Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Sunsets and Skogskyrkogarden

Yesterday was spent in almost full motion. I had a plan to visit Skogskyrkogarden, the Woodland Cemetery I had heard my son talk about. He had visited it on All Saints Day, which is a big deal here in Sweden. People come to the cemeteries and light candles and it is such a sight to see. For pictures depicting this ritual, visit here:

All Saints Day in Sweden

When I came home, I had lunch at an Espresso House nearby and then went back to the apartment to rest my knees. But shortly after, I saw that the sunset was beginning so I hurried down the street towards the water to see if I could get a few good shots.

 

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I had taken a virtual walk of this route on googlemaps street view when I knew I was coming to Stockholm. It looked a pretty far walk for me but it wasn’t bad at all. Just about 4-5 long city blocks and then there is the walking bridge to Gamla stan that you see above.

 

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And the incredible sights.

 

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This one may be my favorite. I took it from the little bridge.

 

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Although I also like this one.

 

Earlier in the day, I took the subway/train south to see the Woodland Cemetery, Skogskyrkogarden. The entrance sign says "this World Heritage Site is a site of such cultural or natural value as to be irreplaceable to mankind. It is a unique testimony to the history of the earth and man".

 

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The cemetery is expansive and I walked as much as I could. It is always open, and extremely well-tended. The visitor’s center is only open on weekends. It is also a very big tourist attraction. But yesterday it was quiet.

 

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I have never seen a place such as this.

 

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When Skogskyrkogården was founded at the beginning of the 1900s, the aim was to create something special, something original - a cemetery blending nature and architecture into a seamless whole.

Today, Skogskyrkogården is considered one of the most important creations of modern architecture, and is even inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

~ from the Skogskyrkogården webpage

 

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This is such a peaceful place.

 

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Many of the trees have birdhouses such as this.

 

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And Greta Garbo is buried here.

 

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I wanted to walk up this hill but I had already done much walking. Today I am sorry that I didn’t attempt it because it would have made such a good view from above.

 

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And then I took my train back into the city. I am getting a little more comfortable with the subways although they still confuse me. Today my plan is to take the blue line system which is where I hear they have all the artwork on the walls. But it’s nearly 11 am and I am still in my pajamas. By 2, it will begin to get dark and by 3, the sun will be down. So I guess I’d better get moving then . . .

I love it here.

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12 comments:

Mersad said...

These are really amazing sights Kate. From the city, bathed in that beautiful light to the peaceful cemetery. I like these types of images, that are full of atmosphere.

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Mary said...

So glad you are enjoying your visit. I was 18 when I saw Stockholm for the first time. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. 40 years later I got to return and it fascinated me as much as ever. What a wonderful opportunity for your son. Thanks for taking the time to share your visit. Enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving!

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Debbie From Illinois said...

These are beautiful Kate. Happy Thanksgiving!

mudmaven said...

Such a gorgeous, wondrous place! Thank you so much for sharing it with all of us. Enjoy! ~chris

Country Gal said...

Fantastic photos Kate ! Looks and sounds like you are having a wonderful time I am soo happy for you ! Thanks for sharing and taking us along with you . Have a good day oh and a Happy Thanksgiving !

Dawning Inspiration said...

I've been away from blogland (again) so I'm glad I got to check in and see that you are out having such fun! Thank you for taking us on your trip with you and sharing such beauty there. Happy Thanksgiving! SD

Tammy said...

Those pictures are gorgeous. The cemetery is amazing and I love cemetery's so I would love to visit in person. Thank you for sharing your adventures, so glad you are loving your adventure!!

The Weaver of Grass said...

It is so good to hear that you are having such a wonderful time.

Ashley said...

Wow! On your last post and this one, I am so struck by the beautiful light you've captured! Even my husband who is sort of grumble-y grumble-y about me saying "oh my gosh, look at the light" every time we go on vacation and hit golden hour, was commenting on how you really did capture the light so well. Also- that cemetery! How beautiful!! It reminds me some of Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia, but the trees are much more grand and it seems more incorporated. I am so loving your photographs (always, but especially) during this trip! Glad you are enjoying yourself!

Cloudia said...

loving this! Thanks

Kerri Farley said...

Never would I have imagined that I would want to visit .....but you've made me want to! LOVE!