Embark on a thrilling city walk through Stockholm and unveil the hidden world of espionage woven into the city's fabric. As you wander the charming streets and picturesque alleys, you'll encounter tales of enigmatic spies, double agents, and secret meetings that have left an indelible mark on this historic capital. Our expert guide will lead you to locations shrouded in mystery, from clandestine exchanges in hidden cafes to the covert operations staged in plain sight. Whether you're a history buff or simply curious, 'Spies in Stockholm' offers an unforgettable journey into the shadows of Sweden's past.
An exciting walking tour through the streets of Stockholm that have been the backdrop for countless films, from classic Bergman to modern blockbusters. Discover sites where history meets fiction and recognize scenes from some of your favorite movies.
Step into the chilling past of Stockholm, November 1520. King Christian is crowned in Storkyrkan, and three days later, blood floods the cobblestones of Stortorget. Over 80 Swedish nobles, priests, and citizens meet a brutal end in a royal celebration turned massacre – a deadly political chess game with fatal results. On this walk, immerse yourself in the path from festivity to betrayal. Visit the sites where judgments were spoken, bodies fell, and where a new Sweden emerged from the gore.
Long before hipster coffee and tourist groups lined the alleyways of Stockholm's Old Town, monks strolled here in black or gray robes, with prayers on their lips and hunger in their stomachs. They were Dominican and Franciscan, two mendicant orders with different visions for the world but a shared goal: to save medieval Stockholm. On this walk, you step right into forgotten Stockholm, where cloisters once stood on the grounds of today's Venus, Juno, and Riddarholmen quarters. Here, churches were built, political meetings held, and, as per a judgment from 1479, wine was sold to some rather overzealous guests. You will visit preserved vaults, historic streets, and places where both kings were crowned and monks were buried. All in the shadow of the city's ancient walls and amid the scent of burnt brick from the 1407 fire that consumed an entire monastery. This is the tale of the black and gray brothers – and of the world they built, prayed in, drank wine under... and ultimately lost.
Before phrases like “work-life balance” and “weekend retreat” entered our lexicon, there were the malmgårdar. These were the novel abodes of the elite and bourgeoisie, designed to escape the city’s cacophony, odors and urban chaos to something a bit more... rustic. But not too rustic, mind you. One needed to glimpse the city’s silhouette without being deafened by its din. In the 17th and 18th centuries, these quaint manor houses were established on the malmar of Stockholm, once sparsely developed and charmingly rural, now known as Södermalm and Norrmalm. Here, one might stroll through tulip gardens, feast on roasted capon, or perhaps grumble a little about the servants. Thus, the malmgård served as the precursor to today’s summer residence, complete with symmetrical avenues and grapevines (destined to die), yearning for reprieve from the royal racket of Gamla stan. Today, the few remaining are architectural time capsules – a kind of “forgot-to-log-out-from-the-18th-century.” Join us in the shadows of the malmar and discover another side of Stockholm - one ruled by Rococo, where weekends began Thursday at noon.
