Fodor's Expert Review Stortorget

Here, in 1520, the Danish King Christian II ordered a massacre of Swedish noblemen, known as the Stockholm Bloodbath. The slaughter paved the way for a national revolt against foreign rule and the founding of Sweden as a sovereign state under King Gustav Vasa, who ruled from 1523 to 1560. One legend holds that if it rains heavily enough on the anniversary of the massacre, the old stones still run red. Nowadays, the square is lined with cafés where you can enjoy fantastic people-watching over lunch or a coffee break. During the month before Christmas, the square fills with a market selling handicrafts, glögg (hot mulled wine), and other seasonal foods and gifts.