74 » OpenRoad Driver
W H E R E O U R R O A D TA K E S YO U
Stockholm
WHERE VIKINGS ARE
ALIVE AND WELL
Words and Photos by Rick and Chris Millikan
»
Stockholm offers visitors a
smorgasbord of possibilities.
Like most history buffs, we
wonder about the notorious
Vikings, Sweden’s rise to
power, its northern culture,
proud native son Alfred
Nobel and the mindful
society.
Our investigations begin at Sweden’s
oldest town, located a short drive from
the international airport. Sigtuna’s tiny
Town Hall faces old Market Square. A
gold crown above the doorway reveals
its history as Sweden’s first royal capital.
Wooden 18th- and 19th-century buildings
line the time-honoured main street.
Shiplapped and shuttered in forest green,
the oldest town structure sports a redtiled roof and menacing iron dragon atop
its entrance. From here, our guide Eva
shepherds us into the Age of Vikings
and introduces her ancestors’ nine noble
virtues.