Free Stuff To See and Do In Stockholm ⋆ Lifeguin

14 Best Free Things To Explore While in Stockholm

Welcome to Stockholm, where the allure of history mingles seamlessly with the contemporary charm of Scandinavia. While the city is known for its elegant architecture, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage, you don’t have to break the bank to experience its magic. Here’s a list of free activities and sights that we did while waddling around Sweden’s capital.

1. Gamla Stan
2. See the Changing of the Royal Guard
3. The World’s Longest Art Gallery
4. Stockholm’s Narrowest Alley
5. Katarina Kyrka Church
6. Monteliusvägen or Fjällgatan Viewpoints
7. Medeltidsmuseet (Medieval Museum)
8. Sjöhistorika Museet (Maritime Museum)
9. Katarinahissen Elevator
10. Djurgården Island
11. Skeppsholmen Island
12. Public Library Stockholm
13. Stockholms Gamla Observatorium
14. City Hall Courtyard

Read on to learn why you should not miss these things.

Gamla Stan. The Heart of Stockholm’s History

Gamla Stan means “Old Town” and serves as a living testament to Stockholm’s rich history. The narrow, winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture will transport you back in time. Each cobblestone pathway has its own story, and every building exudes a sense of antiquity. The symphony of colors displayed by the buildings in Gamla Stan is a sight to behold. There is so much to explore in this area. You can waddle into any alley and will be taken away. But of course, the most colorful one is the square.

See the Changing of the Royal Guard

One of the most captivating spectacles you can witness is the Changing of the Royal Guard at the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan. In our recent waddles, we started focusing on changing guards in royal cities, and the one in Stockholm is the best so far. The guards’ precision, discipline, and regal elegance make it a must-see. It is a 40-minute ceremony that takes place daily in front of the royal palace. There is no cost, and ceremony times can be found here. Check out how we experienced it here.

A Journey Through the World’s Longest Art Gallery

Stockholm’s T-Bana, or subway system, is unlike any other worldwide. Beyond its efficient transportation services, it boasts an artistic marvel that stretches across its underground tunnels – a captivating display known as the world’s longest art gallery. As you step onto the platform, you’re immediately immersed in a world of colors, shapes, and creativity. The walls are full of a diverse array of artwork. See our waddle through the most beautiful station here.

Stockholm’s Narrowest Alley

Tucked away in Gamla Stan, this enchanting alleyway holds the title of the narrowest in Stockholm and, indeed, one of the narrowest in all of Europe. Stepping into Mårten Trotzigs Gränd feels like entering a time capsule. The cobbled pathway winds through medieval buildings, barely wide enough for two people to pass shoulder to shoulder. It is named after a merchant who lived in the 16th century, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd.

Katarina Kyrka Church

In the heart of Södermalm district, Katarina Kyrka is an architectural splendor. It dates back to the 17th century and bears witness to centuries of Stockholm’s evolution. Its walls echo with tales of triumphs, trials, and the unwavering faith of its parishioners through the ages. The church’s distinctive Baroque-style façade will grab your attention. There are free 20-minute pipe organ concerts and other cultural events a few times a week. For information on activities at the church, visit here.

Monteliusvägen or Fjällgatan Viewpoints

Stockholm offers two iconic viewpoints that promise breathtaking panoramas: Monteliusvägen and Fjällgatan.

You can find Monteliusvägen on the isle of Södermalm. It is a charming wooden walkway that delivers an intimate, unobstructed view of the historic Gamla Stan, Lake Mälaren, and City Hall.

Fjällgatan is perched on the cliffs of Södermalm and offers a more grandiose panorama, encompassing the archipelago, Djurgården, and the Royal Palace.

Overall, both offer their unique perspectives on Stockholm’s beauty. And, of course, there are other viewpoints, but those two are the ones you should not miss on your waddle.

Medeltidsmuseet (Medieval Museum)

The Medieval Museum offers a captivating journey back in time and will immerse you in the rich history of Stockholm during the Middle Ages. The museum provides an engaging and interactive learning experience where you can touch and handle replicas of historical items. One of the museum’s most unique features is its underground exhibit, which showcases the well-preserved remnants of a medieval city street. The museum has free admission to the museum’s exhibitions. Events may have a fee. Find out more here.

Sjöhistorika Museet (Maritime Museum)

You can find the largest maritime museum in Scandinavia in Stockholm, and its entrance is free! Exhibits include ships’ interiors, navigation instruments, weapons, figureheads, seamanship, marlinspike, and lots of nautical art. There are 100,000 objects, including more than 1,500 models of ships and boats! Find out more here.

Katarinahissen Elevator

Rising high above the vibrant district of Södermalm, the Katarinahissen Elevator stands as both a functional transport and an iconic landmark in Stockholm. It offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Stockholm. It was originally constructed to facilitate transportation between the heights of Södermalm and the lower parts of Slussen. The elevator has been featured in numerous films, both Swedish and international. Today, it still provides a convenient shortcut from Slussen to Mosebacke Square. Note that the lift no longer works, but you can still climb the stairs up to the top.

Djurgården Island

Waddle around Djurgården Island, which has a rich history and is famous for its museums, is still lovely to waddle around. We visited several while there, though despite its proximity to the city center, Djurgården is a green oasis. Its lush parks, tree-lined promenades, and waterfront views. The island is also dotted with historic buildings. Overall, it is a great place to spend a few hours.

Skeppsholmen Island

From Djurgården Island, we recommend taking the ferry taxi to Skeppsholmen Island. You will get a nice view of the Gröna Lund amusement park and can see several prominent cultural institutions. Skeppsholmen’s location on Lake Mälaren provides stunning waterfront waddles, but we really enjoyed seeing the outside art of Moderna Museet. And there is a penguin stone waiting for you.

In the 16th century, royalty came here for amusement and relaxation. A century later, the Isles became a naval base. The operations made their mark on Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen, but they have regained their original role today. Military operations began to be phased out in the 1940s, and in 1969, most operations were moved to Berga and Musko. Since then, more buildings have been converted into public attractions such as museums, theatres, restaurants, and schools. Kastellholmen featured the outdoor café Blasut, the in-place for Stockholmers, and at the Kastellholmsbron bridge in winter, one could watch members of the Royal Skating Club gliding across the ice. A cold water bath house for women offered displays of skills at swimming and high diving at the Skeppsholmsbron bridge

Public Library Stockholm

The Stockholm Public Library, designed by renowned architect Gunnar Asplund, is a Swedish National Romanticism and Functionalism masterpiece. With over 2 million books, manuscripts, and periodicals, the library is a treasure trove if you are a book lover like us. Visit it as it occurs in many of the lists of beautiful libraries worldwide. Inside, the library’s main hall is a breathtaking space with a grand ceiling adorned with intricate patterns. We were not as lucky at our time of visit as it was being renovated, but it is truly beautiful.

Stockholms Gamla Observatorium

Stockholms Gamla Observatorium was built in the mid-18th century and holds a rich history in the realm of astronomy. The Observatory at the top of the hill is one of the oldest in Europe. Although it may not be an active observatory today, it’s worth the waddle up while you are checking out the Public Library. The view from here is magnificent. At the top you can also find a coffee shop.

City Hall Courtyard

While entering the City Hall requires a fee, the courtyard is open to all. Admire the stunning architecture and take in the views of Lake Mälaren. This is where the Nobel Banquet takes place every year, making it an iconic spot for a quick visit. We didn’t go inside the hall as such but bought a ticket for the City Hall Tower. Please read about our experience here.

Stockholm, with its wealth of history, natural beauty, and cultural offerings, invites you to waddle around. We hope this list of free activities helps you to explore the city, and you will get unforgettable memories without spending a dime. Grab your waddling shoes, camera, and a spirit of adventure, and let Stockholm enchant you in the most budget-friendly way possible!

Enjoy your waddle!

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