Ep 9. Stockholm

In the ninth episode of season six, Rick Steves takes us to the beautiful city of Stockholm, Sweden. The "Venice of the North" is built on 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges, which makes it an exceptional sight to behold. Rick starts his tour in Gamla Stan, the Old Town, which dates back to the 13th century and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks of Stockholm.

He visits the Royal Palace, where he gets a glimpse of the luxurious lifestyle of Swedish royalty. The palace boasts over 600 rooms, and Rick takes us through some of the prominent rooms, including the Royal Chapel, the State Apartments, and the Hall of State. Rick also visits the Armory, which is home to one of the largest collections of royal armor and costumes in the world.

Next, Rick takes us to the Vasa Museum, one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm. The museum houses a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. With its masts intact, the Vasa is one of the only fully-preserved ships from that era. Rick dives into the history of the ship and shows us the meticulous restoration work that has gone into preserving it.

From the museum, Rick heads to Skansen, an open-air museum that exhibits Swedish life from the 1700s to the present day. Here, we get to learn about the customs, traditions, and everyday life of the Swedes. Rick also takes us to the Nordic Zoo, which is home to some of the most recognizable animals from the region, like the bear, wolf, and lynx.

Rick ends his tour with an exploration of the Stockholm Archipelago, a collection of over 30,000 islands that surround the city. He hops onto a ferry and takes us on a leisurely ride through the archipelago, showcasing the stunning natural scenery and the quaint villages that dot the islands.

Throughout the episode, Rick also indulges in some of the local cuisine of Stockholm, including the traditional meatballs and herring, which are staples of the Swedish diet. He also takes us to a candy store that specializes in uniquely Scandinavian candy and chocolates.

Overall, this episode of Rick Steves' Europe takes us on a comprehensive tour of Stockholm and helps us understand the rich cultural heritage and everyday life of the Swedes. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or natural beauty, there's something in this episode for everyone.