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Gamla Stan

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Overview

The old town is Stockholm’s historic and geographic heart. Disorientating lanes twist past Renaissance churches, baroque palaces and romantic squares. These cobblestones have seen it all, from triumphant kings on horseback to bloody mass beheadings. These days, its narrow lanes harbour everything from dusty toyshops to candlelit cafes.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Outer courtyard at Stockholm's Royal Palace

    Kungliga Slottet

    Gamla Stan

    A massive structure with more than 600 rooms on 11 levels, Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace) dominates the north end of Gamla Stan. The official…

  • The Museum of Medieval Stockholm, a museum depicting Stockholm medieval history and society. Located right in front of the Swedish parliament.

    Medeltidsmuseet

    Gamla Stan

    Tucked beneath the bridge that links Gamla Stan and Norrmalm, this child-friendly museum was established when construction workers preparing to build a…

  • Historic carriage on display at the Royal Armoury in Stockholm.

    Royal Armoury

    Gamla Stan

    The Royal Armoury is housed in the cellar vaults of the palace but has separate hours. It’s a family attic of sorts, crammed with engrossing memorabilia…

  • Riddarholmen Church and ornamented spire in Stockholm, Sweden.

    Riddarholmskyrkan

    Gamla Stan

    The strikingly beautiful Riddarholmskyrkan, on the equally pretty and under-visited islet of Riddarholmen, was built by Franciscan monks in the late 13th…

  • Storkyrkan and Gamla Stan seen from Riddarholmen Island.

    Storkyrkan

    Gamla Stan

    The one-time venue for royal weddings and coronations, Storkyrkan is both Stockholm’s oldest building (consecrated in 1306) and its cathedral. Behind a…

  • Tyska Kyrkan

    Tyska Kyrkan

    Gamla Stan

    Founded by a guild of German merchants in the 15th century, Tyska Kyrkan (The German Church) hints at Stockholm's multicultural past and present. The…

  • Evert Taubes Terrass in Stockholm.

    Evert Taubes Terrass

    Gamla Stan

    Evert Taubes Terrass is a tranquil and relaxed spot and one of the best viewpoints in Stockholm, at eye level with lake Mälaren on the quiet island of…

  • Riksdag Parliament Building and Norrbro Bridge in Stockholm, Sweden.

    Riksdagshuset

    Gamla Stan

    Technically situated on Helgeandsholmen, the little island in the middle of Norrström, rather than on Gamla Stan, the Swedish Parliament building is an…

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