Photo: Alexander MahmoudNobel Prize Museum Stockholm: Where Great Minds Inspire
Discover the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm’s Old Town, where laureate stories come alive through interactive exhibits, tours, and workshops…
Stortorget in Gamla Stan, view towards the west. The square is Stockholm's oldest. Photo: Øyvind Holmstad (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Summary
Discover the charm of Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square nestled in the heart of the historic Old Town. Explore its colorful merchant houses, iconic landmarks, and its rich history marked by pivotal events. Find out why this square is more than just a tourist spot.
Stortorget: The heart of Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Stortorget is the central square of Gamla Stan and the historic core of Stockholm. It has been the political, commercial, and symbolic center of Stockholm since medieval times.
Stortorget at a Glance
- Founded: 13th century
- Location: Central Gamla Stan, Stockholm
- Known for: Stockholm Bloodbath (1520), Börshuset & Nobel Museum, colorful merchant houses
- Seasonal highlight: Traditional Christmas market every December
Founded in the 13th century—shortly after Birger Jarl established Stockholm as a fortified trading settlement—this cobbled marketplace quickly became the epicenter of social and commercial life in medieval Sweden.
Surrounded by colorful merchant houses and medieval alleyways, Stortorget has witnessed royal ceremonies, political upheavals, and centuries of daily life in the capital.
Did You Know?
Every December, Stortorget transforms into one of Stockholm’s most magical Christmas markets.
The square fills with twinkling lights, stalls selling handmade crafts, spiced glögg, and Swedish gingerbread cookies.
It’s one of the oldest holiday markets in Sweden, a tradition that continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
The square fills with twinkling lights, stalls selling handmade crafts, spiced glögg, and Swedish gingerbread cookies.
It’s one of the oldest holiday markets in Sweden, a tradition that continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
Stortorget: A rich historical tapestry
Originally developed as a central marketplace, Stortorget quickly became the epicenter of social and commercial life in medieval Stockholm. Over the centuries, it hosted everything from royal proclamations and public celebrations to somber political reckonings. Notably, it was also home to Sweden’s first pharmacy, which opened in 1575.
The Stockholm Bloodbath
One of the most dramatic events in Swedish history unfolded here in Stortorget — the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520. Between November 7 and 9, shortly after Danish King Christian II was crowned King of Sweden, the square became the site of mass executions.
Up to 100 Swedish nobles and clergymen were put to death, accused of treason and heresy. The massacre, orchestrated by Christian II and heavily influenced by Archbishop Gustav Trolle, marked a turning point in Scandinavian history. It triggered the fall of the Kalmar Union and paved the way for the rise of the Vasa dynasty—shaping Sweden’s future as an independent nation.
Architectural Highlights around Stortorget
Stortorget is surrounded by striking architecture that reflects its centuries-old significance. Notable buildings include:
- Börshuset: Once home to the Stockholm Stock Exchange, this neoclassical structure now houses the Nobel Museum, honoring the world’s most prestigious award. Commissioned by King Gustav III, it was completed in 1788.
- Stortorgsbrunnen: The central well, designed by architect Erik Palmstedt in 1778, served as Stockholm’s distance marker. It remains a visual centerpiece of the square.
- Colorful Facades: The west side of the square is especially photogenic, with narrow, gabled buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries in vivid hues of red, yellow, and green. These facades are among the most photographed spots in all of Stockholm.
Did You Know?
The elegant Börshuset on Stortorget once housed the Stockholm Stock Exchange. Today, it is home to the Nobel Prize Museum, where you can explore exhibits about Nobel laureates and their groundbreaking achievements. From Albert Einstein to Malala Yousafzai, the stories here connect this historic square to the world’s most prestigious award.
Modern-day Stortorget
Today, Stortorget is a vibrant hub of culture and tourism. Charming cafés like Chokladkoppen serve Swedish pastries and coffee in cozy settings, while Pharmarium offers a creative cocktail experience inspired by the square’s apothecary past.
Each winter, Stortorget transforms into a festive destination with its traditional Christmas market, featuring handcrafted goods, glögg (mulled wine), and seasonal treats. In summer, the square buzzes with outdoor seating, street performers, and guided tours, making it just as lively under the sun as it is in the snow.
Whether on a guided tour or a solo stroll, exploring Gamla Stan’s winding alleys and historic buildings is a sensory journey into Stockholm’s layered past.
Conclusion
Stortorget is more than a picturesque square—it’s a timeless stage where the drama, innovation, and traditions of Sweden have unfolded for centuries. From political upheaval to peaceful people-watching, it continues to captivate visitors with its blend of history, architecture, and local charm.
Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate on a crisp winter day or capturing the vibrant facades on a summer afternoon, Stortorget offers a truly unforgettable Stockholm experience.
Nearby attractions
Exploring Stortorget also places you within walking distance of some of Stockholm’s most famous landmarks:
- 👑 Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): One of Europe’s largest palaces and the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
- ⛪ Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan): The city’s oldest church, home to the famous St. George and the Dragon sculpture.
- 🏅 Nobel Museum: Located in Börshuset, right on Stortorget, showcasing the history of the Nobel Prize and its laureates.
- 🌆 Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: The narrowest alley in Stockholm, just 90 cm wide, offering a unique medieval atmosphere.
- ⚰️ Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan): Final resting place of many Swedish monarchs, located a short walk across the bridge.
FAQ
- How old is Stortorget? It dates back to the 13th century.
- Where is Stortorget located? In the center of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town.
- What happened at Stortorget in 1520? The Stockholm Bloodbath took place here.
Visit Info
Stortorget, Gamla Stan
Stortorget, Gamla Stan
Address
Stortorget
Gamla Stan, Stockholm
Getting there
Gamla Stan (Red and Green Lines)
Buses 2, 3, 53 (stop at Slottsbacken or Munkbroleden)
Fully pedestrianized area; easily accessible by foot.
Bike racks at Prästgatan and Köpmangatan.
Limited street parking; nearest garage at Slottsbacken.
Other Info
Stortorget is the oldest square in Stockholm, dating back to the 13th century and forming the historic heart of Gamla Stan, the city’s Old Town. Once the center of medieval trade and civic life, it became the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520 — a turning point in Swedish history. Surrounded by colorful 17th- and 18th-century merchant houses, the square is home to Börshuset, which today houses the Nobel Prize Museum. Each December, Stortorget hosts Stockholm’s traditional Christmas market, blending history, architecture, and seasonal tradition in one of the capital’s most iconic settings.
