• Riddarholmen Historical Marker - Explore the early history of Stockholm and Sweden, from the Ice Age through the Viking Age to the first settlements on the islands. Chapter one of this journey begins here! (The tour starts at Gamla Stan Metro station, underground, in front of the Pressbyrån kiosk.)
• Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) - The narrative continues… Outside Riddarholmen Church, meet the presumed founder of Stockholm, Birger Jarl, or at least his statue. The year 1252 marks the first written mention of “Stockholm,” a document signed by Birger Jarl that is still preserved today.
• Riddarhuset - Pause outside Riddarhuset, the House of Nobility, to admire the statue of Gustav Vasa, “the father of Sweden.” Chapter two of Stockholm and Sweden’s history begins here. Since Gustav Vasa marched into Stockholm in 1523, Sweden has remained a sovereign state, never occupied by foreign powers. Following the “Stockholm Bloodbath,” where his father and between 80 to 100 other noblemen were killed, Gustav led an uprising against the southern neighbor who had seized control of Sweden. He also transitioned Sweden’s religion from Catholicism to Lutheran Protestantism.
• Vasabron - Proceed to the other side of Riddarhuset to discuss the descendants of Gustav Vasa. His grandson, Gustav II Adolf, was the most renowned of the warrior kings. During his reign, the Baltic Sea nearly became an inland sea, surrounded by Swedish territories.
• Parliament Building (Riksdagshuset) - The predecessor of the parliament (riksdagen) was the “Riksdag of the Estates” (Ståndsriksdagen), where Nobility, Clergy, Burghers, and Peasants met separately for discussions before meeting the King in the palace. Until its dissolution in 1866, this institution was the highest authority in Sweden next to the King. In 1866, a two-chamber parliament was introduced, though without equal voting rights for all citizens. The first elections with general suffrage occurred in 1921, following a prolonged political struggle led by liberals and socialists.
• Royal Palace - The next stop is “Lejonbacken” on the north side of the Royal Palace, where Chapter 3 of Sweden’s story begins. Peter the Great of Russia ended Sweden’s aspirations of being a great power in Northern Europe. Karl XII, the last of the warrior kings, is still depicted pointing east (i.e., the statue points), where he and his army, the Caroleans, initially achieved significant victories but were ultimately defeated by Peter the Great at Poltava in 1709.

The Age of Enlightenment, with its growing interest in arts and science, influenced Sweden. Gustav III, an enlightened despot with a keen interest in theatre, made several contributions in these fields.

• Stockholm Old Town - Below the statue of Carl XIV Johan, the story of Sweden continues. This king, the first of the Bernadottes, was brought to Sweden from France in the early 19th century to reclaim what was lost to the Russians. Instead, he focused on diplomacy, infrastructure development, and education! In 2014, Sweden celebrated 200 years of peace. The industrial revolution, natural resources, and significant Swedish inventions laid the foundation for a welfare state, with numerous entrepreneurs advancing development in the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Stortorget - The Nobel Prize Museum is located at Stortorget. The Swedish Royal Academies select the winners of the most prestigious prizes in various important fields of science and art.

The tour concludes near the Royal Palace, perfectly timed to witness the changing of the guards. The changing of the guards and the parade are popular tourist attractions. During the summer months, the parade marches or rides with the Music Corps up to the Outer Courtyard of the palace.

• Vasterlanggatan - Conclude the tour with a glass of mead or beer in a medieval cellar in one of the alleyways of Old Town.

• Includes one glass of mead or beer, with alcohol-free options available.
• All visited locations do not require an admission ticket.

This tour invites participants to explore the rich history of Stockholm and Sweden, from the formidable Viking warriors to the innovative minds behind the Nobel Prize and global brands like IKEA, H&M, and Spotify.

Participants will discover the enchanting city of Stockholm and its stunning landmarks, such as the City Hall, the House of Nobility, and the magnificent Royal Palace. Prepare to be whisked away through time as you wander the narrow, picturesque alleys of the old town, reminiscent of a real-life fairy tale!

This engaging narrative spans the centuries, highlighting the lives of visionaries, monarchs, inventors, and contemporary IT trailblazers. This is more than just a tour; it’s an odyssey that reveals the very essence of Stockholm’s transformation! This remarkable journey through time concludes in a medieval cellar, where participants can savor the spirit of the Vikings and Sweden itself with a glass of mead or beer.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.