This fall in Sweden has been uncharacteristically mild. In order to take advantage of the weather and see a little more of Sweden we planned a day trip to Sigtuna. Fortunately, all I had to do was agree to go. The plans of grabbing a train and a bus were taken care of. I still prepared the same way I do for any trip: charge my camera and search wikipedia.
Sigtuna prides itself on being 'Sweden's oldest city'. Tourism is obviously important and it benefits from its close proximity to Stockholm (and Uppsala). Located on the shores of Lake Malaren the scenery reminded me of cottage country back home. Historically the shores were lined with homes of merchants and residents. Nowadays it gives the impression of a well-off commuter village.
Around the small town are plaques showing a number of historical ruins or sites. We essentially followed the numbered sites before taking a break by the water. It was hard to comprehend how old some of these crumbling churches really were. The fall colours, coupled with the nice weather, made for great photos and walking-weather.
A small walking street with small boutiques and stores was the busiest attraction with small boutiques and stores. Apparently it is there that Sigtuna hosts its popular 'christmas market'. A term I wasn't familiar with before moving to Europe. It seems every city or town has its own version.
We stopped for lunch in a sports bar. The food was good and it was nice to find a place to accommodate our group.
Shortly after eating we were surprised to see the streets emptied. It was not busy before, but now it was simply deserted. By 3pm the stores had closed for the day. We found this surprising as we walked down the eerily quiet street back towards the lake. With the bakery closed, I had to settle on a kaffe & kanelbullar from pressbyran. A distant second. By then it was time to catch the regional bus back to Knivsta train station and Uppsala.
Sigtuna prides itself on being 'Sweden's oldest city'. Tourism is obviously important and it benefits from its close proximity to Stockholm (and Uppsala). Located on the shores of Lake Malaren the scenery reminded me of cottage country back home. Historically the shores were lined with homes of merchants and residents. Nowadays it gives the impression of a well-off commuter village.
Around the small town are plaques showing a number of historical ruins or sites. We essentially followed the numbered sites before taking a break by the water. It was hard to comprehend how old some of these crumbling churches really were. The fall colours, coupled with the nice weather, made for great photos and walking-weather.
A small walking street with small boutiques and stores was the busiest attraction with small boutiques and stores. Apparently it is there that Sigtuna hosts its popular 'christmas market'. A term I wasn't familiar with before moving to Europe. It seems every city or town has its own version.
We stopped for lunch in a sports bar. The food was good and it was nice to find a place to accommodate our group.
Shortly after eating we were surprised to see the streets emptied. It was not busy before, but now it was simply deserted. By 3pm the stores had closed for the day. We found this surprising as we walked down the eerily quiet street back towards the lake. With the bakery closed, I had to settle on a kaffe & kanelbullar from pressbyran. A distant second. By then it was time to catch the regional bus back to Knivsta train station and Uppsala.
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