Scandinavian Cruise - Day 10- Nynasham for Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm – the capital city and seaport of Sweden, on the eastern coast of the country, where Lake Mälaren enters the Baltic Sea. It is also the capital of Stockholm County. Stockholm is situated on about 20 islands and the adjacent mainland and is the largest city and the chief commercial, manufacturing, financial, transportation, and cultural center of Sweden. Major manufactures include printed materials, electrical equipment, processed food, machinery, metal products, paper, chemicals, textiles, and clothing. Government operations, tourism, and shipbuilding also are important to the city's economic base.

Stockholm is known for its beauty; it has many waterways and much parkland and is often referred to as the Venice of the North. It is the seat of the University of Stockholm (1877); the Royal Institute of Technology (1827); the College of Fine Arts (1735); schools of music, economics, medicine, and physical education; the Royal Library; the Nobel Foundation (1900), which oversees the awarding of Nobel Prizes; and the Swedish Academy (1786). Among the many museums in the city are the Swedish Museum of Natural History; the National Museum, with large collections of paintings, sculpture, drawings, and prints; the Contemporary Art Museum; the National Museum of Science and Technology; the Ethnographical Museum of Sweden, with a collection of artifacts from around the world; and the National Maritime Museum, with displays relating to Swedish naval and merchant-marine history.

Other points of interest include the Royal Palace (completed 1754), the 13th-century Church of Saint Nicholas, or Storkyrkan (Great Church), and the 17th-century Riddarhuset (Hall of Nobles), all on the island of Städsholmen; Riddarholm Church (begun late 13th century), in which many of Sweden's monarchs are buried, on the island of Riddarholmen; and the House of Parliament, on the island of Helgeandsholmen. Also of note are the Stadshuset (City Hall), designed by the Swedish architect Ragnar Östberg and built between 1911 and 1923, and the zoo and open-air museum in Skansen, a popular park. Among the performing-arts institutions that are supported by the city of Stockholm are the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, the Royal Dramatic Theater, and the Royal Ballet.

Although the area had long been inhabited, Stockholm was not established until the mid-13th century. This settlement developed as a trading center after commercial ties were established with cities that were members of the Hanseatic League (a commercial federation of European cities), particularly Lübeck. In 1520 the coronation of Christian II, king of Denmark and Norway, as king of Sweden took place here. To strengthen his position in Sweden, Christian had a number of Swedish noblemen killed during what has been called the Stockholm Massacre. Three years later Danish rule was overthrown, and Gustav I Vasa became king of Sweden, with Stockholm as the center of his kingdom.

The city became a noted cultural center in the 17th century, and its main growth as an industrial community began about 1850. The 1912 Olympic Games were held in Stockholm. Population is approx 761,721.

Food

Swedish food tends to be simple and healthy. Perhaps Sweden’s most famous culinary invention is the smörgåsbord, a self-service buffet that includes an assortment of cold and hot foods. Smörgåsbords frequently include a variety of cold fish dishes, such as gravlax (cured salmon), lutefisk (cod or pollock marinated in potash lye), and pickled herring, and warm dishes such as sausages and Swedish meatballs. Breads, egg dishes, pies, and salads are also commonly included. Daily fare is generally simpler and frequently includes boiled or fried potatoes served with fish or meat.

Boiled hot dogs purchased from street vendors (called gatukök) and American-style fast food are especially popular among younger Swedes. Apart from special occasions, most bread served in Sweden is thin and crispy. Swedes love strong coffee, which is served with most meals, and they rank among the world’s highest consumers of coffee per capita. Popular alcoholic beverages include beer, vodka, and aquavit, an aromatic liqueur made with caraway seeds

Agriculture

Just 7 percent of the land in Sweden is cultivated. Nevertheless, agricultural output is quite high. Scientific farming, including intensive fertilization and mechanization, makes possible good crop yields despite generally poor soils, rugged topography, and a short growing season. Agriculture is intensively developed in the southern lowlands, especially in the plains of Skåne. Most agricultural production is for domestic consumption.

Agriculture dominated Sweden’s economy until the 1930s, but today less than 2 percent of the total work force earns a livelihood by farming. Modern Swedish farms vary in size from large estates to small holdings of a few hectares. In recent years, many small farms have been combined into larger units. After World War II, dairy farming, traditionally an important sector of Swedish agriculture, declined compared to the production of cereal grains and vegetables. The leading farm commodities remain livestock and livestock products, especially dairy products. The major crops are wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, canola, rye, and sugar beets. Sweden is also a leading producer of fur pelts, particularly mink.

Language

Swedish but just about everyone speaks fairly fluent English.

Currency

Swedish Krona – approx 12.00 to the GBP£, ATM machines are available; there are a few money exchanges (Forex) located throughout the city

Best Souvenir

Swedish Crystal (both traditional and contemporary) While Sweden’s Orrefors and Kosta Boda are internationally known.

Watch out for

Cobbled streets and uneven surfaces that can be hard on the feet; wear comfortable shoes.

If time permits I recommend a visit

Vasa Museet, the museum was literally built around the Vasa, a 17^th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was salvaged in 1961 and, what was especially interesting was that it was almost completely intact (the Baltic’s brackish waters kept parasites at bay). Beyond the ship itself, the museum features a range of other maritime exhibits.

Where we are docked

The Port of Nynasham, is a major ferry terminal, we shall be anchoring and using tenders to the dock. Stockholm is about a 1 hour drive. There is a small town a short walk for the dock.