Gustav Adolfs Torg (Square), Stockholm

Gustav Adolfs Square—Stockholm’s ultimate power intersection, where history, politics, and perfectly aligned cobblestones meet. Nestled near the Norrbro bridge, this square isn’t just a regular place you pass through—it’s the point Stockholm measures itself from. Literally. While most cities peg distances from the train station, Stockholm prefers a bit more royal flair.

Named in 1805 after King Gustav II Adolf—Sweden’s “Lion of the North” and part-time battlefield legend, full-time national hero—the square proudly hosts an equestrian statue of the king smack in the middle. Crafted by Pierre Hubert L’Archevêque (French by birth, Swedish by sculpting ambition), this statue was cast in 1778 and planted here in 1791. It holds the national title of Sweden’s first equestrian statue (talk about setting the bar with hooves...).

Two bronze lions flank the monument—not your average public art, but replicas of fourth-century originals. The real ones live in the Vatican, probably sipping espresso and avoiding pigeons...

And the surroundings – they're equally grand. You've got the Royal Opera belting out drama to the east, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs housed in the stately Crown Prince's Palace, and the Ministry of Defence keeping a watchful eye. Head just south, and you're at the Riksdag (Parliament) Building and the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan—because nothing says "central" like being a stone’s throw from monarchy, music, and military planning...

In case you're plotting a coup, catching a matinee, or just marveling at lion-adorned monarchs, Gustav Adolfs Square is your compass point. So, stick around—the self-guided tour has plenty more stories to tell.