Running in Stockholm: the archipelago capital
- audreyubertino
- Jul 20
- 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 Mälar 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 it is 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 formation of a bond of attachment, or even love, between a victim and their abuser, which develops unconsciously”. Derived from a news story about a bank robbery in the capital, the phenomenon has made the name ‘Stockholm’ a household term.
But the capital is far from being limited to this image of a victim. Its reputation rests above all on its ambivalent nature: rooted in tradition yet open to the world, the city is as calm and well-organised as it is energetic and avant-garde, blending nature and urban development.
Between modernity and tradition
Set in a stunning natural setting – an archipelago of nearly twenty-four thousand islands and islets – Stockholm resembles a fairy-tale city made up of palaces, churches and houses perched on the water. This is where the government is based and where the Head of State, King Carl XVI Gustav, resides – more specifically in the historic district of Gamla Stan, founded in the 13th century on the island of Stadsholmen. The winding streets of the old town will lead you to Stortorget Square and the imposing Royal Palace, passing by the House of the Nobility – the former Chamber of the Estates General, now a private institution bringing together the Swedish nobility.
Although they are fervent supporters of the monarchy, the people of Stockholm are nonetheless progressive and innovative. This character is particularly evident in their appreciation of art and design. For lovers of interior design and architecture, head to Norrmalm, the city’s nerve centre, home to the central station and its ultra-modern train, innovative restaurants and numerous design galleries. In this regard, the districts of Södermalm and Östermalm are no less impressive, whilst the eco-neighbourhood of Hammarby stands as a perfect example of Swedish urban planning. To get there, simply cross one of the city’s 53 bridges! A blend of classicism and modernity, Stockholm City Library is the very embodiment of the metropolitan ideal. You’ll find it whilst strolling through the streets of the Vasastan district.
History and culture
Founded by Birger Jarl to protect the country from invasions and plundering, Stockholm quickly established a reputation as a prosperous city. It was proclaimed the capital in 1419: from that time onwards, the city continued to grow, first during the Kalmar Union and then under the Vasa dynasty. This growth slowed from the 18th century onwards, during the turmoil caused by the Great Northern War.
Many remarkable monuments date from this period. One such example is Drottningholm Palace, situated on the outskirts of Stockholm, which, together with Skogskyrkogården Cemetery, is one of the city’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Among the city’s finest buildings is also the Royal Swedish Opera House, a neoclassical building dating from the 19th century, although its origins go back to the early 18th century. When it comes to 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 over a hundred museums. A number of these are located on the island of Djurgården, such as the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Museum and the Nordic Museum.
A city at the cutting edge of progress
Whether it is a question of equality and rights, or the environment, the Swedish capital seems to be leading the way on the international stage. Albert Camus delivered his speeches there when he received the Nobel Prize in Literature, a ceremony established by the Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel. The environmental activist Greta Thunberg is also from there!
The people of Stockholm base their daily lives on a highly eco-friendly lifestyle. Entirely pedestrianised islands, walking trails, biogas-powered buses, outdoor activities, cycle paths and parks stretching as far as the eye can see: the city seems to have been designed with this very purpose in mind.
Whilst out running, be sure to visit Djurgården (and its museums), a lush green oasis that was once the hunting grounds of the kings of Sweden. The island of Södermalm, meanwhile, boasts nearly 60 parks – a record! As you walk towards the Royal Palace, you can even go salmon fishing. Even more remarkable is the fact that Stockholm is the first capital city in the world to have a national park. This vast park covers 27 square kilometres.
Run, walk or cycle with JOOKS, from Gamla Stan to the trendy Norrmalm district!
Discover all of Stockholm’s routes and over 1,700 more on the JOOKS app.
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