STOCKHOLM - SWEDEN
Copyright Emmanuel Boutinard

* DAY 1 - A visit to Stockholm is particularly appreciated in winter to enjoy the beautiful snow-covered landscape. The Riddarfjärden, the easternmost bay of Lake Mälaren, is frozen and can be crossed from the Evert Taube terrace on Riddarholmen. This islet is home to the Riddarholmskyrkan Church which was used as Sweden's royal tomb from the 17th century to 1950.

On the way, on Gamla Stan island, the Strokyrkan Cathedral is to be visited near the royal palace of Kungliga slottet. In reality, Gamla Stan has a lot to offer beyond its postcard appearance. You just have to stroll through the streets and squares to discover its artisans, shops, cafes and have a "fika" like at Panem.
If you go to the south, you will reach Södermalm. In the northeast of this island, near Gamla Stan, is Fotografiska which offers a panorama of contemporary photography, art and culture through several exhibitions.

Returning to the city centre, in the Norrmalm district, you will discover world-famous shops and brands, including the one that sells DIY furniture. After this long day of walking, you can relax at the Centralbadet in the pedestrian street Drottninggatan. This will probably be one of the most expensive swims of your life, but there are candles around the pool and relaxing music. In case you haven't spent all your savings, you can head to the Bio Skandia cinema which hosts the Stockholm International Film Festival and spectacular events of all kinds.

* DAY 2 - Every once in a while, in winter, a sunny Sunday transforms the city. This is the perfect opportunity to go to the Moderna museet on the island of Skeppsholmen, with its peaceful and extraordinary view of Stockholm from Kyrkslingang. Along the way, you will admire the Af Chapman, a full-rigged steel ship now serves as a youth hostel.

If the sun is shining, a boat cruise around the archipelago is a must. You can enjoy scenic views on an icebreaker boat tour through the city and out to Fjäderholmarna, the nearest island to the east surrounded by icy waters.
Just north of Skeppsholmen is Ostermalm, an upscale district with its shops, and Ostermalm Saluhall, the city's most famous covered market.

* DAY 3 - To the east of the city center, Djurgärden is an island worth visiting, especially if you like the sound of powdery snow under your shoes in a natural landscape. And it's a good thing, it snows a lot in February and sometimes every day. To get there, there is nothing better than walking along the Strandvägen on foot or by tram. You can admire the Vasamuseet from across the river and stop at the Nordiska Museum.
At the Vasa Museum, a quick lunch would be perfect. If you take a table by the windows to enjoy some local delicacies, you will have a peaceful view of the lake with the boats. Two nearby museums will complete your overview, Vrak, Museum of wrecks and the Viking Museum which offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Viking Age, their travels and mythology through films, immersive soundscapes, authentic objects and scenographically recreated environments.

On the same island, Skansen will show you the way of life in different parts of Sweden before the industrial era. However, in the middle of winter, some parts are closed. It is therefore best to find out before buying your ticket so as not to be disappointed.
If you are not too cold and want to warm up with a hot drink, you can take a look at Rosendals Trädgård, and its café. The aim of this space is to show how gardening is linked to culture throughout history and to practice biodynamic agriculture as well as educational teaching. To fully discover the site, you will have to come back in the spring. There is also a garden shop "Plantboden", fresh vegetables grown in the garden "Trädgårdsbutik", a bakery "Rosendal Trädgårds bakery" and a rather expensive café.

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