I must admit that we have seen our share of medieval towns on this trip. Here is another one. "The town dates back to the 13th century, and consists of medieval alleyways,cobbled streets, and archaic architecture. North German architecture has had a strong influence in the Old Town's construction." Gamla Stan is pretty but there are a couple of streets that should be avoided that are full of souvenir shops, cafes, retail stores, etc (unless you are looking to buy a t-shirt for your grandson). They are also full of tourists just off the cruise ships and tour buses.
The walk to Gamla Stan. We took the long way around the first time because we weren't sure exactly where to go.
I am a 14 year old boy inside.
Built in 1757. This is the apartment building next door to us. Our building that we are staying in was built in the 1800's.
The Katerina church. A lot of extensive renovation going on.
It started to rain lightly so we ducked into a coffee shop. There were three on this intersection. That is a Starbucks. We had coffee at Wayne's Coffee, across from this building and there was a Tully's Coffee to the left of this place. Clearly we were at a coffee crossroads.
Gamla Stan seen from one of the bridges to the island.
Don wants to be an ambassador at the "Ardbeg Embassy". This road, and a few others like it, was just full of shops and tourists.
No shops. Very few tourists. Just Don and me and one other guy.
Statues on the front of the Royal Palace.
The view from the Royal Palace Square looking towards Skepps Holman island on the right with the round building and Stockholm mainland on the left.
We were getting hungry and decided to leave Gamla Stan and go somewhere else for lunch.
You cross a lot of bridges walking around Stockholm.
You can fish just about anywhere in Stockholm, the water is very clean. We saw people fishing right off of the bridges.
There is a medieval museum with free entry so we popped in. Here is a rune stone.
Letter from 1252.
A small rigid heddle loom, about 12 inches on a side.
Heading back into Old Town
A little coffee always takes the edge off.
I'm in there ordering ice cream. I really, really wanted some ice cream.
One of the best St. George Slaying a Dragon statues I've seen.
Many wooden doors and shutters. The evening light is beautiful.
This guy again. I think it's King Gustav III. Maybe. I don't remember.
We've left Old Town and now we're headed to our favorite bar and restaurant, Erik's Gondolen.
Waterfront art.
Erik's Gondolen. Great view and magnificent cocktails.
What's even better than the views and the drinks is the fact that there is a pedestrian bridge linking the restaurant to our neighborhood. Instead of walking up a very long and steep road, or, climbing about four flights of stairs, we just take the elevator up to the eleventh floor and walk across. After having a few drinks, of course.
"Drik Coca-Cola"
Scenes from our neighborhood. A really old water tower.
A mural on a building.
Me in front of the mural for a sense of scale.
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