Gamla Stan

Stockholm's medieval old town occupies a small island between the modern city centre and the island of Södermalm, preserving a dense grid of narrow lanes, ochre-washed merchants' houses, and cobbled squares largely unchanged in layout since the 13th century. The Royal Palace anchors its northern end, while the main thoroughfare Västerlånggatan draws pedestrians past craft shops and historic cellars. Early morning light on the harbour-facing facades is a favourite subject for architectural photographers.