Up On The Housetop

by Robin Rodig | September 29, 2013 | 0 Comments

I love that Christmas song. So happy. So jolly. So much joyous anticipation. Just the happy, jolly, joyous thoughts I needed prowling catwalks 140 feet up on the Rooftop Tour in Stockholm.

A unique way to see this metropolitan area, the Rooftop Tour promised amazing views and city lore through a precarious experience of navigating grated catwalks around the tops of a clump of historic buildings. No casualties were promised as well. After confirming that last statement with the guide, I eagerly harnessed up, helmeted up, and practiced "walking the dog"; the act of scooting your last-resort, pulley-type device (connected to a thin cable on the paths) around with you at your feet.

It was breathtaking stepping out onto the first landing in the crisp morning air. At that heighth, there was a calmness over the city as some of Stockholm's beautiful sights were pointed out. Church bells were ringing. The sun was forcing itself through the dense clouds. The birds-eye view was definitely special. Then, after hooking my "dog" to the wire at foot level, I tightly grabbed the leash. It was time to walk.

Some paths were equipped with a pencil-thin rail to hold onto as I gingerly shuffled along. But there were ladders to climb up, ladders to climb down, and catwalks without those rails. I'd say high anxiety at its finest. At times, I would rather have been in those buildings raising the roof than on top of them. I plugged along with my sluggish "dog" (who apparently needed to stop to pee a lot) only to have to avert my laser-like gaze from the catwalk in front of me to bend down and give my "dog" a good shove. Fido was not helping.

After about an hour of rooftop sightseeing and prayer, I practically hugged the rail on the last landing while taking in one last, unobstructed 360 degree view over the city. A memorable tour indeed.

Ho ho ho! Who wouldn't go? I venture those with a strong fear of heights. :)

Hejdå för nu! (Goodbye for now in Swedish)