Our Gamla Stan walking tour is without a doubt an authentic experience that takes you back in history. Close your eyes and imagine you are a time traveller ready to go back many centuries. When you wake up, it is 1252. This is Stockholm’s birth year. Going on this walking tour of Gamla Stan, you are in for a real treat. Not only is the old town a mesmerising place full of ancient stories, but it has also plenty of charm. For instance, cute alleyways, colourful houses and quaint squares. It is also the location where the changing of the guards happens every day at the Royal Palace. Also, the amazing restaurants will tickle your taste buds too. The world’s 2nd oldest restaurant is located in Gamla Stan.
In contrast to other tours, we scratch more than just the surface. For example, you hear stories of executioners, age-old rune stones, fountains and the connection between the old town and Flanders in Belgium to name a few. Gamla Stan is a place full of mystery, so welcome to the very heart of this extraordinary city.
Walking along the Swedish Parliament on a tour of Gamla Stan
On the whole, the development of Stockholm coincides with the development of Gamla Stan. Although spread over 14 islands, the old town is the very core of the city. It was found in 1252 by statesman Birger Jarl, to protect Sweden from invasions. Once a small settlement enclosed by city walls, Stockholm has grown immensely. Today, it is not only the most populous urban area in Scandinavia, but it is also the cultural, political and media centre of Sweden. Just like other big cities, Stockholm has a large population. There are about 1 million people in the city and around 1.6 million in the eleven municipalities. Moreover, Gamla Stan has approximately 3000 residents.
Our Gamla Stan walking tour starts at Gustav Adolfs Torg at the opera house. Not only do you get a pretty view, but you will also understand why the old town used to be called ‘City between Bridges.’ Following a brief introduction and what to expect, we start our discovery tour of this unique place. Unlike other cities with an old town, Gamla Stan exists of 4 islands. First, there is Riddarholmen. Second, you have Helgeandsholmen. Third, you get Str?msborg and last but not least there is Stadsholmen. The latter is without a doubt the island that everyone considers as Gamla Stan. On our walking tour, you discover all islands and what makes them unique. This is without a doubt the most complete tour of this area.
Walking tour along Pr?stgatan in Gamla Stan
On the whole, you spend the most time on the island of Stadsholmen. It houses for example the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum. Moreover, it is also the place where the Stockholm bloodbath took place. Furthermore, there are some quaint streets, charming squares and little details that give awesome stories. We make our way through the labyrinth of alleyways as we go back in time. This tour is particularly of interest if you like history and want to dig just a little bit deeper. Along with the more obvious sights, you learn about the history of the street names, the importance of certain squares, why some areas were avoided in the Middle Ages, and the co-existence of Swedes and Germans. This tour finishes with a traditional Swedish Fika (hot drink and a cinnamon bun). This is without a doubt the most Swedish habit you can do after your walk.
Our walking tour in Gamla Stan passes by Stockholm’s smallest street
It is possible to book a private tour for this Gamla Stan walking tour. If you are a group of friends or a family with children, it a great solution. Especially if you do not want other guests on your tour. Moreover, it is also an option if there are not enough participants. In that case, you can also book a private tour. Just click Book a Private Tour’ upon checkout. An additional charge per person applies. For any questions that relate to this tour, please call us on +44 (0) 7783 152151 or fill out our contact form. We reply as soon as possible.
All year round | |
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Monday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Tuesday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Wednesday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Thursday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Friday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Saturday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Sunday | 10:00 am, 1.30 pm or 4:00 pm |
Last Admission | 4:00 pm |