Stockholm’s Timeless Canals: 1936 in Radiant Color!

This enchanting colorized footage unveils Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and cultural, media, political, and economic hub, in 1936—nearly 90 years ago—nicknamed "The Venice of the North" for its stunning archipelago of fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. Filmed in vibrant hues during the international Stockholm Exhibition of 1936, the film captures the city’s historic charm: medieval Gamla Stan (Old Town) with its cobblestone streets and Royal Palace, the serene waterways of the Stockholm archipelago, and bustling harbors along the coast, reflecting its settlement since the Stone Age (6th millennium BC) and founding in 1252 by Birger Jarl. With a population of about 500,000 in 1936 (now grown to 1.8 million in urban areas), the footage showcases the city’s pre-war elegance—bridges, canals, and landmarks like the City Hall—amid the Expo’s global spotlight. A dazzling window into Stockholm’s golden age, this restored archive grips history buffs, travel enthusiasts, and Swedish heritage lovers, offering a vivid glimpse of "The Venice of the North" frozen in time.