One of forty cities nicknamed “Venice of the North,” Stockholm is a popular cruise ship destination. The Stockholm City Hall rises at the confluence of bays of Lake Mälaren. The 347 foot tall building features the Swedish national coat of arms at its apex. The meaning of the three crowns is not officially known. Some suggest they represent the three crowned gods of the city of Uppsala, the Three Wise Men or King Magnus’ reign over Sweden, Norway and Finland in the 1330s. Sweden attempted to remain neutral in World War II, but at various times supported both the Allied and Axis Powers. Stockholm received minimal damage, but was “accidentally” bombed by the Soviets in February 1944.
