What is the best walking tour in Stockholm for history?

A self-guided route through Gamla Stan is widely considered the best for history. It covers the city's 13th-century origins, the Royal Palace, and the site of the 1520 Bloodbath, providing a comprehensive look at Sweden's medieval and imperial eras.

Is Gamla Stan worth visiting?

Yes, Gamla Stan is a must-visit as it is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. It offers a unique mix of monumental architecture like the Royal Palace and charming, narrow alleys that are inaccessible to cars.

Where is the narrowest street in Stockholm?

The narrowest street is Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, located in the southern part of Gamla Stan. It is only 90 centimeters wide at its narrowest point and consists of 36 stairs connecting Västerlånggatan to Prästgatan.

Can I walk Gamla Stan for free?

Yes, exploring the streets, squares, and alleys of Gamla Stan is entirely free. While there are entrance fees for the interiors of the Royal Palace and the Cathedral, the historical atmosphere and exterior landmarks can be enjoyed at no cost.

What is the smallest statue in Stockholm?

The smallest statue is the 'Iron Boy' (Järnpojke), officially titled 'Boy Looking at the Moon.' It stands only 15 centimeters (6 inches) tall and is located in the Bollhustäppan courtyard near the Royal Palace.

What happened at the Stockholm Bloodbath in Stortorget?

The Stockholm Bloodbath occurred in 1520 when the Danish King Christian II executed nearly 100 Swedish nobles and clergy in Stortorget square. This event eventually led to a rebellion and the rise of Gustav Vasa, the founder of modern Sweden.

Is Gamla Stan accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?

It is challenging but possible. Most of Gamla Stan features uneven cobblestones which can be bumpy for strollers and difficult for wheelchairs. Many alleys have stairs, so it is best to stick to the flatter, wider streets like Västerlånggatan.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step back in time to the 13th century as you explore Gamla Stan, Stockholm's remarkably preserved medieval heart. This self-guided walk invites you to wander through a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone alleys, ochre-colored buildings, and grand royal plazas. As you follow this walking route, you will discover the dual nature of Stockholm's history: the imposing power of the Swedish Empire and the intimate, often hidden stories of its everyday citizens. The journey begins at the massive Royal Palace, a testament to Sweden's Age of Greatness, before leading you to the spiritual center of the city, Storkyrkan, where kings were once crowned. Beyond the grand monuments, this neighborhood stroll takes you into the 'real' old town. You will stand in Stortorget, the city’s oldest square, and learn about the chilling events of the Stockholm Bloodbath that forever changed the course of Nordic history. You will also find the city’s smallest secrets, like the tiny Iron Boy tucked away in a quiet courtyard, and navigate the 36 steps of Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, an alley so narrow you can touch both walls at once. This independent adventure concludes on the island of Riddarholmen, offering a stunning skyline view and a final look at the final resting place of Swedish monarchs. Whether you are a history buff or an architecture enthusiast, this walking tour Stockholm provides a flexible way to experience the city's origins without the constraints of a group. Enjoy the freedom to pause for a fika in a cellar café or spend extra time photographing the ornate gables of the Hanseatic-style houses. Exploring Gamla Stan at your own pace allows the echoes of the past to truly resonate, making this more than just a walk, but a journey through seven centuries of Swedish heritage.

Highlights

The Royal Palace, one of Europe's largest and most dynamic official residences

Storkyrkan, the cathedral housing the famous St. George and the Dragon sculpture

Stortorget, the site of the infamous 1520 Stockholm Bloodbath

The Iron Boy, Stockholm's smallest and most beloved public statue

Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alley in the city measuring only 90cm wide

Riddarholmen Church, the beautiful final resting place of Swedish kings and queens

Tour Stops (6)

The Royal Palace

Welcome to the official residence of the Swedish monarch. This Baroque masterpiece, designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, stands on the site of the former 'Tre Kronor' castle which burned down in 1697. With over 600 rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Europe still used for its original purpose. As you stand in the outer courtyard, notice the architectural symmetry intended to project the power of the Swedish Empire. The palace serves as a working office for the King, but also houses several museums. Every day, the Changing of the Guard takes place here, a tradition that has continued for centuries, connecting the modern Swedish state to its military past.

Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral)

Just a few steps from the Palace lies Storkyrkan, the oldest church in Gamla Stan, first mentioned in records in 1279. While its exterior was remodeled in the Baroque style to match the Palace, the interior remains a treasure trove of Gothic and Renaissance art. The most famous resident inside is the 15th-century wooden sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon. It isn't just a religious icon; it’s a political one, commissioned to commemorate the Swedish victory over the Danes in 1471. For centuries, this was the site of royal coronations and weddings, making it the spiritual heart of the Swedish monarchy.

Stortorget

You are now standing in Stockholm's oldest square, Stortorget. The colorful gabled houses, particularly numbers 18 and 20, are the most photographed buildings in the city. However, this charming square has a dark history. In November 1520, it was the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath, where the Danish King Christian II executed nearly 100 Swedish noblemen and clergy in a bid to consolidate power. Legend says that the white stones in the red facade of the Ribbinska house represent the heads of the victims. Today, the square is much more peaceful, home to the Nobel Prize Museum and a vibrant Christmas market in December.

Iron Boy (Pojke som ser på månen)

Tucked away in the Bollhustäppan courtyard behind the Finnish Church is Stockholm’s smallest public monument. Known officially as 'Boy Looking at the Moon,' this 15-centimeter tall sculpture by Liss Eriksson was installed in 1967. Locals and visitors alike have a deep affection for him; you’ll often find him wearing a tiny hand-knitted scarf or hat during the winter months. It is said that rubbing his head brings good luck, and you will notice his scalp is polished bright from thousands of hands. People often leave coins or small treats on the stone plinth as a gesture of kindness to the lonely little boy.

Mårten Trotzigs Gränd

Prepare to squeeze through the narrowest street in Stockholm. Named after a German merchant who bought properties here in the late 1500s, this alley tapers down to a width of only 90 centimeters (about 35 inches). It consists of 36 steps that lead from the higher ground of Västerlånggatan down to the lower merchant streets. During the mid-19th century, the alley was boarded up due to poor sanitation and safety concerns, only to be reopened in 1945. It provides a vivid sense of just how cramped and vertical life in the medieval city used to be before modern urban planning.

Riddarholmen Church

Our walk ends on the 'Islet of the Knights' at the Riddarholmen Church. Easily identifiable by its striking open-work cast-iron spire, this is the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs from Gustavus Adolphus to King Gustaf V. The church was originally part of a Franciscan monastery founded in the late 13th century, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. While the island is quiet today, mostly housing government courts, it offers the best panoramic views of Lake Mälaren and the Stockholm City Hall across the water. It’s the perfect place to reflect on the centuries of history you’ve just traversed.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard walk through the main highlights of Gamla Stan takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to stop for photos at Stortorget and the Royal Palace, covering a distance of approximately 1.5 kilometers (1 mile).