Gamla Stan: Where Stockholm’s Medieval Heart Beats

Please consider the majestic Gamla Stan.It is the old town of Stockholm.It is a living piece of history Gamla Stan is a part of the oldest town in Sweden, which holds traces of history as far back as 1252.It has a citizenry that embraces the history and views as their own.Gamla Stan is filled to the brim with old documents and buildings that are dated back to the years before modern history.Gamla Stan is filled with interesting character that has a strong resemblance to a living work of art.Consider the old buildings that vanes to the sky, the intricate brick work that lines the streets that resemble a walking canvas.Gamla Stan is a living art piece that has existed for centuries.Consider the old buildings, hot to the touch with history, the intricate brick work that lines the streets resembling a walking canvas.Gamla Stan is a living art piece that has existed for centuries.It resembles a work of art and is a sight to behold.

The magic of Gamla Stan

A living piece of history is and always will be Gamla Stan of Stockholm the old town of Stockholm.It is an art piece filled with constructions dated over 700 years and documents that dated over millennia.It is a work of art filled with old constructions, architecture that has a history that a single word can not bring to life. 700 years of living documents that can be explored, art and history intertwined.It is history, art and the past intertwined. It will always be Stockholm a work of art in its own.A town filled with constructions, architecture that  is filled with old art and documents that can be explored.It will always be Stockholm a work of art in its own.A town filled with documents, architecture and 700 years of old art that is intertwined with living history.

Off the main streets: Fika and other hidden attractions

Although the main streets are always busy with activities, the true luck of the draw with Gamla Stan location is being able to go off the main streets and do some exploring of the hidden spots.Take some time to go on the smaller side streets and to the hidden corners and courtyards.Here, you may discover Mårten Trotzigs Gränd. This is the smallest ally in all of Stockholm, a width of not more than a shoulder’s width.These are the spots to look out for, as most small, locally owned antique shops, quirky art galleries, and the finest, coziest cafes are located here!As for the cafes, there are plenty of places to go, but, if you haven’t had the pleasure of taking a Fika, do so.Fika is a vital part of the Swedish culture.This is a break that involves only positive things: taking a moment to yourself, to sit down with a warm drink and something sweet, like a kanelbulle, and to slow down to enjoy it.Stortorget is the location of one of the most well-known cafes, Chokladkoppen.This is a huge cellar that has been kept over the centuries and was a cellar with drinking arches with a ceiling, making it a beautiful cafe and a perfect location to enjoy Fika.

Storkyrkan: Oldest of old

Storkyrkan, the oldest of the city’s churches, is immediately next to the Royal Palace.Built in the 13th century, this magnificent Gothic structure has hosted royal weddings and coronations for centuries.Storkyrkan’s peaceful, monumental historical presence is a necessity for any metro walking tour, a calm and monumental presence at the back of the Storkyrkan, which contradicts the grandiose and historical facade of the cathedral.As for the interior, peaceful and grand, it is decorated with medieval art: most notably the wooden dragon, St. George, an intricate sculpture from 1489.

Gamla Stan

The crown jewels of the old town: Must see sights

The highlights of Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm, are its main landmarks.These can be seen in a short stroll around the Old Town.

The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) is to the north of the island, and is one of the biggest palaces in Europe, with more than 600 lodgings.Even though the current Royal Family of Sweden live at another palace, it is the official residence of the royals, and is indeed a working palace.Some of the Royal Apartments, and the museum located in the former royal palace Tre Kronor (that was burned in 1697) are open to the public, along with the Treasury that contains the Crown Jewels.One of the most expensive pieces of military theatre is the daily Changing of the Guard, and it is an outer courtyard ceremony which is well worth the wait.

The Magnificent Gamla Stan Sights: Stortorget

Stortorget, “The Great Square,” is without a doubt the most photographed location in the Old Town, surrounded by the colorful, quintessential, ancient merchant houses and where the life of Gamla Stan centers.At any time of the year, the square is a great place to relax and watch the people, soaking in the unique ambiance, and in December the square is where the magical Christmas market is located, offering traditional crafts, warm mulled wine, and holiday cheer.The square is also where the historical Nobel Prize Museum is located, offering a fascinating look at the life and history of the Prize and its recipients.

The next steps: European travel logistics

Gamla Stan is one of those places that has a lot of adventures with little effort.But with the closing of borders, plans need to be tailored. I also know that a lot of readers are European nomads, crossing primary points.For those wishing to move on with nomad travels, especially now that many UK residents are turning their heads to the blazing beaches of Portugal, I know just how daunting the careful documentation can be.Given that certain nationalities need a visa to enter Schengen countries, you may have to apply for a Portugal Visa in the UK.The procedure does involve in the UK apply for a Schengen Visa at the VFS global centres in London, Manchester or Edinburgh that represent the Portuguese Consulate.Important documents needed to apply include a valid UK Residence Permit, a filled out online visa application, a passport that must be valid for three more months than the return flight, a proof of accommodation (such as a hotel reservation), travel medical insurance that is valid for the whole duration of the stay in Europe that is a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros, The proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the visa is to be provided.This might be shown with the work certificate and recent bank statements.A mandatory appointment for the VFS is needed because documents must be submitted in person and no documents are accepted without an appointment.Starting this endeavor close to the departure is a must to ensure that the scheduled departure from the UK is not too late and to ensure that the travel to Europe happens without any delays.

Gamla Stan

Planning your perfect Gamla Stan visit

Gamla Stan can be enjoyed year round.Summer brings long, vibrant daylight hours and open air cafes.Winter, however, offers a magical, quieter side, especially with the aforementioned Christmas market in the winter, and the charm of the snow dusting the ancient rooftops.You can comfortably see the main highlights in a dedicated half day, but to truly absorb the atmosphere, allow a full day.Wear comfortable shoes, as those picturesque cobblestones can be quite uneven, and, perhaps most importantly, set aside your map for a little while.

Last word

The true joy of Gamla Stan is found in getting wonderfully lost in its history.It’s a place that connects you to the past and is sure to become the treasured heart of your memories in Stockholm.Watching Gamla Stan walk through, you can take a virtual walk in the gorgeous architecture of Stockholm Old Town.

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