Sweden's dynamic capital city lies sprawled across 14 islands at the point where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea; a 'Beauty on Water' and a global icon. Stockholm is a trendsetter in the realms of fashion, design and technology, yet at its heart lies the Gamla Stan, Stockholm's 13th-century city center. Awash in myriad shades of honey, gold and ocher, the city's historic core is dominated by looming cathedrals, grand palaces and stately mansions; history replete within narrow, cobblestone streets. In contrast, the island of Södermalm is at the forefront of contemporary design, with fabulous boutiques, designer stores and galleries around every corner. You'll find bold prints, faux-natural fabrics and inventive lighting aplenty across the city's malls and shops, a testament to the Swedish taste for minimalist, functional and aesthetically pleasing design. A plethora of museums are at hand as well, including the intriguing Vasa Museum - Scandinavia's most-visited, and home to the world's sole entirely intact 17th-century salvaged ship. The city's culinary scene is a worthy competitor to Stockholm's art scene, blending traditional eateries with global food trends; scattered in between are plenty of parks and open spaces. Moreover, the islands are interlinked for ease of movement, and its metro stations are a stunning display of Stockholm's passion for inventive design.
