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| The Swedish Flag |
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| Archipelago fronting the shores of Stockholm |
The most fascinating part of a visit to Stockholm aboard a
ship could well be the long approach winding its way through 24.000 islands
before reaching Stockholm. The port is one of the most expensive, as several
pilots are required to guide ships through the maze of shallows, rocks, narrows
and islands, which almost look like the Gulf Islands – except covering a much
larger area.
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| Ferries connect many of the outlaying islands |
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| Little Summer Mansion |
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| Neighbourhood Parking Lot |
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| Cormorants denuding an Island |
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| Another Little Cottage - with helicopter on the roof |
Although mostly uninhabited, there are many summer homes all with
their little sauna built adjoining to the refreshing waters of the Baltic.
There is constant ship traffic of vessels of all sizes, sail and motor, which
maneuver carefully between markers and along hundreds of light houses.
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| Narrowest passage - about 100 meters wide |
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| Inter Island Ferry |
On a
sunny late mid-summer evening, the passage offers vistas of romantic sea scopes
and unspoiled islands. The sea with its low salt content is a haven for birds
such as flocks of swans and herons. Many species of ducks forage for food.
Gulls scream overhead. It certainly is a bird watchers delight.
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| Swans are everywhere... |
Sweden ruled the Baltic – and more – for a long time. After
visiting St Petersburg, Russia, it was interesting to visit Sweden, where the young
and impetuous Swedish King Charles XII was one of the most formidable
adversaries of Peter the Great. Of
interest for history buffs is the Vasa Museum, which contains the restored
warship Vasa, which sank in 1628.
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| Guard at the Royal Palace in Stockholm |
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| Fear God, and obey thy King |
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| Charles XII of Sweden |
Stockholm is an intriguing mix of modern Scandinavian
architecture and design with Gamla Stan, the best preserved Medieval City in
Europe, located on an island, being the centre of Stockholm. Churches, Royal
Palaces, cobble stone streets, narrow passages make exploring it a joy. Of
course, Stockholm’s City Hall is the hallowed place where Nobel Prizes are
awarded. There are dozens of tour boats, which take a visitor to the various
islands making up the city; however, walking (unless there are no bridges)
would be the most rewarding way of exploring.
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| Fishing Downtown Stockholm |
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| Still a little chilly for outdoor dining |
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| Stockholm's Ghost Walk |
