Discover Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm
We had heard a lot about Gamla Stan Stockholm before our trip: for those coming to Stockholm for the first time, this neighborhood is a must; Here is the core cell of Stockholm, from which the city has developed; Art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and craft shops should not be missed. Curious, we set out to explore the neighborhood.
Exploring Stockholm's Old Town
A tip right from the start: it is best to visit Gamla Stan in the morning, when most tourists are still having breakfast in their hotels. During the day it can get crowded here.
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We are here after a big celebration of the royal family, for which half of Sweden traveled to Stockholm. Many of the visitors have evidently been partying all night. In any case, Gamla Stan Stockholm is already full of people in the morning. We can see that the royal family is very popular in Sweden not only from the countless people celebrating, but also from the many royal souvenirs that we see in the shop windows as we stroll through Gamla Stan. But Gamla Stan Stockholm has more to offer than souvenir shops.
Sights in Gamla Stan
If you are interested in the history and culture of Stockholm, you should not miss the sights in Gamla Stan:
The Storkyrkan
An absolute must is the Storkyrkan, the impressive Stockholm cathedral. It is not only the oldest church in the city, but also an architectural masterpiece. The mix of Gothic and Baroque elements is particularly fascinating. Inside you will find the famous wooden sculpture "Saint George and the Dragon" - a work of art that combines symbolism and craftsmanship.
Riddarholmen
Just a short walk away is Riddarholmen, a small island full of historic palaces. The Riddarholmskyrkan, once a monastery, is now the royal burial church. Numerous Swedish monarchs are buried here, making it a place with a special atmosphere. In addition, the waterfront promenade offers a breathtaking view of the modern skyline of Stockholm - a contrast that is inspiring.
Historical Places in Stockholm
We are impressed by the magnificent buildings in Gamla Stan Stockholm. We reach Gamla Stan, which is located on the island of Stadsholmen, via the Riksbron, the bridge that connects the north of Stockholm with the Riksdag. From this bridge we not only have a beautiful entrance to the Riksdag, but also great views of the Stadshus of Stockholm, the city hall. We also see the Riddarholmskyrkan on the island of Riddarholmen and the Vasabron and Norrbro, two bridges that connect the north of Stockholm with Gamla Stan.
As soon as we leave the Riksdag, the view opens onto the castle of Stockholm. From there we follow the Västerlanggatan and pass the Riksdag Library. The road is getting narrower, and you can tell that it was once built for carriages. Therefore, only a few drivers venture through the narrow streets. Instead, pedestrians are increasing. They are attracted by the numerous art galleries, craft and souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants that make Gamla Stan Stockholm a major attraction in Stockholm.
Between the plush moose, Sweden flag and Pippi Longstocking rag dolls with orange-red hair, we also find shop windows showing real Swedish handicrafts: glass art, porcelain, paintings, and tablecloths as we saw it in the Kingdom of Crystal in Smaland. It is worth looking out for among the tourist knick-knacks.
Beautiful old houses in Gamla Stan Stockholm
In the narrow streets of Gamla Stan we always find beautiful old houses with elaborate façade decoration and glimpse the Riddarsholmkyrka and the Nikolaikirche. We go back to Stockholm Palace and pass the Stromparterren, a park that overlooks northern Stockholm. At the Gustav Adolfs Torg and in front of the Stockholm Opera, we reach again the northern part of the city and finish our tour of Gamla Stan.
Ingrid Sjöström, Swedish art historian, describes in “Masreliezrummen: En köpmans våning i Gamla stan” the architectural development and cultural influence of Gamla Stan. "The architecture of Gamla Stan reflects the different periods of Swedish history and shows influences from the Hanseatic period to the Baroque period."
It is a district that leaves us with mixed feelings: The magnificent buildings and government buildings are extremely impressive and fascinate us. However, as we are not fans of large crowds, we keep our stroll through the busy, narrow streets of the district short. Instead, we limit ourselves to a half-hour walk before heading back to the open parks and the imposing palaces in the northern part of Gamla Stan. How did you experience Gamla Stan? Is the district worth a second visit? Are you looking for tips for a day in Stockholm?
More tips for Gamla Stan Stockholm:
- Nobel Prize Museum: This museum on Stortorget is dedicated to Nobel Prize winners and their achievements. It offers interactive exhibitions and is a major cultural attraction in Gamla Stan.
- Mårten Trotzig's Gränd: With only 90 cm wide at its narrowest point, this is the narrowest alley in Stockholm and a popular photo opportunity for visitors.
- Järnpojken: This tiny statue, also known as the Iron Boy, is located in the courtyard of the Finnish Church and is considered one of the smallest public sculptures in Sweden.
More tips for Stockholm and Sweden:
- A day in Stockholm
- Boat tour Stockholm
- From Gothenburg to Stockholm by boat
- Sweden Destinations for Slow Travelers and Connoisseurs
Esterne springs:
Questions and answers about Gamla Stan Stockholm:
Are there any special events or festivals in Gamla Stan?
Yes, especially during the Christmas season, Gamla Stan turns into a winter wonderland with a traditional Christmas market on Stortorget. Here you can try Swedish specialties and buy handmade gifts. There are also various cultural events throughout the year that celebrate the district's rich history.
How accessible is Gamla Stan for people with reduced mobility?
Gamla Stan is characterized by cobbled streets and narrow alleys, which can be challenging for people with limited mobility. Nevertheless, the main streets such as Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan are relatively flat and accessible. It is advisable to plan ahead and seek assistance if necessary.
Are there guided tours of Gamla Stan?
Yes, there are numerous guided tours available that cover different aspects of Gamla Stan. From historical walks to culinary tours to themed tours, such as the legends and myths of the Old Town, there is something for everyone.
Which museums are located in Gamla Stan?
In Gamla Stan you will find several museums, including the Nobel Museum, which is dedicated to the Nobel Prizes and their winners, and the Postal Museum, which tells the story of the Swedish postal service. These museums offer deep insights into various facets of Swedish culture and history.
Are there any special culinary specialties in Gamla Stan that one should try?
A must! Gamla Stan offers a variety of traditional Swedish restaurants and cafes. An absolute must is the Swedish “fika” - a coffee break with pastries, with cinnamon rolls being particularly popular. You should also try traditional dishes such as köttbullar (meatballs) or gravad lax (cured salmon) in one of the local restaurants.
Are there any insider tips or lesser-known places in Gamla Stan?
Yes, besides the well-known sights, there are also some hidden gems in Gamla Stan. One such place is the idyllic Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alley in Stockholm, which is only 90 cm wide. Here you will feel like you have traveled back in time. Another tip is the simple but charming café Under Kastanjen on a quiet square, which impresses with homemade pastries and a cozy atmosphere. If you like art and history, you should definitely visit the sculpture “Järnpojke” (Iron Boy), one of the smallest public statues in the world, hidden behind the Finnish Church.
Can I experience Gamla Stan Stockholm at night and is it worth it?
Absolutely, Gamla Stan Stockholm at night is a magical experience! When the alleys are bathed in warm lantern light, the old town unfolds a special charm. The tourist crowds have died down and you can enjoy the quiet, romantic atmosphere. Many restaurants and bars stay open until late so you can sample Swedish delicacies at your leisure. Guided evening tours are also available where you can immerse yourself in the exciting stories and legends of Gamla Stan. It is definitely worth exploring this part of the city after sunset!
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
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Arrival to Stockholm
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Car Rentals:
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Stockholm sightseeing by boat:
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Guided tours in Gamla Stan Stockholm:
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Hotels in Gamla Stan Stockholm:
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Do you know anything else?
Source Gamla Stan Stockholm: own research on site. We financed this stay in Sweden's capital ourselves. Our opinion remains our own.
Text Gamla Stan Stockholm: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Too bad that I discover the beautiful article only now. Just got a girlfriend in Stockholm. I'm curious what she has to tell. I love to go out in the countryside myself.
I am also so that I have many interesting articles only to discover the journey. I would like to know what your girlfriend says about Stockholm, Andreas.
I like cities on the water and I'm curious how I like it in Stockholm. For Gamla Stan I have definitely scheduled time.
I'm curious about your reports about the journey.
Magnificent architecture shows us in Stockholm. I also take flight when it gets crowded. That is perhaps the reason why we have traveled many thousands of kilometers through Sweden and have avoided the big cities so far.
Cordially from Holland, Sabine
Yes, the architecture has also impressed us a lot, Sabine. I'm not sure if Gamla Stan is always as crowded as the day after the prince wedding. I have also seen photos where the streets were empty. Maybe we just had bad luck with our travel date. We like city breaks very much, only crowds at major events are suspicious.
Best regards,
Monika
Stockholm is a great city and the atmosphere in Gamla Stan is especially nice. I especially remember that the Swedes also celebrate their midsummer outfits at 18 Grad!
I can imagine that, Silke. Apparently you have a different temperature sensation in the north than further south.