Brunch Cruise

I could've spent weeks walking around the city, but with only a few days, I needed another angle. They say Stockholm should be seen by water, so I hopped on a brunch cruise. While we wound our way up through the archipelago, all the way to Vaxholm, I sat with my friends, enjoying a brunch of typical Swedish delicacies such as various kinds of fish, potatoes, meat, salads, and sweets. On the return, the sun beckoned, so many of us sat up on deck and watched Stockholm come back into view.

Smorgasbord

All I knew about "smorgasbord" before I went to Stockholm, I learned from the Swedish chef from the Muppet Show. Therefore I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a long meal at the Grand Hotel, where they offer the traditional Swedish smorgasbord. Smorgasbord is a buffet, but you eat dishes in a certain order. I loved filling my plate with tasty little bits over and over - boiled potatoes, pickled herring, crisp bread, eggs, and salmon - there were more choices than I could ever try. I had it in the traditional manner, with a shot of aquavit, sharp liquor; and a tall glass of Spendrups, the local lager. This is a must-do for first-time visitors to Sweden.

Icebar

The temperate weather was throwing me off. I needed a taste of Swedish winter, so I went to drink cold vodka out of an ice glass, in a room made of ice at the Icebar in the Nordic Hotel. As soon as I walked in, I was draped with a furry, silvery parka, with gloves attached. Then I was set free in the human-sized freezer, an icy dream. This bar is great fun for about one or maybe two drinks, until you realize your fingers are numb. Must be fun in the middle of summer! (CONTINUED...)