Exploring Stockholm on Northern Lights Holidays - With the progressive expansion of tourism witnessed over
recent decades, undertaking any sort of travel has become easier than ever.
Where before anything more complicated than a ski trip or a beach holiday in
the summer would take scrimping, saving, and lots of planning, in recent years
companies have been expanding their portfolios to include more varied and
offbeat types of travel opportunities. As a result, adventurous travellers can
achieve their dream trip at a fraction of the cost and hassle it would have
implied only a scant few years ago.
A perfect example of how this globalising phenomenon has
been influencing the travel market is Northern Lights holidays. Where once upon
a time a trip to Northern Europe would have been little more than a flight of
fancy - unless one happened to live in such latitudes - nowadays it is
perfectly possible to not only chase the famous lights in Sweden or Iceland,
but also engage in a number of parallel activities whilst doing so. Holiday
packages focusing on the Aurora Borealis usually include a visit to a larger
town or major city, where a lot of ancillary activities are available. This
makes the experience more well-rounded and memorable, in a way that might not
have been possible before the advent of package tours.
Exploring Stockholm on Northern Lights Holidays
Stockholm: Where Sophistication Meets Natural Beauty
One much-visited location for Northern Lights holidays is
the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, which is known for its mix of sophistication,
beauty and elegant ambience. This contributes to the appeal of the destination
even beyond the context of Northern Lights holidays.
For tourists, the city offers a number of ways in which to
complement their Aurora Borealis adventures. Take, for instance, the Vasa.
Considered by many locals to be mandatory viewing for tourists, this
17th-century ship-based museum is the only preserved vessel of its type and
period remaining in the world. Salvaged in the mid-20th century - almost 300
years after it sank on its maiden voyage - the magnificent vessel has been
restored as close to its original form as possible.
It has since become the
most visited museum in Scandinavia, welcoming over a million visitors every
year. Maritime history enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to
explore this wonderful ship and learn a little more about its history from the
exhibitions held within.
Those less inclined to the sea, however, will not be at a
loss when spending time in Stockholm as part of their Northern Lights holidays.
The city hosts a number of more traditional museums, which are certainly more
than enough to please anyone with a penchant for culture. Examples of these
include the Fotografiska contemporary photo gallery, a hub for the works of
Sweden's most notable up-and-coming photographers, and the Nobel Museum, where
visitors can learn all about the prestigious award and its founder, Alfred
Nobel. Guided tours themed around Sweden's most famous literary work - Stieg
Larsson's Millennium trilogy - may also be of interest for culture aficionados
visiting the Swedish capital.
It is clear, then, that any Aurora chaser visiting Sweden on
their Arctic adventures will not be left wanting when it comes to other
activities aside from chasing the lights. Add Stockholm's plentiful dining
opportunities to its considerable cultural offer and any traveller will be able
to enjoy a fully rounded and most enjoyable experience.
Add a Stay in Stockholm to Northern Lights Holidays
Many Northern Lights holidays begin or end in Stockholm, and
even though you may be more focused on getting out into the wilderness to get
your first glimpse of the Northern Lights, holidays that include a day or two
in the capital city of Sweden are definitely worth considering. This stunning
city is certainly photogenic and it's an ideal place to spend an extra day or
two discovering the more cultural side of the country, before heading up into
Swedish Lapland to enjoy what you really came for.
Make the Most of Stockholm
If you have a couple of days to enjoy the city it's worth
getting yourself a "Stockholm Card" as this offers good value when
planning to fit in as much as you can. A great way to orientate yourself is to
take one of the regular boat or bus tours around the city, which stops at
various points where you can jump off or jump back on again.
For culture buffs, a visit to the Vasa Museum should not be
missed. This 400-year-old boat, which has its home in Stockholm harbour, is the
only 17th century ship in the world to be preserved, and it is rightly
treasured. Decorated with numerous carvings, more than 95% of the ship is
original. The Vasa warship sank in the middle of Stockholm in 1628 and wasn't
salvaged until 333 years later, when its restoration began. Nothing short of
spectacular, this ship now houses the museum, which is the most visited in
Scandinavia. With nine exhibitions permanently displayed around the ship, you
can learn about life onboard and even watch a film about the Vasa, which is
available in 16 languages. For a comprehensive insight into the museum, take
one of the guided tours that are on offer.
If you're looking for something a little more offbeat on
your visit to Stockholm, head to Fotografiska, the excellent photographic
museum that opened four years ago. This incredible display of photographs is
exhibited in four major sections, and every year the museum invites up to 20
smaller exhibitions to use the space. While photos of your own Northern Lights
holidays may not fit in here, the photos that are exhibited are captivating in
more ways than one!
Take a trip to the Old Town and you can learn about the
Nobel Prize and its founder, Alfred Nobel, along with other prestigious
Laureates and their ideas. The Nobel Museum holds guided tours and you can
watch short films on how the visions of these people have influenced the world.
The historical journey culminates in the Nobel Banquet, where you can indulge
in Nobel ice cream and other delicious Swedish treats.
Lovers of literary fiction will certainly enjoy the Steig
Larsson Millennium Trilogy Tour. The author of three bestsellers, which have
now become films and a TV series, set his characters on the central island of
the city, known as Sodermalm. The tour takes you on location and you can really
get involved in the atmosphere.
Northern Lights holidays are a joy and adventure in
themselves, but if you have a few extra days, why not add on a visit to
Stockholm? You'll be pleasantly surprised what is on offer in the city.
Visiting Stockholm During Northern Lights Holidays
The natural phenomenon that entices so many people to embark
on Northern Lights holidays in the first place is an experience that is truly
unforgettable. However, while enjoying the natural beauty of Sweden's remote
locations to see the Aurora Borealis, it is well worth the planning to spend a
few days in Stockholm as well. Stockholm is an exciting and bustling city with
numerous attractions, museums and restaurants to keep you well entertained.
Home of the Aurora Borealis
Many Northern Lights holidays are based in remote Swedish
Lapland, for the obvious reasons of more unobstructed viewing opportunities.
Far away from the city lights, the magnificent Aurora Borealis takes over the
night sky, stunning visitors with the dancing spectacle. Popular destinations
for sightings include Abisko and the Lulea Archipelago. Both areas are renowned
for their natural beauty and visitors have the opportunity to stay in the famed
Tree Hotel or Ice Hotel during their holiday there.
Faster-Paced Excitement
However, after the tranquillity of viewing the Northern
Lights, holidays in Sweden can become a little faster paced by heading into the
country's capital city, Stockholm. Stockholm can be reached either by a short
flight or by a few days' road-trip. Once in the city the options are endless.
Many visitors begin their exploration of the city's sights with a boat or bus
tour. These tours are helpful to get the lay of the land in the city streets as
well as narrowing down the places you wish to visit for a more in-depth
experience.
Must-See Museums
On the top of most visitors' lists is Stockholm's Vasa
Museum. The Vasa Museum is home to an amazing 400-year-old ship found in the
harbour, which has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. Over 95% of
the 17th century ship is made up of original material, and its intricate carvings
and sculptures make it awe-inspiring piece of art in itself. The museum offers
various exhibitions situated around the ship for visitors to learn about life
on-board and there is also a shop and a restaurant.
More Modern Appeal
For lovers of contemporary works of art, Stockholm's
Fotografiska Museum, which opened in 2010, is considered one of the world's
best collections of modern photographic art. The museum holds four major
exhibitions annually, in conjunction with approximately 20 smaller ones. The
souvenir and bookshop are worth a visit, as is the museum's rooftop bar, which
offers some wonderful views of the city.
Stockholm offers many other sights and scenes of interest
including The Nobel Museum, and a tour based on the best-selling Millennium
Trilogy novels, by Steig Larsson, whose stories were based in Stockholm and the
surrounding area. Travellers to Sweden on Northern lights holidays should
definitely take the opportunity to explore the country's fascinating capital
city as well. Exploring Stockholm on Northern Lights Holidays