: Stockholm’s beauty is legendary. This fantastic city is built on 14 islands, where lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea. By ship, Stockholm is approached through an archipelago of 24,000 islands and skerries, fishing villages, thousands of sailing boats and little red summer cottages. Cruise ships dock right in the centre of the city, just steps away from a wealth of cultural treasures. Its medieval walking streets, magnificent cathedrals, parklands, theatres and open-air and indoor markets are easily accessible by foot or public transportation. Most Stockholmer’s are also more than willing to speak English and are happy to welcome all visitors to their city. Sightseeing: Stockholm was founded 750 ago by King Birger Jarl at the strategic point where the fresh water of Lake Malaren meets the salt water of the Baltic Sea. A good starting point for an exploration of the city is the Gamla Stan (Old Town), a cluster of old buildings and narrow cobbled streets which formed the original Stockholm. The old buildings are beautifully preserved and the main streets, Osterlanggatan and Vasterlanggatan, are pedestrian precincts with a host of boutiques, handicrafts and antique shops. The Gamla Stan (Old Town) has three churches of historic interest, Storkyrkan and Riddarholmskyrkan, both dating from the 13th century and the Tyska Kyrkan (German Church) with its magnificent Baroque interior. Overlooking the harbour is the Royal Palace, which contains seven museums. Within easy reach of the Old Town is Stockholm’s beautiful Stadshus (City Hall), one of Sweden’s foremost buildings in the National Romantic style, inaugurated in 1923 in the design of architect Ragnar Ostberg. There is a spectacular view of the capital from the top of the 100m (350ft) tower. Another spot for a magnificent view is the observation platform on the Kaknas communications tower which, at 155m (508ft), is the highest building in Scandinavia. Skansen, the open-air museum which is a Sweden in ‘miniature’ with historic buildings and zoological park specialising mainly in Nordic fauna, is a particular highlight. Another favourite is The Vasa ship, the only remaining intact 17th century ship in the world, lost on her maiden voyage in 1628.