STOCHOLM

Fourteen islands, fifty-seven bridges, seven nature reserves, a national park, over seventy percent of the energy coming from clean sources, nine out of ten inhabitants who live less than 300 meters from a public garden. And again: the most important port of the Baltic Sea, the financial heart of northern Europe, the city with the highest salaries in the whole country, etc.

Few numbers to get familiar with the Swedish capital, an ecological city, efficient and proud of its multiculturalism. In short, a welcoming city, at the top of all the special rankings that measure well-being and quality of life on a global scale.

The visit of Stockholm begins, invariably, from its historic center. To be precise, from Stortorget, the square of Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city on the island of Stadsholmen. This is where the Royal Palace, the Cathedral (Storkyrkan) and the Stock Exchange Building (Börshuset) are located which, in addition to representing the Swedish financial center, houses the Nobel Museum (Nobelmuseet) famous for its audio-archives with speeches held on the occasion of the collection of the prize.

It is not over, because not far from the square flow Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan two of the main shopping streets of the city, daily invaded by thousands of tourists strolling among luxury boutiques and vintage shops. Not to be missed.Royal residence and historical-cultural monument: the tourist appeal of the Royal Palace in Stockholm lies in this ambivalence. The castle already existed, but what we admire is the work of the architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger commissioned by King Charles XI (1655 – 1697) to adapt Tre Kronor, the old medieval fortress, to the imperial aspirations of the royal house.

Due to a series of vicissitudes, Nicodemus Tessin’s project saw the light only 60 years after he was awarded the post. To be precise, in 1754, when King Adolfo Federico and Queen Lovisa Ulrika were able to move permanently to the new palace completed by the architect Carl Harleman (under the artistic direction of Carlo Gustavo, son of Nicodemus Tessin). A triumph of Baroque and Rococo in which today the main ceremonies and state visits take place. 

You can choose a different category and type of hotels and rooms.

STOCHOLM

3 Stars Hotels
∗ Comfort Hotel – from € 86, https://www.nordicchoicehotels.se/hotell/sverige/stockholm/comfort-hotel-xpress-stockholm-central/
∗ Queen’s Hotel – from € 99, https://queenshotel.se/image-gallery/
∗ Lord Nelson Hotel – from € 140, https://www.thecollectorshotels.se/en/lord-nelson/

4 Stars Hotels
∗ Scandic Hotel – from € 125, https://www.scandichotels.se/klara
∗ Collector’s Victory Hotel – from € 153, https://victory.worhot.com/

5 Stars Hotels
∗ Grand Hotel Femstjarnigt – from € 270, https://www.grandhotel.se/

COPENHAGHEN

A lighted candle, the scent of cinnamon, background music, something just whispered.

A white blanket resting on the armchair, four in the afternoon in winter, if you look out the window you can imagine the snow slowly falling.

On the first day in Copenhagen, go to greet the Little Mermaid, setting the alarm at dawn: it will be a small sacrifice rewarded by a dreamy atmosphere and you will be alone in front of the symbol of the cityAmong the things to see in Copenhagen there is certainly the fortified citadel.

Kastellet, an ancient star-shaped military area, very close to the statue of the Little Mermaid.

In the early morning, but not only, the green hills of Kastellet are very popular with runners, who take advantage of this beautiful green corner to get some exercise.

Admission is free, you walk among red-roofed houses and from the ramparts you have a beautiful view of the city.

In the park there is also a wonderful windmill, one of the few still existing in Copenhagen.

Outside the walls, do not miss the enchanting Anglican church of St Alban and the Gefion fountain, which symbolizes the legend of the island on which the capital of Denmark was built.the royal palace of Copenhagen.

Amalienborg: for over 200 years it has been the residence of the rulers of Denmark.

Only part of the castle can be visited: free with the Copenhagen Card, at a cost of 13 euros for those without it.

In the large square, where in the center stands the equestrian statue in honor of Frederick V, king of Denmark and Norway, the changing of the guard is held every day at noon.

The nearby Marmorkirken, literally the marble church, was built in the years of the reign of Frederick V, who laid the first stone during a sumptuous public ceremony.

HELSINKI

Helsinki is a tourist destination known above all for its unspoiled landscapes overlooking the sea and its particularly varied architectural heritage. It is also considered the home of design and offers a wide choice of restaurants where you can enjoy excellent Scandinavian dishes.

The capital of Finland is quite small and can be easily explored on foot. Many of Helsinki’s hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of various city attractions. Among the most significant places of interest, you can visit one-of-a-kind churches, a fortress declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some traditional markets that date back to the 19th century.

Helsinki’s nightlife has a lot to offer for lovers of alternative music, which is particularly popular with Finns. Bars and clubs host metal concerts practically every night. In addition, every year the city comes alive with one of the largest music festivals in Europe, during which internationally renowned heavy metal bands perform.piazza del Senato, overlooked by the huge cathedral and the neoclassical buildings of the nineteenth century designed by Carl Ludvig Engel.

Then move to Helsinki Central Station, the city’s public transport hub and housed within a huge granite building featuring four huge statues at the entrance. Finally, stroll through the streets of the exclusive Eira district and admire the magnificent pastel-colored buildings in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.