The best traffic-free bike rides around Kottlasjön

Riddarholmen is the historical core of Stockholm, with buildings from different eras. The oldest is the Riddarholm Church, which was consecrated around the year 1300. From 1634 and until 1950, the church was the royal burial place. Originally, the Riddarholm Church was part of a monastery. It was founded by the Franciscan order around 1270 on land donated by King Magnus Ladulås. The king chose the church as his final resting place and was buried there after his death in 1290. Magnus Ladulås was the son of Birger Jarl, who is believed to have founded Stockholm in the 1250s. In 1527, during the reign of King Gustav Vasa, the Reformation took place in Sweden. It meant that the crown confiscated the property of the church and the monasteries. The purpose was to break the power of the church and obtain funds for defense. On the west side of the island, Gustav Vasa ordered the construction of two cannon towers and a middle wall. The towers are preserved in the lower levels of the Birger Jarl Tower and in the south tower of the Wrangelska Palace. In the 17th century, Sweden developed into a great power and Stockholm's urban environment was modernized. The crown donated building land to the high nobility, who in the 1630s and 40s built palaces in the contemporary Renaissance style. In the second half of the 17th century, alterations and extensions were carried out in the imposing Baroque style. Some of the leading architects of the time were hired. Jean de la Vallée and Nicodemus Tessin the Elder designed the Wrangelska Palace. After the castle fire of 1697, the palace remained the royal residence for 57 years. In the 18th century, the crown began to take over the palaces. They were made into state administrative buildings and seats of Sweden's highest judicial institutions. In the 19th century and until about 1950, Riddarholmen was also an entry point for shipping on Lake Mälaren. One of the country's largest steamship ports was located on the west side of the island, where a quay was built. In the 1960s, it became a recreational park.

Impressive mix of golden statues and entry in contrast with the faces carved in the stone.

The Stockholm Olympic Stadium was built between 1910 and 1912 for the 1912 Summer Olympics. Designed by architect Torben Grut, the stadium has a capacity of approximately 14,500 spectators and has frequently hosted major sporting events. The stadium, now a listed historical monument, also hosts musical performances. Artists such as Coldplay, U2, AC/DC, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Robbie Williams, Rammstein, and many others have performed there. (Wikipedia)

The Nordic Museum displays objects, images and stories that reflect people’s life in the Nordic region, mainly Sweden.

Beautiful facade of the building, stylish lanterns.

A great little island, there is a lot to discover with the harbor and old town.

A museum that has just one ship as its theme? Incredibly, the whole thing is so exciting and beautifully done that we spent over 3 hours in the museum and aren't sure we really saw everything. The huge ship that sank on its maiden voyage in the 17th century after traveling just 1km is really impressive. What the Swedes built around it is even more amazing. The museum is really worth a visit.

The 5th Olympic Games were held in Stockholm in 1912. The picture shows the 112 year old stadium.