The third return day after completing the trek brought an absolute contrast to the challenging days in the Nordic wilderness. My day started in a sun-drenched Stockholm. I woke up well-rested in a comfortable bed, showered, and instead of outdoor clothing, I put on my civilian clothes. Suddenly, I felt like I was living a completely different life. What I experienced just a few days ago in the mountains seemed like a distant and entirely different world.
A Stroll Through the City Center and a Swedish MAX Burger
Stockholm is a beautiful, clean, and airy city full of life. In many ways, it reminds me of Prague, especially its historic center, although the architecture of the buildings is, of course, a bit different. I found it very pleasant that you don’t see many McDonald’s restaurants on the streets; I didn’t encounter any KFC at all, and not even a Starbucks. Instead, the local burger chain MAX and the coffee chain Espresso House absolutely dominate here. I tried a cheeseburger with a medium drink at MAX for 29 SEK. In my opinion, it tasted great, was juicy, and felt much fresher than similar fast food back home in the Czech Republic.
Traditional Fika at the Historic Vete-Katten Café
While wandering the streets, I was thinking about what to buy to take home. While looking for inspiration, I stopped for a traditional Swedish fika at the renowned Vete-Katten café. This famous café was established in 1928 by Ester Nordhammar. It will soon celebrate 100 years of operation in the same location. In its time, it was very exceptional because it was run by a woman, and only women worked there until 1961. The interior of the establishment exuded a pre-war atmosphere, almost like Prague’s Café Slavia. It was quite full. People come here not only for coffee or sweet pastries but also for sandwiches and open-faced sandwiches. I ordered a delicious cardamom bun. While I was sitting there, a young man dropped his tray with dishes. The loud crash silenced the entire space for a second, but immediately the café returned to its usual hustle and bustle.
Gamla Stan (Old Town) and Preparations for an Early Departure
From the café, I headed to the historic Old Town. I walked through its picturesque alleys to the pier, where I watched giant cruise ships and old merchant houses. On my way back, I passed the magnificent Royal Palace and gradually went through several souvenir shops. Finally, I managed to find nice gifts for my family. I walked over 14 km through the city streets today. I have to go to bed early tonight. A challenging morning awaits me, as I have to get up around 03:30 to get ready, catch the bus, and get to the airport on time. How do you cope with the transition from wild nature back to the hustle and bustle of a big city? Does returning to civilization feel like entering a completely different world? Share your feelings and experiences in the comments below the article!
Day’s Balance
- Kilometers walked today: over 14 km
- Experience of the day: Traditional fika with a cardamom bun at the historic Vete-Katten café from 1928.
- Weather: Sunny.
