Our 1st day out and about in Stockholm and the rain finally catches up and pours. It was quite a day in and around Gamla Stan as well as a fun, entertaining Ocean Bus tour that reminded us of the Duck Tours at home in Seattle. It is no wonder this city is considered one of the most picturesque cities in the world.

Anyone recognize this building? It’s the Nobel Prize Museum. We considered exploring it, but knew Asher would be bored and once Toren learned that it wasn’t Guinness Records he was out as well.

This is the rest of Stortorget plaza in the heart of Gamla Stan, the oldest area of Stockholm. The area is full of buildings from the 17th and 18th century.

A view while walking through the streets on the island.

Another view with beautiful architecture playing peek a boo.

Holy moly! How does anyone walk down these stairs at Mårten Trotzigs gränd?

Well, Toren had no problem being a guinea pig as it’s only 90 cm wide.

Here is The Royal Palace, Kungliga Slottet.

We witnessed a changing of the guards that was quite different from Denmark and the guards themselves didn’t seem near as tall on average.

They don’t mess around here!

After passing through the inner square from the palace and looking towards Skeppsholmen.

Toren in front of the Logården at the palace.

Looking out towards Blasieholmen and Östermalm with a Viking helmet Asher is taking a break from. It helped with the rain later.

Looking across the water towards Riddermalm and Södermalm (where Greta Garbo is from).

City Hall of Stockholm, a red brick building from 1923. Gorgeous on the water, at least it makes the employee views more interesting even if it’s pouring rain.

The Parliament House and there are connected underground tunnels here. Shhh!

One view of Östermalm from the Ocean Bus which was outfitted in the U.S.

Another view from the tour, there were little boats, big boats and ships everywhere. There is a marina here that even has a wait list of almost 20 years. As the guide said, jokingly?, that’s almost half of one’s life.