Mårten Trotzigs Gränd
Date: 19/07/
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town), Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is a captivating historical landmark that offers a unique glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Known for being the narrowest alley in Stockholm, measuring just 90 centimeters (35 inches) at its narrowest point, it is a testament to the dense and labyrinthine urban planning typical of medieval European cities (Atlas Obscura). Named after the German merchant Mårten Trotzig, who moved to Stockholm in and became one of its wealthiest citizens, the alley is steeped in rich history and cultural significance (Stockholm Gamla Stan). This guide provides comprehensive insights into the origins, architectural evolution, and cultural impact of Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, along with practical visitor information and travel tips.
Table of Contents
Origins and Early History
Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, located in the heart of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town), is renowned as the narrowest alley in the city. The alley’s history dates back to the late Middle Ages, with its first recorded mention in under the name “Trångsund” (meaning “narrow strait”). The name was
When you walk around Gamla Stan, Stockholm&#;s old town, you often see tourists with a map in their hands looking for the local sights. When they have found the Royal Palace and the great cathedral, Storkyrkan, they flock to Stockholm&#;s narrowest alley, Mårten Trotzigs gränd.
Mårten Trotzigs gränd
The narrowest alley in the Swedish capital is barely 90 cm wide at its narrowest. So you can easily touch both walls at the same time. Over the years, the alley had different names or nicknames. The current name comes from the German trader Mårten Traubtzich. At the end of the 16th century he bought some houses in this narrow alley and opened a shop there. He became one of the wealthiest residents of Stockholm at the time but was killed in (not in this alley but on one of his trading journeys).
How to find the narrowest alley in Stockholm?
Walk from Stortorget (the big market) towards Södermalm via Prästgatan. This street is very picturesque with the many colorful houses and cobblestones. Almost at the end of the street you will find the narrowest alley in Stockholm! If you go down the 36 steps and continue through the narrow alley, you will reach the Västerlånggatan. Her
MARTEN TROTZIGS GRAND
Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is situated in Stockholm's Gamla Stan (Old Town) and is renowned for its remarkable narrowness, measuring just 35 inches at its tightest point. It was named after Mårten Trotzig who was a prominent 16th-century German merchant and played a vital role in Stockholm's trade. This alley is a story of mediaeval urban design.
The street is narrow due to historical land use and construction patterns, putting light on the compact city planning of the period. The alley is covered by high buildings, adding to its dramatic and cinematic quality. It provides a clear glimpse into Stockholm’s past, urban planning challenges of mediaeval times. Trotzigs Gränd is not only a tourist attraction but also an important historical site, illustrating the city’s development and the influence of merchants like Trotzig on Stockholm's economic growth and urban structure.
How To Reach
- By Bus: The closest stop from Stockholm is Stockholm Karl XII:s Torg which is approximately km. It takes about 4 minutes to get to the bus stop. Board bus 76 towards Ljusterögatan and hop off at Slottsbacken. From Slottsbacken, it's a km walk, approximately 5 minutes, t
Mårten Trotzigs Gränd
Alley in Gamla stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Mårten Trotzigs gränd (Swedish: "Alley of Mårten Trotzig") is an alley in Gamla stan, the old town of Stockholm, Sweden. Leading from Västerlånggatan and Järntorget up to Prästgatan and Tyska Stallplan, the width of its 37 steps tapers down to a mere 90 centimetres (35&#;in), making the alley the narrowest street in Stockholm.
History
[edit]The alley is named after the merchant and burgher Mårten Trotzig (–), who, born in Wittenberg, immigrated to Stockholm in , and bought properties in the alley in and , also opening a shop there. His original German name is said to have been Traubtzich, but he is also mentioned under various other names, such as Trutzich, Trutzigh, Trusick, Trotuitz, Tråtzich, Trotzigh and Tråsse. According to sources from the lateth century, he dealt in iron and later copper, by he had sworn his burgher oath, and was later to become one of the richest merchants in Stockholm. He was however beaten to death during a trip to Kopparberg in [1]
Possibly referred to as Trångsund ("Narrow strait") before Mårten Trotzig gave his name to the alley, it is mentioned
.