for its daily buffets featuring a medley of shellfish. There are also a la carte dishes to choose from as well.
Lisa Elmquist Located at Nybrogatan 31. This is a café and oyster bar, and is a popular choice for Stockholm families who are visiting the produce market. The city's largest fish distributors own this Café so the menu varies with the catch of the day. The food is good and affordable, specializing in seafood.

Stockholm Bars & Clubs
Cadier Bar Located at Sondra Blasieholmshamnen 8. This is one of the most sophisticated places in Stockholm, and has a fabulous view of the harbour and the Royal Palace. The bar is named after the builder of the hotel. Light meals such as open sandwiches are served all day.
Cafe Opera Located at Operahuset, Kungstradgarden. The Cafe Opera becomes one of the most crowded nightclubs in Stockholm. The bar is a historically charming place to have a drink, but there is less emphasis on food after 10pm and more on the disco activities. Long lines form outside, so be prepared for a long wait.
Cafe Victoria Located at Kungstradgarden. This Cafe attracts a varied crowd. Many come to drink, but you can have lunch or dinner in the interior section beyond the lively bar.