Secrets of the Old Town with Gustav Vaasa
Join your country father, Gustav Vasa, on a theatrical city walk behind the city's well-known facades. For an hour, the resurrected king, portrayed by the archaeologist and historian Anders Hesselbäck, leads you through the forgotten alleys of the Old Town.
This is no ordinary history lesson; it is an exclusive invitation to the hidden Stockholm. You will experience rarely heard tales and stories, examine traces of bygone buildings and visit places where the wings of history feel like cold creeps along the spine.
The highlight is a unique view of the city's oldest cellar vaults, where, with candles as the only source of light, we descend among magnificent Gothic arches and raw earth floors. For the curious, an exciting and sometimes eerie journey awaits, where myth and truth meet in the shadows.
What's included
- Meet the Landsfadern: A unique creation by Gustav Vasa, led by an expert with deep knowledge in both archaeology and history and 14 years of experience in bringing our history to life.
- The Hidden Vault: Exclusive access to Stockholm's oldest cellar vault, a unique historical setting that few visitors ever get to see.
- Mysteries underground: Hear about the unexplored burial chamber in the Catacombs of the German Church and the silver treasure that is still waiting to be found.
- Fables and legends: Discover the dark folk beliefs, such as the enigmatic tale of Herr Måns and the strange events at Baggensgatan.
- Historical detective walk: Learn to decipher the traces of architecture and see the city through the eyes of an archaeologist.
This happens during the tour
The journey begins at Köpmantorget, where Gustav Vasa receives his subjects. From here we move into the narrow alleys of the city where the large tourist streams rarely reach. During the walk, historical facts are woven together with mysterious legends; we stop at places that hide strange secrets, such as who exactly is digging at Baggensgatan 23 and what is hidden in the darkness under the German Church.
Halfway through the tour we leave the street level for a visit to the hidden. We descend into one of Stockholm's oldest and best-kept secrets: a magnificent medieval cellar vault with Gothic arches and earthen floors. In the glow of fluttering candles, history comes alive in a way that can only be experienced on the spot. The tour is an evocative mix of crowd formation and excitement, where Anders Hesselbäck's expertise gives an unrivalled experience to every story and tale.
Practical information
**Where does the tour start? **
We gather at Köpmantorget in Gamla stan. Look out for Gustav Vasa in his magnificent costume!
**How long is the hike? **
The tour takes about 60 minutes and we walk at a leisurely pace through the alleys.
**Can I bring the dog? **
Of course! Our four-legged friends are warmly welcome to accompany you on the whole tour.
**Is the tour wheelchair accessible? **
The city walk outdoors works well with a wheelchair. However, the visit to the medieval cellar vault is via steep stairs without a lift, making that particular part of the tour inaccessible to wheelchair users.
**What happens in bad weather? **
The tour is carried out in holes and sheds. Gustav Vaasa can withstand a little rain, and the visit to the cellar vault offers a roof over his head.
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