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Stortorget Stockholm

4.6
·491k reviews·, Sweden

Stockholm's oldest square, Stortorget, captivates with its vibrant medieval architecture and historic charm. A must-see in Gamla Stan.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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getlstd_property_photo

Stortorget Stockholm

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Stockholm's oldest square, Stortorget, captivates with its vibrant medieval architecture and historic charm. A must-see in Gamla Stan.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Stortorget is the heart of Stockholm's Old Town, a picturesque square with iconic colorful buildings."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes

Cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan require comfortable footwear for exploring Stortorget and beyond. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Find the Cannonball!

Challenge yourself to spot the famous cannonball embedded in one of the buildings. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Colorful Buildings

The Iconic Colorful Buildings

Stortorget Square

Admire the vibrant, historic facades that define this picturesque medieval square. A true Stockholm postcard moment!

Instagram+1
Stortorget Christmas Market

Stortorget Christmas Market

Stortorget Square

Experience Sweden's oldest Christmas market, a magical festive tradition with treats and crafts.

Instagram+1
The Cannonball Mystery

The Cannonball Mystery

Stortorget Square

Hunt for the legendary cannonball lodged in a building wall – a quirky historical detail.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Stortorget

Stortorget, Stockholm's oldest square, can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and the popular Christmas market. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and capture better photos of the colorful buildings. Instagram+1

Navigating Gamla Stan

Stortorget is nestled within Gamla Stan (Old Town), a charming labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Keep an eye out for the unique cannonball embedded in one of the buildings – a fun detail many visitors love to find! Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium
When
Christmas season
Why
Magical festive atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tre platser att besöka i Helsingborg city 📍 Vilken är din favorit? 😍 #helsingborg #hbgcity #stortorget #söder #norrahamnen
@hbgcity
8.4K likes • 267.9K views

🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes

Cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan require comfortable footwear for exploring Stortorget and beyond. :athletic_shoe: Instagram

📸 Find the Cannonball!

Challenge yourself to spot the famous cannonball embedded in one of the buildings. :camerawithflash: Instagram

JIREEL #malmöfestivalen #jireel #moty #klubb11 #stortorget #sweden #sverige #fördig #foryou
@sacrador
4.8K likes • 64.9K views
Stortorget, Stockholm #stortorget #stockholm #sweden #gamlastan #oldtown #xmas #christmas #market #xmasmarket #christmasmarket #winter #snow #scandinavia #nordic #europe
nameernazeer
51 likes • 1.7K views

🎄 Visit the Christmas Market

Experience Sweden's oldest Christmas market for festive vibes and traditional treats. :gift: Instagram+1

🚶‍♂️ Explore Gamla Stan

Stortorget is the heart of Old Town; wander its charming alleys for more discoveries. :world_map: Instagram

Stortorget, the original square of Stockholm
stockholmwalks
74 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes

Cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan require comfortable footwear for exploring Stortorget and beyond. :athletic_shoe: Instagram

📸 Find the Cannonball!

Challenge yourself to spot the famous cannonball embedded in one of the buildings. :camerawithflash: Instagram

🎄 Visit the Christmas Market

Experience Sweden's oldest Christmas market for festive vibes and traditional treats. :gift: Instagram+1

🚶‍♂️ Explore Gamla Stan

Stortorget is the heart of Old Town; wander its charming alleys for more discoveries. :world_map: Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Stortorget is widely praised for its stunning, colorful architecture and its role as the historic heart of Stockholm's charming Old Town. Visitors love the festive atmosphere during the Christmas market and the unique historical details like the cannonball. Some find it can get very crowded, especially during peak times and the holiday season.

What People Like

Beautiful colorful buildings
Historic atmosphere
Christmas market magic

What People Dislike

Can be very crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Stortorget is located in the heart of Gamla Stan (Old Town). The easiest way to reach it is by taking the Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana) to Gamla Stan station. From there, it's a short walk through the charming streets to the square. Many visitors also arrive by ferry, docking near the Royal Palace, which is also a short stroll away. Instagram+1

Yes, Stortorget is very accessible by public transport. The Gamla Stan metro station is the closest, and numerous bus routes also serve the surrounding area. Walking from nearby attractions like the Royal Palace is also a popular option. Instagram

Driving directly to Stortorget is not recommended as Gamla Stan is largely pedestrianized and has limited parking. It's best to park in a designated parking garage outside the Old Town and walk or take public transport. Instagram

The best way to explore Stortorget and the surrounding Gamla Stan is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Consider a guided walking tour to learn more about the history. Instagram+1

Taxis can drop you off at the edge of Gamla Stan, but they cannot drive directly into Stortorget due to pedestrian restrictions. You can find taxi stands near major transport hubs or book one in advance. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Stortorget itself is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. There are no tickets required to walk around the square and admire the buildings. Instagram+1

Stortorget is an open public square, so it is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, shops and museums around the square will have their own operating hours. Instagram

The Stortorget Christmas Market is free to enter. You only pay for any food, drinks, or crafts you wish to purchase from the stalls. Instagram+1

There are no booking requirements to visit Stortorget. It's a public space meant for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

Yes, Stortorget is often the venue for special events, most notably the Christmas market. During these times, it can be more crowded but also more festive. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo spots are directly facing the colorful merchant houses that line the square. Try different angles to capture the entire square or focus on individual buildings. The area around the fountain is also popular. Instagram+1

Early mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light, ideal for capturing the square's charm. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting. During winter, the Christmas market adds a magical glow. Instagram+2

Don't forget to look for the cannonball embedded in one of the buildings – it makes for a unique and memorable photo! Capturing the details of the architecture and the lively atmosphere during the Christmas market are also great opportunities. Instagram+1

Drone usage is generally restricted in densely populated urban areas like Gamla Stan due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the entire square and its colorful buildings. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details. Even a smartphone camera can capture stunning shots due to the square's inherent beauty. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Stortorget is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a variety of cuisines, from traditional Swedish dishes to international fare. Many have outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching. Instagram+1

Near Stortorget, you can find classic Swedish dishes like meatballs (köttbullar), herring (sill), gravlax, and pea soup (ärtsoppa). Look for 'fika' – a coffee break with pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar). Instagram+1

While some restaurants directly on Stortorget can be pricier, venturing a few streets into Gamla Stan can reveal more affordable cafes and eateries. Grab-and-go options like hot dogs or pastries are also available. Instagram

Many restaurants in Stockholm, including those near Stortorget, offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff about plant-based choices. Instagram

The atmosphere varies from cozy and traditional to lively and modern. Many offer outdoor seating with views of the square, making for a charming dining experience, especially during warmer months or the Christmas market. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Stortorget is a fantastic spot for families, offering a visually stimulating and historically engaging experience. The colorful buildings are captivating for children, and the square itself is a safe, pedestrian-friendly area to explore. Make it a fun treasure hunt to find the cannonball embedded in the wall – kids love this quirky detail! Instagram

During the Christmas season, the Stortorget Christmas Market is a must-visit. The festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and sweet treats like gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate provide a magical experience for all ages. While Gamla Stan's cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear, the manageable size of Stortorget makes it easy for families to navigate. Consider visiting a nearby attraction like the Royal Palace or the Nobel Prize Museum to round out your family's day. Instagram+2

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Stortorget is a dream location. The iconic colorful merchant houses provide a vibrant and picturesque backdrop, perfect for capturing the essence of Stockholm's Old Town. Utilize a wide-angle lens to encompass the entire square and its architectural details. Instagram+2

The best light for photography is typically during the early morning hours to avoid crowds and capture soft, natural light, or during the late afternoon golden hour. If visiting during winter, the Christmas market offers unique opportunities with festive lights and a lively atmosphere, though it will be significantly more crowded. Don't forget to frame shots that include the fountain and the unique cannonball detail for added interest. Instagram+2

🎄 Christmas Enthusiasts

If you're visiting Stockholm during the holiday season, Stortorget is an absolute must-see. It hosts Sweden's oldest Christmas market, a tradition that brings the square to life with festive cheer. The market typically runs from late November until just before Christmas. Instagram+1

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with stalls selling traditional Swedish crafts, decorations, and delicious seasonal treats like glögg (mulled wine) and gingerbread cookies. The charming, historic setting of Stortorget, adorned with twinkling lights, creates an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, but the magical ambiance is well worth it. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Stortorget

Stortorget is not just a pretty face; it's the historical heart of Stockholm, dating back to the 13th century. It served as the city's main marketplace and public gathering space for centuries. The distinctive colorful buildings surrounding the square are a testament to its rich past, with many dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These facades were once the homes and businesses of wealthy merchants. Instagram+1

One of the most significant historical events to occur here was the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520. Following the Danish conquest of Stockholm, King Christian II ordered the execution of around 80 Swedish nobles and citizens in the square. A memorial stone marks this grim event, though the infamous cannonball lodged in a building is a more visible, albeit debated, relic of past conflicts. Instagram

Today, Stortorget is a beloved tourist destination, preserving its medieval charm while buzzing with modern life. It's a place where history is palpable, from the cobblestones underfoot to the architecture that has witnessed centuries of Stockholm's evolution. Instagram

Experiencing the Stortorget Christmas Market

The Stortorget Christmas Market (Stortorgets Julmarknad) is a highlight for many visitors, transforming the square into a festive wonderland. As Sweden's oldest Christmas market, it boasts a tradition stretching back to the 14th century. The market typically opens in late November and runs until just before Christmas. Instagram+1

Visitors can expect a charming array of stalls selling traditional Swedish handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal treats. Popular items include handmade woolen goods, wooden toys, and intricate Christmas ornaments. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of mulled wine (glögg), gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor), and roasted almonds. It’s a perfect place to find unique souvenirs and soak in the holiday spirit. Instagram

While the market is free to enter, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. It’s advisable to visit on a weekday if you prefer a more relaxed experience. The magical atmosphere, combined with the historic setting of Stortorget, makes this market an unforgettable part of a Stockholm winter visit. Instagram

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