Stockholm Syndrome Private Walking Tour

Itinerary

1. Norrmalmstorg is famous for being where the term Stockholm syndrome was coined. The term is named after a bank robbery that took place here in the 1970s. Let yourself be kidnapped and learn all about it and the city on this three-hour walking tour of Stockholm! (10 min)
2. Located at Nybroplan, the Royal Dramatic Theatre is Sweden’s national stage for “spoken drama.” From Bergman to Skarsgård, many famous Swedish actors and actresses have worked or performed here. (5 min)
3. Kungsträdgården (The King's Garden) is colloquially known as Kungsan. This is one of the city’s main meeting points, with a history that dates back to the 1400s. It was originally the king’s kitchen garden. Eventually, in the 1700s, the park was handed over to the people. It is the oldest park in the city. During the summer, many concerts and festivals are held here, and ice skating is possible in winter. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the spring and the leaves changing colour in the autumn. (10 min)
4. The Swedish Parliament sits on an island of its own, Helgeandsholmen. It is from here that the country is governed, and all public power proceeds from the people. The Swedish Parliament has one chamber (since 1971) and 349 members elected every four years. (5 min)
5. The Royal Palace is one of Europe's largest and most vibrant places. It is His Majesty the King's official residence, and essential parts of the monarchy's representation take place here, making the Royal Palace of Stockholm unique amongst Europe’s royal residences. (10 min)
6. The Stockholm Cathedral is where King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen Silvia said “I do.” The church is open to visitors all year round; there is a small entrance fee. Church services are free, and so is going in for a moment of silence or prayer. Inside the church, there is a wooden statue of St George and the Dragon. The statue dates back to the 1470s and was made just after the first battle between Denmark and Sweden during the Kalmar Union. (5 min)
7. Stortorget is the main square of Stockholm's Old Town, the heart of the city. It is the best place to begin your explorations of the Old Town. This is where the first Town Hall was built, The Nobel Museum lies today (it will move shortly), and the Stockholm Bloodbath took place. It is not to be missed! (10 min)
8. The official name of the statue is the Iron Boy (Jarnpojken in Swedish); however, he is also known as the “Boy looking at the Moon.” The statue is partly based on the sculptor Liss Eriksson, who, when he was a child and could not sleep, would sit on his bed, looking through the window at the moon. (10 min)
9. St George and the Dragon symbolises the battle between Sweden (St. George) and Denmark (the Dragon). It also symbolizes King Kristian I, the King of the Kalmar Union—a union between Norway, Denmark, and Sweden—and Sten Sture, the elder, the Swedish Head of State (the horse). (5 min)
10. Mårten Trotzig is the narrowest alley in Stockholm. At its narrowest point, it is only 90cm wide. Some guidebooks claim it is the narrowest alley in Europe, but unfortunately, that is not true; there is one in Prague that is only 60cm wide. With all certainty, there are alleys in other European countries that are narrower than Mårten Trotzig. (5 min)
11. Slussen translates to “the lock,” and the reason for the lock is the difference in water level. Two bodies of water surround Stockholm: Lake Mälaren on the one side (west) and the Baltic Sea on the other (east). Lake Mälaren is approximately 70cm higher than the Baltic Sea. (5 min)
12. Götgatsbacken is a pedestrian street, and part of the street is called Götgatan. The pedestrian street Götgatsbacken is home to, amongst others, shopping with modern-day brands like H&M, Filippa K and Cheap Monday. For those looking for vintage, op shops can be found here, there and everywhere. There are also bars and pubs which offer a more laid-back and unpretentious nightlife. (5 min)
13. The Katarina Elevator was once a substitute for taking the stairs up the cliff side of Södermalm. Today, it is a “picture-perfect” viewpoint/photo stop offering fantastic views of Stockholm. Don't forget your camera! (10 min)
14. Mosebackestorg is a quiet square where the theatre, Södra Teatern, is located. During the summer, the most popular Biergarten in Stockholm is found here. The square is also home to the sculpture The Sisters. (5 min)
15. This is where Stieg Larsson, the author of the Millennium Trilogy, pictured Lisbeth Salander living when she purchased a very luxurious apartment in the second book, The Girl Who Played with Fire, after stealing quite a significant sum of money... (5 min)
16. Several famous Swedes are buried in the cemetery surrounding Katarina church, most notably the assassinated Foreign Minister Mrs. Anna Lindh. But also Per Anders Fogelström, the author of City of My Dreams and the troubadour Cornelis Vreeswijk. (5 min)
17. This lovely little street with old, colourful wooden houses was named in 1939 after Mikael Reissuer, who was the executor of the city of Stockholm for 15 years in the 1600s. Today, most of the wooden houses are owned by AB Stadsholmen, a real estate company owned by the government whose mission is to look after buildings of great cultural heritage. (5 min)
18. The park, inaugurated in 2000, is dedicated to troubadour Cornelis Vreeswijk, the Swedish equivalent of Bob Dylan. It offers breathtaking views of Stockholm. (5 min)

Meeting & end point