Gamla Riksarkivet, Stockholm

Gamla Riksarkivet, Stockholm

Gamla Riksarkivet was once used as the National Archive of Sweden. Located on the islet of Riddarholmen, the archives were housed in the building until the middle part of the 1960s. Designed in the Romanesque style of architecture, the building hints at the medieval past of this city, while articulating the grandeur of this architectural style. Designed by the architect, Axel F. Nyström, the building was once the tallest building in Stockholm and a distinctive model of the architecture of the late 1800s. The building is connected to the Stenbockska Palace and the Norstedts Publishing Building. Constructed on cast iron columns and rolled iron, the building was constructed with strength to last many years. The interior windows are emblazoned with decorative iron implements while the door frames and window sills are made of sandstone. The building was the first in Sweden to have an electric elevator. Much of the building was designed to be fire retardant. In fact, the only wooden part of the structure was the bookshelves. Spiral slides were added to the building in the 1940s to accommodate the quick removal of materials should it become necessary during World War II. The National Archives were moved in 1995 and at present, the building houses genealogical records.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.

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Gamla Riksarkivet on Map

Sight Name: Gamla Riksarkivet
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden

Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

Creating your own self-guided walk in Stockholm 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.
City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

City Center (Norrmalm) Walk

Once an independent town, Norrmalm has been integral to Stockholm since 1635. As one of the city's central neighborhoods, it saw many old buildings torn down during the 1950s and 60s to clear space for new construction. Still, the most notable pieces of local architecture – featuring a wide range of styles, from Late Gothic to Renaissance and Baroque – are still in place and make Norrmalm...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walk

Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walk

The Gamla stan (Old Town) of Stockholm is the oldest part of the city, established in the 13th century. Officially known, prior to 1980, as “The Town Between Bridges” (Staden mellan broarna), this bustling, yet compact area abounds in medieval alleyways, cobbled streets, and archaic (17th- and 18th-century) colorful architecture, showing a great deal of North Germanic influence.

There are...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Museums Island Walk

The Museums Island Walk

With almost 70 museums in operation, Stockholm is one of the richest (in terms of museums) cities on the planet. The island of Djurgården, a cultural hotspot inside the capital, also known as the Museums Island, is home to an array of museums and other cultural attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.

One of the most renowned venues on the island is Scandinavia’s most popular museum,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Sodermalm District Walking Tour

Sodermalm District Walking Tour

Södermalm, or "Söder" for short, is a borough in central Stockholm, incorporating a large island of the same name (formerly known as "Åsön"). Although considered an island, the water surrounding Södermalm to the north and south does not flow freely but passes through a series of locks. Visitors are charmed by the borough's narrow, cobbled streets and neat squares, as...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm

Souvenir Shopping Guide: 15 Distinctly Swedish Products to Buy in Stockholm

If you come to Stockholm on the trail of Karlsson-on-the-Roof character (Swedish: Karlsson på taket), created by Astrid Lindgren, you're bound to enjoy yourself big time! Just don't forget to spare some time for gift shopping, so as to please your loved ones back home. In doing so, you...