Gamla Stan

Welcome to Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Set in the heart of Stockholm, Gamla Stan (the Old Town) is a charming labyrinth of cobbled alleys, centuries-old buildings and vibrant squares that together tell the story of Sweden’s 13th-century origins and dramatic historical moments. Today it is a dynamic blend of medieval history and modern life.(visitgamlastan.se)

Historical Context

Stockholm was founded in the 13th century on the island now known as Gamla Stan. This district witnessed pivotal events such as the Stockholm Bloodbath in Stortorget, and includes well-preserved medieval architecture alongside Baroque and Renaissance influences.(forbes.com)

Landmarks

• Stortorget: The oldest square in Stockholm, known for its colorful façades and historic significance including the Stockholm Bloodbath.
• Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet): One of Europe’s largest palaces, housing the Treasury, the Three Crowns museum, and the antiquities collection.
• Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral): The Great Church, dating from the 13th century, featuring medieval art such as “Saint George slaying the dragon” and large religious paintings.
• Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan): Stockholm’s oldest church from the 1300s, serving as a royal necropolis.
• German Church (Tyska kyrkan): Notable for its tall copper spire (96 m), built in the 15th century for the German-speaking Hanseatic merchants.
• Mårten Trotzigs gränd: The narrowest alley in Stockholm, just 0.9 m wide, offering a picturesque glimpse into medieval urban life.

Museums

• Nobel Prize Museum

  Located in Stortorget, this museum chronicles the legacy of Nobel Prize laureates, including Alfred Nobel. It offers modern museography and interactive exhibits.(city-guide-stockholm.com)

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Please refer to official site for current hours.

  Ticket Price: Please refer to official site for updated ticket prices.

• Medieval Museum (Medeltidsmuseet)

  Built around the remains of Stockholm’s 16th-century city walls and featuring reconstructions of medieval life including boats and trading houses.(forbes.com)

  Visit Website

  Opening Hours: Please refer to official site for current hours.

  Ticket Price: Please refer to official site for current ticket prices.

Tips for Visitors

• Walk the cobblestone lanes early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the magical light.
• Combine visits to museums and key landmarks like the Royal Palace and Storkyrkan to maximize your experience within one day.
• Enjoy local cafés and shops tucked in narrow streets such as Västerlånggatan and Prästgatan.(city-guide-stockholm.com)

Sources

• Forbes – Gamla Stan overview and landmarks.(forbes.com)
• visitgamlastan.se – Official tourism site describing key buildings.(visitgamlastan.se)
• City‑Guide‑Stockholm – Detailed neighbourhood history and descriptions.(city-guide-stockholm.com)
• El País (Lonely Planet) – Museums in Gamla Stan.(elpais.com)
• Reddit user comment on Tyska kyrkan’s height and history.(reddit.com)