STOCKHOLM

Water, water, everywhere… In Stockholm, you are surrounded by water. With the mouth of Lake Mälar to the west and the Baltic Sea to the east, the Swedish capital is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges that are more fun to cross on foot or bike than by car. It is the European Green Capital the most environmentally friendly of cities, where you can swim and go fishing right in the city centre. In Stockholm, in summer, the days are longer and more beautiful than the nights. Because of solstice, they are 18 hours long, and the sun never sets on St. John. This is the time for joyous parties in the gardens, parks, and islands of the archipelago. Here, the forest occupies as much space as the sea a third of the city. It explains the locals’ devotion to nature defence, with non-polluting transportation, islands listed as preserved areas and deep thinking about sustainable development. In that respect, the city was awarded the very first “European green capital” label in 2010.

In Stockholm, in winter, the days are shorter and starrier than the nights. The days are just six hours long, yet the city is all flickering lights. It shines by candlelight, with candlesticks placed in each window. This is the time of mulled wine, cinnamon cakes, and reindeer awaiting Santa as you tour the Östermaln ever innovative shops, and the more vintage stores in Södermalm. Quietly, peacefully, naturally, Stockholm has become the most influential capital of fashion, design, and gastronomy. Which would have come as no surprise to Pippi Longstocking, much less Mikael Blomkvist. For, in the realm of children's literature and Scandinavian noir, Stockholm also shines…