Traveling to Stockholm, Part II

Ready to hear a bit more about Stockholm, Sweden?

Because I loved the city so much, I had more recaps and travel recommendations to offer in addition to those shared yesterday. So, without further ado, Part II of "Traveling to Stockholm".

Skansen Open-Air Museum (Skansen)

Djurgårdsslätten 49

www.skansen.se

Like the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History that I wrote about on Monday, Skansen is another open-air museum that embodies the most important cultural and environmental aspects of Sweden while also being, in spots, an amusement park of sorts for children. Propped high on a hill, you will get unparalleled views of Stockholm from several points inside Skansen. The park consists of over 75 acres filled with traditional buildings, farms, and park employees in traditional garb.

Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

Galärvarvsvägen 14

www.vasamuseet.se

On her maiden voyage in 1628, the Vasa set sail and promptly sunk in the Stockholm harbor. Over two hundred years later, the wreck of the Vasa was found 95% intact, salvaged and placed on permanent display. Head to the Vasa Museum to see this miraculous piece of history yourself. 

National Museum (Nationalmuseum)

Söndra Blasiehomshamnen

www.nationalmuseum.se

Yesterday, I wrote about the Moderna Museet in Stockholm which is a must-visit; just down the street, you will find the National Museum which has in its permanent display a century of Scandinavian design. This exhibition was particularly convincing of the role Sweden has played in the integration of thoughtful design into everyday life.

Restaurang B.A.R. (Blasieholmens Akvarium o Restaurang)

Blasieholmsgatan 4A

www.restaurangbar.se

My husband Adam is a bit of a foodie and thusly, he challenges himself to find great cuisine wherever he visits. Stockholm provided Adam with Restaurang B.A.R. and, specifically, with his first experience with crayfish. Crayfish are traditionally eaten during summertime in Nordic countries, so Adam was pleased to finish our time in Stockholm with this local delicacy. Even if you visit Restaurang B.A.R. outside of crayfish season, I'm confident you'll enjoy the atmosphere, great service and yummy food.

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

After two days covering all of the wonderful sites to be seen in Stockholm, do you think you're convinced to visit now? Keep in mind, these two days only represent a sampling of the things to do there...I promise you will not be disappointed by this lovely city.

Up tomorrow: Copenhagen, Denmark!

Traveling to Stockholm, Part I

Welcome to Day 2 of my week-long Scandinavia recap, wherein I share pictures and recommendations of spots in Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen that I consider must-visits. To help you plan your future visit to Scandinavia (because I'm so confident you'll go!), I'll include the Swedish names, addresses and websites of these recommended places. Today and tomorrow, I'll recount our time in Stockholm. 

Stockholm was a quick 1-hour flight from Oslo and with our 4 days in this city, my husband and I made the most of our time there. Stockholm is a bustling city with an international feel that is so much greater than stereotypes of meatballs and Ikea. Stockholm is comprised of 14 islands--a fact that is easy to forget while exploring the city. Out and about, you will notice a fashionable population as well as many, many children with gleaming white-blond hair. As in Oslo, I recommend purchasing a Stockholm Pass, as it will make seeing the many sites here a breeze. Here are a few of my favorite Stockholm spots (with more tomorrow!).

Modern Museum (Moderna Museet)

Skeppsholmen

www.modernamuseet.se

If modern art is your thing--or if it vaguely interests you--I recommend stopping by the Moderna Museet, which boasts a collection that includes Picasso, Klein, Pollack, Calder and Warhol. Scandinavian artists also receive appropriate representation here and, for many, that will feel like a new discovery. We were fortunate to catch temporary exhibitions of Yoko Ono and Picasso/Duchamp, which was a real treat.

 Svenskt Tenn

Strangvägen 5

www.svenskttenn.se

If you've spent as much time obsessing over design and, specifically, printed fabrics as I have, you know the name Josef Frank and Svenskt Tenn. The famous Swedish design firm has been a place for inspiration since its opening in 1924. The large store/studio extends nearly a full city block! And, if you have a weakness for pattern and color, I promise that you will not want to leave empty-handed. 

Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde (Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde)

Prins Eugens väg 6

www.waldemsarsudde.se

If I had to pick one spot that was my favorite in all of our Scandinavia trip, it would be Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde, a museum converted from the home of a Swedish prince that includes some of the most beautiful art and interiors I could have imagined. To describe this spot as only an art museum would be to miss half of the story: the immense beauty of the estate's interiors. Flowers figure prominently in the home, as does a beautiful octagonal porcelain pot Prince Eugen's design himself--which is now only available at Waldemarsudde. Naturally, I had to take one of the Waldemarsudden pots home with me!

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

So, when will you be heading to Stockholm?

Don't miss tomorrow's post, where I share even more of this lovely city with you!

Traveling to Oslo

Hi, everyone! My husband and I had a wonderful time in Scandinavia over the last ten days, but I'm also so pleased to be back stateside with you all. This week, I'll be recapping our trip and offering some travel recommendations for Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen because I truly believe that Scandinavia needs to be the next place you visit. Hope you enjoy! Today: all about Oslo, Norway.

We spent two quick days in Oslo, which is a small-sized city situated on Oslofjord and is surrounded by lots of islands. It's also a city that is pretty expensive, so if you consider traveling here, be warned that the prices of hotels, food and transportation reflect a very stable economy boosted by the discovery of oil. Cost noted, Oslo was worth visiting. In fact, I recommend purchasing an Oslo Pass, which includes entry to nearly every tourist spot in the city. Here are some of my must-see places in Oslo. Because I want you to visit these places, I've included their Norwegian names, addresses and website for future trip planning!

Munch Museum (Munch-Museet)
Tøyengata 53
www.munch.museum.no

Sure, art fans the world over know Norweigan painter Edvard Munch for "The Scream", but his eponymous museum in the country's capital city houses a diverse collection of paintings that go beyond his most famous piece. I found myself drawn to the colorful abstracts on exhibition.

Oslo City Hall (Oslo Rådhus)

Fridtof Nansens Plass
www.rft.oslo.kommune.no

Have you ever thought to visit a municipal building while traveling somewhere? Probably not. But I hope that if you are ever in Oslo, you visit Oslo City Hall. Do not let the bland mid-century exterior dissuade you from heading inside, where you will find breathtaking murals representing Norwegian history and culture, extensive views of the harbor, and some pretty great flooring, window treatments and lighting. Oh, and don't forget that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded here each year.

Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norsk Folkemuseum)

Museumsvein 10 (on the peninsula of Bygdøy)

www.norskfolkemuseum.no

A quick 10-minute boat ride to the peninsula of Bygdøy brings you to the extensive Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, an open air museum that presents everyday life in this country across several centuries. Plan on spending the better part of the afternoon there--and I promise it will be well worth the visit. The property includes over 150 buildings relocated to the museum to capture a cross-section of Norwegian life.

At times, it was easy to forget that we were in 2012.

The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingshiphuset)

Huk Aveny 35 (on the peninsula of Bygdøy)

www.khm.uio.no/arrangementer/ 

While on Bygdøy, be sure to pop into the Viking Ship Museum, which houses three near-intact boats from the Viking Age. The size and artistry of these vessels begs your attention--definitely a must-see.

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

So, what do you say, will you contemplate a visit to Oslo?

Be sure to check in the rest of the week to see recaps/recommendations for Stockholm and Copenhagen!