- Address: Gamla Stan, Stockholm 111 29, Sweden
- Length of the street: 30 m
One of the most unusual streets of the old part of the Swedish capital is called the lane Morten Trotzig. It has a rich history and is very loved by both local townspeople and numerous tourists from all over the world.
Location:
Morten Trotzig's lane is in the most famous area of Stockholm , in the old town - Gamla Stan. The lane of the alley leads from Presthtan Street down to Westerlongatan and Jerntorth.
Street Story History
The lane received its name in honor of the merchant and bourgeois Morten Trotzig (1559-1617), who was born in the German town of Wittenberg, and then in 1581 moved to Stockholm, purchased real estate on this street and opened a store here. According to historical data from the end of the 16th century, Morten Trotzig was mainly engaged in iron and copper. In 1595 he took the oath and became a member of the Swedish Kingdom, and at the turn of the 16th-17th centuries. turned into one of the richest merchants in the Swedish capital. In 1617, during a business trip to Copparberg, he was brutally beaten and died from his injuries.
Lane initially wore the German name "Traubtzich". At the beginning of the XVII century. it was called "Trappegrenden" ("Staircase Lane"), and the end of the XVIII century. tried to rename the Kungsgrunden, which translates as "Alley of Kings". Only in the middle of XX century. finally came the official name, which this small street still carries, is the lane of Morten Trotzig. In 1944, almost a century after the ban, pedestrian traffic was allowed in the alley.
What is interesting about Morten Trotzig's Lane?
This is the most unusual street in the Old Town of Stockholm, and every tourist visiting Gamla Stan tries to visit it. Features of the lane are as follows:
- The street is very modest in size. It originates from a narrow stone staircase, consisting of 36 steps, and gradually becomes narrower, reaching a width of only 90 cm. Passing along the alley, it is interesting to look at the beautiful old houses of local townsfolk, where for almost 6 centuries their life has been going on.
- Natural and artificial lighting. In the quiet winter evenings, the setting sun surprisingly illuminates the street, the rays are reflected many times from the windows of houses on both sides of the footpath, and a unique picture of dancing glare is created. And the artificial illumination of the lane is provided by gas lanterns, which seem to return tourists who saw them at the beginning of the XIX century, when in Stockholm there was also no talk about electric light.
How to get there?
From the sea terminal in Stockholm to the Gamla Stan district you can walk on foot in about 20 minutes. It is necessary to leave the terminal, turn right and along the sea go to the bridge, cross it, and you - in the Old Town. Directly to the lane of Morten Trotzig you can get either along the embankment on the right, or along Westerlangatan street to the intersection with Presthtan, focusing on the sign Mårten Trotzigs gränd.