Swede little mystery

STOCKHOLM as a winter sun destination... are you one smorgasbord short of a picnic? Well, the sun certainly can shine extremely brightly but, admittedly, the temperature is liable to be way south of zero in this pristine northerly capital, set on 14 islands.

Trust me, though, the sight of the sun glistening on the frozen harbour and the snow on the city's rooftops sparkling in the stark winter light is quite magical.

And make sure your camera has a large memory card - this is one of the most photogenic cities you will visit.

At almost every turn a new photo opportunity seems to arise. So grab your silly trapper hat and thermals and let's see what the city- on-the-water capital of Sweden (and of Scandinavia, it claims, too) has to offer the winter tourist...

Most visitors will begin with a look round Gamla Stan, the Old Town.

It's located on a small island between the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren to the south of the modern city centre and you'll want to spend at least half a day or more here, as many of the main sights are in the area.

It's a charming place, with a maze of narrow medieval streets lined with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants.

Start at the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace) - no longer inhabited by the much-loved Royal Family - and fairly accessible.

There's a chapel, armoury, apartments and galleries, and a changing of the guard to see.