When discussing Stockholm’s landmarks, it is important to highlight those that are situated in the very heart of the city. Stockholm is one of the biggest and best preserved ancient European cities. Its most important landmarks are: Gamla Stan, which is the city center, the City Hall, the Royal Theater, the Church of Saint Nicholas and many other attractions.
Globen Arena/ Ericsson Globe is a hockey arena used by Swedish national hockey team. The arena’s capacity is 13.520 people, it is 85 meters high, and its diameter is 110 meters. It is regarded as the biggest spherical building in the world. For hockey games the capacity is 13.850 people, and for concerts 16.000 people. The Arena was designed by Swedish designer Svante Berg, and The Globe City district was made around it. Visitors often come for the amazing view of Stockholm from the Globen Arena. In 2020, an elevator (SkyView) was installed for such purpose. Its capacity is 16 persons.
The small town of Birka is 30 kilometers away from Stockholm. Birka used to be a medieval Viking city, on Bjorko island in lake Malaren. Birka was an important trading center that traded goods from Scandinavia, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. Together with Hovgarden from Adelso island, Birka represents an archeological complex that depicts the trade networks of Scandinavian Vikings and their impact on Europe’s history. In 1993, Birka was listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The German Church – In the old town of Gamla Stan, the German Church is located, often referred to as St. Gertrude's Church. Even though it belongs to Sweden, Germans were predominant in that region. The church is devoted to the protection of all travelers, and the abbess of Benedictine convent, Saint Gertrude. During the 12th century, the church became the center for religious music in Sweden. An architect from Berlin designed the church. It is a tourist sight worth visiting. It is unique for its huge bell that can be seen from a couple of places in the city, it is an enormous building made of bricks in the baroque style.
Building located in the old town of Stockholm are breathtaking! One of them that is a must to visit when in Stockholm is the Bonde Palace. It is located between Riddarhuset and Kanslihuset alleys in downtown Stockholm. The building was firstly conceived as a private residence for the Lord High Treasurer and Governor, Gustaf Bonde. The architects that contributed to the constructions were Nicodemus Tessin from Germany and Jean de la Vallee. The palace accommodated the Stockholm Court House during the 18th century, and the Swedish Supreme Court since 1949.
Each city has a major pedestrian street. In Stockholm that is Drottninggatan, a tourist destination impossible to miss. This street is located in downtown of the city, and it connects two important regions, Gamla Stan and Vasastaden. There are cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops. This street starts in the Norrmalm area, and it ends in Observatorioelanden park, where the observatory and the Swedish History Museum are located. Many significant, old buildings are also located there. One of them is the “Owl” pharmacy at number 59, opened in 1761. Swedish writer Johan August Strindberg lived in this street, at number 85. The busiest street in Stockholm is Drottninggatan street. Twice it was a target of terrorist attacks, in 2010 and 2017.
