Historic places in Stockholm

Historic places in Stockholm

1. DrinkGamla stan

   6e Tunnan

   Sjätte tunnan

   Medieval bar and restaurant, with medieval food and mead, and a small heavy-metal bar at street level. Live performances most evenings, usually Medieval-style or rock music.

   Open until 03:00

2. SeeSödermalm

   Almgrens sidenväveri

   An original 19th century silk factory. The original machinery is preserved, and some manufacturing still goes on today. A museum displays the history of silk, from its origin in China, to the factory itself.

3. SeeÖstermalm

   Army Museum

   Displays the history of war, focused on the rise and fall of the Swedish Empire during the 16th to 18th centuries, followed by Sweden's role in the shade of World War I, World War II in Europe and Cold War Europe. The museum makes a great effort of putting warfare into a broader social context.

   Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow·140 kr/adult, 95 kr/concession, children free

4. SeeDjurgården

   Biological Museum

   Biologiska museet

   Scandinavian and Arctic dioramas with stuffed Scandinavian animals, lit only by daylight (limiting the opening hours; the museum closes at 15:00 in October-March, and 16:00 in April-September). When built in 1893, the diorama technique was revolutionary, and inspired similar museums worldwide. A century later, the museum is more interesting as an artifact of educational history, than a faithful display of nature.

5. SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg

   Bromma kyrka

   Bromma church

   Stockholm's oldest preserved building. It has also been voted the city's most beautiful church. The oldest part was built as a round church in the second half of the 12th century. The church contains medieval paintings from the late 15th century.

6. EatGamla stan

   Café Sten Sture

   A café in a 14th century cellar vault. The building used to be a monastery, until it was dismantled following the Protestant Reformation. It was used as a prison; the most famous inmate was Johan Jacob Anckarström, who assassinated King Gustav III.

7. SeeSödermalm

   Catholic Cathedral

   Saint Eric's Cathedral

   Built in 1892 for the Church of Sweden. Since 1953, it serves as a cathedral for the Stockholm Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church (including all of Sweden). Most Catholics in Sweden are recent immigrants from countries such as Poland and Chile.

8. EatVasastan and Hagastaden

   Claes på hörnet

   Tracing its history back to 1731, the inn Claes på Hörnet (in literal translation "Claes on the Corner") serves traditional Swedish food in more or less modern forms. The 18th century-inspired dining environment adds to the enjoyment. The inn also has 10 hotel rooms in 18th century style. Mains 145-265 kr.

9. SeeNorrmalm

   East Asian Museum

   Östasiatiska Museet

   Displays ancient, classical and contemporary East Asian culture.

   Tue 11:00-20:00, Wed-Sun 11:00-17:00·Free

10. SeeGamla stan

    Forum för levande historia

    A museum with exhibitions focused on human rights and crimes against humanity. Previous exhibitions have depicted Sweden's role in World War II in Europe and the Holocaust.

11. BuyGamla stan

    Gamla stans bokhandel

    A bookstore profiled towards history and arts. Most titles are in Swedish.

12. SeeGamla stan

    German Church

    Tyska Kyrkan

    Officially named Sankta Gertrud, this Gamla stan church is the home of the first German-speaking parish outside Germany, giving some clue to the importance of German merchants in the history of Stockholm. On the site of the church, a German merchants' guild was founded in the 14th century. In the 16th century, the headquarters was converted into a church, which was later expanded. The interior is baroque in style, with large windows and white vaults. The church belongs to the Church of Sweden but holds services in German at 11:00 every Sunday.

    Tue-Fri 09:30-23:30, Sat-Sun noon-16:00·Entrance 40 kr except for visitors to services 21 May-29 Sep, free entry rest of year

13. DrinkSödermalm

    Gröne Jägaren

    [grøːnə ˈjɛːˈgaɳ]

    A sport and karaoke bar with history back to 1692. There are several other places in the hood and you will probably find a seat.

14. SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg

    Hagaparken

    A Royal Palace park in Solna with a rich history, open to the public, and great for picnics. The palace, Haga slott, is the residence of Crown Princess Victoria and her family. See also Swedish monarchy.

15. SeeVasastan and Hagastaden

    Karlberg Palace

    Karlbergs slott

    Built in 1632 and has hosted the Military Academy since 1792. The interior is usually not open to the public. The palace park is a pleasant place for picnics.

16. EatVasastan and Hagastaden

    Konditori Valand

    This is an old-style Swedish "konditori" with its 1954 interior almost completely intact. Still owned and operated by the wife of the original designer, this place is a piece of living Swedish history.

17. SeeKungsholmen

    Kristineberg Palace

    Kristinebergs slott

    Built around 1750 by the merchant R. Schröder, with a beautiful park. Today used partially as a school and partially as dwelling, though you can still watch it from the outside.

18. EatGamla stan

    Leijontornet

    Leijontornet is a classical fine diner, and the main restaurant in this local chain. With the foundations of a city wall tower behind glass in the cellar dining room, Leijontornet is about exclusive food with a traditionalist slant in an exclusive historical environment. The street-level bar next door is a surprisingly vivid place with cheaper dishes from the kitchen.

    Mon-Fri 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:00, Sat 18:00-22:00·Three-course dinner 745 kr. Mains in Leijonbaren 115-210 kr

19. SeeÖstermalm

    Maritime Museum

    Sjöhistoriska museet

    Exhibits Sweden's long history as a seafaring nation. Remnants of the Amphion, an 18th-century Royal yacht, and a broad collection of scale models.

20. SeeNorrmalm

    Mediterranean Museum

    Medelhavsmuseet

    Contains ancient artefacts of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, with a distinguished collection from Cyprus, and an Egyptian mummy exhibition.

    Tue-Fri 11-20, Sat 11-17, Summer: T-Sun 11-17·150 kr, free/under 19 yrs old

21. SeeGamla stan

    Museum of Medieval Stockholm

    Medeltidsmuseet

    It displays the dawning age of Stockholm. Small and hard to find, it provides a good historical background to a visit to Stockholm.

22. SeeÖstermalm

    National Library of Sweden

    Kungliga Biblioteket

    The library is a national archive and does not lend books. However, the equally beautiful Stockholm Public Library, Stockholms stadsbibliotek (Vasastan), does. The treasure room in the basement contains the Codex Gigas and massive medieval bible taken as a spoil of war with a unique depiction of the devil.

    Sat 11:00-15:00 (closed July), Mon-Thu 09:00-18:00, Fri 09:00-17:00

23. SeeDjurgården

    Nordiska Museet

    The Nordic Museum

    A museum of cultural history from 1520 to our days, in an impressive 1907 cathedral-like building on Djurgården. Exhibitions focus on Swedish handicraft, customs and traditions. See Nordic folk culture for context.

    Daily 10:00-17:00 year round; Sep-May: also Wed 10:00-20:00

24. SeeGamla stan

    Riddarholmen Church

    Riddarholmskyrkan

    Riddarholm is the ancient core of Stockholm and this is the city's oldest building - though no longer the oldest church, as it's nowadays simply a museum. Built as an abbey in the late 14th century. Many Swedish monarchs are buried here, including Gustavus Adolphus (Gustav II Adolf) and Charles XII (Karl XII). But what about Nelson Mandela, Lord Mountbatten, Chiang Kai-shek and other notables? - No, their plaques are here as "Knights of the Order of Seraphim", a Swedish heraldic society.

    Daily 10:00-17:00·Adults 50 kr, students and children 25 kr

25. SeeDjurgården

    Rosendal Gardens

    Rosendals trädgård

    A historic free-entrance garden, worth a visit for travellers not in a hurry.

26. SeeDjurgården

    Rosendal Palace

    Rosendals slott

    Though the beautiful and central location, this Royal palace is little known. Guided tours during summer.

27. SeeGamla stan

    Royal Palace

    Kungliga Slottet

    At times referred to by Swedes at the "Royal Castle". Built between 1697 and 1754, dominating the north-eastern part of the Old Town, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the monarch of Sweden. However, the Royal family lives at Drottningholm in Ekerö, using the Royal Palace only for official ceremonies. It is open to the public unless being used for a state ceremony. Entrance ticket includes The Royal Apartments, the Tre Kronor Museum, the Treasury, and Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities.

    Daily: May-Sep 10:00-17:00, Oct-Apr 10:00-16:00·Adults 160 kr, students and children 80 kr

28. SeeDjurgården

    Skansen

    Founded in 1891, Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, containing a zoological garden specializing in Nordic fauna, such as moose, reindeer, bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. It features over 150 historic buildings from previous centuries, relocated from all parts of Sweden. Museum guides in historic costumes further enhance this attraction, and demonstrate domestic crafts such as weaving, spinning, and glass blowing. The Skansen area is fairly large (700 metres across) with steep slopes and limited public transport (there is a funicular and an escalator to the upper area) so be prepared for long walks. 1-2 hours would allow a walk around the area; to see everything up close, a full day is needed. Skansen is one of few venues open during Christmas Eve, though just a few hours, with most attractions closed.

    1 May-20 Jun: daily 10:00-20:00, 21 Jun-31 Aug: 10:00-22:00, shorter hours the rest of the year, but always at least 10:00-15:00

29. SeeDjurgården

    Spirits Museum

    Spritmuseum

    Displays the history of alcoholic beverages in Sweden with heavy drinking, heavy government control, and heavy taxation. The museum also contains the Absolut Art Collection, containing advertising for Absolut Vodka by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and others.

30. SeeGamla stan

    Stockholm Cathedral

    Storkyrkan

    Storkyrkan is the oldest church in Gamla stan. Built in the 13th century in the Gothic style, the exterior was remodelled in Baroque style around 1740. The church is the seat of the Church of Sweden bishop of Stockholm. It contains two pieces of famous artwork: the 15th-century wooden statue of Saint George and a copy of the oldest known image of Stockholm, Vädersolstavlan ("The Sun Dog Painting"), a 1636 copy of a lost original from 1535.

    Open daily 09:00-18:00 21 May-29 Sep, 09:00-16:00 rest of year. Guided tours every Thu at 11·Entrance 40 kr except for visitors to services 21 May-29 Sep, free entry rest of year

31. SeeSödermalm

    Stockholm City Museum

    Stadsmuseet i Stockholm

    This building was finished in the 1660s, as Stockholm's Southern City Hall. Over the centuries, it has been used as a courthouse, a jail, an anatomic theatre, and a school. Since 1942 it is a museum, displaying Stockholm's history from 1523 to present day, with special attention to construction and architecture, and activities for children. The museum organizes walking tours.

    free

32. SeeGamla stan

    Stortorget

    Stockholm's oldest square, dated back to the 13th century. While the square was used for corporal punishment during most of its history, the most infamous event was the 1520 Stockholm Bloodbath, where Danish king Kristian II (who since then has been known as Kristian the Tyrant in Sweden) had a hundred Swedish noblemen and dignitaries executed for heresy. The massacre caused an uprising against the Danes, in which Gustav Vasa became Sweden's first sovereign king in 1523. A cannonball is stuck in a building wall at Skomakaregatan. It was said to originate from Gustav Vasa's liberation of Stockholm; it was however added when the building was erected in 1795, as a purely symbolic commemoration of the war. The well was built in 1778. As it ran dry (due to the rising land), it was moved to Brunkebergstorg in 1857. Since 1953 the well is back, fed with tap water. Occasional markets and fairs are held on Stortorget, including a Christmas market.

33. SeeÖstermalm

    Swedish History Museum

    Historiska Museet

    The history of Sweden from the Ice Age (10,000 BC) to present day, with emphasis on the Middle Ages (11th to 16th centuries). The exhibition on the Viking Age was expanded in 2021. In the Gold Room, you'll find gold treasures from the Bronze Age to the 16th century.

    Tue-Sun 11-17, Summer: Mon-Sun 11-18·150 kr/adult, youth free

34. SeeÖstermalm

    Swedish Museum of Natural History

    Naturhistoriska riksmuseet

    The museum displays animals, plants, fungi, minerals and fossils from all continents, some acquired during the voyages of James Cook. Features exhibits of evolution, the polar areas, and Scandinavian nature.

    Tue-Wed Fri 10:00-19:00, Thu 10:00-20:00, Sat Sun 11:00-19:00

35. SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg

    The Haga Park Museum

    An indoor museum which displays the history of the Royal Park, since the 18th century.

    Free

36. SeeGamla stan

    The House of Nobility

    Riddarhuset

    Presents Swedish history from the perspective of the noble estate. Though most land in Sweden has been held by peasants, the nobility dominated the Swedish military.

37. SeeGamla stan

    The Royal Armoury

    Livrustkammaren

    Located in the Royal Palace, still an independent museum. In 1628, King Gustavus II Adolphus declared that his uniform from the Thirty Years War campaign in Poland should be put on display for eternity. Since then, the Royal Armoury keeps these objects, and other Royal memorabilia, branding itself "Sweden's oldest museum".

    Tue-Sun 11:00 – 17:00, Thu open until 20:00·Free admission

38. DoNorrmalm

    The Royal Swedish Opera

    Operan

    This 1898 building, stages classical operas in original language or Swedish, as well as classical ballets and concerts. The first opera house was built in 1782, commissioned by King Gustav III; 10 years later he was assassinated at a masquerade ball in the same building (which was torn down in 1892). The Opera House offers daily guided tours in English. Strömterrassen is a café with an astounding view of the Royal Palace. Within the same building is Operakällaren and Café Opera (see below).

39. SeeDjurgården

    Tobacco and Match Museum

    Tobaks- och tändsticksmuseet, founded in 1938, with a restaurant named Gubbhyllan. Showcases the history of tobacco from a Swedish point of view, with prominent feature of snus, the smokeless tobacco typical to Sweden, as well as safety matches, one of Sweden's most successful inventions.

    Included with Skansen

40. SeeVästerort, Solna and Sundbyberg

    Ulriksdal Palace

    Ulriksdals Slott

    A Royal Palace open to the public. An orangery with a collection of 18th and 19th century sculptures. A Royal theatre which is occasionally open.

Browse all 504 places in Stockholm

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Stockholm (CC BY-SA 4.0).