Old Map of Stockholm

Historical Background

Stockholm at the Beginning of Gustav III’s Reign

Jonas Brolin’s detailed plan was published in 1771, the year Gustav III became King of Sweden. It records Stockholm’s historic centre and parts of its northern and southern suburbs, showing how the city developed around a network of islands, channels and natural harbours.

Attribution

• Original title: Grundritning öfwer Stockholms Stad No. 1 • Cartographer: Jonas Brolin • Engravers: C. Bergquist and F. Akrel • Date: 1771 • Area shown: Gamla Stan, Riddarholmen and parts of Norrmalm and Södermalm • Printing method: Engraved plan with historical colouring

Gamla Stan

The densely built island of Gamla Stan forms the heart of the plan. Its narrow streets and closely packed blocks preserve the irregular pattern of medieval Stockholm, with important churches, squares and public buildings marked individually.

The Royal Palace occupies a prominent position at the northern edge of the old town. Nearby quays and bridges connect Gamla Stan with the neighbouring districts and demonstrate its central role within the capital.

Riddarholmen

To the west lies Riddarholmen, separated from Gamla Stan by a narrow channel. The island contains several substantial buildings arranged around Riddarholmen Church, the historic burial church of the Swedish monarchy.

Brolin depicts its shoreline, bridges and enclosed properties in considerable detail, making the island easily distinguishable from the more densely occupied old town.

Norrmalm and Södermalm

The title explains that the map includes portions of the northern and southern suburbs. Norrmalm extends beyond the water to the north, while Södermalm appears at the opposite end of the city.

These surrounding districts are less densely developed than Gamla Stan, with larger plots, gardens, institutional buildings and open spaces. Their inclusion shows Stockholm expanding beyond its older island centre.

A City Defined by Water

The names Mälaren, Riddarfjärden, Saltsjön and Stora Hamnen are written directly across the surrounding waterways. Ships, quays and harbour structures indicate the importance of waterborne transport and trade.

Stockholm’s islands are joined by bridges and ferry routes, while the long waterfronts provide access to the lake and the Baltic. The map makes clear that water was not a barrier around the city but one of the principal means by which it functioned.

The Numbered Keys

Large reference tables occupy much of the lower and side margins. These identify streets, churches, royal and civic buildings, harbours and other important locations across the different districts.

The keys transform the engraving from a decorative city portrait into a practical guide to eighteenth-century Stockholm. They also preserve historic Swedish place names associated with buildings and streets that have subsequently changed or disappeared.

Royal and Civic Decoration

The elaborate title cartouche refers to King Gustav III and is surrounded by a crown, flags, a lion, navigational instruments and a globe. Elsewhere, circular seals represent St Erik and Stockholm’s civic identity.

Together with the compass rose and delicately coloured principal buildings, these features give Brolin’s plan both ceremonial importance and considerable decorative appeal.