There I was spending my weekend in Stockholm still in the month of February (actually it was the last day of February) but the snow was still apparent everywhere. The forecast said it was going to be sunny with very high visibility but it was not the case at all on Saturday. It snowed quite heavily on and off and the sun came out for a while but generally it was still okay to go out (provided you can handle the cold).
It must have been very cold everyday in Stockholm that most lakes, seas and areas that had water in them were frozen. I went up to Brunnsviken - a huge lake in Stockholm and took some photos of the frozen lake. I saw people were practising for cross country skates on the lake where others were jogging, walking with dogs or just simply crossing the lake. It was a scary experience for me to walk on the lake. I was afraid I stepped into thin ice and fell down but I guess the ice was quite thick and I managed to cross from one side to the other side of the lake. It was as if I was walking on water! Well, almost :).
I also went to an outdoor ice skating rink in Kungstradgarden. I was told that this was the only skating rink that has skating boots for hire. In other places in Stockholm, you're expected to bring your own. I'd imagine most people in Sweden has at least one boot. Also, there is no admission fee on all ice rinks in Stockholm - they're free.
On Sunday, the weather was gorgeous. It was a good day to walk the old town (also known as Gamla Stan) and I did just that. The walk started on the quiet cobbled stones streets and ended in the shopping streets. It was a good Sunday walk. Click here to follow the walking tour of the old town.
And what about the food? One might ask. Well, I tried the famous Swedish meatball which was much more delicious than the one you normally get in IKEA. I also noticed a pastry cake called Semla being displayed in every place that sells cakes. Traditionally, Semla is a pastry that was to be eaten only on Shrove Tuesday (a day before Ash Wednesday). Now in Sweden people eat Semla every Tuesday from Shrove Tuesday up to Easter.
I have to say it was an interesting weekend. It was cold but very nice at the same time. Stockholm is a city surrounded by water, which makes the beautiful city even more beautiful. It's a modern city that keeps its old town along with its unique traditions. I enjoyed the food, the winter activities, and the city as a whole. And I can't believe I'm saying this, I didn't really mind the cold.
The frozen lake of Brunnsviken
The traditional pastry - Semla
Another frozen water somewhere in the city
The heart of Stockholm city
Kungstradgarden
The skating rink in Kungstradgarden
Line of seats overlooking the river near Stromsbron bridge
Stortorget square - Old town
Marten Trotzigs Grand - the narrowest street in Stockholm
