Situation of Stockholm

Stockholm has been called the Venice of the North. Its situation, upon islands, on a plain, and on rocky hills surrounded by water and islands in every direction, is exceedingly picturesque. In one respect it is strikingly unlike most other cities; lying, as it does, in immediate proximity to primeval forests and rocky islands where there is hardly a trace of cultivation. There are few cities in Europe whose general aspect is more attractive than that of this northern capital.HS 191.3

The islands on which the city is built are connected by massive stone bridges; the houses are generally of brick stuccoed, and colored buff or yellow. The streets in the ancient city are crooked, narrow, and dark; but in other portions they are wider and straighter than in many other European cities. Modern Stockholm reminds us of San Francisco.HS 191.4