Schmap Stockholm The Royal Castle and the Old Town

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Stockholm - The Royal Castle and the Old Town
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We meet outside the Royal Castle after a walk from the Central Station over Norrbro bridge. To the right is the old Government House. You cannot be here without noticing Stockholm's Middle Age Museum; it is newly built and exhibits a lot about medieval Stockholm. The entrance is under Norrbro bridge. We turn our back to this now but promise to come back here soon.

The Old Town (Gamla Stan) is exactly what it sounds like, a very old town. One does not really know exactly how the town of Stockholm developed here more than seven hundred years ago. One thing is sure though: the water. During the twelfth century, this was the only connection to lake Mälaren from the Baltic Sea.

The Old Town in those days was a reloading place for the ships from different countries. We start our walk through the Old Town at Lejonbacken in front of the Royal Castle. The King does not live here nowadays, but the castle is used for state visits and royal dinners. The royal castles in Stockholm permit visitors. Start walking to the left of the castle. The castle has been here since the 1200s. Before, it was called "Tre Kronor", (Three Crowns); unfortunately it burned down in 1697. The present castle and the obelisk you can see on the other side of the castle were built shortly after the fire. The obelisk is a thank you to the people from the king for helping to protect the city during the war against Russia in 1788-1790.

On Slottsbacken is the museum Livrustkammaren and on this street we find also the Royal Mint. The Old Town has many very narrow alleys. Now we walk down one of them, Källargränd, to the market Stortorget. The famous restaurant Stortorgskällaren is located here. You can have lunch in deep cellar caves dating back to around 1500. The composer and singer Carl Mikael Bellman's spirit rests heavy here. We now pass the cathedral, Storkyrkan. It is hard to imagine that it has been here since at least 1279! Inside the church you can see the wooden sculpture St. Göran och Draket (St George and the Dragon). Many medieval streets lead out from this marketplace - Köpmangatan, Svartmangatan, Skomakargatan and Lilla Solgränd.

When you go through the Old Town, observe its streetlights. They are replicas of the old models. We continue our walk south on Skomakargatan. Along the way, you will see doorways carved and sculpted from oak trees. Johan Feder was the name of a shoemaker that gave the street its name.

We now enter Tyska Brinken and Tyska Kyrkan (the German Church). If the time is 8am, 12 noon, 4pm or 8pm you can hear the church bells chime. Next you come to Västerlånggatan. It is absolutely full of small and large shops on both sides of the street. You will find anything and everything for souvenirs and gifts. You may also hear street musicians along the way. When Västerlånggatan ends in the south, you find Järntorget market. The name dates back to 1400, when iron (järn) was exported from this area.

Now you walk along Österlånggatan north until you come to Köpmantorget. The statue depicts the same scene as the one in Storkyrkan, St George and the dragon. Any of the narrow alleys to the right go down to Skeppsbron. Go down any of them to see a big white ship; that is the hostel Af Chapman where you can hire a room. There are many wonderful restaurants in the Old Town. You could try for instance Restaurant Diana on Brunnsgatan with its wonderful atmosphere.

If you now walk just a little north you will be back at the Royal Castle again, and our tour of the Old Town is finished.

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Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen

A Beautiful Ship turned into a Hostel

Flaggmansvägen 8
Stockholm 111 49
Sweden
+46 (0)8 463 2266
http://www.stfchapman.com

A beautiful, old sailing boat has been converted into a hostel. Af Chapman offers an adventure, and inexpensive accommodation. But, you wil have to bring in your own sleeping bag. The rooms are locked between 11a and 3p. Hotel Skeppsholmen, which is next to the hostel, is located in an old mansion-like building with a spectacular view.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen photo by Jon Hurd

Photo: Jon Hurd

Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen photo by Tim Child

Photo: Tim Child

Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen photo by Baturalp Torun

Photo: Baturalp Torun

Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen photo by Satbir Singh

Photo: Satbir Singh

Af Chapman & Skeppsholmen photo by ♥ SheCat ♥

Photo: ♥ SheCat ♥

Medeltidsmuséet

Medieval history museum Strömparterren
Norrbro
Stockholm 100 12
Sweden
+46 (0)8 5083 1790
http://www.medeltidsmuseet.sto... This museum showcases the city life of Stockholm in the early 1500s. You will find exhibitions depicting different building techniques, recordings of choirs singing in Latin, as well as the distinct odor of tar and dried fish, which were prevalent during the era. Interactive slide shows help spark the imagination, and bring forth interesting aspects of the era. You can pick up souvenirs, such as music CDs, jewelry, and ceramics from the gift shop.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Royal Armoury

Heavy metal Slottsbacken 4
Stockholm 111
Sweden
+46 (0)8 5195 5544
http://www.lsh.se/livrustkamma... The Royal Armoury at the Royal Palace is definitely worth a visit. See the shining armour, the exquisite ballgowns, the ornate royal coaches, the knightly weapons and much more. This is the perfect place for travelling back in time to the chivalrous Middle Ages with brave knights and fair maidens, and perhaps a dragon or two.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Your Majesty Co.
Photo: Your Majesty Co.

Stockholm Royal Palace

The Royal Palace Kungl Slottet
Stockholm 111 30
Sweden
+46 (0)8 402 6130
http://www.royalcourt.se The King of Sweden's official residence, Stockholm Royal Palace, which dates back to the thirteenth century is situated in the Old Town. The new palace was built between 1697-1754, according to the original drawings, in Roman Baroque style. With over 600 rooms, the palace is one of the largest residential castles in Europe. A number of museums are located within the walls, such as the Treasury, Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities, the Royal Armoury and the Royal Chapel. The changing of the guard is a treat to watch. See website for specific open hours of each attraction.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Storkyrkan Church

Pride of the Old Town Stortorget 1
Stockholm 11129
Sweden
+46 8 723 3000
http://www.sthdomkyrko.com Storkykan or Sankt Nicolai church, is located between the Palace and the Stock Exchange in the Old Town. This single-nave church, built of brick, is the oldest congregation church in Stockholm. The Baroque façade, which is different from the Gothic-style interior, was designed by the city's architect J.E. Carlberg. Some annexes were built at the end of the eighteenth century, with an aim was to make the church more modern. Check the website for more details.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Tyska kyrkan (German Church)

The German church Svartmangatan 16
Stockholm 111
Sweden
+46 8 411 1188 When the Stockholm economy was flourishing in the fourteenth century, many German merchants moved to the area. They arrived at the Saint Gertrud cottage, located where Tyska kyrkan (German Church) stands today. In 1580, this cottage was rebuilt into a church. Its portal, which was built in 1643, is richly decorated with ornaments and pictures by chief stonemason Jost Henne. Morning services are held every Sunday at 11a in Swedish and German.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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