MedeltidsmuseetGamla Stan, meaning "Old Town" in Swedish, is the historic heart of Stockholm and one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. It was one of my favorite places in the city. I loved it because of its lively atmosphere and well-preserved historical architecture that made me feel as if I was being transported back in time.
If you're traveling to Stockholm, then your trip wouldn't be complete without visiting and exploring Gamla Stan. It's a relatively small area and you can go from one tourist attraction to another within a 5 to 10-minute walk.
How to Get to Gamla Stan
Located centrally, getting to Gamla Stan is quite easy. If you're staying anywhere in the city center, then it could be within walking distance. My hotel was located in Norrmalm, which was less than a 20-minute walk away from Gamla Stan, so as you'd expect, I just walked all the way there with Google Maps helping me navigate.
If your hotel isn't that close to the area or you don't like walking, then you can always take public transportation. Stockholm's subway system, known as the Tunnelbana or T-bana, is efficient and well-connected. Gamla Stan has its own subway station, appropriately named "Gamla Stan" and you can take the green or red lines to reach this station.
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| the bustling street of Västerlånggatan |
Several bus lines serve Gamla Stan, plus taxis and ride-sharing services are available throughout Stockholm. You can also take the ferry to Slussen - the ferry terminal right next to Gamla Stan. I did this coming from the museum island when I went to the old town again. Yes, I visited Gamla Stan more than once because I really enjoyed walking around in this area.
Additionally, Stockholm is a bike-friendly city. So if you enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike and ride to Gamla Stan. Or you can rent one of those electric scooters - if that's more your speed. The city has dedicated lanes for bikes and scooters, making it a pleasant and eco-friendly way to explore.
Gamla Stan Self-Guided Walking Tour
Here's a suggested route for doing a walking tour of Gamla Stan.
Riksbron
Start at Riksbron, or the Riksdag Bridge, which connects Gamla Stan with the island of Helgeandsholmen, where the Swedish Parliament is situated. The bridge plays a significant role in providing access to the parliamentary buildings. It also offers scenic views of the surrounding architecture, including the Royal Palace, the Parliament House, and the waterfront areas on both sides of the Norrström River.
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| considered as the gateway to Gamla Stan, located just past Riksbron |
Stockholm Medieval Museum
Then walk 400 meters to the Stockholm Medieval Museum, also known as Medeltidsmuseet. This museum is built on the site of a medieval Franciscan monastery and it provides an immersive experience into medieval Stockholm, offering insights into the city's history during this period. Exhibits include artifacts, reconstructions, and multimedia presentations that bring the medieval era to life. The best part about this museum is that it's free.
Royal Palace
Make your way to the Royal Palace, or Kungliga Slottet. It's one of the city's most iconic landmarks and serves as the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace is an impressive example of Baroque architecture and dates back to the 18th century.
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| the Royal Palace |
It houses several museums, including the Royal Apartments, the Treasury - where the Crown Jewels are displayed, and the Tre Kronor Museum, which tells the history of the medieval castle that once stood on the same site. Admission to the palace costs SEK170 for adults while visitors aged 17 and below can enter at discounted rates.
If you visit around noon, then you might catch the changing of the guards, which happens at 12:15pm from April to August. Take note that the schedule may vary during autumn and winter.
Stockholm Cathedral
Just a short walk away from the Royal Palace is Storkyrkan or Stockholm Cathedral. The oldest church in Gamla Stan, the cathedral features a combination of Gothic and Baroque architectural styles. The exterior is characterized by a tall spire and intricate stonework, while the interior showcases vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. Admission to the cathedral costs SEK85.
Iron Boy or Järnpojke
Before heading to the main square from the cathedral, make a quick detour to find the Iron Boy statue, which is a small sculpture tucked away in a corner. It's one of the smallest public sculptures in Stockholm - and probably in the world.
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| the Iron Boy sculpture |
Stortorget
Next is Stortorget, which is the main square in Gamla Stan. It's also one of the oldest squares in Stockholm and has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. If you've ever Googled photos of Stockholm, then you've already seen photos of Gamla Stan as it's characterized by the sight of colorful historic buildings.
Though it's a lively and colorful square, Stortorget has a dark history. It was where the 1520 Swedish Bloodbath happened when King Christian II of Denmark executed numerous Swedish nobles in this very square.
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| Stortorget |
The Nobel Museum
Located on Stortorget is the Nobel Museum. Apart from being a historic city, Stockholm is also known as the city where the annual Nobel Prizes for Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Literature are awarded annually. The museum provides insights into the life and work of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prize, as well as the achievements of Nobel laureates in various fields. Tickets to the museum cost SEK140 while visitors aged 18 and below can enter for free.
Västerlånggatan
From the main square, make your way to Västerlånggatan, which is one of the main streets in Gamla Stan. This street is steeped in history and features well-preserved buildings that date back to the medieval period. It's a popular shopping destination as it's lined with souvenir shops, craft stores, antique shops, and more. Here you'll also find numerous cafés and restaurants - perfect for taking a break during your walking tour to get something to eat or drink.
Mårten Trotzigs Gränd
Speaking of streets, don't forget to explore Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, one of the narrowest streets in Stockholm. It's a picturesque alley with cobblestone paths and colorful buildings.
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| Mårten Trotzigs Gränd |
Skeppsbron
Then walk along Skeppsbron, which is a waterfront street with beautiful views of the water and boats. This area offers a great atmosphere and photo opportunities. In spring and summer, you'll find lots of locals in this area, just sitting on the waterfront while soaking in the views and enjoying the nice weather. If you're taking the ferry, then the Slussen terminal is located close to this street.
Kornhamnstorg
Lastly, head to Kornhamnstorg, which is just a lively square that has a lot of restaurants and cafes. It's a great place to enjoy some Swedish cuisine.
And that's it for this post! Also, while walking around the old town, don't forget to spot the fake windows on many of the old buildings. It's a quirky detail that you shouldn't miss. If you're wondering why there are fake windows - it's all because of the "window tax" in the 18th and 19th century, which basically meant that people paid higher taxes if their houses had more windows. This led to people bricking up their window spaces to avoid the tax.
Anyway, if you follow this itinerary, it will take you less than a day to see all these places in Gamla Stan, including exhibits inside the Royal Palace and the museums. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions.
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