We really lucked out with our camp in Stockholm. It has everything we could possibly need – even a sauna! – and the commuter train station is only 600 meters away. Perfect.
Well-rested and well-fed, we set off the next morning towards Gamla Stan. The historic old town is the perfect starting point for our little sightseeing tour. The metro makes it super easy, and within just a few minutes we’re there. Of course, a first coffee for the caffeine monster is mandatory, and then we cross the bridge onto the small island where we find the Riddarholmen Church, the Bondeska Palatset, and the Royal Palace – a concentrated dose of history, though framed by construction sites that don’t exactly invite lingering.
So we move on. At Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square, we slip into a narrow alley and somehow manage to dodge the big tourist groups. In the little side streets, we finally find what we love most: a bit of quiet, charming old facades, and that feeling of discovering a more authentic Stockholm.
Passing the Royal Palace, we eventually wander down to the harbor – because honestly, we can never resist looking at boats.
The Museum of Modern Art, unfortunately, is closed on Mondays, just like so many other museums. So instead, we walk across the Royal Bridge to Kastellet Stockholm, a little fortress perched above the water.
On the way back, we stop at a small restaurant with a view over the water. From there we can already see our next highlight of the day: the Vasa Museum. After a long digestion stroll, we finally stand in front of the ship itself. And yes, we’re both impressed and a little amused. The mighty Vasa only sailed 1,300 meters before sinking – tragic, but also a bit embarrassing. Still, the ship is breathtaking to look at, with its sheer size and elaborate carvings.
Afterwards, we step away from the big sights and wander along the quieter, hidden paths of the city. It feels good to breathe again. After weeks surrounded by nature and small towns, the hustle and bustle of a big city takes some getting used to. At the same time, we realize how much we’ve missed urban life.
In the evening, the train takes us back to camp. With nearly 25,000 steps on the counter, the sauna is calling our names. Bliss!
