Österlånggatan (Eastern Long Street), Stockholm

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Österlånggatan (Eastern Long Street), Stockholm

Österlånggatan (Eastern Long Street), Stockholm

Eastern Long Street (Österlånggatan) is a historic thoroughfare located in the Old Town (Gamla Stan) of Stockholm. Its origins trace back to the 13th century when it served as a pathway along the eastern shoreline just outside the city's original walls. Over the centuries, significant changes transformed this street from a coastal road into a central artery of urban life, as land reclamation projects pushed the shoreline further eastward. This evolution turned Eastern Long Street into a bustling area lined with workshops, stores, and residences.

During the 17th century, the street became famous for its numerous taverns, which were particularly popular among the business crowd of the time. Of these taverns, only "The Golden Peace" (Den Gyldene Freden) at Number 51 remains today. Established in 1722, it holds a place in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the oldest restaurants with its interior largely unchanged since its founding. Despite its now peaceful and charming ambiance, Den Gyldene Freden's history is steeped in the rough and tumultuous life of the area, which was once notorious for its filth, stench, and frequent brawls.

As the centuries progressed, the street's connection to the shipping trade dwindled, and by the early 20th century, nearly all maritime-related activities had vanished. Today, Eastern Long Street is much quieter than in its bustling past, yet it still retains a significant amount of its historical charm.

Notable landmarks along the street include the Royal Coin Cabinet, which houses a collection of coins dating back to the 16th century, the Stockholm Concert Hall, and the Stockholm School of Economics. Additionally, Skipper Karl Alley (Skeppar Karls Gränd), named after a 16th-century skipper, serves as a reminder of the street's maritime heritage. Despite the passage of time and the changes that have occurred, Eastern Long Street remains a fascinating blend of history and modernity, offering a unique glimpse into Stockholm's rich past.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Stockholm. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: 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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Österlånggatan (Eastern Long Street) on Map

Sight Name: Österlånggatan (Eastern Long Street)
Sight Location: Stockholm, Sweden (See walking tours in Stockholm)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Stockholm, Sweden

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Create Your Own Walk in Stockholm

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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 "Ã…sön"). 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
Old Town (Gamla Stan) Walking Tour

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
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
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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

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