WanderLex

Tag: Europe

  • Gamla Stan of Stockholm

    Gamla Stan of Stockholm

    Next on, we are bound for Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and the largest city in Scandinavia. Its marketing slogan proclaimed Stockholm as The Capital of Scandinavia. I am not sure how the other Scandinavians will think about that. But Stockholm indeed has the largest urban area and population among the Scandinavia capital cities. Maybe its geographical location at the heart of the region added some weight to that claim as well? Nevertheless, I am excited to be here and cannot wait to wander around the ‘home of IKEA’.

    I opted for Arlanda Express from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to the city center because it’s the quickest way. The train platform is right underneath the arrival terminals and our tickets were booked online in advance.

    Meeting point at Arlanda Airport

    Arlanda Express

    Stockholm Central Station

    Our accommodation was Hotel C Stockholm and it’s within walking distance from Stockholm Central Station. It’s also the same place to board Arlanda Express. It’s near to the lively Hotorget Market or Haymarket Square which turns into a flea market on Sundays. This open-air market sells fresh produce like fruits and vegetables on normal days. It’s a popular meeting place for the locals as well.

    Hotorget Flea Market at Stockholm

    Hotorget Flea Market

    Italian Lunch around Hotorget

    The Medieval Old Town of Stockholm

    Gamla Stan (Old Town) of Stockholm is formed by islands of Stadsholmeml, Riddarholmen, Stromsborg, and Helgeandsholmen. There are many important buildings in this small neighbourhood. First of all, The Royal Palace of Stockholm where the Swedish monarchy resides. The Swedish Parliament Building where nation’s interests are being discussed by the Governing body.

    Then there’s Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) where Royal weddings are held. And last but not least, Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) being the final resting place for Swedish monarchs.

    The Royal Palace of Stockholm

    I certainly think that the best way to explore Gamla Stan is to wander around its cobbled streets and alleys.

    Sloping Path of Gamla Stan

    Osterlsnggatan of Gamla Stan

    Kopmanstorget Gamla Stan

    Statue of Saint George and the Dragon

    Sundbergs Konditori is one great place to rest the tired legs. And it also happens to be Stockholm’s oldest bakery-café. The narrowest alley (Marten Trotzig Grand) in Gamla Stan is very near to the bakery-cafe too.

    Sundbergs Konditori Stockholm

    The ‘Number 81’ entrance to Marten Trotzig Grand from VasterlÃ¥nggatan side will be hard to miss. Else just locate Jarntorget Cafe which is right next to it.

    Cafe Jarntorget next to the narrowest alley

    Entrance to the narrowest alley in Gamla Stan

    The narrowest alley in Gamla Stan

    Marten Trotzig Grand

    Cafe Jarntorget next to the narrowest alley

    Junotappan Gamla Stan

    Horse Ridder Statue at Gamla Stan

    Among the narrow streets of Gamla Stan are beautiful buildings which kept me busy with a second or third look. It can get a little touristy but the grandeur of this medieval Old Town makes it worthwhile to be here.

    German Church in Gamla Stan,

    Street of Stockholm Old Town

    Street of Stockholm Old Town

    Street of Stockholm Old Town

    Beautiful Buildings of Stockholm Old Town

    Riksgatan Old Town

    Sunset at Gamla Stan

    Ice Bar by Ice Hotel Stockholm

    Icebar by IceHotel is situated within Hotel C Stockholm where we are staying. So, why not? Needless to say, the theme is ice and almost everything inside is made from ice. The temperature of this unique and somewhat gimmicky bar is kept at -7 Degree Celsius. It’s freezing cold! The good thing is that warm coats and gloves are provided. But the bad is perhaps the pricey entrance fee (for 45 minutes’ stay) and the rather small area.

    Nevertheless, it’s still a ‘cool’ and fun experience for us. And I love the chunky ice glasses!

    Ice Bar by Ice Hotel Stockholm

    Counter of Ice Bar Stockholm

    Seats of Ice Bar Stockholm

    Drinks at Ice Bar Stockholm

    STAY: Hotel C Stockholm

    Hotel C Stockholm is conveniently located right outside the Arlanda Express station. The modern décor and friendly staffs are added plus points. Moreover, it’s a great place to stay with decent sized room and a very comfortable bed. I will not hesitate to book this hotel again if I am back in Stockholm.

    Modern decor of Hotel C Stockholm

    Bedroom of Hotel C Stockholm

    Bathroom of Hotel C Stockholm

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  • Rosenborg Castle and the Treasury

    Rosenborg Castle and the Treasury

    Thorvaldsens Plads Antique Market is one interesting flea market right next to Thorvaldsens Museum and Christianborg Palace. It’s a nice place to mingle with the locals while browsing through the displaying items. There’s vintage-looking stuff like paintings, porcelain, toys and some unique pieces for treasure hunters. The nearby Christiansborg Palace is a large government complex that houses the Prime Minister office, Supreme Court of Denmark and Danish Parliament. Best of all, the palace’s tower is free of charge to visit. But the long queue made me skip it altogether.

    Stall at Thorvaldsens Plads Antique Market

    Canal next to Thorvaldsens Plads Antique Market

    Statue at Christianborg Palace

    Climbing the Round Tower

    The Round Tower (Rundetarn) is a functional astronomical observatory situated at a busy street. We are not here for stargazing and surely not during daytime. But for the observation deck with an overview of the city. Interestingly, the majority of the ascend to the deck is via a spiral walkway until the stairs nearing to the top. How cool is that?

    Round Tower at a busy street

    Spiral walkway of Round Tower

    Rosenborg Castle and the Treasury

    Rosenborg Castle was built by King Christian IV as his summer home. It remained a royal residence until King Frederick IV moved to Frederiksberg Castle. It eventually became a state property and opened its doors to the public. I wanted to visit Rosenborg Castle mainly because of the famous King’s Garden and having the chance to treasure gawk at the Treasury filled with priceless jewels and crowns.

    Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

    Guards at Rosenborg Castle

    There’s a total of 24 rooms on three floors and the most well-known one is none other than the Knight’s Hall, where the coronation chairs are on display.

    Room of Rosenborg Castle

    Room of Rosenborg Castle

    Antique clock at Rosenborg Castle

    Room of Rosenborg Castle

    The Knights Hall of Rosenborg Castle

    Coronation chair at Rosenborg

    Coronation chairs at Rosenborg

    The Treasury (Skatkammer) of Rosenborg Castle at the basement is home to amazing historical objects belonging to the Danish Monarchy. The priceless royal collection consists of solid gold items, golden-embroidered saddles, highly decorated swords and many blink-blink pieces of jewellery. They are all beautifully displayed which makes it even more impressive.

    Royal collection at Treasury of Rosenborg

    Royal collection at Treasury of Rosenborg

    Royal collection at Treasury of Rosenborg

    Royal collection at Treasury of Rosenborg

    There are several crowns on display and the highlight is none other than King Christian IV’s magnificent crown. The solid gold crown decorated with all those precious stones is simply a joy to look at. Or should I say gawk?

    Christian IV crown at Rosenborg

    Crowns at Treasury of Rosenborg

    King’s Garden of Rosenborg

    King’s Garden is Denmark’s oldest Royal garden and a popular spot where the locals hang out. This green oasis had once provided flowers, fruits, and vegetables for the Royal family. The park is meticulously tended and the lawns are perfect for picnics. My utmost respect to the people who upkeep this garden! It’s a pity that we did not get to see the roses in full bloom though. Nevertheless, it’s a great place stroll along the charming tree-lined avenues or just to chillax.

    Queen Caroline Amalie Statue at Rosenborg

    Statue at Rosenborg

    King Garden at Rosenborg

    Beautiful Tree at Rosenborg Garden

    Chillax at Rosenborg Garden

    One local recommended Hereford Village for its meat buffet at reasonable pricing. There’s a nice selection of starters and meats though the taste is not the best.

    Hereford Village in Copenhagen

    And I spotted the Danish Royal Life Guard guarding the entrance of Copenhagen’s Lego Store LOL.

    Danish Royal Life Guard Lego

    Copenhagen is indeed a very charming city with eye-catching buildings and plenty of green spaces. Our stay is way too short to uncover much about this happy city and I would love to be back here again!

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