Gamla Stan
Gamla stan
The birthplace of Stockholm, founded in the 13th century. On this island, colorful gabled houses, medieval narrow lanes, the Royal Palace, and the cathedral have all been preserved.
Gamla Stan is where Stockholm began, founded in 1252 on Stadsholmen, the city island where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. It is one of Europe’s most completely preserved medieval districts. Must-sees include Stortorget, the Great Square, surrounded by red, yellow, and orange gabled houses, where the 1520 “Stockholm Bloodbath” took place. On the north side of the square is the Nobel Museum, with exhibitions on the history of the Nobel Prize (about SEK 150). The narrowest alley, Mårten Trotzigs gränd, is only about 90 cm wide. The main streets, Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan, are lined with souvenir shops and cafés. Also here are Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), which holds a wooden sculpture of St. George slaying the dragon, and the German Church. A suggested route: exit at Gamla stan metro station, walk Västerlånggatan to Stortorget and the Nobel Museum, visit the cathedral, watch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, stroll Österlånggatan, and finish at the harbor where you can watch archipelago cruise boats. Allow about 2–3 hours. Try fika (coffee and a cinnamon bun) at an old café. Note that the main streets are crowded with tourists and the goods are fairly pricey. The cobblestones are uneven, so wear flat shoes. In winter it gets dark by 3 p.m.
Opening hours
All day (neighborhood)
Nearby sights
- Stortorget
- Nobel Prize Museum
- Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan)
- Stockholm Palace
- Katarina Elevator
- Riddarholmen Church
- Kungsträdgården
- Nationalmuseum