Running in Stockholm: the archipelago capital
- audreyubertino
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Often referred to as the Venice of the North, Stockholm is built on several islands, 14 to be precise, scattered between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. With a population of 1.3 million, it is both Sweden's largest city and its capital. As well known for its harsh, sunless winters and endless summers as for its status as a green city, it is also often cited as a model of equality and human rights, and its cultural influence, particularly in Europe, is considerable.
Stockholm Syndrome is defined as ‘the creation of an unconscious bond of attachment, or even love, between a victim and their attacker’. Taken from a news story that occurred in the capital during a bank robbery, the phenomenon made the name Stockholm famous in everyday language.
But the capital is far from being limited to this image of victimhood. Its reputation is based above all on its ambivalent character: both steeped in tradition and open to the world, the city is as calm and organised as it is energetic and avant-garde, alternating between nature and urbanism.
Between modernity and tradition
Located on a fabulous natural site, an archipelago of nearly twenty-four thousand islands and islets, Stockholm resembles a fairy-tale city made up of palaces, churches and houses set on the water. This is where the government is based and where the head of state, King Carl XVI Gustav, resides, more precisely in the historic district of Gamla Stan, founded in the 13th century on the island of Stadshomen. The winding streets of the old town will lead you to Stortorget Square and the monumental Royal Palace, passing by the House of Nobility, the former chamber of the States General, which has become a private institution bringing together the Swedish nobility.
As fervent defenders of the monarchy, the inhabitants of Stockholm are nonetheless progressive and innovative. This character is particularly evident in their taste for art and design. If you love interior design and architecture, head to Norrmalm, the city's nerve centre, where you'll find the central station and its ultra-modern train, innovative restaurants and numerous design galleries. The districts of Södermalm and Östermalm are not to be outdone in this respect, while the eco-district of Hammarby is a perfect example of Swedish urban planning. To get there, simply cross one of the city's 53 bridges! A synthesis of classicism and modernity, Stockholm City Library is the quintessential paradigm of the metropolis. You'll find it as you walk through the streets of the Vasastan district.
History and culture
Founded by Birger Jarl to protect the country from invasions and pillaging, Stockholm quickly established a reputation as a prosperous city. It was proclaimed capital in 1419, and from that point on, the city continued to grow, first during the Kalmar Union and then under the Vasa dynasty. This growth slowed in the 18th century during the turmoil caused by the Great Northern War.
Many remarkable monuments date from this period. One example is Drottningholm Palace, located in the suburbs of Stockholm, which, together with Skogskyrkogården Cemetery, is one of two sites in the city listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Among the city's most beautiful buildings is the Royal Swedish Opera, a neoclassical building dating from the 19th century but whose origins date back to the early 18th century. In terms of music, the city is also renowned for its orchestra, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra.
Finally, the city, which was the European Capital of Culture in 1998, is home to more than a hundred museums. A number of them are located on the island of Djurgården, such as the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Museum and the Nordic Museum.
A city at the forefront of progress
Whether it's equality and rights or ecology, the Swedish capital seems to be at the forefront internationally. Albert Camus gave his speeches there when he received the Nobel Prize for Literature, a ceremony founded by Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg is also from there!
The inhabitants of Stockholm base their daily lives on a very environmentally friendly lifestyle. With pedestrian-only islands, hiking trails, biogas buses, outdoor activities, cycle paths and parks as far as the eye can see, the city seems to have been designed with this in mind.
During your run, be sure to visit Djurgarden Island (and its museums), a green oasis that was once the hunting grounds of the kings of Sweden. The island of Södermalm has nearly 60 parks, a record! As you walk to the royal palace, you can even fish for salmon. Even more remarkable is the fact that Stockholm is the first capital city in the world to have a national park. This huge park covers 27 square kilometres.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Gamla Stan island to the trendy Norrmalm district!
Find all the routes in Stockholm and more than 1,500 others on the JOOKS app.
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