Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, consist of 14 islands and countless bridges everywhere on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between the islands.

Swedish are proud of their land, we are told by locals that Stockholm are very nice... very clean... Yes, they are as clean as Singapore. At least you don't see rubbish lying everywhere on the street. Buildings are well-planned, neat and tidy.

Before we stepped into Stockholm, I managed to read up from certain website that Stockholm is a cashless society. From the high-end boutique to the corner hot dog stall, credit card is acceptable. That is why we didn't manage to see Swedish currency during the trip.

Taxi are not regulated in Stockholm, so you will be expecting to see many different styles of taxi on the streets. Most importantly, they are different in price, better check before boarding. Approved taxi with metered fare has a yellow number plates. Kurir is the recommended taxi company recommended by the locals. No advance booking required. From airport to city, a standard fare of 495 kroner.

(Exchange rate as of this blog: 1 EUR - 9.8 SEK) 

Kurir's driver with good attitude,
even though our destination is slightly out of the city, he still charge 495 SEK with a smile.

Katarina Kyrka - is one of the major churches in central Stockholm, Sweden. The original building was constructed 1656–1695. Just located opposite of our Airbnb apartment.

Katarina Elevator - Great view from a height of Södermalm island, overseeing the landscape of Old Town.

Tre Valv - a traditional swedish restaurant

Nice decoration and getting ready for Christmas

Queen wanna try the local Swedish meatball, where we usually get it from IKEA. (Top-Right)
Taste delicious...

Walk around the cobblestone streets in Old Town, after filling our tummy...

Royal Palace - (Swedish: Stockholms slott or Kungliga slottet) is the official residence and major royal palace of the Swedish monarch.

Storkyrkan - is the oldest church in the old town in central Stockholm, Sweden. It is an important example of Swedish Brick Gothic.

Nobel Museum - Exhibits about the history of the Nobel Prize & the significant contributions made by its winners.

Christmas Market @ Stortorget

Sky begin to turn dark and it start to drizzle a bit... bringing the temperature further down to almost zero degree. Nothing stop us!!! still wandering around the Old Town, then to the New Town.

Will be taking the boat to the opposite island, where there are Amusement Park, ABBA Museum... etc

Amusement Park is close for winter, however those game stalls are still in operation.
Amusement Park + Winter = Dead Town... lol

Skansen - highly recommended in many websites.

Whao... A long queue for the ticket.

This plot of land is huge, not only comprise of the Christmas Market,
there are many other attractions as well.
You may take a funicular, which cost SEK 30 per pax, or hike up.

Swedish house in donkey year ago...

Fresh bread making demonstration

Folk music with the old music instruments

Christmas Market @ Skansen...
Look at that crowd...

Stalls selling dried food to cooked food.

A small area for animal display.
Left: horse. Right: Owl.

Sky View - Glass gondola rides along the outside of the Ericsson Globe, the world’s largest spherical building.

Stockholm City Hall - Waterside government offices completed in 1923 & made from red brick with a lantern-topped tower.

Last meal in stockholm before we board the overnight cruise to Turku, Finland. Got to try the reindeer meat, as it is only available during Christmas season. (Bottom-Right)

Review of Reindeer meat:
Meat texture like beef, but taste like lamb.

Stockholm Viking Line Terminal

Self check-in machine to get the boarding pass.

Cruise experience was donkey years ago, cabin size is expected to be smaller.
However, this cabin seems fine with us.

Stockholm strait view - very nice

Stay tune as we are reaching Turku, Finland...