Top 5 Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan) Outdoor Activities
Stockholm’s Old Town, you know, Gamla Stan, is like, a totally fab spot where the medieval heart of the city keeps beating. With its cobblestone streets and buildings painted a range of bright colors that you won’t see anywhere else, it is just a brilliant stage for experiences happening in the open air. Instead of only ducking inside museums and cafes, like, why don’t we soak up some fresh air while experiencing this lovely corner of Stockholm? Seriously. To assist you, here’s a list of five totally killer outdoor activities you just can’t miss. They are really cool.
1. Stortorget: Exploring Stockholm’s Main Square
Stortorget, which you may or may not already know, is like the Old Town’s central public square, right? It is, anyway, surrounded by slim buildings and a vibe, I mean really. So, back in history, that location served as the main marketplace, and even as a place where you saw the Stockholm Bloodbath playing out in 1520 – that, that’s rather dramatic. Anyway today, tourists tend to visit in droves so they can capture those buildings in a variety of eye catching hues that are all crooked. Like what an artist might do!
Now, actually getting to wander the plaza does give you a feel for all that history you learned about in school or happened to read on Wiki last night. During Christmastime, the square hosts one totally awesome Christmas market. All the smells, all the sounds! That would seriously put you in the holiday spirit. Though it’s often jam packed with people, going to Stortorget is, arguably, essential if you’re hoping to say you experienced Gamla Stan like you actually did. That area is basically a postcard view come to life. Really it is! It is one of the first stops to see.
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2. The Royal Palace: Witnessing the Changing of the Guards
The Royal Palace, as you know, is like, a gigantic deal: it is one of the biggest palaces anywhere that royalty calls home and is still using. Yeah, very cool. Beyond those luxurious interiors, one absolutely standout outdoor deal to catch is seeing the changing of the guards. So, the ceremony plays out in the outer courtyard and entails, really, soldiers performing really complex drill routines, and doing all that to some serious marching music, naturally. The vibe is kind of impressive, and it also feels traditional.
As I was saying, that is quite a show. The Changing of the Guard happens various times during the week, very often at lunchtime, so do check the schedule on the official website so you won’t miss the chance. Really you should get yourself there ahead of schedule in order to land a great viewing point, especially, especially during tourist high season. Taking a photo is definitely highly encouraged too, like if you weren’t gonna already! When the ceremony plays out against that palace background? That, I can guarantee, is truly unforgettable, as a matter of fact.
Read our full review: Royal Palace Stockholm Full Review and Details
3. Walking Tour: Follow Stockholm’s History
To genuinely dig the entire depth and detail attached to Gamla Stan, in some respects a guided walking tour should absolutely be on the table, by the way. You are not sure how often it works like this. Many tours are available, with some focusing on things like key moments from the medieval times to ghostly tales that only old cities tend to hoard, you know? The guides often share tons of facts about Stockholm; also they might take you to spots that a typical tourist may not think about or can’t even access solo.
And so what is totally amazing concerning walking tours is just how personable the entire journey turns out to be. Is that right? Pacing through cobblestone roads, hearing anecdotes directly from a knowledgeable local… It really is an unbeatable mode of transportation. So get this: the guide probably has a background in history, too! When the walk ends, arguably you might have made a new friend. It tends to be that that kind of intimacy offers a deeper experience.
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4. Exploring Riddarholmen Church and Island
Riddarholmen Island, which sounds vaguely like it popped out of a fantasy book, sits pretty close to Gamla Stan. Like any historical hotspot, it just invites you to explore the gorgeous Riddarholmen Church, which serves, of course, as a final resting space for all kinds of Swedish monarchs and some figures in the aristocracy, obviously.
As I was saying, the church interior will just grab your attention – it displays coats of arms from Knights from the Order of the Seraphim and other orders. But here is a surprise for you. Check outside as well, if the weather’s cooperative. That region hands you great open air moments while touring – gorgeous pathways right on the water that make seeing the Stockholm landscape easy as pie. That is probably because there are no cars to speak of to spoil things.
Read our full review: Riddarholmen Church Full Review and Details
5. Boat Tour: Enjoying Stockholm from the Water
One especially cool take on Stockholm is, definitely, one from the water. Yeah? So, by springing for a boat tour around Gamla Stan (and honestly, the wider Stockholm archipelago), it becomes simple to gain these distinctive perspectives and vistas – it really does happen almost without any effort. You may get to spot some landmark that way. It depends.
Many operators deliver cruises of differing kinds, with some keying in on Gamla Stan’s narrative, and other ones ranging outwards towards adjacent islands. Now, in particular, a boat tour can truly wow you in summer, when, apparently, sunlight touches those colored homes with an absolutely brilliant and gentle tone, kind of. So consider your options; think about all you might want to gain from Gamla Stan, right? Just remember your sunblock.
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