Stortorget is the oldest square in Stockholm, Sweden, set in the centre of Gamla Stan (the Old Town) on the island of Stadsholmen. It is surrounded by tall, narrow merchant houses painted in warm ochre, red and cream tones, with stepped gables and the Stock Exchange building (Börshuset), which houses the Nobel Museum, on its northern side. A well sits at the centre of the square, and the narrow cobbled lanes of Västerlånggatan and Trångsund lead off toward the surrounding streets. The photographic frame is a compact, enclosed square, ideal for a 35 mm lens that captures the facades and the cobbles without heavy distortion; a wide-angle lens can include the whole row of gabled houses. Because the buildings are tall and the square is small, direct sun reaches the facades only for part of the day, and the best conditions are early in the morning when the light is soft and the colours are even. Overcast days also work well, since they reduce glare and shadow contrast on the pastel facades. Winter brings a second opportunity: the Christmas market fills the square from late November, with stalls, lights and snow that suit evening photography. Stortorget is one of the busiest spots in the city, as it sits on the main walking route through Gamla Stan and close to cruise and tour-group stops. Between mid-morning and evening in summer, crowds and café tables make a clean frame hard, so an early start, ideally before 8 a.m., yields an almost empty square. Tripods are not banned in public areas in Sweden, but a tripod in a busy square can obstruct pedestrians, so a compact one used early is sensible. There is no fee to enter the square. Central Stockholm is controlled airspace, so camera drones generally need permission. Cafés and public restrooms are found on the surrounding streets and at the Slussen and Gamla Stan metro stations.
| Best time | Early morning |
|---|---|
| Best season | Year-round |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Stortorget, 111 29 Stockholm |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- 35 mm lens
Location
Stortorget, 111 29 Stockholm
59.3248, 18.0709 View on map
Highlights
- Stockholm's oldest square, framed by gabled merchant houses
- Soft, even morning light on ochre, red and cream facades
- The Stock Exchange building and Nobel Museum on the northern side
- Christmas market lights and snow in winter
- Cobbled lanes leading off the square for atmospheric side compositions
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 8 a.m. to photograph the square with few people.
- A 35 mm lens suits the enclosed space; use a wider lens to capture the full row of gables.
- Overcast days reduce glare on the painted facades.
- Use a compact tripod early in the day and keep it out of pedestrian routes.
- Cafés and restrooms are on the surrounding streets and near Gamla Stan metro station.
- Visit in late November to December to photograph the Christmas market.
When to visit
Early morning gives soft light and an almost empty square all year. Late November to December adds the Christmas market atmosphere.
Accessibility
The square is flat but paved with cobblestones, which can be uneven for wheelchairs and walkers. Gamla Stan has some steep lanes on the approaches.
Frequently asked questions
What is Stortorget known for photographically?
It is the oldest square in Stockholm, lined with narrow merchant houses in warm colours. The Stock Exchange building and a central well complete the frame.
When is the square least crowded?
Early morning, ideally before 8 a.m., is the quietest time. By mid-morning in summer, tour groups and café tables fill the space.
Are tripods or drones allowed?
Sweden has no general ban on tripods in public places, but they should not obstruct pedestrians. Central Stockholm is controlled airspace, so drones generally need permission.
Is there an entry fee?
No, the square is a public space open at all times. Nearby museums such as the Nobel Museum charge their own admission.