Free self-guided walk · Stockholm

Gamla Stan, from the Royal Palace to Stortorget

A free self-guided walk through Stockholm's old town, from the Royal Palace through Stortorget and the narrow lanes to Riddarholmen.

Distance
1.7 km
Walking time
22 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsStockholm city guide

About this walk

This walk covers the medieval island of Gamla Stan, where Stockholm began in the 13th century.

It ends on Riddarholmen, with views across the water to City Hall.

  • Terrain: Cobbled lanes, some sloping.
  • Best time: Late morning, in time for the changing of the guard at the palace.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Royal Palace

    Start at the palace's outer courtyard.

  2. Stockholm Cathedral

    The old town's Gothic church, next to the palace.

  3. Stortorget

    The square of colourful merchant houses.

  4. Mårten Trotzigs Gränd

    The narrowest lane in the old town.

  5. German Church

    The church of the old German merchant community.

  6. Riddarholmen

    Finish on the island with views of City Hall.

Tips

  • The changing of the guard happens at midday in the palace's outer courtyard.
  • Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is the old town's narrowest lane.
  • Cafés on Stortorget are good for fika.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.