Stockholm: Södermalm

Södermalm boats

Many months ago, before spending a summer in Suomi became a reality, there were many reasons why I added Finland to my list of possible destinations: I had been to Helsinki for one day and that brief visit wasn't sufficient to get a real feel for the city, to reunite with a good friend, and to be back in the Scandinavian/Nordic region and essentially neighbors to my family in Stockholm. 

Since my first visit to Stockholm nearly 15 years ago, I've always thought of this city as a special place.  I spent a lot of time in Stockholm while studying at Uppsala University 4 years ago and have been eager to return since my departure.  And now, I'm finally back!

View from Söder

After a quick flight from Helsinki yesterday, I arrived at Stockholm's central train station and was happy to immediately recognize my surroundings: it was same coffee shop in the train station and the same restaurant across the street.  Riding the bus through the city center prompted a quick trip down memory lane and I became even more excited to be back in a city that I really grew to know and love.  Yet, nothing was familiar when I arrived at my aunt's place.

Of course, this is because she's living in a different part of the city on another large island, Södermalm - the south side.  The Stockholm I knew isn't far away and is visible from Söder bridges.  Though it feels strange to be unfamiliar with everything in my immediate surroundings in a city that I once felt completely comfortable navigating, its nice to get a new perspective.

Determining my fate on Söder?

My first impression: Södermalm is really beautiful -- lots of boats and lots of nature with great views of several of my previous landmarks: City Hall, the Vasa Museum, and one of many churches.  After a long walk around the island, I was happy to tour a new part of Stockholm.  Today, the unfamiliarity of my surroundings continued during a great first visit to some of the islands in Stockholm's archipelago.  Yet, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow when I'll head to the heart of the city and truly put my memory of Stockholm to the test.