Scandinavia...Europe's unexplored beauty

This awesome region takes places in the two countries on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway and Sweden, plus Denmark, even though, some people include Finland and Iceland as part of this region arguing that these 5 countries speak Germanic languages.

Furthermore, Scandinavian countries share many similarities, but they are enough different to make a visit to each of them an unique experience. So, keep in mind these beatiful cities: Oslo, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland and Copenhague, Denmark. All of them are outlined for vikings.

Stockholm, Sweden

Now, I'm going to talk about this city, known as "city between the Bridges". It´s perfectly located among the Baltic Sea and one of the biggest lakes of Sweden, called Malaren, providing unique landscapes of this part of Europe. Regardless this city is a grouping of islands united by bridges, it's easy to move in it, mentioning that you can visit Stockholm downtown quietly on foot.

Where to lodge

There's a luxury hotel, called: Grand Hôtel across from the Stockholm's Royal Palace. The list of VIP guests includes: Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Gerald Ford and Bruce Springsteen.

Take a walk

Get a free city map at the main tourism office in downtown, and start exploring Gamla Stan (photo above), the oldest area of Stockholm, built in the 13th century. The Stockholm's Royal Palace, built in the 18th century, it's just here.

Snack time

Go to Sundbergs Konditori, the oldest coffee shop of the city, within Jarntorget Plaza in Gamla Stan. Taste a salmon bagel (about 7.5 american dollars) or a delicious prawn in rye bread (langostino en pan de centeno, for about 9.8 dollars).

An appetizer

Visit the Opera House bar, where in fashion people is joint. A glass of wine costs a small fortune, it's about 10 dollars, but it's funny to be seated on white leather chairs among the Stockholm's jet set.

Have dinner

Prinsen it's a popular restaurant of swedish cuisine with art decó decoration, where you can eat cheese sardines for 23 dollars or meat balls with wild berries for 22 dollars. Otherwise, you can ask for a typical plate, which is called: smörgasbord, meaning "bread and butter" consisting in an exotic array of herring, shrimp, pickles, salads, cold cuts and hot dishes. (yummy ,yummy!!)

A cultural afternoon

Skeppsholmen, one of the most prettiest islands of Stockholm holds the Modern Art Museum and the Architectonic Museum aside.

Delight your eyes

Go to Slussen, at Gamla Stan south, where the elevator Katarinahissen will take you to the top of this tower, to Gondola's coffee, up there, you can enjoy a hot cappuccino while observing all the city.

Go shopping

Ahlens is a huge departamental store, offering the best prices in items for home. Likewise, if you are looking for brand names apparel, visit Le Shop. But if what you are looking for is swedish designer clothes, you must go to Neu.

A must spot

Over the Northeast Djurgarden is located the impressing museum Vasa, where you'll find the boat Vasa, which was built in 1628 but it sank during its first trip; after that, it was taken to the surface and repared in 70's decade. Now, you can walk through this art treasure from 18th century. The museum opens from 10am to 5 pm daily, the ticket price it's about 11 dollars.

Finally, as you can notice, Sweden is an expensive country for tourism, but I assure you, it would be an unforgettable experience, so save your money and go right there. See you until then!!!