Stockholm from Its Foundation to the Legacy of the Nobel Prize

The central figure of this tour, which serves as the thematic thread for the visit titled “Stockholm: From Foundation to Nobel Legacy,” is a pivotal character in Swedish history: Birger Jarl. Birger Magnusson, known as Birger Jarl, is often considered the founder of Stockholm in 1252 and an important regent-reformer who consolidated royal power in Sweden by choosing a strategic location for the city at the mouth of Lake Mälaren, on the Baltic Sea. This decision allowed for control over trade routes and strengthened the kingdom's defenses.

Our tour logically begins in Gamla Stan, where Stockholm’s history is rooted. We will walk through the cobbled streets that Birger Jarl, the founder of Stockholm, saw develop in the 13th century. Birger Jarl transformed Stockholm into a strategic fortress, laying the foundations for a major political and economic center. Near Stortorget, the grand medieval square, stood the Castle of the Three Crowns (Tre Kronor), now replaced by the Royal Palace after the devastating fire of 1697. The city still retains an organization and structure similar to that of the time.

Next, we will head to the City Hall, an impressive and equally iconic building whose construction was completed in the early 20th century, well after Birger Jarl's death. This majestic building reflects Stockholm’s evolution and its growing role on the global stage. The halls of the City Hall, such as the Blue Hall and the Golden Hall, are today sites of celebration and recognition, particularly during the Nobel Prize ceremonies. The Stockholm City Hall, which we will visit next, is a modern symbol of the greatness Stockholm has achieved from the foundations laid by Birger Jarl.

Although Birger Jarl is not buried in Stockholm, a symbolic memorial in the form of a golden sarcophagus continues to honor his legacy and contribution to the city’s foundation. This monument is located along the façade of the City Hall and faces Stockholm, reflecting the lasting importance of his role in the history of the Swedish capital and making his spirit a sort of guardian of the Swedish capital.