At the heart of what was once the Swedish empire is Stockholm and, as you’ll find out on this walking tour, it’s more than just an archipelago and home of the country’s monarch. Starting in Gamla Stan, the Old Town, you’ll wander down narrow medieval lanes and past grand buildings built to impress during the days of the empire. At the end, you’ll emerge into the pulsing centre of modern Stockholm, with its gleaming glass buildings. You’ll hear about Gustav Vasa, the man who started the uprising that led to Swedish independence five hundred years ago, and retrace history on cobblestoned streets that once flowed with blood. And I’ll tell you about Olaus Petri, the priest who almost lost his life for contradicting Gustav Vasa after he was crowned. Bronze statues of kings will gaze down at you while you stroll down Kungsträdgården and hear their stories. All the way, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty of Lake Mälaren and never far from water, since Stockholm stands on a handful of islands at the very spot where the lake meets the Baltic Sea. You’ll find out where you’ll be wined and dined if you ever win a Nobel Prize. You’ll also be able to brag to friends that you’ve: • Seen a genuine century-old Viking runestone • Taken in the rather oversized Stockholm Palace • Walked down Västerlånggatan, the cheapest piece of real-estate on a Swedish Monopoly board • Spotted the Royal Swedish Opera house and its two entrances • Found the fountain in which they’ll no doubt be plenty of splashing about if Sweden wins the Ice Hockey World Cup or the Eurovision Song Contest when you’re in town • Discovered where the expression “Stockholm Syndrome” comes from • Learned about Alfred Nobel, a man who profited off of death and destruction and then donated his fortune to fund the Nobel Prize while standing outside the Nobel Prize Museum Allow at least 90 minutes for this tour but feel free to give into the temptation to stop at one of the many scenic spots along the way for a coffee – preferably served with a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun.