Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, is a veritable treasure map of winding cobbled streets and narrow alleyways, lined on all sides with beautiful buildings in all shades of ochre, peach, and red, with a hit of green here and there. Known as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, it was here that Stockholm was founded in 1252.

We spent a full day wandering the streets of Gamla Stan, ogling all the tiny shops full of treasures, including antiques, modern design goods, kitchenware, and cute souvenirs, to say nothing of the many amazing cafés. We had crazy weather that day, alternating between brilliant sun and ridiculous soaking downpours which would only last ten minutes. We’d duck under cover in one of the many tiny archways or find a shop to poke around in while we’d wait out the passing storms.

Hiding from the rain under one of the many archways.

We had a quick peek inside the royal palace, caught a glimpse of yet another troupe of marching soldiers, and happened upon a delicious lunch spot, serving buffet-style traditional swedish lunch in a fun common-table eatery locale. We loved the colourful buildings in Stortorget, the main square (and oldest in Stockholm), with it’s beautiful rooflines and welcoming patios.

Beautiful Stortorget square.

We went back for another wander a couple days later before we left Stockholm, it was just too beautiful to resist. I obviously took loads of photos, I was so inspired by the sunny colour palette of the buildings, so rich and earthy and such a beautiful contrast to the vivid blue of the northern skies. Here are a few more photos from our wanderings in Gamla Stan. I can’t wait to go back again one day.