📷 Leonhard Lenz, CC0Gamla Stan
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm's medieval old town on a small island, with cobbled lanes, the Royal Palace and the Storkyrkan cathedral. Walk it early in the morning before the cruise crowds arrive, and leave the car in a garage outside the island.
Gamla stan, Stockholm's old town, lies mainly on the island of Stadsholmen and was built up from the 13th century. Around 3,000 people live here. The two long main streets, Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan, follow the medieval street plan. The Stockholm Bloodbath took place at Stortorget in November 1520. The Royal Palace was built in the 18th century after the older Tre Kronor castle burned down in 1697; other sights include Storkyrkan cathedral and the restaurant Den Gyldene Freden, which has operated continuously since 1722.
Allow two to three hours for a walk around. Gamla stan is easy to reach by metro, bus or ferry and can be explored on foot from the city centre. As well as the long main streets, the narrower side lanes are worth exploring. It is usually quieter early in the day.
- Nearest town
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 59.3251, 18.0711
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Sweden: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg; Øresund Bridge toll. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Långholmens husbilscampingMotorhome stopover2 km from Gamla StanMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Klubbensborgs campingCampsite7 km from Gamla StanTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Bredäng Camping StockholmCampsite9 km from Gamla StanTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Ängby campingCampsite10 km from Gamla Stan · 110 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- City – StockholmCampsite10 km from Gamla StanTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Waxholms CampingCampsite16 km from Gamla StanCaravans
All campsites in Sweden · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Gamla Stan?
Gamla Stan is in Stockholm, Sweden, at GPS 59.3251, 18.0711. It is about 47 km from Nynäshamn.
Can you camp near Gamla Stan?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Tantolundens husbilscamping, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Gamla Stan?
Places worth a stop nearby: Vasa Museum (1 km), Drottningholm Palace (11 km), Tyresta National Park (21 km) and Sigtuna (38 km).
When is the best time to visit Gamla Stan?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)