Tag: Gamla Stan E

History

Gamla Stan is the oldest part of Stockholm. It was here that Birger Jarl founded the city in 1252. The city had to stop intruders and protect Lake Mälaren but quickly became an important trading post. In those days the difference in level between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea was about 2.5m (currently it’s only 90 cm) so here at Gamla Stan the ships were unloaded and the goods got loaded on another ship.

Things to see

One of the most impressive buildings in Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace. You will also find Storkyrkan (the church where Crown Princess Victoria married Daniel) and the Nobel Museum on Stortorget.

Gamla Stan is like a fairytale place with its small alleys and picturesque buildings in a unique color palette. Among the souvenir shops you’ll find some shops where they sell authentic craft art. Between the tourist restaurants there are also some real gourmet hotspots.

Stadsholmen

Gamla Stan is situated on the island Stadsholmen (although you hardly ever come across that name) and is located between Norrmalm and Södermalm. Nearby you also have Helgeandsholmen (where the Swedish Parliament is) and Riddarholmen.