Sweden is Europe fourth largest country. Though most of the countrys population is concentrated in its capital city of Stockholm. Over 1.8 million Swedes live in the greater Stockholm area. Stockholm is located on the islands separating Lake Malaren from the Baltic Sea. Stockholm originated on the narrow Strommen channel that connects the lake to the sea. Much like neighboring Copenhagen and St. Petersburg, Stockholm came to be as a busy port town. Today, Stockholm spans over 14 i slands that are uniformly joined by bridges.

Over the past century Stockholm has blossomed into a busy modern metropolitan. Intertwined with clear waters from Lake Malaren, the city bubbles with energy. The downtown area called Norrmalm is where you will find most of the finest restaurants, hotels, and shopping. Search the Expedia website for a list of Stockholm hotels. However, you will also find boisterous crowds and traffic jams.

Most tourists prefer the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town) and its quaint streets. Here you will feel like you are a million miles away from the bustling city center. Gamla Stan-s winding allays are filled with decorative gift shops, romantic restaurants, and cozy pastry shops. Be sure to try a Swedish pastry or two while you are there.

A hop, skip, and a jump away from Gamla Stan is the Kungliga Slottet otherwise known as the Royal Palace. The changing of the guards occurs daily and is quite a spectacle to see. Also within close proximity is the open-air folk museum Skansen. You will gain a genuine admiration for Swedish culture after browsing Skansen. Skansen hosts spirited festivals, live concerts, and folk dancing amongst numerous other activities.

In addition to having superb shopping, lively festivals, and royal palaces, Stockholm is home to a slew of world-class museums including the famed Vasamuseet, which showcases the world-s oldest ship, the Royal Warship Vasa.

Stockholm Travel Guides
 Frommer's Stockholm
 Lonely Planet Stockholm
 Let's Go Stockholm
 Fodors Stockholm