99 Steps, Charlotte Amalie

99 Steps, Charlotte Amalie (must see)

The 99 Steps stand as a unique and picturesque architectural feature that has become synonymous with the historical charm of the city. These step streets, known as "frigangs" by the Danes, were constructed in the mid-1700s. While numerous step streets traverse the hills rising from the harbor area, the 99 Steps hold a special place as one of the most popular and frequently photographed stairways in the city.

The allure of the 99 Steps lies not only in their historical significance but also in their aesthetic appeal. The bricks used in the construction of the steps were brought from Denmark, serving as ballast in the hulls of sailing ships that traversed the Atlantic. This historical detail adds a layer of authenticity to the steps, connecting them to the maritime history of the region.

Despite their name, the 99 Steps are a bit of a misnomer, as the stairway actually comprises 103 steps. The discrepancy in the count doesn't diminish the charm of this architectural gem, which has retained its original name of Store Taarne Gade, translating to Greater Tower Street.

The visual appeal of the 99 Steps is enhanced by the colorful flowers that flank either side of the staircase, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Charlotte Amalie. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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99 Steps on Map

Sight Name: 99 Steps
Sight Location: Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island (See walking tours in Charlotte Amalie)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Island

Create Your Own Walk in Charlotte Amalie

Create Your Own Walk in Charlotte Amalie

Creating your own self-guided walk in Charlotte Amalie is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Charlotte Amalie Introduction Walking Tour

Charlotte Amalie Introduction Walking Tour

Once a haven for pirates, the capital city of the United States Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is now one of the busiest ports of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean, receiving annually almost 1.5 million visitors.

This area has been inhabited for centuries. When Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1493, it was populated by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney, and Taíno native tribes. The town...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles