Gamla Stan Stockholm Travel Guide

 Gamla Stan, Swedish for "Old Town" is actually an island in the middle of Stockholm. It is easy to reach by boat or merely by walking over one of four small bridges which link Gamla Stan to the rest of the city. Known for its winding cobblestone streets shaded by medieval buildings and numerous noteworthy churches; Gamla Stan is the perfect spot to take a walk and enjoy a delicious coffee during your visit to Stockholm.

While famous for its narrow, 17th Century alleys, Gamla Stan also a lovely cobblestone town square at its center where you are sure to catch mimes, clowns and various performing artists on any given, pleasant day. Because of its unique and quaint architecture, Gamla Stan has become a haven for photographers with unique photo opportunities around every sharp corner. Swedish craftspeople carve and sew in the windows of their store fronts and the old-fashioned feel of Gamla Stan is so complete that it is often used for movie sets.

While small a small area overall, you will not have trouble finding food and drink here. Numerous traditional restaurants, as well as some trendier ones, cater to tourists with multi-language menus. The most popular foods here are, like in much of Scandinavia, sweets. Be sure to visit one of Gamla Stan's artisan sweet shops or bakeries and enjoy a regional specialty; a café latte made with cardamom and cinnamon and served in a large mug.

Gamla Stan is home to Sweden's oldest church, built in the Gothic style sometime in the early thirteenth century. Though simple compared to some European Cathedrals, this church is best known for its fifteenth century wooden statue of St. George and the dragon. The church is also home to many St. George relics and the oldest painting in Sweden, dating back to 1450.

Alfred Nobel was a Swede and the Nobel organization, along with the Swedish bank, continues to hand out the world's most famous prize long after Alfred's death. The Nobel museum is located in Gamla Stan and takes visitors on a fascinating tour of the world's most fascinating people.

Some say that it is Gamla Stan alone which makes Stockholm worth visiting. True or not, Gamla Stan is a beautiful and unique island situated in the center of a beautiful and unique city. Be sure not to miss Gamla Stan on your next visit to Scandinavia; its history and charm has enchanted for ages.