Apparently art is really important in Sweden. They have long, dark winters so I guess it gives them lots of time to spend inside being creative. And art is so important that Stockholm has literally covered their subway stations with art!

On my trip I spent a day riding the subway all over town, marveling at all this beautiful art… as commuters rushed by. I’ve put together an awesome self-guided tour of Stockholm subway art for you.

It visits 12 of the most beautiful stations close to the city center. And as bonus I’ve included a side trip to the dreamiest round library. There’s a map and step-by-step directions so I promise you can’t get lost.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

READ NEXT: 30 Photos of Stockholm That Will Inspire You to Visit

Stockholm Subway Basics

Stockholm’s subway system opened in 1950 and currently has 100 stations. It is often called the world’s longest art gallery since 90 of the stations are decorated with art.

While in other countries it might be called the metro, subway, or underground, in Swedish it is referred to as the T-bana, short for tunnelbana. It translates to” tunnel railway”.

There are three main lines: red, blue and green.

Self-Guided Stockholm Subway Art Tour Tips

Tour Length

Allow about 2 hours to follow the entire Stockholm Subway Art Tour itinerary.

Best Times to Take the Stockholm Subway Art Tour

The best time to take this self-guided Stockholm subway art tour is on a weekday in the middle of the day. That way you miss rush hour and have plenty of time to take photos in the stations.

I went on a Thursday morning around 10:30am and as you can see from my photos, I encountered very few other people. You could also try a weeknight late at night since the stations are open until 12:30am.

Stockholm Subway Art Tour Itinerary

I’ve put together an itinerary for you that visits some of the most photogenic stations in the city center. (There are other awesome stations further out, but they take much more time to visit so I haven’t included them.) On this tour you will visit twelve stations:

Red Line:

• T-Centralen
• Stadion
• Tekniska Högskolan
• Universitetet

Green Line:

• Hötorget
• Odenplan (Stockholm Public Library)
• Thorildsplan
• Fridhemslplan

Blue Line:

• Solna Centrum
• Hallonbergen
• Radhuset
• Kungsträdgården
• T-Centralen

Stockholm Subway Art Tour Map and Directions

I’ve included directions in the tour below. There are clear signs in all stations showing where to go and when the trains are coming. It’s probably one of the easiest subway systems I’ve ever navigated.

I’ve also put together an awesome custom google map for you. (Because I heart maps!)

Stockholm Subway Tickets

A single use ticket for the Stockholm T-bana is valid for 75 minutes. However, that’s not enough time to do the whole tour.

If don’t want to buy a longer ticket, heres’ how you can make the tour shorter: Skip the side trip to the public library and the Solna Centrum and Hallonbergen stops on the blue line since they are a bit further out.

However, I recommend you get a 24 hour pass so you can take your time and really explore the stations. If you get the 24 hour pass you can combine your self-guided Stockholm subway art tour with another transit-friendly destination such as exploring Sodermalm or taking one of the ferries from Nybroviken and Djurgården.

As of May 2024, the price for a single use ticket is 42SEK ($3.92USD/3.60Euro) and a 24 hour pass is 175SEK ($16.33USD/14.99Euro). Check the latest prices on Stockholm’s transit website sl.se.

You can either buy electronic ticket cards at the entrance to each station or use the SL app to buy tickets. Then you can scan your ticket or phone at the entrance to stations.

Art Viewing Tips for the Stockholm Subway

There is art all over the place in these stations so make sure you explore around so you don’t miss something. At each station walk the length of each platform and venture up the escalators towards the exits. You can even go through the fare gates and re-enter as long as your ticket still has time on it.

The trains run every 2 to 10 minutes during the day. Digital displays on the platforms will let you know when the next train is coming. At some stations you’ll have enough time to get off and explore before the next train arrives, but at most you’ll probably watch a few trains go by before you’re ready to leave.

Tips for Photographing the Stockholm Subway Art

It’s easy to take photos of the stations with any camera or phone. However, it can be a bit dark in some areas which makes for tricky photography conditions.

If you’re a serious photographer, consider bringing a DSLR on a tripod and shooting longer exposures. I brought my mini Gorillapod tripod and used it for some of the shots.

If you don’t have a fancy camera or a tripod, try to stand as still as possible while you shoot. Or try bracing your camera or phone against a wall or bench for even better stability.

The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Stockholm’s Subway Art

Okay, so you’ve packed your camera, you’ve bought your subway ticket and you’re ready. Let’s go explore Stockholm’s subway art!

START your tour at T-Centralen Station and head to the platform for the red and green lines.

T-Centralen Station

All three of Stockholm’s subway lines (red, blue and green) go through through T-Centralen Station. It’s also connected to the commuter and long distance railway lines so it’s a bustling place.

The platform for the red and green lines dates back to 1957 and features geometric tiles. (The blue line platform is a bit more photogenic, but don’t worry: you’ll visit it at the end of the tour).

GO NORTH on the RED LINE to Stadion (Be sure to get on a train that terminates at Mörby Centrum.  The red line also has another norther branch that goes to Ropsten – don’t take that one! )

Stadion Station

Opened in 1973, Stadion was one of the first “cave” stations, carved right out of the bedrock. To combat fears that the caves would be depressing, artists Åke Pallarp and Enno Hallek gave the station a rainbow theme.

GO NORTH one stop to Tekniska Högskolan Station

Tekniska Högskolan Station

This station serves the Royal Institute of Technology, so it’s no surprise that the art in this station is science themed. My favourite part is the large glass polyhedron in the centre of the station.

GO NORTH one stop to Universitetet Station

Universitetet Station

Universitetet station sits below Stockholm University. The main feature of the station are tile panels outlining the travels of Carl Linnaeus, a Swede who is known as the father of the modern taxonomy of organisms.

GO SOUTH back to T-Centralen

At T-Centralen, SWITCH TO THE GREEN LINE

GO EAST one stop to Hötorget

Hötorget Station

This is one of the original stations on Stockholm’s T-Bana, built in the 1950s. It had plain tile walls and no art at all until artist Gun Gordillo added a neon lighting installation to the ceiling in 1998. The rest of the station is pure 1950s,  retro signage, benches and all.

GO EAST two stops to Odenplan

Odenplan Station and the Stockholm Public Library

Note: As of June 2024, the Stockholm Public Library is closed for renovations which will take several years. I’ll update the post once it re-opens.

Odenplan station is nothing special. It’s an older station and doesn’t have any notable art. However, if you get off the subway and walk two blocks east down Odengatan, you’ll reach the Stockholm Public Library. 

Opened in 1928, this beautiful building has a gorgeous 3 story reading room in the rotunda that is worth a visit. (Plus it’s totally free and they don’t mind photography as long as you are quick, quiet, and don’t use a flash.) After you’ve visited the library, head back to Odenplan station.

GO EAST  three stops to Thorildsplan

Thorildsplan Station

Like many of the stations, Thorildsplan uses tiles. However, these are not normal boring tiles. At Thorildsplan, artist Lars Arrhenius used the tiles to create whimsical 8-bit video game inspired art.

See if you can spot characters and scenery from Super Mario Brothers, Space Invaders, PacMan and more. Thorildsplan is an above-ground outdoor station – the only one you’ll visit on this tour.

GO WEST one stop to Fridhemsplan

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Stockholm

Fridhemsplan Station

The art at Fridhemsplan doesn’t have a clear theme: There’s a ship in a display box and also some robots with flowers. But the real reason your self-guided tour of the Stockholm subway stops here is to switch from the green line to the blue line. There’s a 200m tunnel connecting the green and blue line platforms

SWITCH TO THE BLUE LINE

GO NORTH to Solna Centrum  (Be sure to get on a train that terminates at Akalla.  The blue line also has another northern branch that goes to Hjulsta – don’t take that one! )

Solna Centrum Station

The art at Solna Centrum station depicts the a red orange sunset behind the green of the Swedish forests. Artists Karl-Olov Björk and Anders Åberg then free-handed hundreds of little drawings onto the walls.

They depict important political issues including deforestation, the environment and the influx of people to the cities from rural areas. There are some humorous scenes if you hunt for them, like the angry moose menacing an unsuspecting hiker, below.

GO NORTH two stops to Hallonbergen

Hallonbergen Station

If the art at Hallonbergen Station looks like it was made by children… that’s because it was! Artists Elis Eriksson and Gösta Wallmark actually used their own childhood drawings and their children’s art to cover the walls of the station. 

The whimsical nature of the station seems appropriate since in Swedish Hallonbergen translates to Raspberry Hill.

GO SOUTH to Radhuset

Radhuset Station

The Radhuset Station is located underneath the Stockholm Courthouse. The station has exposed bedrock, painted reddish orange and has some interesting art objects mounted on the walls and ceilings. (Check out the metal shoes in the photo below!)

GO EAST two stops to Kungsträdgården

Kungsträdgården Station

I saved Kungsträdgården station for the end of the tour since it has the most to see. The first thing you’ll notice is the red, white and green colour scheme.

Next you’ll probably notice the sculptures: there are reclaimed pieces of sculpture from demolished buildings around Stockholm embedded in the walls and in a dedicated display area. There’s also a crazy mosaic ceiling detail.

Oh and this is the only station with live inhabitants: apparently there is a type of fungus and a type of cave spider that live in the station and nowhere else. Pretty weird!

GO WEST one stop to T-Centralen

T-Centralen Station

Your tour ends on the blue line platform of the T-Centralen station. Artist Per Olof Ultvedt painted this station on the blue line with a variety of blue motifs. Other parts of the station honour the workers who built the station – you can see their painted silhouettes on the ceilings and walls.

Thanks for sticking with me through this self-guided tour of Stockholm’s subway art! If you’re looking for more things to do in Stockholm be sure to check out my self-guided tour of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic old town.

Read Next:

• 30 Photos of Stockholm That Will Inspire You to Visit
• The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Stockholm

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Stockholm Subway Art appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

It’s a small city with a population of just over 200,000, but it’s still the largest city in Tasmania. Despite its small size, there is so much to do. Hobart has tons of beautiful historic architecture, amazing local food, a thriving cafe scene and possibly the world’s best (or at least most unique) museum.

A visit to Hobart should be on everyone’s Australia bucket list. A weekend isn’t really enough to see all of it, so in this Hobart weekend itinerary, I’ll just concentrate on the highlights.

With two trips under our belts, lots of research and some great recommendations from locals, we can squeeze a ton into just 2.5 days.

So I’ve put together a guide for spending a weekend in Hobart. It’s not exactly what we did on our trips, but it is what I’d recommend you do if you go.

Here it is – my ideal 2.5-day Hobart weekend itinerary. It includes:

• A Map of things to in Hobart
• Friday Night: Street Eats @ Franko
• Saturday: Salamanca Market, Hobart Waterfront, and MONA
• Sunday: Jackman & McRoss, Battery Point, kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Preacher’s
• Getting around Hobart
• Where to stay in Hobart
• Day trips from Hobart

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Map of Things To Do in Hobart

To help you find your way around, I made you a custom Google map of things to do in Hobart. It includes everything I mention in this post. Click through to zoom in.

Weekend in Hobart Day 0: Friday Night

Street Eats @ Franko for Dinner and Drinks

If you arrive on a Friday night, be sure to head to Street Eats @ Franko for live music and food. It’s a great way to kick off your weekend in Hobart.

Each Friday, grassy Franklin Square (the locals just call it “Franko”) is transformed into a mini-festival. Bring a picnic blanket and order dinner from one of the food stalls. Follow it up with Tasmanian beer, wine or cider while you listen to local bands.

The scene is really eclectic with a mix of families, hipsters, tourists and regular locals. Our AirBnb hosts recommended we check out Street Eats @ Franko and we were so glad we did. It definitely was a great way to get a feel for the city and do something that locals love to do.

Where: Franklin Square, 70 Macquarie Street, Hobart

When: Every Friday night 4:30-9pm between December and April

Weekend in Hobart Day 1: Saturday

Salamanca Market for Breakfast and Shopping

You can’t spend a weekend in Hobart without shopping at the Salamanca Market. The huge farmer’s market takes over several blocks in the CBD every Saturday morning.

Browse through the stalls to discover tons of local produce, clothing, gifts and souvenirs. Grab coffee and a pastry from one of the stalls, then eat your breakfast as you shop.

Tip: Go early to beat the crowds. It can get VERY busy by mid-day in the summer. We went to the market soon after they opened at 9am and by the time we left around 10:30 the crowds were crushingly thick.

Many of the stalls offer free tastings so you can try before you buy. We bought some amazing bread and delicious washed-rind cheese. Since it was mid-summer lots of fruit was in season. We picked up a carton of cherries to snack on as we shopped.

Where: Salamanca Place at Morrison Street, Hobart

When: Every Saturday 8:30am-3pm

Hobart Waterfront for Lunch and Sightseeing

After Salamanca market head over to the waterfront a few blocks a way. Stroll around Constitution Dock, have a look at the fishing boats and keep a keen eye out for seals.

The row of historic buildings on Hunter Street includes the old Henry Jones IXL jam factory. At one time, this factory produced Tasmanian jam for export all over the world.

When you get hungry, order fish and chips from one of the floating take-away barges. Mako Seafood gets the best reviews, but Fish Frenzy is good too.

If you’re into whiskey, stop in at Lark Distillery next to the Hobart visitor centre. They’ve been making single malt whiskey and gin for over 20 years. While I’m not a whiskey drinker, my husband enjoyed the tasting flight. I devoured the delicious cheese board!

Where:

Constitution Dock: Franklin Wharf at Hunter Street, Hobart

Lark Distillery: 14 Davey Street, Hobart

Ferry to MONA

Catch the ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art, better known as MONA. The 25-minute boat ride is a great way to see Hobart’s harbour. It’s also the best way to see the exterior of MONA since the building is set into a hill. The only way to view it is from a boat!

Your MONA experience starts on the ferry. Grab a drink at the bar then explore the ship. You can sit inside in a cushy booth, but if you head outside, you can sit on a sheep or a tiger!

There’s also a VIP experience called the “Posh Pit” with a private seating area and complimentary food and drink. We skipped the Posh Pit and just got standard tickets, but I still thought it was great.

Where: Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart

When: Check MONA ferry timetables

How much: Tickets start at $28 AUD

MONA

If you go to Hobart, you can’t miss MONA. It’s an art museum, but it’s not your average art museum. It’s full of art that is controversial, confronting and sometimes just plain weird. It is housed in an architecturally eclectic building on the waterfront in the suburb of Berriedale.

Self-made millionaire David Walsh opened the museum in 2011 to house his personal art collection. He describes it as a “subversive adult Disneyland”. 

It’s an art museum for people who don’t like art or museums. I liked MONA so much that I’ve returned on each of my visits to Hobart – it’s my favourite art museum in the world! I think I really enjoyed my visits so much since a lot of the art is designed to be fun and interactive rather than pretentious.

The museum houses ancient Egyptian art and modern art side by side in a labyrinth of galleries. Some of the most famous pieces include a live man displaying his back tattoos, a wall of vagina sculptures, an obese Porsche, an Egyptian mummy, and a waterfall that spells out words from real-time Google searches.

There are three levels of exhibits, some of which are interactive. There are also art pieces scattered around the grounds. Plan to spend around 3-4 hours to see it all.

As of 2022 you need to book your ticket in advance.

Where: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale

When: 10am-5pm. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays year-round and Thursdays between late April and December.

How much: Tickets start at $39 AUD.

Dinner at MONA

Splurge on one of the fancy restaurants at MONA for dinner. On Saturday nights they often have special dining events including chef’s tables combined with sunset art installation talks. Both Faro and The Source are sit-down fine-dining places and require advance booking.

There is also a wine bar and outdoor grill, both of which are less formal and don’t require booking.

MONA also offers one-off dinner experiences. We booked the Golden Hour experience which includes a long-table style multi-course dinner. Afterwards, a museum guide led us over to James Turnell’s rooftop art installation, Amarna.

It’s designed to be viewed at sunset so you can witness the night sky change colours as the lights installation in the roof of the pavilion changes colours. Plus it has heated benches so you can watch in comfort.

Where: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale

When: Check opening hours as they vary by season and day of the week.

Bookings: MONA website

Weekend in Hobart Day 2: Sunday

Jackman & McRoss for Brunch

Sleep in, then head to Jackman & McRoss for brunch. This Battery Point bakery/cafe is a Hobart institution. They have incredible pastries, plus a full brunch and lunch menu. Their meat pies are delicious and they even do a special breakfast pie with eggs and bacon.

Be sure to check the daily specials board for innovative local dishes. Get some baked goods to go. You’ll want them to snack on at the top of Mount Wellington in the afternoon.

This place was so delicious (and near our AirBnb) that we actually ate here twice! Curried scallop pies are a tradition in Hobart. Most people eat pies as a basic lunch on the go, but at Jackman & McRoss they have a fancy version that some say is the best curried scallop pie in Tasmania.

Of course I had to try it. I thought it was good, but I liked some of their other pies better. The pastry is soooo good.

Where: 57 Hampden Road, Hobart

When: 7am-5pm daily

Battery Point Self-Guided Walking Tour

After brunch, take a walk around historic Battery Point. The area is Hobart’s oldest suburb. It was originally home to the working class, but now it’s one of Hobart’s most desirable neighbourhoods. It’s full of quaint historic cottages, cobbled lanes and pretty parks. It was originally the site of the city’s military defences.

You can just wander the streets on your own, but a better option is to take a walking tour. A local community association has put together a great self-guided walk called “In Bobby’s Footsteps“. There are plaques with scannable QR codes along the way to give you more info about historic buildings and sites.

We didn’t get ourselves organized enough to follow the tour properly, but we did wander around randomly on the way to other things so we ended up seeing many of the historic sites anyway.

Where: Starts the corner of Salamanca Place and Montpellier’s Retreat, Hobart

When: Anytime (it’s self-guided)

kunanyi/ Mount Wellington

After lunch head up to kunanyi, also known by its settler name, Mount Wellington. At 1,271m tall, it towers over Hobart. Since it’s so high, it is often covered in snow. There is a spectacular lookout at the top, plus lots of walking trails. Even if you aren’t a hiker, it’s worth spending a bit of time at the top to take in the view.

If you want to hike, the 3-hour Organ Pipes walk at Mount Wellington is a classic. I didn’t have time, but apparently it is one of Tasmania’s best hikes. The walk goes along the base of the dolerite rock towers you can see from Hobart’s CBD.

If you want a shorter hike, follow the trail south from the main viewpoint as far as you like to escape the crowds and get some alternate views of the city. We spent a pleasant half hour rambling along the top of the bluff.

A narrow, winding road leads all the way to the top of the mountain. However, the road is closed in snowy and icy conditions. If you have a car, you can drive yourself up.

Otherwise you can book a ticket on the private hop-on, hop-off Mount Wellington bus that heads up and down the mountain several times a day. Since you aren’t tied to a tour schedule, it gives you time to explore on your own up top.

You can also take public buses to the base of the mountain in the Fern Tree neighbourhood and then follow walking tracks up the mountain.

Where: kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Pinnacle Road, Hobart

Preacher’s for Dinner and Drinks

For dinner and drinks, head to Preacher’s in the Battery Point neighbourhood. This fun pub is located in a historic old house. The big back garden has lots of picnic tables and umbrellas, but the real standout is the bus. Yes, at this pub you can drink your beer inside an old Hobart city bus! 

The beer list features lots of local craft beers and the menu has typical (but tasty) pub fare like burgers and chips.

Where: 5 Knopwood Street, Hobart

When: noon-11:30pm

Getting Around Hobart

If you are just spending a weekend in Hobart, you don’t need a car. The CBD is really walkable and it’s easy to get to MONA by boat or to kunanyi/ Mount Wellington on the bus. If you fly in, the airport is a 20-minute drive away by taxi or airport shuttle bus.

Where to Stay in Hobart

Since Hobart is so walkable, it makes sense to stay in or near the CBD. Each time we’ve visited, we stayed in the Battery Point neighbourhood. It’s close to the CBD but quieter. It’s a 10-minute walk to Salamanca Market and the waterfront, and you pass gorgeous historical homes along the way.

Boutique Hotel

If you want a unique place to stay, book the Henry Jones Art Hotel. It’s located in a series of historic buildings on the waterfront that used to house the Henry Jones IXL jam factory! It has lots of art and is in a great location on the harbour.

Affordable

On a recent last minute trip to Hobart our beloved loft Airbnb was booked up, so we made a reservation at the nearby Battery Point Manor. It’s a small historic hotel with amazing water views from most of the rooms as well as the upstairs balcony. We loved the location in Battery Point, and the price was lower than comparable hotels in the CBD.

Budget

The Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is what would happen if an AirBnb had a baby with a funky hostel. They have dorm bunks, private rooms, a shared kitchen and a garden with a barbecue. The whole thing is set in a 19th century mansion in Battery Point.

Apartment

Staying at St Ives Apartments is a great option if you want a kitchen. Since it is an apartment hotel, you get the convenience of a hotel front desk with the apartment-style experience of an Airbnb.

Day Trips from Hobart

If you’re staying in Hobart for a few more days, be sure to plan a few trips outside the city. Here are a few of my favourites:

• Bruny Island: A foodie and nature destination on a long, sandy island.
• Tasman Peninsula: Visit the historic convict sites at Port Arthur, then experience nature.
• Maria Island: A small island teeming with wildlife and history.

Final Thoughts

Even though it’s a small city, Hobart punches far above it’s weight thanks to its status as the capital of Australia’s smallest and most remote state. I enjoyed both of my visits and can’t wait to go back.

So that’s how I recommend you spend a weekend in Hobart. This 2-day itinerary will ensure you see the highlights of this pretty little city. Have questions about Hobart? Leave them in the comments.

MORE TASMANIA POSTS:

• 40+ Things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West
• Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania
• The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia
• The Best Things to do in Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast

The post How to Spend the Weekend in Hobart, Tasmania: 2-day Itinerary appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

It’s my adopted Tasmanian home town since I spent a combined 2.5 months housesitting near Devonport over two summers a few years ago. It’s a gorgeous area with museums, wildlife, beaches, hiking and sooo many delicious locally-grown products.

You could easily spend a few days in the area (or in my case a few months). And even if you’re just passing through, make time to stop at some of the local attractions or pick up some tasty snacks. I fell in love with the Tasmania’s North West and I bet you’ll enjoy it too.

Here’s my big list of over 40 things to do in Devonport and the surrounding area in Tasmania’s North West. It includes:

• A map of all the things to do in and near Devonport
• Things to do in Devonport: Places to visit in the town of Devonport
• Things to do east of Devonport: Places to visit towards Port Sorell, Deloraine, and Highway 1
• Things to do south of Devonport: Places to visit towards Sheffield, Mole Creek, and Cradle Mountain National Park
• Things to do west of Devonport: Places to visit in Ulverstone, Burnie, and Stanley
• Devonport FAQ: All your questions answered.

Map of Things To Do In and Around Devonport

To give you a better idea of where all these fun things are located, I made a custom google map for you. It includes the location of all the things to do in Devonport and the surrounding area.

Things to Do in Devonport

Here are things you can do without leaving the city of Devonport.

Devonport Regional Gallery

This local art gallery reopened in fall of 2018 in a new arts centre in Devonport’s CBD. Their focus is on Tasmanian artists, including emerging local artists. Admission is by donation.

Southern Wild Distillery

Pop into the tasting lounge at the Southern Wild Distillery in the CBD to try some locally made gin. They have three different styles of gin to taste on its own or in cocktails. And of course, bottles are also available for purchase. We had a great tasting here and bought a bottle to bring home to Canada.

Bass Strait Martime Centre

The Bass Strait Maritime Museum has tons of exhibits on the maritime history of the Bass Strait. Kids (and adults) will love the interactive  simulation that lets you attempt to steer a ship.

Devonport Farmers’ Market

Every other Saturday morning, the Devonport showground hosts a farmer’s market. Browse the stalls to find local fruit, veg, baked goods, preserves, and more. There’s usually live music too.

Mersey Bluff Lighthouse

Head up to the lighthouse at the north end of town for great views of the mouth of the Mersey River and the Bass Strait. The lighthouse really stands out with its vertical red and white stripes. Be sure to follow the path down to the viewing platforms at the water’s edge.

Bluff Beach

This popular sandy beach is located near Mersey Bluff at the mouth of the Mersey River. There’s a great restaurant called Mrs. Jones at the Surf Life Saving Club, public toilets, and a kids playground. The beach is patrolled on the weekends in summer.

Devonport Cycling and Walking Tracks

The city of Devonport has developed a network of dedicated cycling and walking tracks. Walk along the banks of the Mersey River out to Mersey Bluff, or Coles Beach. Take the ferry over to East Devonport to the East Foreshore Track, or walk along the quiet Don River in West Devonport. Use this handy map to plan your route.

Home Hill Museum

Visit Home Hill, the 1916 home of Australia’s first Prime Minister from Tasmania, Joseph Lyons. (His wife, Dame Enid Lyons was the first women elected to Australia’s parliament so they were definitely a family of over-achievers.) Learn more about their family and see their original furnishings and memorabilia on a guided tour.

Coles Beach

Located just west of Mersey Bluff, this long sandy beach has some interesting rock pools at low tide. It can be popular with surfers when the swells come in. It has public toilets and is patrolled on the weekends during the summer.

Don River Railway

Train buffs will geek out on the restored train cars, while everyone else will just enjoy the scenic train ride. The Don River Railway is located in the Don Valley in western Devonport.

If you’re really keen, go on Sundays when the steam locomotive runs. It’s a 30 minute round trip train journey with a museum and workshop to explore afterwards.

Things to do East of Devonport

Explore East of Devonport along Highway 1 to the southeast or east along the coast towards Port Sorell

House of Anvers Chocolate, Latrobe

Just 8 minutes outside Devonport you’ll find House of Anvers Chocolate. There’s actually quite a lot going on here. They have a yummy cafe (get the waffles!) inside a heritage house and of course a chocolate shop.

Be sure to check out the chocolate museum and two different viewing windows where you can watch them making chocolate. 

Bell’s Parade and the Australian Axemen’s Hall of Fame, Latrobe

This historic riverfront park has pleasant walking trails, a picnic ground and a children’s playground. There’s also a heritage house you can tour, built in 1850 and believed to be the oldest house in Latrobe.

A newer building houses the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame, a museum celebrating the history of wood chopping and logging in Tasmania. Outside the Hall of Fame is a giant wooden statue of a platypus.

Which is fitting, because the waters around Bell’s Parade are one of the best places to spot a platypus in the wild. Go at dawn or dusk for the best luck. It’s a 15 minute drive south of Devonport via the B19.

READ NEXT: Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania

Ghost Rock Wines, Port Sorell

Wine-lovers should head 15 minutes east of Devonport to Ghost Rock Wines. Stay for lunch at their cafe, let the kids run around on the lawn, and don’t forget to take advantage of the free wine tastings.

Narawntapu National Park, Port Sorell

You don’t have to drive far from Devonport to experience nature. Head 35 minutes east along the coast to Narawntapu National Park. I had heard it described as the Serengeti of Tasmania and it didn’t disappoint – it’s one of my favourite places in Tasmania’s northwest.

The grasslands around the visitor centre are a great place to spot kangaroos, wallabies and wombats. If you explore the park trails towards the lagoon you might spot pademelons or snakes, plus tons of water birds. Baker’s Beach stretches out for several sandy kilometres and is a great place to cool off.

Ashgrove Cheese, Elizabeth Town

Stop in to Ashgrove Cheese, 25 minutes southeast of Devonport to sample their award-winning dairy products. They have cheese flavours you’ve probably never seen before like Tasmanian pickled onion cheese!

My favourite is actually their Amazeballs. They’re crunchy and delicious bits of freeze dried cheese – a perfect hiking snack.

Van Diemens Land Creamery, Elizabeth Town

On a hot day, the handmade ice cream at Van Dieman’s Land Creamery is just the thing. It’s 30 minutes southeast of Devonport on the Bass highway. They make over 50 flavours including some uniquely Tasmanian flavours like Peach and Lemon Myrtle. You can also buy tubs of ice cream to take with you.

Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm

Experience everything raspberry at the Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm, just half an hour from Devonport. Their cafe serves up every raspberry dessert, cocktail and smoothie you could imagine, plus sandwiches, burgers and salads. There’s also a small shop selling all manner of raspberry products.

Spot a Platypus in Deloraine

The cute country town of Deloraine is set along the banks of the Meander River 40 minutes from Devonport. And in the river live several not-so-shy platypus, making Deloraine one of the best places to spot the duck-billed creatures.

For the best chances of seeing a platypus, go with a local guide. Mark, the owner of the Empire Hotel leads nightly walks along the river and knows the best places to spot platypus. He helped us see a platypus for the first time! Be sure to have dinner at the restaurant in the hotel first – they have great food.

Liffey Falls

You can find beautiful Liffey Falls 70 minutes southeast of Devonport. There are actually three separate cascades to admire. It’s an easy 20 minute walk to the falls on a well formed track from the upper car park. Or if you want a longer walk, I enjoyed the 1.5 hour trek from the lower car park.

Things to do South of Devonport

Head into the mountains south of Devonport.

Spreyton Cider, Spreyton

This craft cidery is 10 minutes south of Devonport in the rural area of Spreyton. They make delicious hard ciders from local apples and pears. (They’re so good that they’ve won awards!)

You can try them all in their tasting room. And if you want something non-alcoholic, their ginger beer is pretty tasty too.

Tasmanian Arboretum, Eugenanna

This botanical garden just south of Devonport has a collect of trees from around the world. In the spring visit to see the flowers bloom. And don’t miss an autumn visit to watch the leaves change. The lake is also a great place to see platypus.

Seven Sheds Brewery, Railton

At the forefront of the craft brewing scene in Tasmania is Seven Sheds Brewing. Located south of Devonport in tiny Railtown, they literally brew in an old shed. You can buy beer to go or enjoy it at picnic tables next to their hops garden.

We tried the 5 different beers on tasting paddle to decide which ones to buy. After our trip to Latrobe to see platypuses the week before, it was no surprise that we liked their Platypus 400 beer best. It will take 25 minutes to drive here.

Sheffield Murals

The little rural town of Sheffield is a 30 minute drive from Devonport. It has a cute main street with a cafes and art galleries, but the real attraction is the outdoor art: Sheffield calls itself the “Town of Murals“.

Many of the buildings have colourful murals painted on the sides that date from the 1980s that depict local history and culture. They also host an annual mural festival. To see the recent art, be sure to check out the dedicated mural display area in the park near the visitor centre.

Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Mole Creek

You can spot quolls, raptors, wombats and kangaroos at Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, but the real stars are the Tasmanian devils.

The sanctuary runs one of the most important captive breeding programs for the endangered marsupials. Some of the devils born at Trowunna are released into the wild to try to reestablish Tasmanian devil populations.

Be sure to take the guided tour where you’ll get to meet a Tasmanian devil up close and watch them feed. The sanctuary is 50 minutes south east of Devonport – look for the giant Tasmanian devil next to the road.

Read more about my visit to Trowunna and my opinions on animal sanctuaries in my guide to the best places to see wildlife in Tasmania.

Alum Cliffs, Mole Creek

The easy walk to the Alum Cliffs is one of Tasmania’s Great Short walks. It’s about 1km each way and takes about 40 minutes to hike. The trail takes you to a spectacular viewing platform on the cliffs over the Mersey River. The trailhead is about 55 minutes from Devonport.

Mole Creek Caves

One of the highlights of my trip was a visit to the Mole Creek caves. Located an hour south east of Devonport, these limestone caves are full of spectacular formations. You must join a guided tour to visit and there are several different tour options to choose from.

I did the Cathedral tour in Markoopa cave. We got to experience the incredible acoustics in the cave when one of the tour participants gave an impromptu performance of “Amazing Grace”.

Tasmazia and the Village of Lower Crackpot, Sheffield

This wacky attraction is great for kids, but adults will enjoy it too. The star attraction is a hedge giant maze, but they also have 7 more mazes, a miniature village, a lavender farm, a garden and a cafe. I went with two other adults and we had a great time.

Tasmazia is 35 minutes from Devonport on the way to Cradle Mountain, so it makes a great stopover. On the drive there you’ll pass through an area called Nowhere Else and one called Promised Land. Fun!

Walls of Jerusalem National Park

Cradle Mountain gets all the press, so next-door-neighbour Walls of Jerusalem National Park doesn’t get the crowds. It’s also located in Tasmania’s highlands and has jaw-dropping scenery.

The park is a 2 hour drive from Devonport, then a steep 3+ hour hike into the wilderness. Bushwalkers love to camp in the park to climb one of the Biblically-named peaks. I spent a wonderful three days here one December.

READ NEXT: How to Hike in Walls of Jerusalem National Park, Tasmania

Cradle Mountain National Park

If you’re thinking of going to Tasmania, chances are this place is on your must see list. Cradle Mountain National Park is home to Tasmania’s highest mountains, best hiking trails and some of its most gorgeous scenery.

The park is big enough to spend days exploring, but most visitors start with the easy walks near Dove Lake. If you are up for an adventure, tackle the 65km-long Overland Track.

The drive on windy roads into the park takes about 75 minutes from Devonport.

READ NEXT: Hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania

Things to do West of Devonport

Drive west along the coast from Devonport to visit small towns and the incredible rainforst.

Lillico Beach Penguin Viewing, Lillico

If you want to see penguins in the wild, head to Lillico Beach 5 minutes west along the Bass Highway. The penguins raise their young in burrows in the summer months. Each night at dusk they come ashore to feed their babies.

There’s a viewing platform staffed with volunteers to answer your questions. I loved seeing the penguins so much that I went several times! Penguin viewing is free, but donations are welcome.

READ NEXT: Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania

Turners Beach Berry Patch, Turners Beach

Just 10 minutes west of Devonport is this excellent berry farm and cafe. The place we house-sat is a short walk from here, so we came here for lunch a lot.

You can pick your own berries in the fields, buy them already picked in the shop, or sit down at the cafe with one of their berry ice cream cones.

If you want something more substantial, I love their amazing wood-fired pizzas. Afterwards, head down the road to Turners Beach proper for a swim or a stroll on the sand.

Cradle Coast Farmer’s Market, Ulverstone

On Sunday mornings, make the 15 minute drive to Ulverstone for the weekly farmer’s market on the wharf. Pick up some seasonal produce, local honey, and baked goods or just stroll around with a coffee. When I lived in Devonport we came here most weekends to buy veggies for dinner.

Pedro’s The Restaurant, Ulverstone

If you’re craving fresh seafood, visit Pedro’s in Ulverstone. It’s right on the waterfront and specializes in local seafood including oysters and crayfish from Tasmania’s northwest.

If you want to splurge, get the Paradise Platter, piled high with assorted seafood for two people. I looks like a crazy amount of food, but it’s doable! My husband and I really enjoyed the crayfish.

Leven Canyon Lookout, Nietta

The short hike to the Leven Canyon viewpoint is one of 60 Great Short Walks in Tasmania. The trail makes a short loop with a spur out to a viewing platform at the apex. From the platform, you’ll be able to gaze down on the Leven River, a staggering 275 meters below you.

The trail has lots of stairs so while it is short, it is not easy. Allow 45 minutes for the walk and 50 minutes to drive from Devonport.

Gunns Plains Caves

The beautiful limestone Gunns Plains Caves are just 40 minutes from Devonport. Local guides Geoff and Trish offer hour-long tours several times a day. My favourite part of the tour was the gorgeous shawl formations, nick-named cave bacon!

The Town of Penguin

Yes, in Tasmania there’s a town called penguin, and they have a giant 10-foot penguin statue on the waterfront to celebrate. (See if you can spot all the other penguin decorations in town like the penguin shaped bollards and rubbish bins.)

It’s a cute seaside town where you can stroll the esplanade, grab lunch at a cafe or hit the covered market on Sundays for some local goodies. It’s a 20 minute drive west of Devonport along the Bass Highway.

Fern Glade, Burnie

The easy Fern Glade walk just outside Burnie is one of Tasmania’s 60 Great Short Walks. The short trail follows the banks of the Emu River as it weaves through towering tree ferns. If you visit at dawn or dusk, you may see the resident platypus! It is one of my picks for the best places to see wildlife in Tasmania.

The walk only takes about 20 minutes, but there’s a picnic area if you want to stay longer. Fern Glade is a 35 minute drive from Devonport.

Hellyer’s Road Distillery, Burnie

If you’re into whiskey, you won’t want to miss this distillery. They produce some of Tasmania’s best single-malt whiskeys. They have tours (with tastings!) a cafe, and of course a shop. My whiskey snob husband liked it enough to buy 4 different bottles! You can find it 30 minutes west of Devonport near Burnie.

Wonders of Wynyard

Car fanatics will love the Wonders of Wynyard 50 minutes from Devonport. This gallery and museum houses a vintage car collection that includes the world’s oldest Ford and several other 100+ year old automobiles.

There’s also an art gallery and a gift shop with local products. It’s $8.50/adult to see the cars but the rest is free.

Table Cape

At 180m above sea level, flat-topped Table Cape has a great view of Bass Strait. There’s a great viewpoint as well as a historic lighthouse. If you visit in the spring, be sure to check out the tulip fields. The whole drive out here takes about an hour.

Boat Harbour Beach

With its white sand and turquoise waters, Boat Harbour Beach looks almost tropical (even though the water is still not that warm). Many people rate it as the most beautiful beach in Tasmania, so it’s worth the 1 hour drive from Devonport.

It’s nestled in a sheltered cove behind a rocky point, ensuring that the waters stay calm. The beach is patrolled on weekends in summer. There are public toilets, change rooms and a cafe at the surf life saving club. 

Town of Stanley

The seaside town of Stanley has a cute and historic little town centre and sandy beaches. It’s also home to flat-topped bluff (actually an old volcanic plug) called the Nut.

You can take a chairlift to the top or walk up a steep track. (I walked up and while it was 10 minutes of hard work, it wasn’t bad.) At the top, a path circles the perimeter with viewpoints in each direction. Stanley is 90 minutes from Devonport.

Tarkine Drive

Explore Tasmania’s wild West Coast and old growth rainforest interior in the Tarkine region. This 200km loop drive visits rugged beaches, aboriginal cultural sites, walking tracks and remote villages. You can drive it in a day, but I recommend at least 2 days to really get a feel for the place.

I can’t say enough amazing things about this off-the-beaten path area. I’ve got a complete guide to the Tarkine Drive, with driving directions and an itinerary. The start of the drive in the town of Smithton is 90 minutes west of Devonport on the Bass Highway.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia

Devonport FAQ

So that’s my big list of things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West. Which ones are you looking forward to most? Tell me in the comments.

MORE TASMANIA POSTS:

• Best Places to See Wildlife in Tasmania
• The Ultimate Guide to the Tarkine Drive in Tasmania, Australia
• How to spend the weekend in Hobart, Tasmania: 2-day Itinerary
• 22 Things to Do on the Tasman Peninsula Near Port Arthur
• The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Maria Island, Tasmania
• The Best Things to Do on Bruny Island, Tasmania
• The Best Things to do in Strahan and Tasmania’s West Coast

The post 40+ Things to do in Devonport and Tasmania’s North West appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

A few years ago I went on a last minute trip to Stockholm in November. Yes, you heard that right, I booked last minute tickets to Sweden. Since it’s so far from Vancouver, it’s definitely not somewhere I thought I would visit as a quick, spur-of-the-moment trip. But my husband was heading there on business and it worked out for me to tag along. I honestly had no idea what to expect before I went.

And then I got there and it turns out Stockholm as an incredibly gorgeous old town center full of narrow alleyways, beautiful churches and tons of fun history. I spent an entire work week wandering the old town (known as Gamla Stan in Swedish) while my other half was at the office. (Ok, and also drinking coffee in adorable cafes.)  And by the weekend, I felt like a local. So much like a local that I could navigate the winding streets like a pro and spout out historical facts about every other building.

And now I’m passing that pseudo-local’s knowledge along to you with a totally free Stockholm walking tour.. Read on for instructions for the ultimate self-guided walking tour of Stockholm’s old town. (You don’t have to be visiting Stockholm to enjoy the tour: you can take a virtual tour from the comfort of your home. There’s lots of pretty pictures!) I also made a pretty wicked custom Google Map that you can use to find your way. (I HEART maps, you know!) Psst:

If you’d rather go on a guided tour of Stockholm, this one gets great reviews. And if you’re in Malmo, you should check out these great Malmo walking tours.

Some basics:

On this tour you will walk about 3 kilometres (about 1.9 miles). There are a few stairs and hills, but in general, it’s doable for most people. I recommend allowing about 1.5-2 hours to take the tour. You could do it faster if you walk fast and don’t stop often. However, you may want to take a break part way through for fika (coffee break). I’ve included a few recommendations for places to stop on the tour below.

Stockholm Self-Guided Walking Tour Map

Step-by-Step Stockholm Self-Guided Walking Tour Directions

START at Gustav Adolfs Torg Square

Begin your self-guided walking tour of Stockholm at Gustav Adolfs torg. This square is considered to be the geographic center of Stockholm. It is named for King Gustav Adolf II who founded the Swedish Empire in 1611. Stand facing south and look down the Norrbro bridge. From here you have a great view of the Royal Palace, which you’ll visit towards the end of your tour.

The building on your left is the Kungliga Operan, the National Swedish Opera House. This is the second opera house to stand on this site. The first was built at the request of King Gustav III in 1782. Unfortunately for the King, he was assassinated here in 1792. If you want to see the outfit he was wearing at the time (blood stains and all), visit the Royal Armoury Museum (Livrustkammaren) underneath the Royal Palace.

The building on your right is the Arvfurstens Palats. It currently houses the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but it was originally built as the private residence of Princess Sophia Albertina, the younger sister of King Gustav III.

Turn RIGHT and walk to the Riksbron Bridge

To begin, turn right and walk next to the water along Stromgatan until you reach the Riksbron pedestrian bridge. The fresh waters of Lake Malaren meet the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea at this bridge. You can often see people fishing on the sea side of the bridge. Yup, the Swedes love fishing so much they do it in downtown Stockholm.

Turn around to look back towards Gustav Adolfs torg. The white building is Sagerskahuset, the official residence of the Swedish Prime Minister. So Sweden has a white house too 😉 Conveniently, the Prime Minister’s office is located a couple doors down to the left in the art nouveau style Rosenbad building.

Walk ACROSS the bridge

Your self-guided walking tour of Stockholm will now enter the old town proper. Walk across the Riksbron Bridge, under the arch and into the courtyard of Riksdagshuset, the Swedish House of Parliament. This imposing building takes up most of the island of Helgeandsholmen.

READ NEXT: 30 Photos of Stockholm That Will Inspire You to Visit

Walk THROUGH the courtyard and ACROSS the bridge

This short bridge is called Stallbron, which means “stable bridge” in Swedish because historically, the royal stables were located on Helgeandsholmen. Once you cross the bridge you will be on Stadsholmen, the largest of Gamla Stan’s islands. To your left is the Royal Palace. (Don’t worry, we’ll come back here later!)

Turn RIGHT on Myntgatan and go STRAIGHT to the Riddarholm Bridge

From the bridge, turn right on Myntgatan follow it as it turns into Riddarhustorget and then heads towards the Riddarholm Bridge. The two grand buildings you’ll pass on your right are the Bonde Palace and Riddarhuset. The Bonde Palace was originally constructed in the 1600s as a private residence for a member of the Swedish nobility, but today it houses the Swedish Supreme Court. Next to the Bonde Palace is Riaddarhuset, the Swedish House of Nobility which also dates from the 1600s.

CROSS the bridge to Riddarholm Church

Cross the Riddarholm Bridge and arrive on Riddarholmen, the third of Gamla Stan’s islands. The main attraction here is Riddarholmkyrkan Church one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm. Parts of it date back to the medieval times of the 13th century. Inside you’ll find the tombs of many of the Swedish kings. There is a 60SEK entrance fee (or you can get in with a Stockholm Pass).

Go BACK across the bridge, then turn RIGHT on Storkyrkbrinken

After visiting Riddarholm Church, retrace your steps back across the Riddarholm Bridge and head back down Myntgatan to Storkyrkbrinken. Turn right on Storkyrkbrinken. From here you will be able to see the tower of Storkyrkan Church up the hill.

Turn RIGHT on Prastgatan

Follow Storkyrkbrinken for a few blocks, then turn right on Prastgatan. Prastgatan means “priest street” in Swedish and historically clergy associated with the nearby Storkyrkan Church lived here. Today it’s a picturesque narrow street lined with old homes. It’s my favourite place to walk in Stockholm’s old town since it isn’t crowded with tourists. Oh, and it’s gorgeous.

STOP at the intersection with Kakbrinken

Follow Prastgatan for four blocks to the intersection with Kakbrinken. Here you will find a runestone built into the wall of a shop. The stone dates from the Iron Age but historians don’t know exactly how old it is or why it is in a wall in Stockholm! Runestones were usually made to memorialize the dead, and this one says (in old Norse) “Torsten and Frögunn had the stone erected after their son”.

CONTINUE on Prastgatan to Tyska Stallplan

Follow Prastgatan for a few more blocks to Tyska Stallplan, which means German Stable Square. This area of Gamla Stan is the old German quarter. So it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that the church you passed along the way is the German Church (Tyska Krykan). And don’t worry, we’ll loop back and visit it later.

Turn RIGHT Into Marten Trotzigs Grand

From Tyska Stallplan take a few more steps down Prastgatan, then turn right into Marten Trotzigs Grand. Marten Trotzigs Grand is the narrowest street in Stockholm – it’s so skinny that you might not even notice that it’s there. It’s only 90cm wide at it’s narrowest point and since the buildings on either side are slowly tilting with age, it’s getting incrementally narrower each year. It’s also the only place in Stockholm’s old town where you will see graffiti. Walk down this “street” (which actually includes a set of stairs) until it ends a block later at Vasterlanggatan.

Turn LEFT on Vasterlanggatan

After emerging from tiny Marten Trotzigs Grand, turn left onto Vasterlanggatan. Vasterlanggatan runs the length of Gamla Stan parallel to Prastgatan and is filled with souvenir shops and touristy restaurants. If you need some postcards or fake Viking helmets, this is the place to go.

Turn LEFT Into Jarntorget

From Vasterlanggatan turn left into Jarntorget, which means Iron Square in Swedish. There has been a square on this spot since the 1300s. Historically it was an important trade center, but today it is surrounded by cute little cafes with outdoor seating, including Sundbergs Konditori, the oldest bakery-cafe in Stockholm, which dates back to 1785. Stop in for a fika (coffee break) to sample the pastries.

Turn LEFT onto Osterlanggatan, then go UP the hill

From Jarntorget turn left onto Osterlanggatan, then head left up the hill on Sodra Benickebrinken. There are public toilets located underneath this sloping street if you need a bathroom break. Historically this area used to be home to many taverns.

Turn LEFT on Svartmangatan and to Tyska Kyrkan

From the top of the slope on Sodra Benickebrinken, turn left onto Svartmangatan. The literal translation is “black man street”, but the name isn’t as offensive as it sounds: it refers to the Blackfriars monastery that used to located in this area. Continue on Svartmangatan for a few blocks until you reach Tyska Kyrkan (the German Church) on your left. You’ll need to pay 50SEK to go in, but the ornate Baroque interior with stained glass windows is worth it.

Turn RIGHT on Kindstugatan to Branda Tomten

After you’ve finished admiring the interior of the German Church, turn left out of the churchyard back on to Svartmangatan, then make your first right onto Kindstugatan. Within a block’s walk you’ll arrive at Branda Tomten, which translates to “the burnt lot”. There was a building in the space occupied by this triangular square until 1728, when it burned down. The lot was left vacant afterwards since it provided a convenient place to turn horse-drawn carriages around. Now it houses a beautiful chestnut tree and climbing vines, making it a great spot for photographs.

Turn LEFT onto Sjalgardsgatan, then RIGHT to the Statue of Saint George and the Dragon

From Branda Tomten, make a left onto Sjalgardsgatan, then immediately turn right onto Kopmangatan. A block later you’ll arrive in Kopmantorget Square, the site of a large bronze statue of Saint George and the Dragon. The statue depicts Saint George slaying a dragon. (Surprise! Ok, not really.) The legend of Saint George dates back to the Crusades. Saint George is said to have saved an entire village in Libya from a dragon… provided they converted to Christianity first, of course. The statue is actually a replica – the original wooden version is inside Storkyrkan Church. You have to pay to get in to the church, but there’s no fee to view this statue 🙂

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Self-Guided Tour of Stockholm Subway Art

Walk BACK up Kopmangatan to Stortorget

From the statue of Saint George, turn around and head back up Kopmangatan. Walk 4 blocks until you reach Stortorget, the main square in Gamla Stan. In fact, the name means “big square” in Swedish. Stortorget is Stockholm’s picture-perfect showpiece and the colourful buildings on the south side of the square have been featured on countless postcards (and Instagram selfies).

However, Stortorget has a not-so-picture-perfect history: it was the scene of the Stockholm Bloodbath that took place over three days in 1520. The King of Denmark invited all the Swedish royalty and nobility to a banquet… and then had them all executed. The only noble to escape the carnage was Gustav Vasa since he was away from Stockholm at the time. He gathered an army outside the capital and eventually defeated the Danish to liberate Sweden. Despite all his friends being killed and having to wage a war, it worked out pretty well for Gustav: He was the last surviving noble, so he got to become the first King of Sweden!

There are also several old and historical buildings around the square. The Swedish Stock Exchange building on the north side of the square dates back to 1776. These days it houses the Nobel Museum. The houses at numbers 3 and 5 date back to 1640s. Today they house a Christian charity for the homeless. The colourful buildings at numbers 14-22 (the postcard ones) are from the 1600 and 1700s. There are cafes on the ground floors of most of them now. Grab a patio seat at Chokladkoppen (in the orange building at number 18), order a hot chocolate and a slice of prinsesstårta cake, and settle in for some people watching.

Go LEFT to Trangsund and Storkyrkan

When you’ve taken enough selfies in front of the picturesque buildings of Stortorget (I won’t judge – I did it too), leave the square on Trangsund, on the left side of the Nobel Museum. Walk a block to reach Storkyrkan, which means “grand church” in Swedish. Dating back to the 13th century, Storkyrkan is the oldest church in Gamla Stan, even older than Riddarholm Church. Since it is right next to the royal palace, it has hosted many royal weddings and coronations.

The interior of the church is worth a visit, even though it costs 60 SEK (or use your Stockholm Pass). The ornate royal pews and silver altar are pretty spectacular. Plus you can see the original wooden version of the statue of Saint George and the Dragon – it’s even bigger than the replica.

Turn RIGHT on Storkyrkobrinken, then LEFT to Parade Square

After visiting Storkyrkan, turn right around the corner of the church on to Storkyrkobrinken, then immediately make a left onto Hogvaktsterrassen to enter the Parade Square of the Royal Palace. This circular plaza marks the tourist entrance to the Royal Apartments, the only area of the Royal Palace that is open to the public. The changing of the guard ceremony also takes place daily in this square. It starts at 12:15 on weekdays and 1:15 on weekends in the summer, and then occurs on a reduced schedule the rest of the year. Get there early if you want a good spot in front to watch as it gets busy.

Turn RIGHT, then go LEFT on Slottsbacken

Walk through Parade Square, then turn right to exit the square. Turn left on Slottsbacken to walk down the south side of the Royal Palace. The palace was originally built in 1754, although there has been a castle on this spot since the 13th century. The present day palace has over 1400 rooms and is home to the royal family as well as several museums. Remember how I told you at the beginning of the tour that you can check out the bloody clothes King Gustav III was assassinated in?  You’ll find them in the Royal Armoury Museum on the south side of the building.

Turn LEFT onto Skeppsbron

At the bottom of Slottsbacken, turn left on to Skeppsbron to walk along the east side of the palace. There are two waterfall style fountains coming out of the wings of the building with a private terrace garden in between. Opposite the palace there is a great view of the inner harbour of Stockholm and the island of Skeppsholmen, which houses many museums.

Turn LEFT onto Slottskajen and walk UP the ramp

At the end of the east wall of the Royal Palace, turn left to the north side of the palace on Slottskajen and walk up the ramp. From up here you get a great view of the gardens in front of Riksdaghuset and across to Gustav Adolfs Torg Square. Underneath the ramp you will find the entrance to the Tre Kronor Museum that explores the history of the medieval castle that once stood on this spot.

Walk back DOWN the ramp and ACROSS the bridge

Once you cross the stone Norrbro bridge, you will be back on Helgeandsholmen island. On your left is the Riksdaghuset, the Swedish House of Parliament. You can see that the Baroque facade on this side is done in a much different style than the Neoclassical side you walked through at the beginning of the tour. If you head down the stairs to the park on your right, you will find the semi-hidden entrance to the Medieval Museum. In the 1970s workers were excavating this area to build a car park… when they discovered parts of a medieval city wall. So instead of building a car park, they built a museum. Inside this museum, you can visit the old city wall as well as several interactive exhibits about life in medieval Stockholm. Oh also, it’s FREE to visit!

CROSS the bridge back to Gustav Adolfs Torg Square

Once you cross the bridge you’ll be back in Gustav Adolf’s Torg Square, where the tour started. Turn around and take one last look at the Royal Palace. You have visited three islands, seen three churches and walked about 3 kilometers (2 miles). Thanks for sticking with me through this self-guided walking tour of Stockholm! Let me know how you liked it in the comments.

Read Next:

• For more photos of Stockholm (including lots of other neighborhoods, feast your eyes on 30 Photos of Stockholm That Will Inspire You to Visit
• Did you know Stockholm’s subway is full of art? I’ve got a self-guided tour of Stockholm subway art that visits the highlights.
• Want to read another of my “Ultimate” guides? Check out The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Ice Caves in Iceland

The post The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Stockholm appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.