The Reisen Hotel is located on the picturesque waterfront in the heart of Gamla Stan. The hotel's founding dates back to 1617, when Gustav Adolf ruled Sweden. It was the dawn of the northern capital. In the basement of a modern hotel, where the spa is located, you can see handmade bricks and cross vaults, as well as part of the old city walls of Stockholm from the late seventeenth century. In those days, women worked at construction sites because men went to the sea. Women made bricks, and one of the workers even left her mark (size 37) on one of the stones. Since then, much water has flowed under the bridge, and the building has served many functions, including being a coffee shop. It was run by the Dutchman Fredrik Reuss. From his surname came the current name of the hotel. For a long time, the building was a popular drinking establishment and a meeting place for poets and writers. Carl Michael Bellman, beloved by the Swedes, often visited here. He was known as a drunkard and a womanizer, which is reflected in his lyrics and is considered one of the reasons why his work is still a success. It is said that it was from here that Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer, scientist and diplomat, went to the Arctic, where in 1893-1896 he tried to reach the North Pole with the help of a specially designed ship Fram, capable of withstanding the pressure of Arctic ice. By the way, a little-known fact. Nansen was a great human rights advocate and was instrumental in the development of the Nansen Passport, which was a document issued to stateless persons and was recognized by more than 50 countries. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for his work on behalf of refugees. However, perhaps the most famous attraction of the hotel are six rooms with a balcony overlooking the rooftops. This gives the feeling that you are the hero of the children's books "Karlsson on the Roof" by Astrid Lindgren.
The sea route from Stockholm to Vaxholm is an unforgettable experience. Here you can fully enjoy the beauty of the Stockholm archipelago. The journey begins in the very center of the city, where you can admire the stunning view of Stockholm from the deck of the ship.
As the ship weeds out of the city and into the archipelago, the landscape changes dramatically. Rocky islands with their pine trees and small cottages create a peaceful atmosphere. The water is calm and the summer sun gives the sea a deep blue color.
The sailing to Vaxholm takes about 45 minutes and includes several islands and islets where you can see historic cottages and summer houses. The route passes through narrow channels, small ports and harbors where boats of all shapes and sizes are moored.
All in all, the sailing route from Stockholm to Vaxholm is a great way to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of summer Sweden.
Arriving in Vaxholm, you plunge into the special atmosphere of island life.
Vaxholm is an island located about 30 km east of Stockholm. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque old town, which has well-preserved wooden houses and cobbled streets. The island also has a well-preserved fortress built in the 16th century. The fortress is open to visitors and offers a glimpse into the military history of the island. Vaxholm is known for its seafood and traditional Swedish cuisine.
To end the day at sunset, kayaking through the canals and straits around the largest natural reserve in the Stockholm archipelago makes this day unforgettable.
