Let´s start the countdown, it´s only one more week until the grand finale of the Eurovision Songcontest 2016 in Stockholm! High time to look back on my last evening in this beautiful city!
Eleanor showed me around this green oasis right in the middle of Stockholm. The former prison island is now a popular spot for picnics, walks and swimming – we even saw a brave surfer! The prison has been converted into an hostel and museum.
The waterfront to Mälaren was embellished during the latter half of the 19th century. Large quantities of soil were laid on the rock and 3000 trees were planted by the prisoners. Thanks to this, the island is a green oasis. At the beginning of the 20th century, the City planned to make a park on the eastern side of the island, and some paths and planted areas were laid out. It is now that the island lived up to its reputation – the green island in the heart of Stockholm. The prison was closed down in 1975. (langholmen.com)
What a beautiful view over Riddarfjärden and Gamla Stan!
After moving from London to Berlin Eleanor now works as a teacher in Stockholm. While wandering around Långholmen we talked about the differences of drinking habits in London, Berlin, Vienna and Stockholm – I didn´t even know one isn´t supposed to drink alcohol on the streets/parks/etc in Stockholm and had forgotten about the special liquor stores which are the only place where one can buy wine, liquor, strong beers. (And they seem to close early, plan ahead!).
But we also talked about living in these different cities, how Stockholm would be the perfect place to start a family and raising childen and so on…
There is even a little amphitheater on top of Lånholmen – must be a beautiful spot for open air concerts and events in the summertime.
View of Södermalm and Högalidskyrkan (church)
