Stockholm
Stockholm is the official capital of Sweden, a remarkable city full of life and energy that is sure to dazzle your eyes and comfort your soul. This is not just a city to visit; Stockholm is truly a city to experience. There exists an incredible amount of activities to engage in, and the scenery is so picturesque that you will never feel bored or unfulfilled. Sweden is a well-run and well-educated country, making it all the more pleasant to visit. The conditions and accommodations in Stockholm are magnificent, as are the dining facilities. Choose from a wide array of fabulous restaurants for dinner, and then walk to a café for an outstanding dessert. The museums in Stockholm are quite interesting, and this ancient city has plenty of historic landmarks.
The city is home to 1.4 million inhabitants, and is at the forefront of the 24,000-island archipelago that starts at Lake Malaren and stretches for hundreds of miles out to the Baltic Sea. This city is an amazing one, a region comprised of small islands and bridges that connect them together. Gorgeous steeples and daunting towers are laced throughout the land, and the décor is often reminiscent of the Renaissance. The much newer skyscrapers add a modern feel that complements the ancient architecture perfectly. The combination is ideal, making for an atmosphere that is diverse but fitting. Stockholm was founded over seven hundred years ago, and in the mid-1600?s it became the official capital of Sweden. Almost all of the ancient structures remain intact, and the old cobblestone streets still exist in many parts of the city.
The early history of Sweden was highlighted by a series of wars with its neighbors, a struggle for independence and self-rule. It was not until 1523, when Gustav Vasa defeated the Danish in a great battle, that Sweden really became its own nation. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Sweden was a major force in Europe, a powerful and influential country that seemed to be on the rise. But wars with Russia and Denmark resurfaced, and periods of fighting occurred throughout the years until the mid-1800?s. After 1844, Sweden ushered in an era of relative tranquility. This peaceful attitude permeates throughout the land, and this will become evident when interacting with the friendly locals of the wonderful city of Stockholm.
Tallinn
Tallinn is a city bustling with activity; a city that begs to be explored. This capital of Estonia is an incredible region, one that features outstanding museums and cultural sites, fabulous shopping, and an outrageously active nightlife. Both the Theater and Music Museum and the Maritime Museum are excellent, and Castle Square, found in the heart of town, is wonderful. Located inside the Castle Square are the Toompea Castle and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, two exquisite man-made triumphs. Old streets and lovely architecture still exist, but modern Tallinn is alive and well. Its government knows that Tallinn is far and away the primary tourist destination of travelers to Estonia, and therefore are doing everything in their power to bolster the desirability of this great city. A few years ago, the dining options in Tallinn were so limited that sometimes you would have been better off skipping a meal! These days, the eateries still fall short of the quality of the shopping and nightlife, but thankfully, there are a few standouts worth visiting.
For nearly one thousand years, outside influences have sculpted and altered the city of Tallinn. The Danes founded Tallinn, and in fact, the name directly translates to Danish fort. They did not want any confusion as to who it was that originally established this coastal beauty. The Danes settled here in the beginning of the 13th century and claimed the area as their own. Even though they may have been the first to take control of the region, they were certainly not the last. While present-day Tallinn is a peaceful and harmonious community, enjoyable in every way, it took hundreds of years of struggle for it to get that way. German nobility took control of Tallinn's public life, and this remained the case even as the Russian tsars claimed control of the city itself. The kings of Sweden felt as if they had a say as well, and they alleged that Tallinn was theirs to rule. A great deal of fighting ensued in the quest for Estonian domination, and the German culture is the one that ultimately proved the most significant influence on present-day Tallinn. The fortress of the German knights still stands, as do other German forts and armories. But nowadays, Tallinn has a personality all of its own, with interesting sights laced throughout the city.
St. Petersburg
The glow of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the wonder of the Russian Museum are two key elements that make St. Petersburg one of the most marvelous destinations in Eastern Europe. This ancient and magnificent city is bursting with personality, exploding with character, and built on culture and a strong heritage. The people of St. Petersburg remember their past, and honor their ancestors and greatest leaders with a dazzling array of cathedrals, churches, squares, and museums. The architectural highlights of this great city are abundant, and included are the Fortress of Peter & Paul and the Summer Gardens Palace. Some of the best restaurants in Russia are found in St. Petersburg. Recently, there have been many stories about St. Petersburg that have brought concern to prospective travelers. Try not to let these fables bother you, because as usual, the news media has blown a few incidents way out of proportion. Since the disbanding of the USSR, it is true that the Russian Mafia has started to play a somewhat significant role in the activity of St. Petersburg. But the city is by no means run by the mob, and if you behave in a respectable manner there is no need for concern. During the day and evening, the city is safe and lovely, and the majority of the robberies and related problems occur late at night, mostly near the casinos. A few years back, as St. Petersburg began to struggle economically, the government felt that one of the best ways to gain revenue and then distribute it back to the people was to engage in the building of casinos and gambling facilities. Interesting tactic to say the least, but as a result, slot machines and blackjack tables are found everywhere throughout the city.
Four million people call St. Petersburg home. The mood is lighthearted and enchanting, and the wide streets and glorious artistic sites are not reminiscent of communism at all. While St. Petersburg has endured its share of turmoil in the past, to visit the city now is to enjoy a vacation full of beauty, splendor, and bustling activity.
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