A heightened appreciation:Stockholm, Sweden

A simple plan turns out to be an adventure 

It’s a 20-minute walk to the bus stop, and we’re trying to figure out which bus to take. We originally planned to take Bus 1 on the port side, but then we notice people heading across to catch the bus going the other way into the city centre—so, naturally, we follow! All we have to do to pay our fare is to tap our contactless bank card.

We pass by the Old Town, which we’ve already visited twice. Why not stay on the bus and see more of Stockholm beyond the familiar sights?

Almost everyone gets off at a busy shopping intersection, but we stay put, curious to see where the route takes us and it wasn't a good decision! We pass through residential neighbourhoods filled with high-rise buildings, with cafés tucked into almost every junction and small parks. Gradually, though, the city begins to thin out and the surroundings feel more and more remote.

Then we realise we have only 30 minutes left on our 75-minute ticket! Time to make a decision. We get off, wander around the neighbourhood for a little while, take in the local atmosphere, and then hop back on the same route toward the city.

A completely unplanned little adventure—and a fun way to see a different side of Stockholm! We had actually crossed into the residential area of  another island! After all, Stockholm stretches across 14 islands!

Join the crowd and be vowed

On the way back, we get off at a busy intersection and, almost without planning it, find ourselves wandering into a shopping street we have never been to before. There is something exciting about stumbling upon an unfamiliar part of a city, and we are immediately drawn to the first sight in front of us—a striking statue standing proudly in the open space.

We have arrived at the Orpheus Fountain, a monumental bronze sculpture of Orpheus, the legendary musician of Greek mythology. Why is the bronze bluish? Simple. It reflects the  cool, bluish tones of the Stockholm Concert Hall façade rising behind it. The whole scene has a wonderful sense of harmony, as though the sculpture and the building were meant to belong together. This is the home of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and, every year, the grand setting for the Nobel Prize award ceremony. Standing here, it is easy to imagine the excitement and ceremony that fill this place on that special occasion.

From the fountain, we make our way along Drottninggatan, or Queen Street, one of Stockholm’s best-known pedestrian streets. It has been part of the city since as far back as the 17th century, yet today it feels wonderfully alive and contemporary. With more than 20 intersections along its route, the street seems to invite us to keep walking, never quite knowing what we will discover around the next corner.

Much of Drottninggatan is pedestrian-only, which makes strolling here especially pleasant. We take our time, enjoying the shop windows, the colourful displays and the constant movement of people around us. There are familiar names and grand buildings along the way, including the Åhléns City department store, mixed with smaller shops and other city landmarks.

What catches our attention, though, are the concrete lions standing along the street. They are more than decorative sculptures—they serve as bollards, protecting pedestrians from traffic, while also carrying the Swedish symbolism of strength and protection. Somehow, they add a playful yet reassuring touch to the busy street.

We find ourselves simply enjoying the walk, with no particular hurry. The city seems to unfold naturally before us—blue façades, bronze sculpture, shop windows, passing faces and the gentle rhythm of people going about their day. It is one of those unplanned discoveries that makes travelling so enjoyable: we had only meant to be on our way back, and instead we have found another little piece of Stockholm to remember.

The heart of the city

As we make our way towards Stockholm’s Old City, we are led into Sergel’s Square. All of a sudden, the city opens up around us. The square sits below street level, and from above, we get a wonderful view of its unmistakable black-and-white triangular pattern, stretching across the pavement like a giant geometric design.

There is something fascinating about standing here and realising that beneath our feet lies Stockholm’s metro station and its network of tunnels, hidden below the busy city streets.

At the heart of the square rises a striking 38-metre-high glass pillar. Its glass catches the light, imagine what it would be like at sunset or at night. 

We pause for a moment, taking it all in. 

The square  feels like one of those places where Stockholm’s everyday life unfolds. Crowds gather here for celebrations, demonstrations and major sporting victories, turning this otherwise open urban space into a place of shared excitement and celebration.

Then, with the Old City still ahead of us, we continue our walk, leaving the bustle of Sergels square behind for the more sombre but majestic buildings.

A Reminder

Our route takes us past grand historic buildings, their ornate sandstone façades, decorated balconies, stone columns and sweeping arched windows reflecting Stockholm’s architectural elegance. Yet among this grandeur, we come across a poignant sculpture of a lone fox huddled beneath a tattered blanket—a quiet reminder of vulnerability and the hidden hardship that can exist alongside the city’s wealth.

Towards King's Garden 

We plan to take the bus back to the port from King’s Garden, so we begin walking towards the famous monument to King Gustav II Adolf near the Old Town. Along the way, we pass the uniquely red-and-green Saint James’s Church, a historic landmark with a distinctive character of its own. Behind it stands the Royal Swedish Opera, an impressive classical building and Sweden’s national stage for opera and ballet.

Soon, we find ourselves among tall willow trees, manicured hedges and winding paths, where locals and visitors alike come to stroll and enjoy the green surroundings. This is King’s Garden, one of Stockholm’s most popular public parks.

One of its notable landmarks is Molins Fountain, a historic bronze fountain adorned with swans and mythological figures. They surround a tall central pillar supporting a large, mushroom-shaped upper basin, from which water cascades gently into the pool below. After another hot day, the cool spray is especially welcome, offering a refreshing moment as we pause and take in our surroundings.

Saint James’s Church, the Royal Swedish Opera and Molins Fountain have deepened our appreciation of Stockholm’s architectural, artistic and cultural heritage. They also bring back memories of our previous visits to the Old Town, including the memorable changing of the guard. We watched both foot soldiers and mounted guards take part in the ceremony, accompanied by great fanfare, in a spectacular forty-minute Sunday parade.

Each visit seems to reveal another layer of Stockholm’s history and character. Today’s walk through King’s Garden is yet another reminder that the city’s beauty lies not only in its grand landmarks, but also in the way history, art, nature and everyday life come together so naturally.

We plan to take the bus back to the port from King's Garden. And so we walk towards the famous  monument to King Gustav 2 near the old town. On the way stands a uniquely red and green church, the historic Saint James’s Church. Behind it stands the Royal Swedish Opera, an impressive classical building that serves as Sweden’s national stage for opera and ballet.

Now we are among tall willow trees, manicured hedges, and walking paths enjoyed by both locals and visitors. It's King's Garden, one of Stockholm’s most popular public parks. One of its notable landmarks is Molins Fontän, a historic bronze fountain including swans and mythological figures surrounding a tall central pillar supporting a large, mushroom-shaped upper basin. Water cascades from the upper bowl into the pool below. The spray cools us for it has been another hot day.. 

Saint James’s Church, the Royal Swedish Opera, and Molins Fountain have added to our appreciation of the architectural, artistic and cultural heritage of the city we experience from  previous visits to the old town, including watching the changing of the guards, both on foot and mounted, with great fanfare in a 40 minute parade, on a Sunday.

What a treat!

Sailing out of Stockholm we are treated to an incredible sight. As we glide out of the harbour we sail through narrow passages and larger expanses of water connecting a labyrinthine 30,000 islands. We pass by forested coastal hills, cliffs, buildings, summerhomes, pine covered islets.  A fairy tale ending to our visit!