Many travellers visit Stockholm, the Swedish capital, because of its natural beauty. Called the "Venice of the North", the city is situated on 14 islands. Its water is so pure you can both swim and fish right in the heart of town as well as partake of boat tours offering such treats as live music and shrimp buffets. Stockholm has an abundance of parks and fascinating museums, a rich cultural life and many excellent restaurants. Stockholm was founded in the 13th century and now has some 1.6 million inhabitants, including the metropolitan area. In Gamla Stan, or the Old Town, most buildings date from the 16th to the 19th centuries and house a variety of cafés, restaurants, museums, hotels and shops, in addition to the Royal Palace (pictured here).

A lot of people visit the Vasa Museum - housing the 17th-century Royal warship Vasa, which sank 1628 and was salvaged in 1961. Also worth a visit is nearby Skansen, the world´s oldest and largest open-air folk museum complete with its own zoo displaying animals found in Sweden . Adjacent to Skansen is the Gröna Lund amusement park. MillesgÃ¥rden, home of sculptor Carl Milles (1875-1955) and Waldemarsudde, home of Prince Eugen (1865-1947) - the "Painter Prince" - are other nearby attractions.