Recently in Sweden Category

Stockholm is one of my favorite cities in Europe because it has a nearly perfect balance between urban and natural life. Case in point: one of the most beautiful parks in Sweden is located right in the middle of the city on the island of Djurgården. The Skansen Open Air Museum is the oldest open air museum in the world, having been founded in 1891, and it features a full size replica of a 19th century Swedish town, as well a zoo, a market, and acres of gardens and green spaces with native flora and fauna. More than 150 historical buildings from all over Sweden are scattered throughout the grounds, and tour guides in period costume explain their origins and demonstrate domestic tasks like weaving and spinning. Who knows, you might get the chance to churn some authentic Swedish butter. If so, hustle that butter over to the 1870's bakery, which still makes freshly-baked bread and buns using original recipes. Once you've walked around and had a good look at the place, drop by one of the park's five restaurants and cafes for a drink and a bite to eat. The Solliden Restaurant offers an amazing view of Stockholm to accompany a meal fit for a Swedish king. Skansen is just minutes from the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel.

England isn't the only European country that maintains its ages-old monarchy. Sweden, too, is presided over by a royal family, though its powers today are mostly ceremonial. King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia, and their family do the country's good work from the spectacular Royal Palace, which is located on Stadsholmen (City Island) in downtown Stockholm, just a short walk from the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel. The palace is the king's official residence and the setting for most official receptions, as well as a workspace for the king, queen, and Royal Court. (The family's private residence is Drottningholm Palace.) And what an office it is. With over 600 rooms on seven floors, I'm sure they can find a quiet place to hit the books, and several suites of royal apartments ensure that there's always a comfy bed to accommodate the occasional power nap. The baroque-style castle was originally built by the architect Nicodemus Tessin in the late 1600's and early 1700's to resemble a Roman Palace. It's majestic, but not exclusive: the Swedish royal family extends an open invitation to anyone who wishes to drop by for a look inside one of Europe's largest and most dynamic royal residences. Visitors will enjoy walking in the footsteps of Swedish royalty and browsing the antiquities in three palace museums: the Treasury, where the monarchy's most important symbols, known as the regalia, are kept; the Tre Kronor museum, dedicated to the original Tre Kronor palace that was destroyed in 1697; and Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities, with over 200 classic sculptures displayed in two stone galleries. It's a fun and enlightening way to take in more than 500 years of Swedish royal history.

A creative tribute to one of the world's most beloved children's book characters can be found on the famous island of Djurgården in Stockholm. Junibacken is a museum and children's theater dedicated to the work of Swedish author and artist Astrid Lindgren, who created the fictional characters Pippi Longstocking, Emil in Lönneberga, and Karlsson on the Roof. I must admit I'm not so familiar with Emil and Karlsson, but I have nothing but fond childhood memories of Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump, in Swedish), the nine-year-old girl with super-human strength and the ability to dance on the ceiling and outwit those who would thwart her mischievous plans. The museum features a miniature "Story Train" that takes riders on a journey through Lindgren's writing, including a stop at Mardie's house and a flight into the starry night in Vasastan. The train ends up at Pippi's house, Villa Villekulla, which is a place where children can run around and explore the rooms, slide down the slide, try on clothes, ride Pippi's horse, and play hopscotch. Since the house isn't designed for big people, adults get to kick back and relax for a few precious moments while the kids do their thing. Stockholm has something for everybody in its extensive old town, and Junibacken is a perfect destination for those traveling with children. It's okay if the little ones haven't heard of Pippi Longstocking before. After an hour in this colorful museum, they'll be hooked. Djurgården is a short stroll from the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel.