Today's post is another one inspired by House Hunters International. I like the idea of going to any Scandinavian country. The countries in northern Europe always look so beautiful to me. I hope I can take a trip that hits many of them in one go. To narrow it down for this imaginary vacation, I choose
Wishful Vacation #12
Stockholm, Sweden
Why I imagine I would go to Stockholm:
Stockholm is about 750 years old, which means that there is a lot of history to see. The city is made up of 14 islands, connected by bridges. The scenery is absolutely beautiful.
There is a well-preserved area called
Gamla Stan, which is the medieval city center, where Stockholm was founded in 1252. I would have to check that out! It is rated as one of the best historic places to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveler.
Stockholm is one of the cleanest cities in the world, as well. It has the first urban national park, the Royal National City Park. Green spaces are integrated into the city's plans, encompassing 30% of the area of the city. The Swedes seem to recognize the benefits of creating a beautiful and clean city. I like their commitment to caring for their environment.
In addition to all of that (which would be enough), Stockholm is home to 100 museums! I think I would find plenty to do during my visit!
Where I imagine I might stay in Stockholm:
I'm so torn about where to stay! If I were a younger person, I think I would not hesitate to pick a hostel. Doesn't it seem so Swedish to stay in a hostel? It seems right. But, in looking at the options, it seems like maybe I should pick an actual hotel and have some actual amenities, since this is a wishful vacation, after all. When choosing a hotel, I'm also torn. If I stayed in Gamla Stan (the old town), I would stay at
Rica Hotel Gamla Stan.
The whole place is furnished with 18th century style and antiques. They have very good reviews and a great location in the old town. That would make for a really unique stay!
I also think staying in an ultra-modern style hotel would be very authentic. I picture Swedish style being simple, clean, and modern.
The
Nordic Light Hotel has mood lighting in the rooms. It looks pretty awesome.
I also have to share this room I found at the
Nobis Hotel. Not exactly clean and white like I was looking for, but still pretty amazing.
So that's an option!
What I imagine I would eat in Stockholm:
It would be nice to include a smörgåsbord, a buffet of hot and cold dishes, in my eating plans in Stockholm. Unfortunately, I read that traditional smörgåsbord restaurants are becoming hard to find in the city! One remaining example of the old style is
Örtagården. It looks positively charming, and I am looking forward to the buffet of Swedish delicacies: meatballs, potatoes, lots of herring and other seafood, and lots more that I'm sure I would be trying for the first time!
The restaurant, while it serves food in the smorgasbord style, also includes various cuisines from around the world in their buffet.
What I imagine I would do as a fun activity in Stockholm:
While in Stockholm, I would love to spend time at some of the many museums. One definite visit would be to the
Vasa Museum. The museum houses an actual warship from the 1600s. It looks so amazing!
The museum's guided tours detail the history of the ship and the state of Sweden at the time of her construction. I know my husband and son would love this museum, too.
Stockholm seems pretty sweet. I imagine I would have a great time there. Where else should I go? Have you been on any trips that I just must repeat?
Happy travels!
xoxo - Erika
