Stockholm, Sweden - July 8th to 15th
Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and the most populous urban area in the Nordic countries, with about 2.4 million people in the metro area. The city stretches across fourteen islands into the Baltic Sea. Outside the city to the east, and along the coast, is the island chain of the Stockholm archipelago. The city was founded in 1252 by Swedish statesman Birger Jarl.
Stockholm Archipelago
Because Swedish law guarantees the right to education, even kids living on remote islands are transported to class. A school boat trundles from island to island each morning to collect kids headed for the school on another island. If the weather is bad, a hovercraft retrieves them. If it's really bad, and all of the snow days have been used up, a helicopter takes the kids to school.
Biking on Svartsö Island
Some things are still pretty rustic on Svartsö.
Vaxholm Island
We stopped at Vaxholm on our ferry ride back to Stockholm. The name Vaxholm means "Island of the signal fire" and comes from Vaxholm Fortress, which was constructed in 1549 on an islet situated on the main waterway to Stockholm, for defense purposes, by King Gustav Vasa. Vaxholm Municipality is made up of 64 islets in the archipelago.
VYC!
Melonie, It was like seeing a bit of home in Sweden! For those of you who don't know, Melonie is our friend and the owner of VYC (Vancouver Yoga Center - not Vaxholm).
Vaxholm - Fishermen's Quarter
The Norrhamnen (North Harbor) is ringed by former fishermen's homes.
In the mid 19th century, Stockholmers considered Vaxholm's herring, called strömming, top-quality. Caught fresh here, the herring could be rowed into the city in just eight hours and eaten immediately.
Vaxholm Fortress
The Vaxholm Fortress was originally constructed by Gustav Vasa in 1544 to defend Stockholm against shipborne attacks from the east. Vasa had other waterways literally filled in so that this stretch of water became the only sea route to Stockholm. Thus, the fortress was strategically situated to defend the city from naval attacks. The fort was able to repel naval attacks from Christian IV of Denmark in 1612 and Peter the Great of Russia in 1719.
Since the mid 19th century, the fort had become very weak and it's military importance has ended. It is said that the great Prussian Field Marshal von Moltke was only ever seen to smile twice. Once when they told him his mother-in-law was dead and again when he saw Vaxholm Fort.
Drottningholm Palace
The Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. It was originally built in the late 16th century, and it served as a regular summer residence of the Swedish royal court for most of the 18th century. It is now a popular tourist attraction.
Hornstulls Marknad
Tanto Strandbad (Tanto Beach)
It was a beautiful day in Stockholm, so half the city was sunning itself at the beaches and the parks.
Tiny Houses near Tantolunden Park
Outdoor Dancing at Tantolunden Park
Boats Docked Along the Canal
There were multiple boats docked along the canal. Some of them looked like they might have been there for years.
Artsy Bike Shot
Rent A Husband?!
Seems like a pretty good idea... I mean, who wants one of those on a full-time basis?
Interesting Entrance to a Metro Station
A Very Long Escalator
Another Interesting Metro Station Entrance
