Up with the birds Saturday morning… accomplished pack up and check-out in Christianshavn, piloted the commute to Copenhagen Central Train Station, and lastly navigated to correct platform for the train that would deliver us to our next destination, Stockholm Sweden! The train involves one transfer, in Malmo, Sweden. As things go with trains, it departed from the station exactly on time. Of note, the train crosses the Øresund, the body of water between Denmark and Sweden. The Øresund Bridge is an engineering marvel that spans (by both tunnel and bridge) this immense crossing. The train actually travels on this bridge under the highway. Smart piece of infrastructure.
As for the train travel, well that was simply awesome! Lots of room, comfortable, organized and on time…and all the amenities attached. After connecting to train wi-fi, I downloaded the provider’s app (SJ) and could immediately get location, train speed (199 km/h), next stops, estimated arrival time, and even a seat map. We only managed a quick nap (although both tired) in the big cozy seats. We pulled into Stockholm 3 minutes late… really an excellent service 👍!
So Stockholm… pretty darn wet on entry, not sure if we asked for that 😂? Not much control over weather I guess, so we began adjusting plans right away. Upon arrival we made the conscious choice to switch up a walking tour we had downloaded, and instead worked out an adjustment for provisioning the AirBnB. A quick search lead us to all the requirements in just a short walk from Central Station so that got taken care of right away. We stored everything we had in lockers on the lower floor of the Train station.
What to do next on a very inclement day… when all else fails we find an Irish Pub ☘️! Lo and behold, we saw ourselves just blocks away from O’Connell’s Irish Pub. It was warm, it was dry, and they served with a smile (although that may have been related to how much they were charging and us still buying). All in, we took a little time to touch base with home, research Stockholm’s Metro and juggle that itinerary.
Having eased a bit in regard to rain, we took the quick walk to Stortorget… that most famous view in Gamla Stan. In essence, it feels that one entered a maze, with cobble pedestrian streets, brilliant 3-4 story architecture and colorful facades. To further complement, all adorned by fountains, statuary and quaint shop lined streets. Simply old world and pleasing to the senses!
At 3:00 PM we navigated the check-in process at our Gamla Stan AirBnB. That was easy peasy today 👍! Once again we find ourselves several floors up, but we consider it part of the experience and worth keeping a price down 😉. It’s less than modern, but nor should it be in the historic centre of Stockholm. We opened a window, listened to the rain, enjoyed a snack / refreshment and settled into our space. A perfect chance to recharge after 5-6 days of steady go! Can you say “kink”? We nodded off to the steady beat of raindrops… ah 😴.
Nothing too consequential unfolded from here on in. We did manage to locate the local grocer (just a three minute walk) to secure coffee / cream through a lot of google translate in the “Co-op”. Further, since we stumbled into it, we took the opportunity to wander down the city’s skinniest street, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. We met a very wet walking tour filter out the top end, where it narrows out to less than 3 feet wide. So we had managed a couple of excursions but in the end, just too soggy. Our fingers were crossed that morning would bring a little less rain, and a little more exploring!
As luck would have it, we did get out for a great walk about Gamla Stan between 9-10 PM. We contemplated checking out a bar, but decided against and just enjoyed the stroll. Really our first unhurried look at what is simply a gorgeous city with palatial buildings, grand canals and accessible waterfront for all to enjoy! We are asking questions that require research… like where does the money come from? What is it like here in winter? IKEA, VOLVO, Spotify… are we aware of Swedish brands? I’m creating homework for myself now 🤪! Good night all…
Good morning to you both…
Enjoyed catching up on your travels over the last couple days… simply fantastic !
Thanks so much for your chronicles…. They are so full of detail…. It takes one right there !
Was a big afternoon in Main River yesterday…. Excavated, jacked up, supported and formed for a new concrete foundation for our beloved barn ! Made my Dad pretty happy!
Late arrival in Stanhope to enjoy a chore free Saturday for a change !
Enjoy your journey!
Hi to Janie !
Hey there… love the things that are getting done at the farm. Some generational work! We’ve arrived today in a “soggy” Stockholm, but juggled plans to make lemonade! Getting ready to spirit away for a much needed PM nap… we are hitting mid trip and usually make adjustments to keep things online!
Sounds like the rainy weather may have caused you to slow down for an hour or two!!
Probably a blessing in disguise.
Loved the narrow street and bnb pics.
Saw Pete yesterday… your plant is doing very well!!
Overcast, but all together very comfortable second day in Stockholm Eileen… we even made up an attraction (walking tour) that we ducked on Saturday. Very on track today and just rolled into accommodations to give the legs a rest. Great run 👍 today!!
Welcome to Sweden. Looks amazing. That one pic looks very Amsterdam-like. Looks like you survived the rain and managed to still squeeze things in with some flex in your planning. I always love visiting the grocery stores in a new country city. Must be part of my New Waterford Hinchey’s Supermarket days:) Wondering what the shopping experience is like? Similar style of stores as here? Any translation difficulties? How are prices? And of course, how much for a grocery store beer vs an outdoor patio beer? The important stuff.
Let’s tackle this one at time… love how you make me think (good teaching skill on your part)! Firstly… Rain / bad weather for us is nothing more than an opportunity. It’s given us amazing photos from the glisten on the streets of Lisbon to tucking our family under an overpass in a hail storm in Montana… wonderful memories!
Grocery stores in cities are focused in every way… here’s what I’ve noticed. Limited in size (tight aisles, high shelving), what’s carried (items that sell quick and return profit), and city interventions (ie Can deposit machines). What’s scary in Scandinavia is pricing!!! Digging for bargains here “in city” is a tough one.
Alcohol (and I’m guessing tobacco products as well) is rudely taxed… everywhere. I’ll not burden the blog with prices, but will give an example. A Guinness here in Norway (and to a lesser extent in Denmark / Sweden) at the grocery store is appr $8 CAN, to buy at an Irish pub downtown is a whopping $21 CAN. 😳 In essence if you drink while travelling this becomes a major ticket item quickly. Buyer beware… as they don’t hide it! In Norway taxation on booze is related to alcohol %… the higher the %, the more they pay in gov’t taxation. No such thing as a happy hour! Is it to limit addiction / health care costs or a tax grab… 🤷♂️?
On the languages… zero issue with language (other than ourselves trying to read signs or product packages) as these folk all seem to speak English, some to the point where there is no noticeable accent.
Great questions Mike!