Gamla stan, the Old Town, until 1980 was officially known as Staden mellan broarna (The Town between the Bridges), is the old town of Stockholm, Sweden. Gamla stan consists primarily of the island Stadsholmen.
It is a short ferry ride across the inner harbour in the sunshine this morning, passing four large cruise ships enroute. There is a slight breeze and the possibility of a shower, so Donna has packed the umbrellas - just in case.
Gamla Stan is one of the larger islands in the archipelago that is Stockholm. It has an area of about 0.26 square kms. And while we didn't cover all of it,we gave it a pretty damn good shot. Walked just under 5 kms today so you can imagine how my feet are tonight! Still I am really pleased with how I lasted and thankful that Donna lent me her arm numerous times on the blasted cobblestones. There were every possible type of them somewhere on the island - including those little rounded ones that they set on their edges - they are the most painful!
On our way to find the Cathedral (which turned out not to be the church we thought it was) we came across the intricate bronze statue to St George and the Dragon. This dragon was slain in return for the City converting to christianity! Turns out, this is not the only statue to St George and the dragon, and most certainly one one of hundreds of statues on this elaborate little island.
The first major building we entered today is the Nobel Prize Museum. Set in an imposing building facing one of the main squares where the City fountain is set, the interior is dark, although not at all cool! This centre focuses on the story of how the Prize came about - as the legacy left in the will of Alfred Nobel who had made his fortune in the discovery and development of dynamite. Without any direct descendants (although he had large extended family) he decided to distribute his fortune to the recognition of those who excelled in a number of scientific and other fields:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Physiology or Medicine
- Literature
- Peace
Th Royal Apartments (historic) are more accessible with lift access allowing easy access to the main areas (although there were still steps up from each foyer). There are two things that strike us 
Once we had had our fill of the opulence, we retraced our steps to the courtyard just as the Changing of the Guard was taking place. Talk about being in the right place at the right time. We have unobstructed views, unlike the crowds who have just entered the Parade Square and are being marshalled by soldiers! The Guard have some of the best polished helmets we have ever seen!
Out through the Parade Square and behind the Palace, we find the Storkyrkan - Stockholm Cathedral, St. Jacob's Church and St. Clara Church. This medieval church, built from 1279, this cathedral, has been a Lutheran place of worship since 1527. By now it is now close to 5 pm and time for us to turn towards the ferry back to Skeppsholmen. My feet HATE the cobblestones and the uneven roads and pavements, the hills up and down, have taken their toll. I am really feeling our jaunt today, but thrilled that we were able to traverse most of Gamla Stan.
We return to the Hotel Skeppsholmen somewhat subdued, but happy with the day.
Night all - time to rest the tootsies!
There are not too many people getting off the ferry, although there were plenty on board - so I guess the museums we did over the last couple of days are still drawing the late summer / early autumn crowds.
Gamla Stan has a really interesting skyline with cupolas, towers, spires and the stair-stepped roof-lines reminiscent of those in Brugges and the slightly rounded ones found across many of the other European cities.
Between 1901 and 2018, the prizes have been awarded a total of 590 times. And there is information on each and every one. One of the more interesting ways they are presented is on a ceiling mounted tracked system that features each of the laureates on a separate hanging banner. Other ways they are presented are in decade visual blocks where one can read in detail of the recipient. And some are featured in special displays. There is a major display on the works and times of Martin Luther King. We spent about 2 hours working through the discoveries and works of some of the amazing people who have and are currently influencing our knowledge of our world.
Following our enlightening, we ventured back into the afternoon sun - it is hard to believe that summer is done and locally, everyone is commenting on how later summer is lasting. After wandering through backstreets, peering down alleyways and into doorways and courtyards, we end up on one of the straight lines that cross the island - Osterlangg, looking for a light lunch.
The small restaurant Cultur was easy to enter (steps here are everywhere) and in fact, compared to here on Skeppsholmen, very affordable.
The small restaurant Cultur was easy to enter (steps here are everywhere) and in fact, compared to here on Skeppsholmen, very affordable.
Donna had Cod with crab sauce and baby potatoes and I had Chicken with Tarragon, mashed potatoes and white beans. Washed down with a glass of Italian Pinot it was delicious and very satisfying, providing the energy needed this afternoon.
So we next headed to the other end of Gamla Stan and The Royal Palaces.
With more than 600 rooms, much of it open to the public, we could have spent a full day in this one complex. However, time is short and there is still so much to see. Donna climbed the many steps to take some photos in the large Chapel - basically one large hall that hosts major ceremonies.Straight away we are struck by - the amazing chandeliers in all the rooms, and the plethora of clocks -some rooms with more than one - and all keeping perfect time. Turns out the Palace has its own clock-maker to ensure that these historic pieces all run true!
There are gifts from popes and princes, priceless tapestries and furniture and elaborate furnishings in the king's rooms. The Council Chamber still hosts meetings of the Swedish Cabinet three to four times a year with the King sitting as Chairman.
And Karl XI's gallery, modelled on the castle Versailles mirror gallery has a series of chandeliers running its length!
It houses the other statue of St George slaying the Dragon that we have seen today. This one, carved in timber in 1489 is amazing in its detail.
Tomorrow we check out and will take the train to Gothenburg on the other side of Sweden. At least this way we will get to see more of the countryside.
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