In the sixth episode of Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends, the presenter takes us on an action-packed journey to Stockholm, Sweden’s stunning capital. Portillo jumps straight into the local culture with a unique taste test: identifying Sweden’s famous meatballs, made with various meats, including wild boar, elk, and reindeer.
Portillo then ventures to Gamla Stan, home to the Royal Palace, where he prepares for a state visit by French President Macron. He is awe-struck by the opulence and grandeur of the palace, particularly the massive banqueting table set to accommodate 170 VIPs.
Seeking adventure, Portillo travels to Vaxholm, where he braves the partially frozen Baltic Sea by kayak. He also immerses himself in the thrilling sport of bandy, similar to ice hockey but played with a ball.
Portillo continues his exploration of Stockholm by aiding ice divers in their trash trawl of the city’s seabed, enjoying cocktails and ice sculpting at the Ice Bar, and uncovering the story of the ‘Vasa’ warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.
He cooks a herring feast, samples oysters, and visits Stockholm Cathedral, where he discovers a memorable 15th-century sculpture of St George and the Dragon.
Michael Portillo’s Long Weekends: Stockholm airs Saturday, 31 August 2024, at 7:30 pm on Channel 5.
