On the second tour day, we met our city guide, Håkan, who took us on a walking tour of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's historic old town. We wandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets filled with antique and gift shops. Passing by the Stockholm Holocaust Memorial, Håken told us about Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who gave diplomatic status to thousands of Hungarian Jews and housed them in diplomatic buildings during WWII. 

 

Next, a surprise! Håkan took us to visit his small and fashionable apartment located above a shop in Gamla Stan. We were so appreciative of his willingness to share his personal home and family stories with our group.

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Stortorget, Stockholm's oldest square, served as a central gathering place, and we were given some time to explore on our own. We found a small cafe where locals and tourists were enjoying the warm summer day. Options included a light lunch and fika – the Swedish coffee and pastry break. We blended the two for a tasty midday meal and Swedish pastry. Before meeting up with our group, we joined the crowd outside the Royal Palace to witness the daily military parade and the changing of the guard. Back at the square, there was time for some people watching and some fresh drinking water from the central fountain.