Dodging Runners and Dancing Queens: A Day in Stockholm

Today marks our first free day in Stockholm, and we’re all set to explore this beautiful city. Coincidentally, the Stockholm Marathon is happening today, which means many of the roads are closed. However, we won’t let that stop us. Our excitement to visit the Vasa Museum and the ABBA Museum keeps us motivated.

We started our day by taking the metro towards the harbor, where we planned to board a boat to the museums. As we walked towards the harbor, we noticed that many streets were blocked off due to the marathon. Initially, we thought we could simply walk around the block and cross the street somewhere else. Unfortunately, we were wrong. After several unsuccessful attempts, we decided to ask a local for help.

We approached someone and explained our predicament. They responded with, “När jag säger gå, spring så fort du kan,” which left us puzzled. Sensing our confusion, they translated it to, “Run as fast as you can right now.” Without much time to think on it, we took their advice and sprinted through the marathon, carefully avoiding the runners. It felt surreal, almost like we were participating in the Stockholm Marathon ourselves.

The Vasa ship.

Once we reached the boat, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the city. The experience of running through the marathon added an unexpected twist to our adventure. As the boat glided towards our destination, we reflected on our unexpected participation in the marathon with disbelief, amusement and is kind of funny.

Our first stop was the Vasa Museum. Seeing the massive ship enclosed within the building was truly awe-inspiring. The Vasa ship, preserved in a temperature-regulated environment, is a marvel of historical preservation. The intricate details on the ship were captivating, making it hard to believe that it sank after sailing only 1,300 meters. The thought of a slight gust of wind causing such a massive vessel to sink is astonishing. Despite its tragic history, the Vasa is a remarkable sight and a testament to the craftsmanship of its time.

Next, we headed to the ABBA Museum. As we walked towards the museum, Duke humorously realized he had mistaken it for an art museum. His surprise upon discovering it was dedicated to the iconic pop group ABBA, famous for their hit “Dancing Queen,” was priceless. The museum offered a delightful journey through the band’s history, music, and cultural impact. It was a nostalgic experience, and we couldn’t resist singing along to some of their classic hits.

Dancing Queens at ABBA.

After a day filled with excitement and thrills, it was time to head back. We recapped our adventures and laughed about our unexpected marathon run. The day had been an exhilarating blend of history, culture, and a dash of unplanned adventure.

As the evening set in, we wondered what the night had in store for us. Stockholm had already surprised us in so many ways, and we were eager to see what else this vibrant city had to offer. With a toast to our adventurous spirit, we embraced the night, ready for more unforgettable experiences.

Skål to a day well spent and to the adventures that await!