
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.
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.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stockholm. 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.
Gustav Adolfs Torg (Square) on Map
Sight Name: Gustav Adolfs Torg (Square)
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden
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.
Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walking Tour
Stockholm, established around 1000 AD on an archipelago on the eastern coast of Sweden, flourished due to Viking-established trade routes. Originally a Viking site, it became a key iron trade hub by 1252. The city's name, derived from the Old Norse words for "log islet," reflects its historical significance, as a fortified island used for defense against sea invasions, and its... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
City Center (Norrmalm) Walk
Once upon a cobblestone, Norrmalm wasn’t even part of Stockholm. Up until 1635, it was a town of its own before it decided to join the “big leagues.” Fast forward a few centuries, and this central district has become a spirited jumble of old-world charm and postwar boldness. The 1950s and ‘60s came in swinging wrecking balls, knocking down swathes of old buildings to make room for future... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
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
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
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
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
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...