| by Roy Witman | | | | architectural wonder. Encompassing 608 rooms, the |
| A delightful merging of past and progressive, | | | | palace houses the Royal Apartments, the Treasury |
| Stockholm, Sweden, brings together centuries-old | | | | and other government entities. The changing of the |
| culture and architecture with those of the modern day. | | | | guards can be viewed Wednesdays, Saturdays and |
| This eclectic city is surrounded by water and built atop | | | | Sundays and always offers an intriguing look into royal |
| 14 islands - not surprising given Sweden's staunch | | | | life. Stockholm boasts the largest royal palace in the |
| stand on neutrality in world politics. Stockholm has been | | | | world. |
| untouched by war since 1520, meaning her buildings | | | | In the depths of the Royal Palace and under heavy |
| from ages past are largely preserved. This gives | | | | guard are the Crown Jewels. Still used for royal |
| Stockholm the unique ability to combine genuine ancient | | | | ceremonies, the crown, orb, scepter and key date |
| architecture with present-day structures. | | | | back to the days of Gustav Vasa and are literally |
| When walking the streets of this capital city, it is like | | | | priceless. |
| time standing still. Vikings and pirates, kings and queens, | | | | The Biggest Yachts in the World |
| and medieval residents strolled along the very | | | | Among its other claims to fame, Stockholm also |
| pathways you'll follow during your visit. | | | | boasts being homeport to some of the biggest yachts |
| Must-See Sites | | | | in the world. With the number of mega-yacht visits |
| Her position on the water makes Stockholm a perfect | | | | more than doubling over the last three to five years, |
| port of call for cruise ships. Cunard, owners of the | | | | Stockholm has even built a new yacht marina capable |
| famed Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Mary 2 and Queen | | | | of servicing vessels of over 130 feet in length. The |
| Victoria, makes regular voyages to Stockholm and | | | | marina is a wonderful site to see, and the adjacent |
| other Baltic regions. Their website makes note of | | | | restaurant serves local delicacies. |
| several must-see sites. | | | | With a prime position - halfway between Copenhagen, |
| Old Town is only 500 meters in diameter but is the | | | | Denmark and St. Petersburg, Russia - Stockholm calls |
| heart of the city. With a distinct 17th century look and | | | | to yachtsmen who also plan to venture to Denmark, |
| feel, Old Town opens the doors to the Royal Palace, | | | | Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland and Russia. |
| the Crown Jewel Exhibition and more. Small sidewalk | | | | With grace, beauty and a delightful history, Stockholm |
| cafes and antique shops abound, and because there | | | | offers plenty for seagoers and landlubbers to see and |
| has been no war in over 480 years, antique lovers can | | | | do. The entire family will enjoy this original destination |
| find some fabulous and rare finds! | | | | that grows in popularity year after year. |
| Taking 57 years to build, the Royal Palace is truly an | | | | |